It's that time of year again when scorching hot deals start to scatter the web in anticipation of Black Friday, one of the biggest online shopping days of the year. Despite still being almost two weeks away, several retailers have already posted Black Friday ads, giving bargain hunters a head start. But lest the hunter becomes the hunted, buyers should take caution not to fall prey to identity thieves.

According to the FTC, consumers were stung for more than $1.2 billion in losses last year as a result of identity theft and fraud. Consumers, who are already stretched thin amid a struggling economy, should be extra cautious this shopping season.

"While the holiday season is surely a time for cheer and celebration, it is also a time when identity thieves are waiting for the perfect opportunity to pounce on unsuspecting consumers," said LifeLock CEO Todd Davis. "Whether it takes place at shopping malls or online, identity theft can increase over the holidays."

Most, if not all of LifeLock's recommended safety precautions will rank as obvious to seasoned shoppers and the tech savvy alike, but they're worth brushing up on before going on that holiday spending spree.

Image Credit: BigBerries.com

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Security, black friday, thanksgiving, identity theft

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