Protecting Your Identity During the Draft in Green Bay
The upcoming Draft in Green Bay is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors, creating an environment where identity thieves may target unsuspecting attendees. Travel, especially to popular events, increases the risk of identity theft. To prepare for the weekend, consumers should understand how identity theft occurs and take steps to minimize their risk.
Scammers are likely to employ various tactics to convince consumers to divulge personal information during the Draft. Surveys, prize giveaways, and online quizzes not affiliated with official Draft events may seem harmless but often require participants to provide sensitive data. Consumers should be cautious when sharing information online, as they have no control over what happens to it after submission. Many of these seemingly innocent data collection methods are actually run by individuals looking to sell personal information.
Websites and apps frequently request personal data and device access, which many consumers grant without question. Bad actors may create misleading websites or apps that appear to be affiliated with the 2025 Draft. To avoid falling victim, consumers should always refer to official event sources and retailers when registering or making Draft-related purchases.
When making purchases during travel to and from the Draft, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) advises using credit cards due to their built-in fraud protections. Credit cards allow users to dispute fraudulent charges and can be quickly canceled if lost or compromised. However, DATCP also warns card users to be vigilant, as card data can be stolen through various means.
One common method of data theft is through ‘card skimmers’ placed on legitimate payment processors without the business’s knowledge. These devices record card data during transactions and are often found on ATMs, gas station card readers, and retail checkouts. Sometimes, a small camera or fake keypad is installed to capture the card’s PIN. To protect against card skimmers, consumers should inspect card reader devices before use. Look out for signs such as misalignment, flimsy keypads, or if the card reader feels loose. Devices known as ‘shimmers’ can capture data from tap-to-pay transactions. Suspected skimmers or shimmers should be reported to the business immediately.
Many card providers now incorporate safety measures into their cards to prevent this type of theft. Consumers concerned about their credit card’s vulnerabilities should consider requesting an updated card with enhanced security features before traveling.
By being aware of these potential risks and taking proactive steps, consumers can better protect themselves against identity theft during the Draft in Green Bay.
