New survey from BeFrugal shows identity theft, credit card fraud bigger worry than crowds or budget

Boston, MA – A new survey conducted by BeFrugal revealed that this holiday season, more Americans (42%) are worried about being a victim of identity theft, credit card fraud or a store’s data breach than traditional concerns like sticking to a budget (27%) or dealing with crowds (27%). Today’s consumer is savvy to saving money with cash back websites and coupons, and can conveniently shop from home or on-the-go. Instead, worry is shifting towards keeping information safe and secure when they shop.

When shopping this holiday season, 75% of Americans are concerned about sharing their credit card or personal information. Among those, more are apprehensive about sharing their information in brick and mortar locations than online or on mobile channels.  While 63% of those concerned worry about security when spending at retail stores, restaurants, grocery stores or pharmacies, only 53% have the same apprehension about spending on a brand’s website, and just 45% feel nervous about spending on a brand’s mobile site or app.

While Americans have adopted basic security habits, a majority don’t always take additional effective measures. 78% do not enable text verification for accounts whenever possible, and 75% do not frequently update and differentiate their passwords.

What’s more, over one in two Americans don’t always check the URL address for a padlock symbol to make sure it is secure (67%), shop online using a secure network connection (53%), or keep their antivirus software updated (53%).

BeFrugal suggests the following tips for a more safe and secure holiday shopping season:

• Use unique and long passwords for every login, account or website. Also, update passwords regularly.
• Check the URL address for a padlock symbol and make sure it is secure (also look for the “s” in “https”).
• Enable text verification for accounts whenever possible. BeFrugal offers this security feature for its cash back shoppers.
• Install software updates, including antivirus.

About BeFrugal.com

BeFrugal.com offers solutions for shoppers looking to save stress, time and money this holiday season. BeFrugal.com is a free cash back, coupon and deal website where you can shop at your favorite stores while saving an average of $27 per order and earning an average of 7% cash back. Holiday shoppers can combine coupons, deals and cash back for maximum savings at over 4,000 stores when they shop online this year. To learn more or to sign up for free and earn a $10 sign-up bonus, visit www.befrugal.com.

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About the Holiday Shopping Survey

The BeFrugal Holiday 2015 Study was conducted by The Omnibus Company between October 6^th and 13^th, 2015 among 1,026 nationally representative Americans ages 18+, using an e-mail invitation and an online survey. Quotas are set to ensure a reliable representation of the entire U.S. population ages 18+.