Online Identity Theft Protection

Identity Theft: The G.I. Blues

2009-05-15T05:02:00.000-07:00

Tom Nelson retired from the military almost twenty years ago. In that time, Nelson has spent many years living and working overseas. ?If my VA ID is fraudulently used by someone in the States, one: it could take me months to find out the theft has occurred and two: if it did happen God knows how long it would require to fix it from overseas?, Nelson told the Seattle Post Intelligencer.

On May 22 Nelson and 26.5 million U.S. veterans awoke to the news their personal information including name, address and social security number had been stolen from the home of a Department of Veteran Affairs? employee.

Why the employee took this highly sensitive information home is anyone?s guess and according to the FBI the computer disc containing this information was subsequently recovered. What infuriated veterans however wasn?t the actual theft but that the theft went unreported for two weeks.

The news is shocking yet many veterans groups are not surprised. They point to Congress? Computer Security Report Card which year after year has given the VA a failing grade. Government auditors also warned of possible security breaches at the agency. Through all of this the VA took no action.

VA Secretary Jim Nicholson?s recent proposal of free credit monitoring for veterans up to one year was shot down by the Bush Administration. According to the Washington Post the decision is based on the opinion of the FBI which stated it had a "high degree of confidence" that thieves had not accessed the files containing the names, Social Security numbers and birth dates of millions of veterans and active-duty military personnel. Hopefully they?re right but for many veterans its now a time of wait and see.

Veterans can however request a credit freeze. Yes it stops the victim from easily opening a new account but a credit freeze is the most effective weapon against identity theft. Checking your account every other day isn?t a bad idea either. For further information and assistance veterans can call 1-800-333-4636 (1-800-FED-INFO).

Peggy Foster, a veteran and VA services asst at the University of Colorado-Boulder, told the Colorado Daily,? It happened to me before and everything was stolen. Now I?m very cautious about giving my information out.?

?The government bombards us with so much in the military. It?s important when you?re a veteran to pay more attention.?

With the glut of information in our 24 /7 world, Ms Foster?s advice applies not only to military personnel but the rest of us as well.

Daryl Campbell?s website http://fightidtheft.winthemarket.com provides free tips,resources, featured articles from experts and up to the minute news concerning identity theft and fraud.

Identity Theft: Phishing In Dangerous Water

2009-05-09T05:47:00.000-07:00

Have you received one yet? You know. The email directing you to visit a familiar website where for some odd reason you?re being asked to update your personal information? The website asks you to verify your passwords, credit card numbers, social security number, or even your bank account. You recognize the company name as one that you?ve done business with in the past, so you click on the ?take me there? link and proceed to provide all the information they?ve requested. No problem right? Except you find out much later that the website is a fraud. It was created for one reason: to steal your personal information. Welcome to the world of phishing.

Phishing (pronounced as ?fishing?) means to send an email to a recipient falsely claiming to have an established, legitimate business. By fooling the recipient into giving their private information, the phisher has in effect stolen their identity.

It?s not easy to spot an email phishing for information. At first glance, the email may look like it is from a legitimate company. The "From" field of the e-mail may have the .com address of the company mentioned in the e-mail. The clickable link even appears to take you to the company's website, but in fact, it is a fake website built to replicate the legitimate site.

Many of these people are professional criminals that have spent considerable time in creating emails that look authentic. Users need to review all emails requesting personal information carefully. When reviewing your email remember that the "From Field" can be easily changed by the sender. While it may look like it?s coming from a company you do business with, looks can be deceiving. Keep in mind that phishers will go all out in trying to make their emails look as legitimate as possible. They will even copy logos or images from the official site to use in their emails. They also like to include a clickable link which the recipient can follow to conveniently ?update? their information.

How do you check to see if the link is authentic? Point at the link with your mouse, and then look in the bottom left hand screen of your computer. The actual website address to which you are being directed will show up for you to view. This is a fast and easy way to check if you are being directed to a legitimate site.

Also never and I mean NEVER click the links within the text of the e-mail. Delete the e-mail immediately and empty the trash box in all of your e-mail accounts as well. If you are truly concerned that you are missing an important notice regarding one of your accounts, then type the full URL address of the website into your browser. That way you can be confident that you are being directed to the true and legitimate website.

Phishing is a major weapon of choice for online identity thieves. Don?t get hooked.

Daryl Campbell?s website http://fightidtheft.winthemarket.com provides free tips,resources, featured articles from experts and up to the minute news concerning identity theft and fraud.

Protecting Your Social Security Number From Identity Theft

2009-04-23T03:36:00.000-07:00

Any victim can tell you identity theft is no laughing matter. The hoops you may have to crawl through for weeks or even years to come, in trying to straighten out your life, can elicit far more tears than laughter. These tears would be most certainly tears of frustration as you do anything and everything to reinstate your good name and most probably your good credit.

Those of you who have no identity theft insurance, which means most of you, will spend at least a part of your day notifying businesses and agencies, credit reporting entities and credit card companies. You will write letters that will need to be notarized, claiming you are indeed the unwitting victim and not the architect of some nefarious plot to ruin your own reputation. Meanwhile, until the matter is cleared, you may suffer mightily as your credit score plummets and bills come due. Bills for things you never purchased.. This translates into being denied credit for products and services you really want or paying higher, penalty interest rates for having such lousy credit.

Identity theft begins with nine little numbers. These nine numbers can mean the world to you. They are the nine digits comprising your Social Security Number, and they are as vulnerable to corruption as a politician at a lobbyist convention. Chances are your Social Security has been disseminated, accidentally or for a job. You probably have it in your wallet and on your computer. It may be crumpled up in your trash can; along with the other papers you didn?t bother shredding. With your Social Security Number and your date of birth safely in hand, an identity thief is off to the races.

These are but a few ways thieves gain access to your Social Security Number. There are even creepier ways, including Internet and database hacking. Then there is your new found lover, the Mr. or Miss Possible you met somewhere or even online. This is the person you dated, brought home and after you fell asleep they went roaming your house, rifled your desk or purse, or rummage your computer for your most intimate files. Doesn?t happen? When you discover to your chagrin someone took out a credit card with your name but at a different address, you?ll know the answer.

To an even greater extreme, your Social Security, accompanied by your date of birth can enable an identity thief to not only acquire credit in your name, but maybe a passport, which can used by or sold to some of our more unsavory members of this planet. While there is an adage that there is no such thing as bad publicity, it?s questionable whether there is anything positive about having your identity associated with a terrorist who just made the headlines on CNN.

Losing your identity to someone else will not only damage your credit and create all sorts of legal troubles. You can face psychological difficulties as well. Besides the task at hand to make your life whole once again, you will feel violated and abused. After all, our very identity is based on?well?our identity, and if some louse has usurped it for his own purposes, then it is understandable that until you repair the damages you feel you have lost at least a little piece of yourself. Identity theft is also embarrassing, because it will become incumbent upon you to explain to everyone that matters why your life has been rendered upside down.

Perhaps the worst part about identity theft is it may be quite awhile before you realize how much damage has been done. If someone applied for credit or ordered credit cards in your name but at a different address, months can pass before you are located and notified of your lapses by either the credit service or the collection agency they send after you. It is a rude awakening the day you get that first call and throughout the day begin to wonder what other shoes may begin to drop. More often than not, if someone secured credit in your name, they will secure more, running the limit in many cases. From that day on you are facing the grim ordeal of cleaning up the mess.

Not all identity theft will relate directly to credit acquisition and unlawful purchases. In Border States especially but no exclusively you may find undocumented workers have somehow come upon your social security number. Perhaps, again, you neglected to shred the sensitive information you dumped into your trashcan. Perhaps he bought it from one of hundreds of peddlers who sell phony documents and someone else?s Social Security Numbers to undocumented workers questing increasingly to appear like legitimate immigrants.

In any event, you Social Security Number is not only used by that one undocumented worker. Chances are he has handed it out to his twelve best friends and family members. You don?t believe me? A woman called me recently to inquire as to why different names appeared on a Social Security Trace she ordered as part of a background check. It seemed odd to her that strange names would be appearing along with her employment candidate on the same document. As a favor, I ran her Social Security Number, and to her considerable chagrin, there was a male name attached to her number as well.

Can this be a problem? Often it is fairly benign and nothing comes of it. But then problems can arise, depending on your new bedfellow?s general behavior and whether he or she attempts to either get credit using your Social Security Number, or whether he or she is suddenly identified as part of a drug cartel or stolen car ring. These things do happen, and they happen when you need it least and least expect it. With the world growing increasingly crazy, what with terrorists and miscreants of every stripe the last thing you need is to be the target of a federal manhunt.

All right, so some of this I may have exaggerated. But not by as much as you think. So, how do you protect against it? Do you call the Social Security Administration? Go ahead, and see what happens there. If it wasn?t so pathetic and frustrating it may even be funny. They can?t do much, they will probably tell you. They are understaffed and overmatched and inundated all at the same time.

So what do you do? First get identity theft insurance. It may not protect you, actually, but most policies will notify you when there is suspected abuse of your credit cards and presumably good name. Credit Card Insurance provides services will assist you in repairing the damage done to your credit and reputation. The insurance will also be helpful in shortening the time and effort involved in making everything whole again. There are numerous policies, many given by credit card companies. I would suggest you shop around.

Run a credit check on yourself on a regular basis. Don?t access just one credit card service, but run all three major reporting companies. They are Experian, Trans Union, and Equifax. There are deals all over the Internet where you can run all three credit services for a total of $25. It is best to run it at least every six to eight months. Monitoring your credit scores on all three services is money well spent.

Finally, we get down to the cheapest and often the best preemptive defense against identity theft, that is besides doing all the foolish things that were mentioned in the earlier paragraphs. Run your own Social Security Trace. There are a variety of reputable companies that should be willing to run your number. Some may require a consent form, verifying you are who you really say you are. This only assists you in protecting your identity, so I would never let that be an obstacle.

When you run your Social Security Trace you will be able to ascertain what names are attached to your number. Sometimes, due to mixed financial efforts, you might your spouse attached, and that is seldom worth concern. It is the strange name or, in some cases, strange names that should cause some alarm. As I noted earlier, this could be undocumented workers who usurped your Social Security Number to appear as a legal worker. Or, worse case scenario, it could be someone out to use your name for their own personal gain.

Once you know that someone has stolen your number, you can notify the appropriate credit services and authorities that there may well be an interloper. You can request they screen any purchases on you accounts and notify you when there are transactions in other cities. Identity Theft insurance will help with that. You can notify the legal authorities, and maybe they will help you track it down. In any event, the faster you become aware that someone has stolen your identity the greater the chance you will minimize the damage.

Finally, there is no reason to live your life with a siege mentality. It is wise to remain aware and to be sentient, especially with regard to who may have stolen your identity. Remember, credit is great but don?t abuse it. Most importantly don?t allow someone else to abuse it for you.

You have only one name. Keep it to yourself.

Identity Theft: It Won't Happen To Me

2009-04-14T02:15:00.000-07:00

"I got bad credit, I'm not worried"

"It happened to a friend of a friend"

"I've got other priorities now"

"All it takes is guarding your Social Security number"

"I can trust the people around me"

These quotes are all too common regarding identity theft. The problem is the Federal Trade Commission, various law enforcement agencies and identity theft experts have stated there are no 100% guarantees and the numbers for identity theft keep getting worse

"I got bad credit so I'm not worried"

Just recently KFLY TV in Lafayette Louisiana reported that 2 men were arrested for stealing the identity of 2500 people. Identity thieves don't run credit checks before they steal your identity.All they need to do damage is a little bit of your personal information.

"It happened to a friend of a friend"

This one should really alert people. The reason ? Everybody now knows somebody that's been victimized. That alone tells you what an epidemic identity theft has become. Last year 10 million people had their identities stolen. Many experts think that number will double this year. They also fear the 10 million figure is too low. Why? Many victims don't report the crime.

"I've got other priorities now"

Once your identity is stolen there is only one priority: Getting it back. On average it can take 175 hours and out of pocket expenses totaling 15,000 dollars according to the FTC.

"All it takes is guarding your Social Security number"

In February of this year Bank of America announced that 1.2 million federal employee credit card accounts may have been exposed to identity theft. Last year, Visa and MasterCard announced that 40 million cardholders maybe at risk when the database of their third party processor was broken into. Many of these people no doubt guarded their Social Security number faithfully but thru no fault of their own they're at risk.

"I can trust the people around me"

This one hits home and may hurts the worst. 50% of all identity thieves are known by the victim. Family members, friends and neighbors do more damage than total strangers.

There are other reasons people give. Yes it may never happen to you but identity theft is now a full blown epidemic that affects everyone.

Phishing Scams, A Growing Identity Theft Menace

2009-04-14T02:10:00.000-07:00

There is no doubt that identity theft is a growing problem and we should all try to educate ourselves to avoid being a victim of this often devastating crime. It seems that criminals are using increasingly ingenious methods to gain access to our private and valuable personal information and computer users must be aware of criminal information gathering techniques known as phishing.

You may have heard about phishing scams in the news recently because so many have fallen prey to this clever methodology employed by tech savvy criminals. We are all busy in today's fast paced world and it's hard to keep up with every new threat and development so the purpose of this article is to describe what phishing is, and how you can avoid being a victim.

Phishing attacks employ strategies of social engineering and technical subterfuge in the attempt to obtain an individual's personal identity data and financial account information. Social-engineering schemes use fraudulent e-mails which attempt to direct consumers to counterfeit websites, often perfectly replicating legitimate business sites to trick recipients into releasing financial data such as credit card numbers, account passwords, user names and social security numbers. Using recognizable company names of banks, online retailers and credit card companies, phishers are often able to secure this private data. Technical subterfuge schemes usually plant spyware and crimeware onto user computers to access personal data directly, most often utlizing Trojan keylogger spyware.

What can we do to avoid such clever deceptions? First of all just knowing that the threat exists is very important and many individuals report that they had never heard of phishing before becoming a victim. In addition there are several practical precautions we can all take to minimize our exposure to risk.

1. Be wary of any email containing urgent requests for financial information suggesting your immediate response is required, statements designed to upset and excite the respondent are often included to elicit a quick reply. These emails often demand user names and passwords as well as SSN's. Legitimate businesses never ask for confidential data via email and none of this information should ever be sent by email as security is severely compromised.

2. If you question the authenticity of an email don't use the links embedded in the email to access the company webpage, instead type the URL of the company in your browser to insure you are looking at the legitimate website. You can also phone the company to insure an email request is authentic and companies today are aware of phishing threats and will generally appreciate being informed of a potential problem.

3. Financial information should only be communicated through a secure website or by telephone and never by an email request. Secure websites always have https:// preceding the web address rather than just http:// in the browser address window.

4. Check your online accounts on a regular basis even if you have no transactions, dormant and little used accounts are common targets for online predators. Carefully review your credit card statements for unauthorized transactions and make sure you shred them if not retained for your records.

5. Make sure your browser is updated regularly with the latest security patches and you should also have an anti-spyware program installed and running at all times.

Take these necessary precautions to avoid your exposure to the identity theft problem known as phishing.

Jim Hutton researches and writes on the subject of identity theft and you can view the entire Identity Theft Article Library at:

Identity Theft Prevention

Identity Theft Awareness - Getting to Know This crime

2009-04-02T02:57:00.000-07:00

Identity theft is on the rise. The starting point in the fight against identity theft is prevention. Major corporations are just starting to incorporate identity theft awareness into their overall security awareness programs to educate their employees, clients and vendors on the minimum security measures that must be and are expected to be taken. Like I always say, it is your information and only you can initiate the efforts and take the steps to protect them. Whether you are an individual concerned with the security and privacy of your own personal information or that of your family, or, a company concerned with the personal information of your clients and employees, you must have identity theft awareness and take the steps to educate yourself first, and then others who also handle your information. This could include your kids, your accountant, attorney, vendor, and a bunch of others.

Contrary to all beliefs, the information security and protection business is not an old profession. Information privacy is even in its infancy in my opinion. Take a look around; social security numbers are floating around every where from the doctor's office to the internet like they're piece of worthless junk, while the same social security numbers are heavily relied on to identify us. Businesses ask for our social security numbers, names, phone numbers, addresses, zip codes (interestingly enough, zip codes are used to validate our identity and ownership of the credit card we use at the gas pump), and other piece of information in public and expect us to respond back with the information while surrounded by other people.

Do we really believe that identity theft can be fought while we continue to treat and handle our personal and most valuable information in such manners? One of the information security principles is that, all information is not born equally. As a society, we need to determine what information is critical to us, and apply more stringent security measures to protect them.

If we rely on social security numbers as a main source of identity validation, then we must treat it differently than our home phone numbers. I have further described this philosophy in my identity protection system, KAOS?.

In a lot of the identity theft cases, the responsibility is shifted to the consumers for the time being. Besides a few laws that make identity theft a crime, or limit the credit card liability to $50 if discovered and reported timely, consumers are left in the dark. For one thing, they don't know what piece of their personal information is really important and how to protect them; second, if they get hit with identity theft, they are on their own and at the mercy of the financial institutions to solve their problem, the same institutions that are not held responsible for luring consumers into buying their products or falsely handing money to thieves who claimed to be you. People are lured into getting a bunch of credit cards or other credit accounts, forced to reveal their personal information in public, or enticed to apply for multiple mortgages or Home Equity Line of Credits (or HELOC) and left alone when hit with identity theft because businesses who lured the consumers into sharing their personal information with them in the first place, did not tell them that there is an increased and proportional risk with the number of times they share their information with others, or won't take responsibility when the crime occurs.

It all starts with identity theft awareness. Be aware of what's at stake, what needs to be protected, why and how. Take responsibility in case no one else does. Educate your family and friends about the risks of identity theft. Inquire and monitor the security practices of those whom you share your information with. Businesses are forced to share their privacy policies with you. Read them carefully and don't do business with those who do not make you comfortable with the way they intend to protect and share the information you entrust them with. Please visit www.identity-theft-awareness.com for free identity theft solutions.

Henry Bagdasarian is a certified information security, privacy and audit expert with many years of experience with major international companies. Nominated for Security Executive of The Year Award (2006). Created the identity protection and theft prevention KAOS system available free of charge on his identity theft web site, www.identity-theft-awareness.com.

How To Protect Yourself From Online Identity Theft

2009-03-25T03:35:00.000-07:00

Even though it's becoming much harder to steal an identity online, it's critical that you do everything you can to protect yourself from online identity theft. It only has to happen once to totally turn your whole life upside down.

With the new Internet security measures, it's becoming harder to steal an identity. But just one instance of identity theft can wreak havoc on your life as well as your finances. The more you understand how a criminal steals an identity, the better chance you have to protect yourself from online identity theft.

If a crook can get a name, age, sex, mailing address, Social Security number, and driver license number, they can take over an identity to buy products, charge on credit cards and even draw money from bank accounts.

There are a few ways you can reduce your risk and protect yourself from online identity theft by following these identity theft protection tips:

Keep all of your passwords as private as possible. No bank or financial institution will ever email you asking you to log into your account to verify your password with links in the email. This is an online scam that you should be conscious of so you won't become fair game.

Also, you should never store your passwords, Social Security number or account PIN numbers in your computer. If your computer gets a spyware virus the hacker has everything he needs to take over your identity and take all of your money.

Another way to protect yourself from online identity theft is don't use the same password on all of your online accounts. Can you imagine how fast a criminal can wipe you out financially with a password that works on every single account?

Identity theft protection is a very necessary part of any transaction on the Internet. Before you make any purchase online, make certain that the web site you are giving your credit card data to has a secure server.

This is one of the easiest ways to shield yourself from online identity theft. Secure pages begin with https instead of http, and a picture of a small gold lock is displayed in the lower right part of your screen.

To verify the name of the server that appears on the digital certificate, double-click the lock icon, and then check the name that appears next to "Issued to". If the name appearing next to "Issued to" is different from the name of the web site that you are giving your credit card number to, close your browser and leave the site.

In one moment, what took you years to establish financially, could all be wiped out turning your life completely upside down. Common sense and identity theft protection awareness goes a long way in determining if you will become a victim or escape this horrible crime. However basic these tips seem, they do work and offer you a chance to protect yourself from online identity theft.

Copyright ? 2006 Spyware-Information.com All Rights Reserved.

Spyware-Information.com offers you spyware removal, free spyware cleaners, downloads, anti spam software, valuable tips and regularly updated spyware and identity theft articles.

Identity Theft Protection and Identity Theft Prevention

2009-03-19T04:44:00.000-07:00

Identity theft is the growing national epidemic. There are literally hundreds of ways you can loose your all important credit ratings through identity theft, as it happens with a hundreds of thousands of Americans every year. There are more numbers of identity theft cases reported than there are robberies filed. Preventing identity theft is a simple matter of playing it safe. Identity theft protection relies on the old adverb better safe than sorry. Preventing identity theft is the key to identity theft protection. Here are certain guidelines for preventing identity theft and the 3 identity theft protection laws:

Identity theft protection Law # 1:

1. Protect your Social Security number and never say it aloud in a public place.

2. Never give out your SSN, credit or debit card number or other personal information over the phone, by mail, or on the Internet.

3. Never carry any card in your wallet that contains the Social Security number (SSN), unless required.

4. Always, take credit card receipts with you. Never toss them in a public trash container.

5. If the state of your residence uses the SSN as the driver's license number, it is strongly recommended that you contact your Department of Motor Vehicles and request a different number.

6. Never permit your SSN or driver's license number credit card number to be written onto your checks.

7. Do not have your SSN or driver's license number printed on your checks.

8. Ask your financial institutions to add extra identity theft protection to your account.

9. Shield your hand when using a bank ATM machine.

10. Always use a gel pen for issuing checks.

11. Never have new checks mailed to you.

12. Never leave envelopes containing your checks anywhere, when you pay bills.

13. When creating passwords and PINs, do not use any characters that relate to personnel information.

14. Never record anything in your wallet. Memorize all your passwords.

15. Carry minimum number of credit cards, debit cards and avoid carrying your birth certificate, Social Security card or passport in your wallet except when needed.

Identity theft protection Law # 2:

16. Be proactive and shield all your data in a safe place. Maintain a list and photocopies of all your credit cards, debit cards, bank accounts, and investments and telephone numbers of the customer services and fraud departments, in a locking cabinet or safe along with all your personal information and canceled checks.

17. Use credit cards instead of debit cards to shop online and automate as much bill-paying as possible from your checking account.

18. It is important that you install a locked mailbox at your residence for enhanced identity theft protection.

Identity theft protection Law # 3:

19. Review all your financial data as often as possible. Federal law entitles you the right to one free credit report each year from the three credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion; use it. If you are a victim of identity theft, your credit report will indicate that.

20. Look at your Social Security Personal Wages and Benefits, Approximate Statement each year to check for deception.

21. Review credit card, bank and phone statements, including cellular phone bills every month.

22. Maintain services of Identity Theft Protection and Recovery Company. Better safe than sorry.

23. Identity theft protection includes protecting your PC from hackers. Load some sort of blocking software on your home systems for preventing hackers to obtain personal confidential and financial data from your hard drive.

24. Update your anti-virus product, everyday.

25. Always protect your files through passwords that contain sensitive personal data.

26. If doing online transactions for shopping, only trust on companies that provide transaction security protection.

27. Never just delete files that contain personnel information, make sure to remove this data by using a strong "wipe" utility program.

28. Never respond to spam email messages.

With the emergence of new technologies, new markets and new jobs; thieves have found a new commodity to steal. Your identity is worth a lot of credit. Victims of identity theft have found it the hard way. Identity theft protection is the only means to be safe from the pain and anguish of having loans accredited to your name. Preventing identity theft requires a proactive approach. Better safe than sorry.

I have been writing for a long time but now i have started submitting it online.

Tips To Prevent Identity Theft

2009-03-09T03:01:00.000-07:00

Identity theft cannot be 100% fully prevented. To do so would require a policy of never sharing financial information with anyone, anywhere, anytime. You would not be able to conduct financial transactions in society with that policy. And even if you were able to, your information is already in the records of your physician, bank, the IRS, department of motor vehicles, etc. There is no way to remove this information. Therefore you could become victim to identity theft. However, there are steps you can take to reduce those chances. Internet mail is one of the main sources that perpetrators of identity theft are using to gain access to your personal information. The perpetrator may send threatening emails, or emails that seem appealing. Emails requesting personal financial information are linked to identity theft and arrive in millions of mailboxes worldwide each and every day.

In most cases, no one person is being specifically singled out to become the next victim. It is just not worth the effort involved. Identity thieves are not interested from whom they are stealing the identity from. Instead they focus on targeting as many people as possible as it is a numbers game. The more people they target the higher are the chances that someone will be tricked into volunteering personal financial information.

The senders of these emails are challenging the receiver by using deception, hoping the receiver will give out personal information, such as bank numbers, PIN and passwords, Social Security numbers and other precious information that the thief can use to gain control over your identity. Often these emails state that a bank account or Paypal account has been frozen until information is verified. The victim, being worried that pending transactions will not clear properly, will follow the demand of the email that account information be "updated". The criminal who sent the email will always include a handy link to click on for updating the requested information. Never click on those links.

If you want to avoid identity theft, there are several emails that you may want to bear in mind are SPAM, and you should completely ignore them. One is the forzen account along with a request to update your personal financial information. Another is a claim that you have won x amount of cash, and to act now to receive your prize. If you have not joined a contest, then chances are you have not actually won a prize. A third is an email claiming that you could receive scholarships or grants to attend such and such a college; to earn your degree act now by providing your personal information. These are all fake and designed by criminals to steal your personal financial information. Delete them without a second thought!

Companies that already have your personal information, such as your bank have no reason to ask for this again in an email. In fact, most banks clearly state in their Terms & Conditions that they will never send electronic mail requesting information from the customer at any time. Giving your personal information to someone that sent an email that has your bank name listed in the header is only asking for trouble.

Identity thieves are extremely creative when it comes to stealing identities, including sending emails in respected names. The prestigious FDIC was targeted by thieves; the sender sent emails to recipients of the bank requesting that they provide personal information to avoid closure of their accounts. Microsoft was also targeted by thieves when emails were sent to various inboxes requesting the receiver to download patches to protect their computers. Once the receiver downloaded the attachment, a dangerous virus took control of their computer, leaving a backdoor entry that would give the hacker access to the information stored on the computer.

EBay is also a target for thieves. EBay scams abound. False Paypal payments are common, as well as false or counterfeit checks. Be very wary of anything purported to be from EBay that seems fishy. If you have to think twice about the legitimacy, it is likely a scam. Beware. Here are some helpful tips for you to avoid identity theft as much as possible: 1) Do not open emails if you do not trust the sender.

2) Never give out your personal information over the internet, unless you know that the company can be trusted and is using encryption to secure the web page(s). If Paypal or EBay request your information, which they never have done to this author. go directly to their home page, log into your account there, and see if the request is associated with your account. Never click the link in an email requesting information.

3) Do a background check on any site you are thinking of giving your information to or you are considering buying from. This includes calling the state attorney general's office. 4) Change your PIN numbers and passwords regularly, at as minimum every 6 months. 5) Do not post even general financial information on forums, bulletin boards or discussion boards online.

6) Conceal your personal information at all times, including at home. 7) Never give your personal information over the phone line. 8) When using ATM or other machines to make deposits, withdrawals, or purchases make sure no one sees you type in your PIN number.

9) Do not just throw personal information, such as bank statements or letters containing your postal address, account numbers or any sensitive information in the trash. This is a favorite place for criminals to search. Put it through a shredder first.? 10) Never mail your tax return by putting it in your mailbox with the flag up. Criminals will drive neighborhoods during tax season searching for tax returns. These are the ultimate sources of information for identity theft.

Greg Roy is a leading identity theft author. To find out more about the increasing danger of identity theft, please visit http://identi.ty-theft.com.

Identity Theft - When It Happens To You

2009-03-01T23:09:00.000-08:00

So, you've just realized that someone has stolen your identity and is racking up debt left and right, and you want to put a stop to it, but you don't know what to do. Well, keep reading, because in this article you will learn exactly what to do when you are a victim of identity theft. Once you have absorbed this information, act quickly, because the sooner you start fighting for your identity, the sooner you will win.

You will probably receive a phone call from a creditor stating "you" just either made a large purchase and they suspect fraud or you open your credit card bill as you do every month and be amazed at some extra charges that are on there. Call your credit card company immediately. Rarely, will you be liable for charges over $50, and many credit card companies wave the first $50 in the case of fraud. Check with your bank, you will usually be given a choice to close your account and reopen a new one or some banks will put a "watch" on your account and you will have to log into your account and manually approve every charge and check before it is cleared. This usually goes on for a period of 30-60 days. The latter isn't the best choice as it is labor intensive to do and your account isn't protected from fraud as it would be if you simply closed it out and reopened a new account.

After you have done all the initial damage control. The next thing to do when you realize that you are a victim of identity theft is to notify the credit bureaus. Report the situation to the three major credit reporting companies- Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. You can do it online or in writing, and you must tell these companies that your identifying information has been stolen and is being used by another person fraudulently in your name. Ask them to flag your file with a fraud alert, and ask that all creditors call you before extending credit in your name. A consumer statement will be put on your file and it will alleviate your fears of bogus accounts being opened for about 3 months.

Due to provisions of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, you can only place an initial fraud alert for 90 days. The credit bureaus will then send you a notice displaying your rights as an identity theft victim. As soon you receive this, write to each of the three credit bureaus to request two things; An extension of the fraud alert to seven years, and a free copy of your credit report. Remember to include an identity theft report when you send your letter in order to authorize the seven year alert. Whenever you communicate with the credit companies, you should refer to the number given to your credit report and always use verified return receipt mail. Also, make sure you save all credit reports and related information for your records.

As soon as you get your three credit reports, carefully examine each one. Report all fraudulent and inaccurate information in writing to the credit bureaus, as well as to the credit issuers, following the instructions that are provided with the credit reports. As soon as you notify the credit bureaus about the fraudulent information, the bureau is required to strike that information from future reports. The bureau will also notify the credit grantor of the fraudulent account(s). If it isn't included in the report, ask the credit bureaus for the contact information of the credit grantors.

Also, tell the credit bureaus in writing that you want them to remove all inquiries that have been created due to fraudulent access. You should also ask the bureaus to contact anyone who has received your credit report in the last six months so they can be informed about the fraudulent and inaccurate information. Numerous inquiries can lower your credit score, so work diligently on getting those inquiries removed from your personal credit report.

Though these measures should set you back on track and protect your credit from the fraudulent information, they may not completely stop it from happening again. Because of this, be sure to monitor your credit reports, there are many online services that will help you monitor your credit report. We recommend Experian Triple Advantage. Along with getting your credit report online with credit score, you also get 30 days free credit monitoring service. With this service you can start the dispute process online! Often times, once you have started the process you will be able to obtain a second free report from the credit bureaus, and in many states you will be able to access your credit report more frequently. If you notice that the fraudulent information is still happening, notify the proper bureaus instantly. If the problem persists for very long, you may want to consider freezing your accounts for awhile if possible to prevent any more damage.

Identity theft is an unfortunate event when it occurs, but you can fight back and get your life back quickly!
Liz Roberts is a loan consultant with New Horizon and has been providing consumers and business owners with loans since 1989. Visit this site for a list of bad credit credit cards

Preventing Identity Theft

2009-02-20T23:02:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately, one of the growing trends in today?s society is identity theft. Identity theft can happen to anyone and while most identity theft happens online due to hacking, there are dozens of situations where personal information was lost or stolen by a third party . If you are a victim of identity theft your credit rating can suffer. Here are some tips on combating bad credit and identity theft.

If your wallet has been lost, credit card stolen or your computer has been hacked it is important to notify all three credit bureaus immediately (Experian, Expedia and Trans Union). Usually, you will be able to put a block on your account, only allowing a new credit card or loan to be opened with your prior approval. Besides notifying the credit bureaus it is important to complete a police report for your records.

If you have been a victim of identity theft or would like to prevent identity theft the best preventive measure is to regularly request a copy of your credit report. Credit reports are usually given out for free to most US residents, depending on your state upon request each year. For people that think they have been a victim of identity theft, it is a good idea to request a credit report every six months or less.

Reviewing your credit report can usually tell if theft or fraud has occurred. You can easily see if a new account has been opened or new loans have been taken out. You then can contact the appropriate authorities being the lender and police. You may also want to talk to a lawyer regarding your legal rights.

Don?t be a victim of bad credit due to theft and fraud; take a look at the above advice on how to protect yourself from having bad credit due to identity theft or fraud.

Connie Barker is the owner of several financial websites including those that deal with Preventing Identity Theft

Protecting Yourself from Identity Theft

2009-02-16T23:18:00.000-08:00

Internet mail is one of the main sources that perpetrators of Identity Theft are using to gain access to your personal information. The perpetrator may send threatening emails, or emails that seem appealing. Spam or Phishing emails are linked to Identity Theft and arrive in millions of mailboxes worldwide.

In most cases, no one is being singled out to become the next victim. It is just not worth the effort involved. Identity Thieves are not interested from whom they are stealing the identity from. Instead they focus on targeting as many people as possible as it is a numbers game. The more people they target the higher are the chances that someone will be fooled.

Now these thieves are acting on greed and intend to get rich by stealing the identities of people. The senders of such emails are challenging the receiver by using deception, hoping the receiver will give out personal information, such as bank numbers, PIN and passwords, Social Security Numbers and other precious information that the thief can use to gain control over your identity.

Although Identity Theft has become of big public interest in the last few years, the tactics that are used are nothing new. Some of the well known hackers that have broken into military computers and stolen information from financial institutions have been using social engineering for decades. They did not spend months trying to break a complex password. They simply picked up a phone, rang someone and persuaded them to divulge sensitive information to them, such as a password!

So if you want to avoid Identity Theft, then the emails that you may want to bear in mind are SPAM that claim that you have won x amount of cash, and to act now to receive your prize. Well if you have not joined a contest then chances are you have not actually won a prize. A good example is an email that claims you have won $32,000 and requests that you pay the tax on the winning, and to please respond now in order to receive this prize. Or you may receive an email claiming that you could receive scholarships or grants to attend such and such a college and to earn your degree act now by providing your personal information. These are all bogus so delete them!

Companies that already have your personal information, such as your bank have no reason to ask for this again in an email. In fact banks clearly state in their Terms & Conditions that they will Never send electronic mail requesting information from the recipient at any time. So giving your information to someone that sent an email that has your bank name listed in the header, is only asking for trouble.

Identity Thieves are thinking of everything when it comes to stealing identities, including sending emails in respected names. FDIC was targeted by thieves; the sender sent emails to recipients of the bank requesting that they provide personal information to avoid closure of their accounts. Microsoft was also targeted by thieves when emails were sent to various inboxes requesting the receiver to download patches to protect their computers. Once the receiver downloaded the attachment, a dangerous virus took control of their computer, leaving a backdoor entry that would give the hacker access to the information stored on the computer.

EBay is also a target for thieves. Some thieves purchase items on EBay claiming that they have sent the seller a check that amounts to more than the purchase price and that the seller should send the remaining amount back to the purchaser by electronic form, or else say through Western Union. The checks were found to be counterfeit and so the seller was being tricked into handing over money.

Here are some helpful tips to help you avoid Identity Theft: 1) Do not open emails if you do not trust the sender.

2) Never give out your personal information over the internet, unless you know that the company can be trusted and is using encryption to secure the web page(s).

3) Do a background check on any site you are thinking of giving your information to or you are considering buying from.

4) Never give your personal information over the phone line.

5) Do not post personal information on forums, bulletin boards or discussion boards online.

6) Conceal your personal information at all times, including at home.

7) When using ATM or other machines to make deposits, withdrawals or purchases make sure no one sees you type in your PIN number.

8) Change your PIN numbers and passwords regularly.

9) Do not just throw personal information, such as bank statements or letters containing your postal address, account numbers or any sensitive information in the trash. Put it through a shredder first.

David McKone has been involved with network security for several years, providing secure networks for both small businesses and large corporate clients. Sign up for my free newsletter and receive my special report "Computer Security" absolutely free at Computer Security

Affiliate Marketing Identity Theft

2009-02-12T23:23:00.000-08:00

Identity theft is a hot topic today and the Internet is no exception. Aside from banking online and ordering via credit cards online security concerns, have you considered that your online affiliate identity might also be at risk?

The numbers vary depending upon the source quoted, but conservative estimates indicate that 10% to 40% of affiliate sales are lost. Why? Internet pirates can, and often do, steal, bypass or otherwise mutilate your affiliate link, thereby robbing you of hard-earned sales.

Are you fed up with lazy and unscrupulous people who, instead of using their misplaced energy to create something special of their own, prefer to just suck the life out of someone else's endeavors? Are there ways to stop these pirates who can spoil your online marketing efforts?

Yes, there are. One solution is called "redirecting," which simply means that you set up a domain name that will forward to the specific link you want to go to, but will not show your entire affiliate ID. The redirect will show only your domain name. Not only is this a "prettier" picture than those long, cumbersome, ugly, and often distracting affiliate links, but it will give you more credibility, which in turn can build more trust in you and/or what you are offering. Some companies offer e-mail forwarding as well, so that your e-mail contact information can also reflect your domain name.

Should this cost a lot? No. You can find a company that costs you pennies a day for their services. Several features should be considered when choosing a domain forwarding or redirect company. Ideally, the company should:

Charge a one-time set up fee for your domain name;

Offer unlimited sub-domains, which allow you to manage multiple affiliate programs from one domain name;

Offer domains that can be bookmarked, which means that every time a customer goes back to the site, they see your domain name (and you get the commission);

Optimize search engine indexing, allowing you to change the title, mega description and keyword tags for your domain name, easily and in minutes. Normal affiliate links are almost never indexed, so choose a domain provider that is designed to be indexed by all major search engines.

Do not require that you pay a monthly hosting fee or require you to buy software, ever; and,

Do not require software or technical expertise in order to use. Choose one that is user-friendly to your level of technical or software knowledge.

Finally, choose a keyword-loaded domain name that is easy to remember looks attractive and represents you in a professional, yet personal manner that suits your personality and/or what you are promoting.

Domain forwarding will take you a long way towards building a credible, trustworthy business. Good domain forwarding companies who offer most, if not all, of the benefits listed here, are worth their weight in gold.

For more Affiliate Marketing Articles by Ian Williamson please visit http://www.real-articles.com/Category/Affiliate/140

Identity Theft: Dont Be The Next Victim

2009-02-05T03:26:00.000-08:00

This article which you are about to read has been written because I have been a victim of Identity Theft and I know what huge problems this creates, not to mention the severe losses involved. If I can help just one person avoid this I will be happy.

We have all at one time or another received an email directing us to visit a familiar website where we are being asked to update our personal information. The website needs you to verify or update your passwords, credit card numbers, social security number, or even your bank account number.

You recognize the business name as one that you have conducted business with in the past. So, you click on the convenient take me there link and proceed to provide all the information they have requested. Unfortunately, you find out much later that the website is bogus. It was created with the sole intent to steal your personal information. You, my friend, have just been phished.

Phishing (pronounced as fishing) is defined as the act of sending an email to a recipient falsely claiming to have an established, legitimate business. The intent of the phisher is to scam the recipient into surrendering their private information, and ultimately steal your identity.

It is not as easy as you think to spot an email phishing for information. At first glance, the email may look like it is from a legitimate company. The From field of the e-mail may have the .com address of the company mentioned in the e-mail. The clickable link even appears to take you to the companys website, when in fact, it is a fake website built to replicate the legitimate site.

Many of these people are professional criminals. They have spent a lot of time in creating emails that look authentic. Users need to review all emails requesting personal information carefully. When reviewing your email remember that the From Field can be easily changed by the sender. While it may look like it is coming from a .com you do business with, looks can be deceiving.

Now before you read any further I just want to jump in here and say that I really do hope that you will find this information helpful. I am not trying to frighten you in any way, just make you aware of what is going on out there. So, having said that, lets continue.

Also keep in mind that the phisher will go all out in trying to make their email look as legitimate as possible. They will even copy logos or images from the official site to use in their emails. Finally, they like to include a clickable link that the recipient can follow to conveniently update their information. A great way to check the legitimacy of the link is to point at the link with your mouse. Then, look in the bottom left hand screen of your computer. The actual website address to which you are being directed will show up for you to view. It is a very quick and easy way to check if you are being directed to a legitimate site.

Finally, follow the golden rule. Never, ever, click the links within the text of the e-mail, and always delete the e-mail immediately. Once you have deleted the e-mail, empty the trash box in your e-mail accounts as well.

If you are truly concerned that you are missing an important notice regarding one of your accounts, then type the full URL address of the website into your browser. At least then you can be confident that you are, in fact, being directed to the true and legitimate website.

Let me conclude by saying that this article is just by way of introduction to the subject, there is a lot of information available both in your local bookstore, on the internet, and indeed in my blog, so happy researching.

john savage has a Blog which you should read if you cannot afford to be hacked, cracked, or impersonated. Click Here to visit

Why Is Identity Fraud/Theft Rising?

2009-02-02T03:27:00.000-08:00

A study by Javelin Strategy and Research in 2005 showed that 9.3 million Americans are victims of identity theft each year. This is about 4.25% of adults. The Home Office in the United Kingdom also claims that this crime is reaching epidemic proportions, although they do not actually collect data and statistics. But why is this becoming such a problem? This article hopes to help answer some of your questions.

In the USA today, about $52.6B is the annual cost of identity fraud, which works out at about $5,686 per victim. These statistics from the Javelin study also highlighted that anyone who has been a victim of identity fraud spends about 28 hours trying to sort out the problems. Although the financial cost is met by banks and other institutions, these costs then get passed onto consumers.

In this age of modern technology, it is possible for you to extend your credit without ever having seen your customer. There has also been a massive increase in the use of the Internet and telephones to buy goods and make payments in this way, as well as an increase in the volume of personal information help by third party companies.

You may not realise but, in the USA, a lot of your most personal information is readily available to the public including mortgage details, driving license details, and social security numbers. Although this information is not as easy to get hold of in other countries, it is still help in the relevant organisations where its many employees have easy access to this.

Another problem is with companies such as car hire agencies, car dealerships, and solicitors. They now insist on taking a copy of their client?s identity documents, such as birth certificate. So you end up handing over your identity to these companies. Unfortunately, if you need to deal with these companies, there is nothing that you can do but a way to protect yourself is to ask for any of these documents back when you no longer deal with them.

One of the most common ways of illegally accessing your personal information is still through bank statements, cheques and credit cards. This risk is increased if you throw all bank, credit card statements straight into your rubbish bin. Criminals are known to go through your rubbish looking for this information that they can use to gain access to your finances. Therefore, it is absolutely vital that you buy a paper shredder. These are not expensive, but can save you a lot of money if someone ever gained access to your accounts in this way.

The prevalence of identity theft does seem to depend on the country that you live in. A lot of Continental Europe require people to own ID cards, which must be shown when their identity needs to be proven, e.g. when opening bank accounts, hiring cars and so on. These cards are very difficult to copy and it therefore makes it very difficult for people to commit fraud. Since they are so readily available, most companies will not accept any other forms of identification.
More articles from this author can be found at http://www.identity-theft-center.com

Identity Theft On The Rise

2009-01-30T04:18:00.000-08:00

North America?s fastest growing crime does not involve guns, or even physical violence. Today?s criminals have a new weapon of choice: your personal information. Committing identity theft is as easy as obtaining the right information and fraudulently using the data for personal advantage. It is a simple but personally and financially devastating process.

Identity theft occurs when a person obtains and uses another?s personal data for purposes of fraud or deception. In most cases, identity theft allows the perpetrator to benefit financially through gain of money, goods or services. Names, birth dates, social security numbers and driver?s license numbers are the most frequents types of stolen data. In extreme and cruel cases, financial identities are taken via credit card, bank accounts and telephone cards.

It is important to note the contrast of identity theft to more traditional fraudulent activities. Unlike fingerprints that cannot be easily copied or stolen, thieves can easily obtain and profit from your personal information. In many cases, victims are not aware that their identity has been stolen until months or even years later.

The consequences faced by identity theft victims can be quite devastating. Those who have fallen victim to identity theft may have to close or repair bad credit accounts, or open new accounts. In addition to the time required to repair your damaged credit, you may also need to obtain the funds to pay accumulated debts.

Until the debts are paid and your name is cleared, you may be denied jobs, loans, education, housing and transportation. In worst-case scenarios, victims of identity theft have been arrested for crimes they were not aware of, and certainly did not commit. Identity theft leaves another long lasting, more personal affect. Thousands of identity theft victims have found that it can take years to recover from the trauma.

More and more people are reporting cases of identity theft and providing details of how they have fallen victim. These increased reports have caused the Federal Bureau of Investigation to conclude that identity theft is the fastest growing crime in the United States alone. In 2002, 10 million people reported cases of identity theft. Over the past five years, an estimated 27.3 million Americans have been reported to be victims of this crime in its varying forms.

The federal government reports that identity theft is the second most reported crime. The staggering number of identity theft cases classifies it as a serious crime that is getting more and more rampant everyday. Counteractions have been in effect since the crime first became prevalent in the early 1970s. Thieves continue to commit this crime however, regardless of the severity of the consequences.

In addition to personal accounts, financial and business institutions have also been affected. Billions of dollars in losses have been attributed to identity theft.

There are two basic forms of identity theft. The most common form is when someone obtains and uses credit card information. The credit data may be initially lost or stolen, or the identity theft may occur due to the careless handling by an employee of a company where you made a credit card purchase. The second and more dangerous form of identity theft is when someone steals your identity, and opens credit card or cell phone accounts in your name. The criminal can also use your social security number when getting a job, or your driver?s license to obtain a duplicate copy.

Today?s ever advancing technology simplifies the act of committing identity fraud.

Internet communication tools allow criminals to devise new schemes and strategies. Additionally, identity theft can be planned and executed more easily online. To obtain a Social Security Number, thieves simply pay a fee to an information broker. Further, online databases hold address details, and an individual's mother's maiden name can be easily obtained through obituaries or public documents. Once the data has been collected and the identity theft occurs, any bills incurred by the criminal are sent to a different address. The victim will not be aware that the crime has occurred.

Your best defense against identity theft is having a clear understanding of the crime, and knowing how to prevent it. By staying alert and aware, you will decrease your chances of being among the millions of people who have suffered the consequences of identity theft.

Robert Johnson writes for several web sites, on family and family finance topics.

Identity Theft: The New Threat To Your Credit

2009-01-26T22:50:00.000-08:00

When we think of thieves, images of burglars creeping into homes and apartments come to mind. However, there are new thieves that can take much more than your money or possessions. If your personal information falls into the hands of an identity thief, your credit and finances can be ruined.

Identity thieves use your name or personal information, such as your Social Security number, driver?s license number, credit card information, or other financial account information without your permission, frequently opening new credit accounts in their victims? names. They apply for credit cards, make charges, and leave the bills unpaid. They set up telephone or utility service and don?t pay the bills. Some victims have found that identity thieves have even applied for loans, apartments, and mortgages under an identity other than their own.

Identity thieves are the sneakiest thieves out there, and it?s easier than you think for one to get your personal information. They may steal wallets, or take statements, pre-approved credit offers, and tax information from your mail. They?ll even do some dirty work and search your trash for personal data. The best protection against identity theft is caution: shred all items that contain your personal information and account numbers, and don?t carry your social security card in your wallet. Order your credit report at least once a year to make sure no one is using your identity to open accounts.

Stop an identity thief dead in his tracks by taking immediate action.

? Contact the three major credit bureaus. Contact the fraud departments of all of all three major credit departments to place a fraud alert on your credit file.

? Close accounts. Close the accounts that you know or believe have been tampered with or opened fraudulently.

? File a police report. Get a copy of the report to submit to your creditors and others that may require proof of the crime.

? File your complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC maintains a database of identity theft cases used by law enforcement agencies for investigations. Filing a complaint also helps us learn more about identity theft, and will help others who have been victimized as well.

This article was written by Josh at ACCION USA (http://www.accionusa.org). ACCION USA provides business loans up to $25,000 to small business owners who need financing to expand their businesses.

Reporting Identity Theft

2009-01-12T23:55:00.000-08:00

Have you been a victim of identity theft? Do you think that your identity is in jeopardy, and that somebody has taken it upon themselves to use your personal information as their own? If this sounds like a situation that you are in, you will definitely want to look into reporting your matter to the appropriate agency. By doing this, you will be able to document your problem which will go a long way in ensuring that everything is taken care of appropriately.

If you are interested in reporting identity theft you will need to know who to speak with. The reason that most people don?t report this sort of theft is because they simply don?t know who to call. You should never let this hold you back from reporting identity theft.

The first place that you may want to contact is the Social Security Administration. Even if they can?t directly help you, they will be able to point you in the right direction. The Social Security Administration can be reached by calling 1-800-269-0271.

The Federal Trade Commission may also be able to help you out, or point you in the right direction. They can be reached via phone at 1-877-IDTHEFT.

If you know that your credit card information has been stolen you will not want to waste time with the Social Security Administration or the Federal Trade Commission. You will want to call your credit card company direct, and tell them what happened. This will allow them to put a freeze on your card, and quite possibly assist you in tracking down the problem.

By reporting identity theft, you are doing more than just helping yourself. You are also helping other people who have been victims, as well as people that can become a target at any time. If you feel that your identity has been stolen, make sure to report it right away.

Brazilian living in North Carolina, USA since 1996. Married, one teenager daughter. Professional background: Computer Systems Analyst Vision: Improve people's health and wealth. Help needy children. Web page: http://www.etorres.ws

How Phone Verification Fights Identity Theft

2008-11-03T21:52:00.000-08:00

Just like anything on Earth modern society has some kind of balance. So on one hand we have a progressive electronic community and on the other hand we have army of internet criminals whose both work and fun consists of so called identity theft.

As the main weapon of a scammer is his anonymity the main purpose of a Site Owner consists in confirmation of Users identity.

There are some methods to verify website user's identity. Confirmation by email is used when it concerns password reminder service; e-merchants use AVS checking to authorize their customers as true cardholders while processing credit cards in e-shops and so on.

But it's not enough. Passwords can be stolen through so called phishing. And Address Verification System is used in US and Canada only and moreover its scheme is rather imperfect.

There should be another solution.

And it does exist.

Telephone verification is a kind of universal method to verify user's identity. It works as follows:

A. A user enters his personal data including phone number at a certain site and presses "submit" button.

B. Phone verification system initiates a call to this number.

C. After greeting a system asks to enter pin-code that a user sees on the screen using a phone keypad.

D. A user enters pin-code and hangs up.

After a call is done system passes a merchant user's country and city by phone number area code, phone number type and matching of pin-code entered and pin-code shown on site. Some companies e.g. Proveout.com provides Geo IP research in addition to telephone verification. This allows to compare IP address data with phone number data (whether country and city identified by IP address matches the ones identified by phone area code).

It is a lot. It is surely enough to define whether a Customer is a person he seems to be - a real website user and a real cardholder.

Optionally system can ask a person to confirm his identity/order by saying something like his name or any other information that is recorded. Afterwards, such recordings can prove that a person had indeed used certain service (ordered certain goods). A Site Owner can download a wav-file with a recorded voice message of a customer at any time as it is saved on server of telephone authorization service provider.

This is telephone verification and how it works.

Where telephone verification is used

1. E-commerce. Identity theft is a serious problem for plenty of merchants. Telephone verification helps to reduce fraudulent transactions. Customer just passes the standard procedure of authorization and proves that he is a true cardholder. Recorded message with Customers voice can afterwards become a proof of ordering a good/service by a certain person.

2. Any website where registration/authorization is required. VoIP telephone verification can be used at the registration stage in order to confirm users' identity (e.g. it's of high importance at different forums, online communities, online financial services etc). Also it can be used in case a user has lost his password. Sending it to a specific email address doesn't guarantee Site Owner cannot be completely sure that password reminder procedure isn't initiated by a scammer with an idea to manage somebody's personal data. Passing telephone verification by user can prove his identity.

3. Sites with free content limiting. Very often different companies carry on advertising campaigns that permit using their online services for free for certain time (trial periods). In order to anticipate multiple signing up (which is a bad experience for a marketing report) each new registration can be verified in order to prove that use hasn't signed up before.

4. Sites offering region limiting services. In some countries it is prohibited to distribute security software to certain countries. Using telephone verification service Site Owner can be sure that his new registered user doesn't live in one of these countries. Phone number area code helps to reveal user's location. This service is even more effective when it is used together with Geo IP research.

VoIP telephone service can be used for automation of webmaster's work by programming scheduled phone calls with a request of certain info or a confirmation of certain info. E.g. you can automatically initiate a call when a new order with shipment requirement is submitted in order to confirm shipment details. In case you're an owner of an internet-catalogue you can initiate a call e.g. once a month to the members of your catalogue in order to confirm that their sites still exist with the same domain names, so to confirm their membership.

You can use VoIP telephone verification as a perfect marketing tool. For example you can supply your Clients with information concerning some changes in their maintenance by phone or automatically play them greeting messages on specific dates.

To sum it up, I'm to say that there is a great variety of variants on how VoIP telephone verification can be used in internet space. You can offer another ways according to your e-business. It gives great opportunities to communicate with your Clients without being bounded by electronic means (email, ICQ).

Alexa Foster is a specialist in web development and internet marketing. Visit http://www.lommeks.co.uk

Identity Theft: The G.I. Blues

2008-11-02T21:59:00.000-08:00

Tom Nelson retired from the military almost twenty years ago. In that time, Nelson has spent many years living and working overseas. ?If my VA ID is fraudulently used by someone in the States, one: it could take me months to find out the theft has occurred and two: if it did happen God knows how long it would require to fix it from overseas?, Nelson told the Seattle Post Intelligencer.

On May 22 Nelson and 26.5 million U.S. veterans awoke to the news their personal information including name, address and social security number had been stolen from the home of a Department of Veteran Affairs? employee.

Why the employee took this highly sensitive information home is anyone?s guess and according to the FBI the computer disc containing this information was subsequently recovered. What infuriated veterans however wasn?t the actual theft but that the theft went unreported for two weeks.

The news is shocking yet many veterans groups are not surprised. They point to Congress? Computer Security Report Card which year after year has given the VA a failing grade. Government auditors also warned of possible security breaches at the agency. Through all of this the VA took no action.

VA Secretary Jim Nicholson?s recent proposal of free credit monitoring for veterans up to one year was shot down by the Bush Administration. According to the Washington Post the decision is based on the opinion of the FBI which stated it had a "high degree of confidence" that thieves had not accessed the files containing the names, Social Security numbers and birth dates of millions of veterans and active-duty military personnel. Hopefully they?re right but for many veterans its now a time of wait and see.

Veterans can however request a credit freeze. Yes it stops the victim from easily opening a new account but a credit freeze is the most effective weapon against identity theft. Checking your account every other day isn?t a bad idea either. For further information and assistance veterans can call 1-800-333-4636 (1-800-FED-INFO).

Peggy Foster, a veteran and VA services asst at the University of Colorado-Boulder, told the Colorado Daily,? It happened to me before and everything was stolen. Now I?m very cautious about giving my information out.?

?The government bombards us with so much in the military. It?s important when you?re a veteran to pay more attention.?

With the glut of information in our 24 /7 world, Ms Foster?s advice applies not only to military personnel but the rest of us as well.
Daryl Campbell?s website http://fightidtheft.winthemarket.com provides free tips,resources, featured articles from experts and up to the minute news concerning identity theft and fraud

Identity Theft: Phishing In Dangerous Water

2008-10-30T04:35:00.000-07:00

Daryl Campbell?s website http://fightidtheft.winthemarket.com provides free tips,resources, featured articles from experts and up to the minute news concerning identity theft and fraud.

Protecting Your Social Security Number From Identity Theft

2008-10-19T23:03:00.000-07:00

Identity Theft: It Won't Happen To Me

2008-10-13T03:10:00.000-07:00

Phishing Scams, A Growing Identity Theft Menace

2008-07-22T02:48:00.000-07:00

5. Make sure your browser is updated regularly with the latest security patches and you should also have an anti-spyware program installed and running at all times.

Take these necessary precautions to avoid your exposure to the identity theft problem known as phishing.

Jim Hutton researches and writes on the subject of identity theft and you can view the entire Identity Theft Article Library at:

Identity Theft Prevention

The Rise Of Credit Card Identity Theft

2008-07-12T02:47:00.000-07:00

Personal identity theft is a huge runaway business made even easier with advances in computer technology. So far as credit cards are concerned, personal identity theft is now costing card issuer billions of dollars a year. To try and recoup some of these losses, card providers and now telling their customers that if they were in any way at fault in the theft of their identity, they could be comparable and liable for at least part of these losses. So, what exactly is credit card identity theft and how can you minimize it happening to you? Credit card identity theft

In short, credit card identity theft is when someone else manages to get access to your account. This can be done in one of three ways:

* firstly, and most obviously, they steal your actual card and use this card before you have had a chance to inform the provider. * second, the copy the details from your card and use the details to either make a new card to purchase items in shops or purchase items on the Internet. As you don't believe that the card has been stolen, you are not aware that the card is being used illegally and it may not be till your card is denied that you notice something is wrong * lastly, they neither steal the card, nor the details of your card but steal your Personal Identification Number (PIN) and then use that get access to large sums of cash. This rather clever method is used by way of copying your PIN details when you use an ATM to withdraw cash on your credit card. Again, as you are unaware that anything has happened, it takes sometime for the illicit use to come to your attention.

How to protect your identity

Basically, the only 100% way to protect your identity is to only use your credit card with people you know and trust. Unfortunately, that is not a realistic solution. Some of the following safety precautions, however, should be adopted:

* when you use you credit card in a shop, never agree to let the card go out of your sight; for example, if the attendant tells you they have to make a phone call in he backroom, tell then you are going with them * if the shop you use your card in uses the old carbon-copy paper system, never allow the shop to retain the carbon-copy. Take it with you and destroy it at a later date * never use your credit card on an unsecured website. At best the website should have an encrypted safety system, without which you should give serious thought to whether you should be using the services of another site * never use your credit card to withdraw money in an ATM you have not used previously. If you really need to withdraw money on your credit card, do so at the counter using the teller and not the ATM

If you adopt these minimal safety precautions you should be on your way to protecting your identity - and be less liable for any identity theft. One final consideration, given the choice between the Internet and shop, where would you think most identity theft occurs? If you choose the Internet you could be (currently) wrong - so be careful using your credit card in shops you don't know!

Joseph Kenny writes for the Loans Store and offer more information on personal loans and other loan topics available on site.
Visit today: http://www.ukpersonalloanstore.co.uk/

The Rise Of Credit Card Identity Theft

2008-07-04T00:15:00.000-07:00

In short, credit card identity theft is when someone else manages to get access to your account. This can be done in one of three ways:

How to protect your identity

Joseph Kenny writes for the Loans Store and offer more information on personal loans and other loan topics available on site.
Visit today: http://www.ukpersonalloanstore.co.uk/

Identity Theft at Record Levels

2008-06-27T22:20:00.000-07:00

In a country that prides itself on innovation and a citizen's right to privacy, why are we still living with the most antiquated personal credit scoring system in the world?

Our SSN (social security number) is the key to our financial existence. It allows the world to see the good, the bad and sometimes the downright ugly. We have no choice but to use this system to obtain credit, mortgages, insurance and even jobs. Having established the importance of this nine-digit number to us as individuals, why are we still using a system that appears to have been designed for the sole benefit of thieves and robbers? We may just as well walk around with a BIG SIGN pinned to our backs telling any criminal with half a brain "Great Credit - Please Rob Me - All information required listed below."

Anyone who has had the terrible misfortune to be affected by identity theft will know only too well how completely useless and ineffective our current system is. The pain can and normally will go on for many years. YOU ARE THE VICTIM OF A TERRIBLE CRIME! It would appear that everyone knows you are the victim of this crime, but the system has no answers for you. What seems like a very simple solution (remove these items from my credit report) becomes a MAJOR and very time-consuming challenge. The demand letters just keep arriving by the sack load and of course your credit score, the thing we are all judged by, keeps going down. It finally gets to levels we never knew existed before this nightmare began.

Before I outline a possible solution, lets look at the problem. We are asked to give up our SSN every time we need credit. How do we know where that information is going. We complete these credit applications and hand over our life story to someone we have never met before - our name, address, date of birth, bank account and SSN. This person normally takes the application to someone else, who either faxes it or puts the information into an online system. We have no idea where this information is going, so it's strictly "In God We Trust."

With identity theft (the so-called "white collar crime") hitting record levels, it time for the government to start looking after the citizens it's paid to protect. Why are we still using a system most 3rd world countries would laugh at? If we must use a credit score system as a measure of our ability to pay debts, then at the very least put in place a system that protects us from criminals. Why not make the SSN card a "Smart Card" with all our credit information held by a secure government agency. Before you all start crying "big brother," they already have it anyway. Just watch "Law and Order" or any "CSI" program and see how many times they trace someone from a credit card or cell phone. The smart card could have an account number, something like a credit card number. This number plus our zip code is the only personal information they would get. The dealers or stores would pay a small fee to the agency each time they requested a credit score. This would allow them to make a basic decision, yes or no. Should they wish to lend us the funds and we accepted their terms, they could give us an account/reference number that we could enter into a government run secured web site allowing us to complete their application form. This would ensure that only fully licensed lending organizations would be receiving our most personal information.

They (our leaders) would get the chance to put some real meaning into the words "serve and protect" - and we would get to sleep at night without the fear of being left penniless.

Have an opinion or a question you would like me to answer, then write me! Carl@freelocalpapers.com www.carlhampton.com

Carl Hampton is the author of the best selling book "From Credit Despair to Credit Millionaire". His financial column "Your Money Matter" is now syndicated in a large number of newspapers with a readership of over 4 million readers per week.

Selecting a Strong Password to prevent Identity Theft

2008-06-20T23:58:00.000-07:00

Maintaining a secure computer is a good defense against becoming a victim of Identity Theft. Use a secure password. By secure, I mean a password that is not easily guessable, such as a word you may find in the dictionary. These types of passwords can ve found by someone using what is known as a "dictionary attack" This type of attack involves using the words that are found in the dictionary and comparing those to a hash that has been generated by the Operating System. If the attack matches the hashes, then the password has been compromised. Don't use birthdays or Social Security Numbers as well. It has been recommended that your password be at least 8 characters long, including small and capital letters, numbers, and special characters.

A password like "alphabet" can easily be compromised. If you were to change it up a little by making every other letter a capital, "AlPhAbEt", this will improve the security. You can then take it a step further and replace the "E" with the number "3", so then your password looks like "AlPhAb3t". Then take the "l" and change it to the number "1" or even the "!". So now the password looks like "A!PhAb3t". It will take a super computer an extremely long time to break this password. At this point the attacker would have to use a method known as "brute force". That means the attacker is taking every possible combination of numbers and letters and special characters and creating a hash to try and match the hash stored by the computer.

To prevent yourself from being subjected to a "brute force" attack, you can set up a security policy that will disable the account after a certain number of unsuccessful attempts.

To further prevent yourself from being compromised since there are programs that can download the hashes stored in your computer, you may want to set some kind of time limit for your passwords. A good example would be that the password would have to be changed every 90 days, and the same password can't be used within a 180 period. This will help ensure that if someone did get the hash of your password, that by the time it is compromised, it would be an obsolete password.

Try to check your logs to see if there have been any attempts on the password. This will certainly let you know if someone is looking at your computer in order to compromise the data that is stored on it.

By maintaining a secure password, you are ensuring that your private information will remain private.

For further information and tips, visit our site at www.whoelseisme.com

Founder of www.whoelseisme.com, we established a site to help those recover from Identity Theft and also how to prevent it from happening.

Think Twice About Identity Theft

2008-06-16T23:00:00.000-07:00

If you think identity theft happens only to other people, think twice.

I woke up to that the reality that anyone could be a victim of identity theft when my son called and told me he was notified of suspicious activity on his credit card. He lives in California and the charges occurred in Washington, a state he had never visited before.

Identity theft happens when someone uses your personal information without your permission to commit a fraud crime. An identity thief needs only a small amount of personal information to make the crime happen. Often your first hint that your identity was stolen is when you start to get calls about overdue bills. When the calls stop that does not mean your identity has been restored. The thief may just be changing the address to where the bills are sent when he uses your credit card.

Identity theft refers to the theft of name badges, driver's licenses, social security numbers and other financial information.

If your social security number is stolen, you can place a "initial fraud alert" by calling one of the three nationwide consumer reporting companies:

Equifax: 1-800-525-6285; www.equifax.com; P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241

Experian: 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742); www.experian.com; P.O. Box 2002, Allen, TX 75013

TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289; www.transunion.com; Fraud Victim Assistance Division, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92834-6790

If the theft involves your driver's license or other government ID, call the agency immediately to cancel the document and get a new one issued.

To help thwart identity theft use internet passwords with random letters and numbers. Using your mother's maiden name or even a pet's name is insecure.If you discover that you are an identity theft victim, call your credit card companies and cancel your credit cards immediately. Call your bank and discuss whether you should close any accounts there as well.

You can also monitor your personal credit report to spot incorrect information. Remember that fraudulent activity may not show up right away so it is good to monitor often. Here is one website where you can obtain a free credit report: https://www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/index.jsp

Keep an eye out for missing bills and be suspicious if you receive a credit card you did not apply for. Another warning sign of identity theft is denial of a new credit card you applied for or more stringent terms on a new card.

Check out the Federal Trade Commission's ID Theft website for valuable information: http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/

Identity theft is definitely on the rise. In 2003 over 198,000 identity fraud complaints were issued. According to the latest government report in December 2005, identity theft complaints rose almost 30% to 255,000 complaints were made. In fact, identity theft complaints represented 37 percent of the 686,683 complaints filed.

Identity theft will probably never go away. Be smart and take precautions now to avoid a horrible experience in the future.

Greg Cryns is the founder of McHenry Online, http://www.mchenryonline.com , a website focused on information about McHenry County, Illinois. He is also the owner of http://www.getshredders.info where you can get information about paper shredders.

Beating Credit Card Identity Theft

2008-06-11T02:46:00.000-07:00

Almost all property in the world can be stolen. Whether it be money in a bank, important documents, copyrights, and now even your intellectual property. Credit cards and ATMs are not spared from this situation, though these properties are protected with complicated passwords that only the owner knows. Recent news proved the world that cards cannot necessarily be stolen but the identity of the owner can.

According to some victims, they noticed that they have been paying their credit card companies more than the actual purchase they made. Troubled by the observation, the said victims extended their complaints to their credit cards companies.

The result was that, in the record of the companies the victims made transactions, not permitted by these victims. The companies later declared that the identities of the owners were stolen.

Knowing this reality, have you ever asked yourself, "How can I protect myself from these thieves?"

Well, if you have asked that question and still looking for an answer let this write-up be a help to you.

Securing your identity is never that hard. It will only cost you discipline and sense of responsibility. Mostly identity theft happens out of improper disposal of receipts and the like.

The receipt of a purchase contains almost all information pertaining to you that is essential in building your identity. Remember that every time you leave a counter you are asked to sign a piece of paper to validate your account and the transaction. Bear in mind that that signature is your identity.

Here are some suggestions of totally securing you identity over credit card thieves:

* Make a list of the products you purchased and make a draft a little of information about it. You may include the date of purchase, the price, place where you bought the product and other important data. These data are written in the receipt and therefore all you have to do is to copy it.

By doing so, you will always know the things you purchased and therefore be aware if any unauthorized purchases done when your bill comes. Aside from that, the list you made will surely help you organize your budget.

* Dispose your bills, credit cards applications, receipts and other confidential documents that contain your identity. A piece of paper with all necessary information in it will take a thief for an identity to be stolen.

If possible, do not use the shredder. You may rather burn these documents. If it does not need the document to be disposed, keep it in a protected place in your house, preferably a safe.

* Always keep an eye or keep your mails with you when falling in line at a bank. Regard them as cash.

* Improvise your mailbox in a manner that it locks by itself after your courier delivers your mail. That is to prevent thieves from stealing your mails as well

Morgan Hamilton offers expert advice and great tips regarding all aspects concerning Credit Cards. Get the information you are seeking now by visiting Credit Card Identity Theft

Hosting Service Providers and Identity Theft

2008-06-09T01:28:00.000-07:00

My Hosting Service, My Security Service: How much protection does your web host give you from identity theft...and how much can they?

There are laws now that protect us from identity thieves, sure, but oftentimes, by the time the law gets involved, the damage is already done. Your website may be defaced. Your name may be sullied. Your hosting service may have locked you out. You lose customers. You lose money. To recover, you have to regain lost ground, which also takes time and money. But what can you do to protect yourself? And can your web hosting service help?

In two words: they'd better. At the very least a hosting service in the age of spammers, hijackers, and hackers (oh my!) should at the very least have one or more firewalls protecting your data. They should also be able to offer you protection from Denial-of-Service (DoS) attacks, a common outcome of internet identity theft. Some hosting services may offer you a Virtual Private Network (at relevant expense, of course) for additional protection.

Your payment area should be completely secure, at the bare minimum promising SSL digital encryption of all incoming and outgoing data. You should also make sure the shopping cart your hosting service provides is compatible with the major online payment processing gateways, such as PayPal, NETeller, Citadel, FirePay Click2Pay, UseMyBank, and others.

Identity thieves will often try to access your hosting service account using the "fruits" of their thieving. Once inside, they can hijack your domain away from you or delete important files from your hosting service. If this happens to you, one thing to do is check the server logs of your hosting service to figure out the exact date and time that the theft occurred. Note the IP addresses involved in the action and contact the associated ISP. This alone won't resolve the problem. But it's a start.

If your email address is stolen, you may find you start receiving returned messages that you appear to have sent but which you know for certain you did not. Print each and every one of those messages out immediately and make copies -- they're evidence. Not only may they come in handy in tracing the source of the theft, but they may be the very things that keep your hosting service from terminating your account (if, for one hypothetical example, a thief uses your email address to send X-rated material).

The other immediate action to take if you ever suspect yourself of being a victim of internet identity theft is notify your hosting service, your ISP, and your domain name registrar. Any instructions they give you, follow. You could also file a police report (and probably should, at least to get the crime on record), but as it's unlikely anything will come of it (at least not immediately), this should really only be done after you've first contacted your hosting service, ISP, and registrar.

Hosting-Review.com is the premier resource on web hosting. Visit http://www.hosting-review.com for comprehensive reviews and rankings of over 50 web hosting service providers, as well as informative articles about everything to do with hosting.

Credit Report and Identity Theft

2008-05-31T03:17:00.000-07:00

Time to check your credit reports? Check your credit reports from the three main consumer credit reporting agencies.

A lot of people don???t understand the seriousness of taking the necessary precautions to prevent identity theft or fraudulent charges on their credit report,

The federal government passed a law that all credit reporting agencies provide one free credit report per year, per person. So it won???t cost a thing to access your credit report./
Once you receive your report, you can check for I.D. theft as well as bills that aren't yours.. So, if they have suspicious charges on their report they can take appropriate action as soon as possible.

Obtaining and carefully checking your credit report with safeguard you from identity theft .

You should obtain a credit report once a year to check for possible identity theftt and accuracy of your purchases. Your credit score will effect interest rates and even qualifying for loans, so don't be embaressed by a faulty score when obtaining a loan.

The three national credit bureaus are Equifax, TransUnion and Experian. Each produce the same numerical credit report score.

To obtain a copy of your credit report, you must provide the following in writing:
1) Full name, including any previous names
2) Current address
3) Previous address (if needed for five-year credit history)
4) Social Security number
5) Date of birth
6) Signature.

Remember, you are entitled to a free credit report once a year. Be vigilient, check for identity theft and inaccurate reporting.

Your credit report effects you in many ways, don't become an identity theft statistic.

Tometa Software Releases "TrackSweeper.net" as a Countermeasure to Identity Theft and Computer Privacy Issues.

2008-05-30T01:51:00.000-07:00

Spokane custom software development company Tometa Software has released its new software "TrackSweeper.net"; software that cleans a computer's activity log and internet history ensuring personal information stays private.

Spokane, WA April 27, 2006 - Tometa Software is set to release its version of an "internet history washer" with TrackSweeper.net, a software application which will delete temporary internet files and computer activity logs ensuring personal information and computer activity remains private.

"Most computer users don't understand the importance of keeping personal information secure on a home PC or notebook computer. The average PC holds a great deal of information that if not properly removed may cause a harmful invasion of privacy or potentially worse," said Brandon Marchand Tometa Software CEO.

Unlike the popular anti-virus and internet security available, TrackSweeper.net cleans the files on your computer that are automatically created that may contain personal and computer history information.

"TrackSweeper.net quickly eliminates unneeded system files, cashed internet files, and helps keep your computer running smoothly without the strain of unneeded files clogging it up," explains Brandon Marchand. "This eliminates potential vulnerabilities that the average computer user isn't even aware of, ensuring personal information remains secure."

TrackSweeper.net is available for download and is priced at $19.95. Bulk order discounts are available. More information about TrackSweeper.net is available at http://tometasoftware.com/products_tsnet.asp

About Tometa Software:

Tometa software is a rapidly growing, privately held next-generation custom and retail software provider based in Spokane, Washington. A company on the move, they are poised to become the leader in the increasingly sophisticated software industry. Tometa Software is a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner, an elite business partner having demonstrated the highest level of proficiency of Microsoft technologies.

Identity Theft, Credit Reports, & safely disposing of computers

2008-05-29T00:13:00.000-07:00

To say that Identity Theft has reached epidemic proportions in the UK doesn't appear to be any exaggeration on the facts which are commonly bandied about... even by totally responsible organisations.

If, as I read, 80% of Councils have reported problems... and 25% of people have been directly, or indirectly affected... then taking basic steps for your own safety should be an automatic procedure nowadays. With the advent of separate paper collections by many councils, it is easy for those who wish to obtain information to rummage through the bins or boxes, to look for personal details.

A shredder, I would say, is a basic necessity... and you can get a perfectly adequate electric strip-cut model which does up to 5 sheets of paper at a time [with paper container incorporated] for less than ?10 if you shop around. I purchased mine from Morrisons supermarket and have had it for well over two [fingers crossed] trouble free years.

If you don't possess a shredder, then at least tear off all names and addresses from your envelopes and destroy all letters, etcetera, which have your details on. I would burn, or shred and dispose of in two separate rubbish collections, all old credit, debit, or shop cards.

As well as these basic steps you will have, hopefully, found many useful tips and further information on the Identity Theft page at http://www.best-uk-electrical-appliances.com where you perhaps obtained this extra information.

Direct link to our Identity Theft info at Best UK electrical appliances

***

If you have a computer with any personal details on it, I can do no better than refer you to the helpful article below... please read and consider VERY CAREFULLY the all information included. Computers soon become out of date, or become less efficient due to many different problems. Consider what is stored on your computer... there are bound to be passwords for something or other, there are names and addresses, and perhaps personal details - even banking details - which could help a potential identity fraudster obtain access to your financial records, credit cards, or even to steal your identity.

Identity Thieves Find Treasure In Your Trash

- by Jim Edwards

Imagine this scenario...

After serving you well for three to five years, your old computer earns a well-deserved retirement.

You transfer all your old files to your new computer, delete them from the hard drive, and pack the old computer off to the trash heap, sell it, or give it away.

Sounds innocent enough until you stop to consider that you may have just given away your social security number, all your passwords, your credit card numbers, bank statements, financial records, and every other bit of sensitive data you ever maintained on that computer.

With computers getting cheaper by the day, many folks now find themselves replacing old machines with newer, faster models.

But understand one thing: just hitting the delete button to get rid of sensitive files basically rates the same as putting a bank statement in your trash can without shredding it - anybody can reach in and pull it out.

In fact, with inexpensive over-the-counter data recovery software (the kind you can buy to recover files you delete accidentally), virtually anybody can fire up your old hard drive and start pulling off data even though you "deleted" it.

This creates a veritable field day for identity thieves who comb through junk yards for old computers and attend computer shows buying up used hard drives by the dozens.

Whether selling it, giving it away, or tossing it on the junk heap, when it's time to replace your computer with a newer model, you basically have three options for permanently wiping out your data.

First Option:

Many computers come with recovery disks that will completely format the hard drive and return it to its original "factory-fresh" state. Using this approach makes a great option when you plan to give away or sell the computer.

Second Option:

Use a software program designed to erase your hard drive, or at least totally destroy your deleted files.

You can find one fr^e at www.active-disk-wiper.com that claims to completely erase your deleted files without affecting Windows or your other programs.

Third Option:

In keeping with the times, the third option requires a disclaimer.

Only attempt this with safety glasses, a flak jacket, and under close professional, adult supervision.

Unplug your computer and let it cool off.

Take off the cover and remove the hard drive.

Bash the hard drive with a hammer until it looks like a pancake!

That should render it completely resistant to any would-be identity thief armed with even the latest data recovery software.

Physical destruction of the hard drive rates about as secure as you can get in protecting your deleted files from prying eyes.

But before you take drastic action on the computer, remember that your "trash" may just represent a dream come true for someone who can't afford a new one.

Try to find a child, a student, or a struggling parent who could really use your old computer and would consider it a real blessing.

Finding the right new home for it could well change someone else's life forever.

--- Jim Edwards is a syndicated newspaper columnist (http://www.TheNetReporter.com) and is the author of several best-selling ebooks, information products and software programs. Jim also publishes the *World-Famous* www.IGottaTellYou.com Multi-Media Newsletter!

? Guaranteed Response Marketing, LLC P.O. Box 878 Lightfoot, VA 23188 -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

This email is never sent without permission.

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Just as we used to have remember to be vigilant with our physical property... locking doors and windows, putting anything we value out of sight, cancelling deliveries when on holiday, using security lights... plus many more day to day precautions are automatic necessities. But NOW we ALSO have to consider our intellectual property and even our unique being.

Whatever you have created on your computer is uniquely yours, don't leave it open to abuse or theft any more than you should leave about your credit/debit cards, household bills, or any other important documents which hold your personal details.

Just two more mentions... be extremely careful when answering your home telephone, there are those who can, and will, ask you, deviously, to confirm your name and/or address... and from that they can find out all your private details, and manage to steal your identity.

Sorry, three more... don't ever fall for the lottery win or other scam which requires you to send money or details to get your 'winnings'... finally, if you are selling any big value item [like a car] don't believe that a bankers draft is necessarily safe and don't fall for the scam where you accept a signed payment which is larger than the required amount, and you are expected to give back the overpayment in cash. You will have lost the item you were selling, plus the cash... and the cheque or bankers draft will be worthless.

Take care out there!

Copy and paste the following web address to your browser to check out the full page where some of this information [plus lots more] is available online... http://www.best-uk-electrical-appliances.com/IdentityTheftandCreditReports.html

Prevent identity theft

2008-05-28T01:30:00.000-07:00

When your personal data gets in the wrong hands, you can expect the worse. Identity theft is a huge problem that affects thousands of Americans each week. Rather than fighting to reduce the damage, you should think ahead and prevent identity theft before it costs you money, time and energy.

Of course, this means that you have to familiarize yourself with the potential dangers you are exposed to when documents containing personal information are accessed by thieves. The best way to prevent identity theft is to be aware of all your personal ID numbers, such as bank accounts, driver's license numbers, SSN, credit card numbers and so on.

Do not share or lose important documents There are many ways in which a thief can get access to your personal information. Once they have access to it they will pretend to be your legal representatives and will operate all sorts of transactions using your identity. You can however prevent identity theft by always being aware of the whereabouts of your personal information. Make sure to store all important documents in a safe and hidden spot in your home and keep on eye on them while at work. Do not share sensitive information with people that claim to be representatives from a bank or any other institution - check them out first and see if they really are who they claim to be. Being a little suspicious with anyone demanding personal information is one of your best defenses against identity theft.

Proper document disposal prevents identity theft Beware of "dumpster divers" - a name used for thieves that retrieve personal information from the garbage you throw out of your home or workplace. Try to prevent identity theft by making sure documents, envelopes, faxes and printed e-mails are disposed of properly - by using a paper shredder - nut just crumpled up and thrown in the waste basket. There are various effective paper shredder models available on the market and they will increase the security of your discarded documents. In fact, shredders are an accessory required by the new 2005 FACTA law for any business that has one or more employees.

Online identity theft techniques Spoofing tricks the user into giving the perpetrator personal information, such as credit card numbers, the social security number, diver's ID and so on. Internet identity theft is even more dangerous than regular ID theft, where the thief steals personal documents or recovers personal information from the garbage. With a stolen wallet, you are at least aware that you might become a victim of identity theft. On the other hand, the Internet identity theft schemes will leave you clueless and it might take months before you discover the theft. E-mail spoofing uses addresses and headers that make the e-mail seem like it was sent by a trusted source. IP spoofing allows thieves to get unauthorized access to a PC while link alteration redirects users to the hacker's site. Here are a few tips, recommended by the FBI, that will allow you to decrease the chances of falling a victim to Internet identity theft.

Tips on avoiding ID theft Access websites cautiously - especially if you follow a link from an e-mail. Internet identity theft is often triggered by unsolicited mail - never give out any personal information to such e-mails. Some spoofing techniques warn you that your account (e-mail, Pay Pal and any other type of account) is in danger of being terminated if you do not provide your password or other information - be aware of such schemes. Online payment is quick and easy, but always go with a trusted intermediary and payment processor. Your ISP should learn about any form of internet identity theft, which will enable them to prevent future problems. Secure sites begin with a "https" in the URL address bar. There should also be a lock symbol (icon) in the bottom part of your browser.

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Identity theft, a horror story

2008-05-27T00:30:00.000-07:00

Identity theft. The most damaging of criminal acts

Mary Jones was a good friend and neighbor. She worked for her church as much as she could while being a good wife and mother to her 3 your kids. It was a Monday morning and she went out to pick up the mail as she did every day. This Monday there was a huge amount of junk mail, which she threw out. What she did not see mixed in with the junk was a bank statement.

Tuesday night the trash went out to the curb ready for pick up the next morning. She was doing the same things that all her neighbors did, nothing different. What she did not see was a shadowy figure (we will call him Joe) in the small hours of the morning working his way down the street, digging in trash bin after trash bin. A passerby would mistake Joe for a bum and not look twice, not even ask himself why a bum was in a nice area like this.

Joe stuffs bits and piece in his bag and moves on. . Next day he is sorting through his haul and discovers a bank statement belonging to Mary Jones. Gold mine, he has what he needs. Off he goes and takes the information from Mary's statement and goes to work on his computer. He files a change of address for Mary and once that comes in he has control He now orders a credit card or as many credit cards as he possibly can. Once these start to arrive he is off shopping on Mary's dime. Mary continues with her happy life with no idea that her world is about to come crashing down on her head and her families.

See, it is not only Mary who is affected here. Her Husband Bill is a successful business owner who employ's 25 of their friends and has done so for the past 8 years. The credit scores on Mary's reports start to crash as the late notices come in on bills they did not even know they had. Mary and Bill's credit reports are tied together, which is common with married couples. Now Bills score is taking a nosedive. Bill's business runs on credit and has a good record over the years. However now a supplier rejects his credit request for new supplies. The business falters and eventually gets to a point where he is on a cash only operating basis. The business and family cash flow is not huge. It has given them a good life over the years but not made them rich. Bills business is not faltering and he now has to lay off several of his friends, as he can no longer get the operating capital he needs.

After 9 months of fighting the debts and trying to pay the bills it gets to a point of no return. They can't keep going. The bills are out of control and the house is now at risk as the mortgage is 3 months behind. The bottomed out credit score will not even allow them to get an apartment. Mary has been on the phones to the banks, credit card companies and credit reporting agencies but nothing is resolving. A lawyer is out of the question. The money is gone. Their lives are in ruins. All because of a careless mistake and a criminal identity thief who could not care less. He has long since moved on and is working on many other Mary's.

A scary hypothetical story but variations of this have been the lot of many identity theft victims. Have you ever had your identity stolen or even thought about it? It is one of he most damaging crimes out there. This is due to the fact that the criminals use it to steal money from you, under your name, and destroy your credit rating and good name everywhere they can before they finally discard the identity and move onto another victim.

The end result of this is hundreds, thousands maybe tens of thousands of unauthorized purchases dollars on your credit card that you now have to pay for. The fact that you can't pay for it only increases the damage as now all the late payments go onto your credit report. The more of this that happens, the worse the end result. Many people have had their lives totally destroyed by an identity thief.

Ever tried to rent an apartment without a credit check. Ever tried to get another credit card, buy a car, buy a home, and do anything at all that involves using your credit. Good luck. You will find you have very few friends in the credit world when you have a low credit score and even less friends when your credit score is off the bottom due to 20 purchases that were made using your credit card with our your permission. Getting a bunch of 30-day late marks every month on your credit report is about as bad as it gets. Go try and rent a house or buy a car with a score like that.

Ok, now go any try and get it fixed. Call the credit bureaus and tell them your story and how it is not your fault and you have filed a police report and done all you know how to do and please will they correct the reports now and put yours back to like it was before. Believe me you will fly before they will do this for you.

It now becomes your problem totally and completely to handle this mess and you have no friends on the inside to help you. You now have no credit, can't get credit and can't do anything that requires a credit check, as you will come up looking like the criminal yourself. It does not matter that the mess was made be someone who stole your identity, it is on your report and all the talk and reasons why from your end will not recreate the financial trust you had before.

Scary stuff. This is a hypothetical situation but all to real. The following advice is excerpted from the www.socialsecurity.gov site. Identity thieves get your personal information by: Stealing wallets, purses and your mail (bank and credit card statements, pre-approved credit offers, telephone calling cards and tax information); Stealing personal information you provide to an unsecured site on the Internet, From business or personnel records at work and personal information in your home; Sorting through trash for personal data; Posing as someone who legitimately needs information about you, such as employers or landlords; or Buying personal information from "inside" sources. For example, an identity thief may pay a store employee for information about you that appears on an application for goods, services or credit. Show your card to your employer when you start a job so your records are correct. Then, put it in a safe place. DO NOT carry your card with you. If you find out that someone is using your identity you can report it to the Federal Trade Commission at www.consumer.gov/idtheft

If you think someone is using your number for work purposes, you should contact Social Security. One way to find out whether someone is using your number in order to work is to check your Social Security Statement. The Statement lists earnings posted to your Social Security record. If you find an error on your Statement, contact Social Security right away. What if I think someone is using my number and creating credit problems for me? If someone used your Social Security number to get credit, Social Security cannot fix your credit record. To fix your credit record: Call the creditors who approved the credit (follow up with a letter). File a police report. Contact the fraud department of the major credit bureaus. Ask: To have a flag placed on your record, requiring creditors to contact you before approving additional credit using your name and number; How long your account will be flagged and how you can extend the flag, if necessary; and To have a statement added to your credit report--include your name, explain the problem and provide a telephone number where someone can call you. Request a copy of your credit report from each major credit bureau and check to see if it contains any entries you do not know about. If you are denied credit, you may be entitled to a free copy of your report. The major credit reporting agencies are: www.equifax.com www.experian.com www.tuc.com

Contact Social Security in addition to using their website, you can call toll-free at 1-800-772-1213. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you may call our TTY number, 1-800-325-0778.

As a final note if you have stolen or lost valuables please click this link to http://www.osldb.com to place the data in a very secure web site and this will allow others to help you find them.

CTW Inc is the owner of the http://www.officialstolenlost.com web site. The company founders have done red carpet security for celebrity events, movie premiers, large concerts, general event security & personal celebrity security. We have extensive experience with private investigations with the legal profession. Personal and home security have become our specialty. Free articles at http://www.osldb.com

Identity Theft - Are you Vulnerable?

2008-05-24T01:45:00.000-07:00

Identity theft is a common occurrence in our society. For most people, identity theft is something that happens to another person that is careless. However, identity theft can strike anyone, including people that take precautions. Although you can never guarantee that identity theft will not strike you, here are some the ways to reduce the risk that your identity will be stolen.

Identity theft is defined as when a person steals your real world identity in order to commit fraud. Identity theft affects millions of people each year and can cause financial damages and big headaches to people that have had their identity stolen.

Identity can occur in several ways, through hackers stealing personal information from large companies such as credit card companies or data wholesalers, by a computer user unknowingly divulging personal information to criminals and by merchants having access to your account details and personal information.

Many people are completely vulnerable when a bank or data wholesaler loses your information. There is nothing usually a private citizen can do since they do not control how the information is kept and transferred. Millions of people at once can be exposed to identity theft through these types of compromises. The best way to protect yourself is to check your credit report at least once a year to determine if any other entity tried to take out a loan or credit card without your authorization.

If you are notified by a company that your identity may have been compromised or see suspicious activity on your credit report, contact all three credit reporting agencies to make them aware that an identity theft has occurred. They will usually lock down your report and will not let credit cards and other financial institutions allow new credit or loans without checking with you first.

If you are surfing online, be careful who you give your personal information too. Many times emails are sent to you that look legitimate asking for personal or financial information. Never click on any links in your email. Always close your email, open up a new browser window and contact the company directly. These types of emails are called spoofing and they phish or look for unsuspecting people to give them their personal and financial information which is then used to commit fraud.

Another way your identity can be stolen is by merchants that process your transactions. There are some cases where a restaurant or gas station steals personal and credit card information from its customers. Although very difficult to stop, make sure that you give your credit card to businesses that are very transparent and have a low risk of fraud. So if you would like to reduce the risk of identity theft, take note of the above suggestions.

The Spywaredude keeps you informed with up to date information on Spyware, Adware, Malware and Viruses that can affect your computers operation. Vist the Spywaredude to read the latest news.

Identity Theft Surge Likely to Create Multiple Employment Opportunities in IT Security

2008-05-22T02:23:00.000-07:00

A recent survey conducted by the United States Department of Justice indicates that identity theft is indeed on the rise. Affecting millions of households in the U.S each year, identity theft costs have now soared well above $6 billion per year. The study confirms that roughly three percent of all U.S. households experienced some sort of ID theft during the first half of the calendar year 2004. While this particular method of illegally obtaining personal information for the purpose of financial gain only accounts for a percentage of the total losses resulting from identity theft, it represents an undermining of the online banking systems that many financial institutions have undertaken great expense to implement. Countering the surge in identity theft, many banking firms and other lenders are relying on an influx of recent and future graduates of IT security degree programs to spearhead efforts to thwart would be offenders who seek to commit criminal activity through electronic means. Whether the supply of IT security professionals is able to meet the current and future demands of the marketplace, however, is unknown. With identity theft and other data loss concerns becoming more commonplace in the information technology sector, an increased likelihood exists that security positions within the field will become harder to fill in the upcoming years. As IT security is a constantly evolving milieu, the need for well trained, competent systems management professionals is likely to extend into other sectors of information security as well. Not only are individuals at risk, institutions have also lost millions of dollars due to inadequate information security protocols. For those seeking a career opportunity, database security may represent one of the safest bets for future job security. According to the United States Department of Labor, "Employment (for computer security specialists) is expected to increase much faster than the average as organizations continue to adopt increasingly sophisticated technologies". While the future technologies implemented to effectively counter identity theft are unknown at this time, the need for qualified security personnel is an almost certainty. In a world where cyber crime is steadily rising, one can only hope that the professionals needed to design and implement advanced security measures needed to combat identity theft will be available to protect the resources of consumers and institutions alike.

Earn a Degree in IT Earn a degree online on our other site. Click here to read other articles about online education

Identity Theft Protection Safety Precautions

2008-05-21T04:04:00.000-07:00

Identity theft has become the fastest growing criminal activity in the 20th Century, replacing illegal drug sales. For the perpetrators, it offers the highest profit margin with the least risk. In fact, according to one expert, it is estimated that fewer than 1-in-700-identity crimes actually result in a conviction.

In the United States alone, Identity theft has reached $53 billion dollars a year. Consumers are directly shouldering about $5 billion of that, but the rest, which is paid by businesses and retailers, is passed on indirectly to consumers who are paying more for goods and services.

How BIG is this Problem?

In recent months, there has been a rash of reports about big thefts, where criminals are stealing identities in mass quantities. Banks, credit card companies and businesses that house servers storing passwords or other sensitive, private information have all reported ?break-ins? that happened through the use of Trojan viruses and other online hacking methods ? resulting in the loss of millions of pieces of information being stolen. There have also been instances of the information just getting ?lost?, of employees selling it and other lax security measures resulting in the same thing ? thieves having access to your identity.

What do Thieves Want?

- Your Name
- Date of Birth
- Home Address
- Phone Numbers
- Social Security Number
- Driver?s License Number
- Credit Card Numbers
- CW2 Security Code (the number on the back of your credit card)
- Your Credit Report
- ATM Cards
- Telephone Calling Cards
- Mortgage Details

Where Are They Getting All Your Information?

High-tech methods include online thefts from:

- Banks
- Credit-Reference Agencies
- Retailers
- Credit Card Networks
- Data-Brokerage Companies
- Payment Processing Companies
- Phone Companies
- Schools
- Your Employer
- Doctors, Clinics and Health Departments
- Government Agencies

But there are still low-tech methods that are effective as well:

- Dumpster Diving
- Mail Theft
- Retail Theft
- ?Phishing?/pretexting/pretending
- Purse/Wallet Theft

What are Thieves Using Your Information For?

- Making charges to your existing credit cards
- Opening new credit cards in your name
- Having phone or utilities turned on
- Withdrawing money from your existing bank accounts
- Employment purposes
- Driver?s Licenses
- Tax Fraud
- Social Service benefits
- Student loans
- Business or Personal loans
- Health care
- Mortgage loans/leases
- Auto loans
- Using your ID when caught committing a crime

How Can You Protect Yourself?

- Keep a photocopy of all your credit cards, bank account numbers and investment account numbers in a safe place
- Keep your credit card receipts ? don?t throw them away in a public place
- Put a ?fraud alert? on all your credit reports
- If you apply for credit and the card doesn?t arrive on time, call the card issuer
- Choose difficult to guess PIN numbers or passwords. (Don?t use birth dates, your mother?s maiden name, pet?s name, etc.)
- Never give personal information to anyone who sends you an email, a letter or calls you asking for it
- Shred any personal information ? such as bills, credit card or bank statements, even pre-approved credit applications before throwing them away
- Don?t use the ATM machine if someone is watching you
- Pay attention to what?s going on around you ? cell phones often have cameras in them. If someone is standing close by you with a cell phone while you're entering a PIN number at the ATM or in line at the grocery store, block their view
- Review your bills each month for unusual or suspicious charges. If there?s something you don?t remember or doesn?t seem right, call the creditor right away
- Check your credit report at least once a year
- Store your cancelled checks safely, or better yet, have the bank do it. You can always get a copy if you need one.
- Don?t leave your purse in plain sight when driving
- Keep your valuable locked in the trunk or glove box when driving
- Make all personal information on your laptop or computer password protected
- Don?t carry information about your PIN numbers, passwords and account numbers in your purse or wallet; or at least don?t make them easily identifiable as to which account they belong to

Warning Signs that Your Identity Has Been Stolen:

- Although you have good credit, a loan application is denied, or you?re refused extended credit requests
- You are suddenly contacted by a debt-collection agency
- Your purse or wallet has been stolen, or your house broken into
- There is unfamiliar activity on your credit report

What to do if it Happens to You:

- If your purse or wallet is stolen, call the police immediately, and file a report. Make sure that you?re given a report number
- Contact your bank, credit card and other credit extending companies and report the theft
- Close the accounts
- Contact the credit-reporting companies in your area, and report the theft.
- Review your credit report every 90 days for the next year for suspicious activity
- If there is fraudulent activity, have it removed immediately and monitor your credit report every 90 days for the next year
- Put everything in writing, and follow up with your credit card companies, banks, and credit reporting agencies. Keep copies of all supporting documents
- File a report with the Federal Trade Commission
- Change the passwords on your existing accounts and create new ones for new accounts

Identity theft is real, and it?s a growing problem, and it could happen to you. Although there are no guarantees that you can keep your information safe, by paying attention to the risks and taking proactive steps to protect yourself, you can minimize your chances of someday having an ?identity crisis?. Good luck!

Identity theft - one of the most overhyped fears of our time

2008-05-20T04:39:00.000-07:00

A leading identity theft expert used the credit industry?s annual conference to show that the government has massively over-hyped public fear of the extent of identity fraud to sell its Identity Cards Bill.

He also urged the credit industry not to join the bandwagon by selling over-priced prevention products to over-anxious consumers, and to help combat the crime by supporting victims more readily.

Barry Stamp, Joint Managing Director of
checkmyfile.com, presented to leading credit industry figures at the Institute of Credit Management?s National Conference.

He showed how the government?s estimated figure of ?1.72bn worth of losses to the UK economy, caused by identity fraud, has been massively over-inflated. In particular, these include the costs of security checks for routine government functions and losses that reasonably cannot be included within the general understanding of identity fraud.

This has whipped up public fear and in doing so is likely to obtain wider public support for the introduction of identity cards.

?The largest single component of the government?s ?1.72bn estimate is ?504.8m worth of losses relating to plastic card fraud, taken from the figures reported in April 2005 by APACS. Closer examination of the APACS figures show that losses from identity fraud account for just over 7% of overall card fraud, so the true losses are only ?36.9m. This example is one of many that clearly illustrates how the government has used a creative approach to the definition of what is and is not included within identity theft losses,? said Stamp.

?Going on to include the ?62.8m cost of the measures to counter identity fraud when processing passport applications, and another ?34.8m for things like unpaid fines where the offender doesn?t turn up at court are further examples of how the definition has been stretched?.

?In reality, identity fraud is a fast growing crime, but losses in the UK are probably running closer to ?150m at the moment?.

Stamp warned: ?While the risk is real, and consumers need to increase their awareness, there really is no excuse for the government to strike fear of falling victim to identity theft into consumers for political advantage. If the credit industry exploits that fear to promote over-priced identity theft protection products to replace waning income streams from payment protection insurance, then that would be totally unacceptable.?

?If the problem is as large as it is claimed to be, then I would very much like to know why Police resources have not been strengthened to combat the crime. Of the many hundreds of cases of identity theft that checkmyfile.com has reported to the Police, not one has been pursued to court action.?

?Any consideration of the effectiveness of identity cards should also bear in mind the state of some of our existing national databases.? says Stamp. ?In the UK, our government just isn?t very good at collecting personal data or maintaining it, so what reasonable person might assume that the National Identity Register might be any different? In the UK we don?t even have a central point of reference to check whether cards or any other identification documents are lost or stolen, as exists in other countries, nor have I seen any plans to build one.?

Stamp, author of ?Identity Theft, Prevention and Victim Assistance?, and whose company checkmyfile.com provides consumers with access to a wide range of databases, and supplies identity restoration services to a leading insurance company, urged credit managers who attended the ICM National Conference to follow the lead of some lenders who offer free identity theft prevention advice and to work together to combat the crime.

Philip King, the newly appointed Director General of the ICM, fully supports such an industry initiative. He said: ?Credit managers working together have shown in the past that losses from criminal actions, such as mortgage fraud, can be prevented by sharing intelligence. Identity theft presents a very similar challenge to our industry and we now need to focus on addressing the issue professionally?.

Don't Be an Identity Theft Victim: E-mail Safety Tips

2008-05-20T04:38:00.000-07:00

Remember the good old days: To send a picture to your family, you had to put it in envelope, mark the envelope "Photos-Do Not Bend" (which, apparently in some languages means "Bend this"), then find their mailing address, hunt for stamps, try to guess how many to use, then wait 3-37 business days for them to receive it. You business owners out there, remember trying to get your client that important proposal, having to get everything typed up and signed before 4 pm to make sure it went out overnight? Then, remembering at 4:15 that you forgot to include that important page.

My how we have grown. E-mail is a truly invaluable tool. What would we do without it! Now, we use it to send pictures to friends and family instantly. We use it to request more information about that vacation we want to take. Office coworkers use it to communicate with one another and businesses use it to communicate with customers and vendors. E-mail is fun and very cost efficient. But, it is not very secure. It is one of the main ways of transmitting viruses and other malicious software from computer to computer. Also, it is possible for your e-mail to be read by someone other than your intended recipient. E-mail is really like sending a postcard through the mail. Anyone can read what you write on a postcard. Knowing that, you would never write "secret" stuff on a postcard and that same rule should apply to your e-mail.

This article is the second in our series "Protect your Data Online and in the Office". Remember, a thief first needs your data in order to steal your identity. That is what we want to prevent. The first article in our series dealt with creating good, strong passwords. Now, we will offer some tips and suggestions that will help keep you safe while using e-mail. But first, where did e-mail come from?

A Very Brief History of E-mail
Very basic e-mail actually first appeared on scene in early 1960s. However, it only worked with a certain type of computer and so was not feasible for the masses. But then, in the early 1990s, the modern version of e-mail began to take shape. America Online and Delphi began to connect their corporate e-mail systems to the Internet and viola, the modern e-mail standard was born. Now anyone could send a certain number of e-mails each month for around $10 (can you imagine having to pay for e-mail?). Today, estimates on the number of e-mails send each day range from a little over 2 billion (yes, that is "billion") to 60 billion. Wow! That is allot of communication. It also provides plenty of opportunity for unscrupulous people to spread viruses and harvest sensitive data. So, lets see how we can limit our risk while using e-mail.

E-mail Attachments
Be skeptical of attachments. Even if you know the person sending you the message, if you are not expecting an attachment, don' t open it. The attachment may contain nasty little programs know as "letterbombs." One of these could easily render your computer useless. The best course of action is to contact the sender and ask them if they sent you a file. They can then verify that it was indeed from them. Then, you can decide to open it or not. If you decide to open it, make sure your anti-virus software is operating and is up-do-date. This may be an inconvenience, but it is much better than possibly installing a trojan horse program or a virus.

Links In Your E-mail Message
Be skeptical of links to web sites that may be included in the e-mail. You must make sure the link will lead you to where you think it will. The link may say it will lead you to the "E-Bay" site, for example. However, in reality, it might lead you to a questionable web site. Rather than clicking on any link within your e-mail message, copy the URL and paste it into your web browser. Here's how:

? While in the e-mail, highlight the entire link in question and press Ctrl-C.

? Open your web browser.

? Highlight the text contained in the address bar at the top and press Ctrl-V.

? Read the text carefully and make sure it looks safe. Sometimes the underlying URL is different from what appears in the e-mail message.

Install an anti-spoofing program like Spoofstick. It is a great little program that will alert you if you are about to go to a questionable site.

Personal Data
Never transmit credit card, bank account, social security number, passwords or any other information you consider private via e-mail. Remember, it is really like sending a postcard.

"But I got this email from my bank. They told me that I had to update my account information or it will be suspended", you may say. Amazingly, thousands fall for this. While the e-mail may look official, right down to the institution's logo, it is most likely a scam. Don't fall for it. Financial institutions will not do this sort of thing via e-mail. Most likely, they will send you a letter in the mail, requesting that you update your information. However, if you think that the request may really be legitimate, call them on the phone at the number that you have on record. Then you will be sure if the request is valid.

Passwords
Change your passwords often. This does not take long and goes a long way to protecting your data. See our article "Tips for Creating Good Passwords" for more information on this important step.

Spam
This is probably the number one complaint that clients have. While it is almost impossible to completely avoid spam, here are some things that can limit your exposure:

? Never reply to spam. Sometimes there is an "unsubscribe" link at the bottom of the message. However, if you click it, you are probably just signifying to the spammer that he has found a legitimate address and he will be sure to send you more spam.

? Enable your e-mail software's spam filtering features. This varies from e-mail program to e-mail program. Consult the help section of the software that you use for more information.

? Do not post your e-mail address on any web page. Programs called "harvesters" routinely search the Internet for e-mail addresses to gather and sell to spammers.

Yahoo

MSN

Google

? When filling out a web form, make sure to uncheck any box indicating you would like to receive "additional information" or "production information from related vendors" (unless you want to receive such correspondence).

Using Public Computers
When using a public computer at a library or coffee shop, for example, make sure you sign out when you are done. That way, the next user will not be privy to your account information. Also, make sure you close the browser you were using when you are ready to end your Internet session. Some computers are setup to automatically remove private information when they are closed. If you are not sure, ask the administrator.

In Conclusion
Hopefully, this article provided you with some new ideas regarding e-mail safety. Common sense and a healthy dose of skepticism will go a long way to keeping you and your data safe. Use caution when revealing personal information, such as account numbers or passwords, to anyone you meet in cyberspace because they may not be who they claim to be.

Next in the series will be an article discussing some software that will help to keep you safe. Make sure to bookmark our blog and check back for that article.

Protecting Your Banking Details - Stop Identity Theft !

2008-05-19T23:18:00.000-07:00

It would seem that the computer is becoming a bigger and bigger part of our lives each and every day. There's good reason for that perception... it's true. One specific area that is becoming incredibly popular is online banking. Customers love it because it is very convenient and a great time saver. The banks love it because it automates a great many functions for them and cuts down on their overhead.

The number one concern of anyone that deals with online banking should be security. Putting your personal information over the Internet can be risky, there is no denying that. Fraud and identity theft have become huge problems in the modern age. There are any number of hackers and thieves out there in cyberspace just waiting to prey on innocent people.

Fortunately for us, the financial institutions of the world are very aware of this problem and are working aggressively to combat it. There was a time when a bank's chief security concern was whether they would be robbed or not. I think we've all seen the old movies about Bonnie & Clyde, John Dillinger and the like... to say nothing of the daring train robberies of the wild west. Now banks face a new and much deadlier challenge than ever before, and instead of wearing a mask and using a gun, the bad guys are now invisible and use keyboards.

Identity theft has now become so prevalent that thieves are rifling through garbage to attain any information that they can use to steal from their unsuspecting victims. With this said, there are some simple, common sense approaches that will go along way to securing personal bank information.

1. Do not share your passwords with anyone.

2. Keep important documents locked in a safe or safety deposit box.

3. Shred documents that you no longer need.

4. If you bank online, make sure your bank is using a secure, encrypted site (It's OK to ask what security features they employ).

5. When using an ATM make sure no one can see the codes you enter.

These are a just a few of the things that can be done to keep banking information secure and avoiding possible crimes against you. While many of these seem to be glaringly obvious, all to many times they are taken for granted or just plain ignored. It is at these times when the criminals are at their best. Individuals that grow careless and complacent are exactly what they look for. Don't be counted as one of the them.

For more Identity Theft Articles please visit http://www.real-articles.com/Category/Identity-Theft/216

Tips to Avoid Identity Theft

2008-05-17T01:08:00.000-07:00

What is rampant, spreading like wildfire and can kill life as you know it? No, not a deadly virus (but close). Answer: Identity theft. My stepson, Aaron, was a victim of identity theft recently. Someone stole his bank cards, deposited fake checks into his account, then withdrew cash. The deposited fraudulent checks and overdraft charges hurt his credit, and he's slowly recovering and rebuilding his score.

Tips to avoid identity theft: 1. Buy a shredder. Aggressively protect your social security, credit card or bank numbers. 2. Use a lock-in mailbox. This isn't 100% safe, but it's much safer than one without a lock. 3. Protect your out-going mail. Get it into the box or the hands of a postal clerk. Heavily trafficked offices often have out-going mail in the entryway. While this may save time, it's not safe. 4. Keep receipts and compare to your statements when they come once a month. Banks make mistakes all the time. 5. Keep financial documents under lock and key (at the bank or in a home safe). 6. Don't give out your social security card--ever. 7. Know what's in your wallet. Do you know how many credit cards are in your wallet? 8. Don't discuss detailed financial information on a cordless or cell phone. That information can be intercepted. 9. Monitor your credit reports. You can sign up for a monitoring service or do it yourself periodically. Your credit is one of your assets, so protect it.

If someone steals your credit card information, get help from these reputable resources-- Federal Trade Commission www.consumer.gov/idtheft or 877-382-4357 Identity Theft Resource Center at www.idtheftcenter.org 858-693-7935 Privacy Rights Clearinghouse www.privacyrights.org or 619-298-3396

Don't Be an Identity Theft Victim: Tips for Creating Good Passwords

2008-05-17T00:57:00.000-07:00

According to recent studies, up to 7 million people per year (yes, that is "million") are victims of identity theft in the United States alone. That is more than 19,000 per day and nearly 800 per hour. Wow! While some feel that these figures may be greatly inflated, they still are sobering. Regardless of the actual number per year, we still need to protect ourselves from this problem. Many, though not all, of the yearly victims become so because they are not as careful with their sensitive data as they should be. Carelessness is all a thief needs to make a victim.

CCT offers this article "Tips for Creating Good Passwords." This will be the first article in the CCT Tip Series entitled "Protect your Data Online and in the Office". Please give us your feedback. Feel free to leave comments and suggestions.

The chain of protection is only as strong as its weakest link. Many times, the weakest link is a poor password. One of our clients recently told me that at one time, every computer in their office had a password of "password". Obviously, that offered as much protection as a screen door on a submarine. A password is the first step to safeguarding yourself and protecting your sensitive data.

Password No-Nos

1. DO NOT include words that can be found in the dictionary in any language. Believe it or not, there are dictionaries for password cracking. They are filled with, not only words and names, but also number and letter combinations, such as 11111 and abc123. If your password is super simple, like "champ" or "bigtime", it can easily be guessed.

2. DO NOT use only letters or only numbers.

3. DO NOT use names of spouses, children, girlfriends, boyfriends or pets.

4. DO NOT use phone numbers, birthdates or, even worse, your Social Security number.

5. DO NOT use the same word as your log-in, or any variation of it.

6. DO NOT give out your password to friends or family members (especially children) who could pass them on to other less trustworthy individuals.

7. DO NOT store written passwords in your desk, under your keyboard or, worst of all, on a bright, yellow sticky note on your monitor. Sure, this is nice to have in case you forget your password. However, it also can provide easy access to your computer for thieves.

8. DO NOT provide your password over e-mail even if a trusted company or individual requests it. Internet "phishing" scams might use fraudulent e-mail to entice you into revealing your user names and passwords so criminals can access your accounts, steal your identity, and more. E-mail security will be discussed in a future article.

9. DO NOT use the same password for multiple accounts. If someone gets one password, they could gain access to many of your accounts.

10. DO NOT enable the Save Password Option. You may see a dialog box which asks you if you want the computer to remember the password you just entered. In this case, your best bet is to choose NO. If you select YES, anyone who uses your computer could also use your pre-saved passwords on these accounts.

Ok. Now we know a little about what we should avoid. Let's learn a little about what is involved in making a good password:

Proven Methods of Great Password Creation

1. DO make your password at least 8 characters long. This would apply to your PC on your desk and any Online account that you have that requires a password. A password of this length and containing a mix of upper and lowercase letters (more on this in the next step)will take about 2 years to crack.

2. DO choose a phrase or combination of words to make the password easier to remember. For example, take a phrase that you can remember. Let's use "Where Oh Where Has My Little Dog Gone." Now, take the first letter of each word in that phrase and you come up with: WOWHMLDG. Now, mix in some lowercase letters and you get: wOWhmLdG. For even more security, add some punctuation to the mix: wOW^hm%LdG. That is a very strong password and yet it is fairly easy for the owner to remember.

3. DO change passwords regularly. Ideally, every few months you should create new, strong passwords for all of your accounts. This can help keep hackers off balance if they're monitoring a Web site that you visit frequently.

Changing your password for your Online accounts

Web sites have a variety of policies that govern how you can access your account and change your password. Look for a link (such as "your account") somewhere on the site's home page that goes to a special area of the site that allows password and account management.

Changing the password for your office computer

You can usually find information about how to create, modify, and access password-protected user accounts, as well as how to require password protection upon startup of your computer in the Help files of your operating system, or online at the operating system software manufacturer's Web site. For example, if you use Microsoft Windows XP, online help can show you how to manage passwords, change passwords, and more. Mac users can go here for more information.

I am sure that some of you may think that the suggestions mentioned in this article might be a little extreme. However, stop and consider this: In the time it took you to read this article, 53 people in the United States became victims of identity theft. Many of them because they were careless with their sensitive data. A secure password is the first step in making yourself safe online and in the office.

Next in our series, we will discuss "How to be Safe While Using Email." Be on the lookout for that article.

Crystal Coast Technologies is a web design team headquartered in Swansboro North Carolina. We specialize in Flash web design and database driven e-commerce. Our blog contains more tips and the latest tech news, including security alerts.

Identity theft - A true story! - Don't be a victim.

2008-05-16T01:54:00.000-07:00

About 10 or so years ago I received a call from the Inland Revenue office. They said that they would like to visit me to talk to me about my working status and my National Insurance contributions.

Naturally I was quite nervous about their visit as I did not know what it was all about. They said that they were not at liberty to discuss the details with me over the telephone.

When they arrived we sat down and talked. They explained to me that they had received two National Insurance contributions from two different individuals sharing the same name. I was confused and still did not fully appreciate what they meant.

After further explanation I realised that my identity had been stolen. In simple terms there were two of me in the UK system.

As our discussion progressed I was told that I had to provide proof of my identity, imagine that, having to prove that you are who you say you are. It was quite a daunting experience. After I provided all the necessary and required documentation they told me that they were satisfied and that they will now follow up their investigations with the other gentleman involved.

Some months later the Inland Revenue contacted me to confirm that they had got to the bottom of this mystery and confirmed that the case was closed.

This incident happened a number of years ago when the Internet was not as well used for information as it is now used today.

I have since then discovered a website that you can use to check to make sure that your identity has not been cloned or stolen.

Ken Ajoku is the Senior Partner of http://www.kajoku.biz , a company dedicated to GROWING businesses by as much as 300%.

Click the following link NOW to hear the actual story and to check for FREE that your identity has not been cloned.

http://www.kajoku.biz/Help_Protect_Yourself_From_Identity_Fraud.php

Identity Theft Safety First

2008-05-13T02:14:00.000-07:00

To avoid becoming the next victim of identity theft you must place safety first. Identity theft is one of the leading crimes today that is claiming the control of millions of people and costing us a fortune to recover from the crime. You heard me right; it is costing us a fortune, since we make of the loss of identity theft by paying higher costs for foods, gas, products, and so forth. When a person loses their identity, they become a long-living victim, since the victim pays for the crime that the thief acted upon.

It is unfortunate that we are in a world were the victim often pays more than the criminal for a crime, thus putting safety first is the only way we can protect our self from the criminals and the enforcers that force the victims to pay.

Crime in itself is constant, thus identity crime, is when a person takes hold of another person's information and utilizes it to make purchases, open accounts, escape crimes, commit additional crimes, and so forth. When a person gains hold of your identity it is an ongoing process to gain control of your life. Unfortunately, few states offer identity theft victims the ability to FREEZE the credit reports, and when I say unfortunately...I mean that not all states have this law available. Freezing the credit reports is the best way to protect your identity further, since if you are allowed to Freeze the accounts, only you will have access to those reports. Some states place a Fraud Alert on the credit reports, which provides no protection to you, and it makes you look bad.

If you are victim of identity theft, learn the steps to take to prevent ongoing activity. The first step is to contact the authorities and provide them all information available to you about the crime. Next, you will need to go online and report the crime to the government. The Federal Trade Commission has a site online that enables you to file a complaint, which the information is handed over to the FBI and government officials, who have put up an identity theft team force to find the perpetrators. The act of filing the complaint is essential, since the FBI and government can reach further to find the perpetrator over the local authorities. A victim of identity theft should also request copies of their credit reports and alert the companies that they were robbed of their identity. The person should also close any accounts in their names and immediately contact their credit card providers, letting them know they are a victim of identity theft.

To protect your self from identity theft it is important to learn the steps to protect yourself. Companies' offline and online have a legal obligation to you, to keep information giving to them private from other companies' and individuals, however, there are companies' offline and online they disregard the law and will sell, lease or give your information to other companies or individuals. It makes sense to conduct a background check on any service provider or company to make sure that the source is reputable. If you are making purchases offline at department stores make sure, the company has a good reputation.

Recently, a store opened in our area that offered equipment and services to the community, however, the person was not a reputable source, and thus anyone giving their information to this person was at risk. As you can see, anyone can be the perpetrator of identity theft. Although, no one was affected by this person symptoms were available that did hold potential risks.

Nowadays, we cannot trust anyone with our personal information. Putting safety first can prevent thieves from taking control of our lives. Thus, do not give your social security number or other information over the phone lines, unless you know for sure who these people are. Even then, you should use caution, since cellular phones and cordless phone lines can produce leakages, especially if the neighboring area has Scanners or other devices that make it possible to listen in to conversations conducting over the phone.

Tony Robinson is an International Author, Webmaster and Security Guru. Check out his Identity Theft Protection Tips at http://www.officialidentitytheft.com/

Identity Theft Tips

2008-05-12T01:34:00.000-07:00

Identity theft is an ongoing crime, that in the year of 2004 alone more than eleven million victims lost their identity. Now that we are in recession, the world is in chaos more so than ever and many people are desperate to survive.

Some thieves start as innocent citizens in the environment that have been pushed beyond their ability to cope with stress and stressors, thus allow criminal thinking to win them over and a crime in the making. Other thieves practice, since it is a form of entertainment, while other thieves have deeper motives behind that act.

Thus to fight identity theft the greatest tip of all is to learn all you can about the crime and steps to take in protecting your identity. The tip will include learning steps to take if you become the next victim of identity theft. You should also prepare you mentality, since it will be challenged throughout the trial of identity theft.

If you have taking all the steps to prevent identity theft, learn more tips to help you to keep fighting. If you are victimized by identity theft learn all you can to prevent further damage to your life.

What thieves do with identities? When a thief takes an identity, he/she can open bank accounts in your name, apply for jobs and credit cards in your name, and file bankruptcy in your name. The list is only a selected choice of what thieves do with identities, since some identity thief will kill in your name.

Identity thieves can change your address and credit card and bank accounts, as well as sending your statements and bills to various addresses to confuse the law, thus slowing the process of learning who is the identity theft victim. Thieves can open cellular phone and land-base phone accounts in your name, or request utility hook-ups. Identity thieves can also open banking accounts, write checks, draining the accounts, and continue writing checks that instigates another crime, which you may face penalty.

Thieves will do various things with your identity, including handing you over to the law if they are caught. This means that if the thief is caught and fails to appear in court, you may be summons to court. The criminals could also get a driver license in your name, and if they are pulled over for, drinking and driving...guess who is in trouble.

We live in this cruel and vicious world and most times victims are persecuted, accused and pay more for a crime than any single criminal will ever pay. The law protects the rights of criminals, while victims' rights are fewer, and will do what they can for the criminal, while seating the victim in the shadows.

If you find you are victimized by identity theft, learn assertiveness, organizing skills, and the will to keep fighting. Online you will find all the information you need to learn the steps to fight the long battle of identity theft. To help your mental status visit the online discussion boards and talk freely about your situation without giving out personal information, including name and phone numbers. Make up a superficial name and ride with the rest of the victims of identity theft. Counselors may help, but they cannot restore your life.

Therefore, one of the greatest of the great tips to fight identity theft is to ALWAYS, keep witnesses and evidence linking you to where you say you are. If you have written evidence and witnesses, if you have to appear in court for what the trader did to you, thus you will have ammunition to fight the criminal and law. Remember, you are the victim of a crime and NO ONE is going to search harder and work harder than you to get the criminal put behind bars. Unfortunately, if the criminal is caught, the law will probably give him less time than you will spend recovering your identity and the criminal will pay less for the crime that what the general population will pay for the ongoing crime; still a measure of justice is there. Finally, do not forget...GOD provides the ultimate justice of any crime committed against you, so laugh at the law if the perpetrator of identity theft against you receives fifteen years for his crime, since the real justice is coming.

Tony Robinson is an International Author, Webmaster and Security Guru. Check out his Identity Theft Protection Tips at http://www.officialidentitytheft.com/

Identity Theft Crimes

2008-05-10T00:25:00.000-07:00

The cost of identity theft crimes is ranging in the billions, since everyday someone is robbed of their identity. The FBI, Police Departments around the world, Government and other teams are joining to fight the ongoing crime of identity theft, however, the stronger the fight the more these groups of authorities fall behind.

Down through the centuries criminals have always managed to stay one-step ahead of the authorities. Today, these criminals are taking advantage of technology development and moving even two-steps ahead. Identity theft is one of the leading crimes around the globe and the more authorities battle the crime, the more identity thefts move in to take away someone else's life.

When a person is robbed of their identity is a long, hard fight to restore the life, yet in some cases, the person never receives their identity back. When a person does receive their identity back, it leaves a void in their life. During the battle to recover your identity, you will feel angry, frustrated, hopeless, stressed, and so forth and you will feel like you are left alone in life. You are not alone since thousands of others are also victims of identity theft, thus the only partners you have are those battling with you. The authorities work to fight identity theft, however little movement is made to progress toward apprehension, since most criminals are far too intelligent to get ahead of. Criminals outside of the Internet are likely to be caught sooner than those that steals identities over the World Wide Net. Thus, the World Wide Net is less guarded by authorities than many believe; therefore, the criminals are less apt to be apprehended.

If you are not an identity theft victim yet, make sure you do everything you can to guard your self from becoming the next victim. As a victim myself, I have fought more than seven years with little result and the perpetrator in one instance was never caught.

If you become a victim of identity, theft, be prepared to battle throughout the rest of your lifetime. Be sure to contact the three B's right away and let them know that you believe that your identity was stolen. The Credit Bureaus will put up a Fraud Alert once they are notified, thus you will need to step up when this alert is activated and ask them to FREEZE your accounts. Freezing the accounts will provide you hope whereas fraud alerts will only add to the distress you are already feeling from the crime. Fraud alerts only alert the creditors that someone has possibly tampered with your account, while a Freeze on your account will enforce the creditors to look more into your situation if you apply for credit in the future.

Once you have alerted the credit bureaus that you are possibly a victim of identity theft, make sure you close any accounts that the theft may possibly have access to...bank accounts, credit card accounts, department cards; et cetera should all be closed immediately. If you notice any bills on your credit cards, checking accounts of other accounts notify the provider and dispute the charges immediately. Delaying to take action will only worsen the situation.

It is important to keep guard over your checking accounts, saving accounts, credit cards and other accounts at all times to make sure no activity is in movement that you have not issued. Keep all PIN numbers, ID numbers, Social Security Card and other information in a secure area and do not allow anyone access to those numbers unless you have no doubt in your mind you can trust the source.

After my identity was stolen, I lost self-respect, confidence and felt that my privacy was non-existing. In fact, it affected me so dramatically that my body alone felt completely violated. Identity theft crimes are one of the worst crimes that could be committed against another individual. In fact, as a victim of rape and a victim of identity theft, I preferred to have been raped again rather than lost my identity. I compared the two, since it will give you an insight of what to prepare for if someone steals you identity.

Tony Robinson is an International Author, Webmaster and Security Guru. Check out his Identity Theft Protection Tips at http://www.officialidentitytheft.com/

Protect Your Self Now from Identity Theft

2008-05-08T03:52:00.000-07:00

Protect Your Self Now from Identity Theft

Protecting your self now from identity theft is the best thing you will ever do in your lifetime. Companies are now working to fight identity theft by adding new software programs that supposedly adds additional protect, however when you give out your information over the World Wide Web you are always at risk. Thus, in this article we will inform you of the steps you will need to take to protect your self from identity theft.

Steps Never give your personal information out on the World Wide Net, unless you know the company is trustworthy and has encryptions to secure the site. Still, you may want to consider ordering products or paying bills by use of Money Orders, rather than checks. Recently, I learned from a friend living in England that UK postal workers were caught selling personal information to immigrants so that these people can remain living in the UK. Thus, I have not received a steady collection of information as of yet, still, it is something to consider, since thieves come in all forms. The Criminal Justice Departments try to blame the crimes on the poor, however, most crimes committed are acted out by less suspicious people, such as lawyers, doctors, postal workers, et cetera. Continuing the steps you should NEVER respond to Phishing or Spam Mails, since the mails often have potential thieves sending them. Phishing Mails slightly differ from Spam mail, in that the sender will send out an email claiming that your accounts are frozen or pending stop. Some of the mails have links, which direct the receiver to a site that appears to be a legitimate account site. Thus, banks, creditors and lenders already have your information, thus giving information to these mails will only land you in a whirl of problems in most instance. Spam mails or other types of Phishing Mails may propose winnings. NEVER open or give personal information to anyone via email. It is important to change your PIN numbers and Passwords randomly. Changing the codes will confuse the server, thus it will help prevent identity theft. Few people claim that changing your Password and Pin Numbers every six months will help; however, I recommend random changing of the codes for additional protection.

As a victim of identity theft, I learned the hard way of how to protect, prevent further activities and so forth. Restoring trust after your identity is stolen is next to impossible. Still, I do not set my self up by allowing my lack of trust to control my life.

If you are ordering online make sure you know the companies worth. Conducting a background check of any company online is easy and only takes a few minutes. To conduct a background check, visit the Better Business Bureau Site by typing in the search engine BBB.

When making purchases with credit/debit cards, checks or other types of cards make sure no one is watching you when you type in your PIN numbers or Passwords. If someone is standing over you when you are making a purchase, I recommend changing your Pin number and/or Password right away. I become suspicious when at a store using my debit cards to make purchases. Often the customer standing behind me is watching and it annoys me, and sometimes the clerk watches the transaction. I immediately alert them, letting them know that this is a personal transaction and no one has the right to watch me type in my PIN number. Thus, I change my passwords and PIN numbers randomly to prevent identity theft.

It is important to conceal your personal information at all times. If you carry a wallet and/or purse make, sure you know where your valuables are at all time. Personally, recalling numbers in your mind rather than carrying them in your material possessions is safer. In other words, remember your Social Security Number at least and store the card in a safe place. You should never give your Social Security Number over the phone lines, however when contacting the Social Security Administration you will have no choice.

Finally, taking all the steps to prevent identity theft includes learning all the details as possible about the crime.

Tony Robinson is an International Author, Webmaster and Security Guru. Check out his Identity Theft Protection Tips at http://www.officialidentitytheft.com/

Phishing Email Identity Theft Alert

2008-05-07T02:07:00.000-07:00

Phishing mails are similar to Spam Mails; however, the modus operandi is different all together. The similarity is that Spam and Phishing Mails are both annoying and hold potential threats of stealing identities. The characteristics of the mails are what separate Phishing and Spam mails.

Phishing is fraudulent mail that attempts to swindle identities, by gaining confidence of the receiver. The "Department of Justice" has put up alerts on such mails that inform the consumers to pay attention to the mails. The mails are sent to nearly every email box in the world, and the soul purpose is to steal. The emails may include luring information however; the information is fraudulent and should be ignored. The sender wants the receivers to respond to the mails and may include links to click where the receiver will provide his/her personal or confidential information. The mail may have information that upsets the reader, thus it is another type of strategy, which the sender utilizes to force the receiver to respond.

The mail may state "your account is being suspended," or it may claim "you have won x amount of cash, please respond now.'

Knowing which company is legit is important and learning how they make offers to consumers is just as important to help you avoid identity theft. Companies that claim you have won prizes will not ask for extensive information, rather they only ask for minimal information. Thus, when you receive Phishing Mails or Spam Mails the sender already has a degree of information on you from random selections, and when you answer the mails, you are only giving the sender the information he/she needs to claim your identity.

Always know your credit card lenders phone numbers and bank numbers, thus when you receive one of these mails call the company immediately at the original phone number and ask if they have sent you mail. Personally, I delete any mail that comes to my box, regardless of who the sender is, unless I know it is from my business or school. As a student, most of my work is done online, thus this too opens doors for perpetrators, since payments to the school are often required at the school. However, I disregard any commands to send payments online and send my payments through postal mail. Still, this is scary.

In the UK, a friend informed me that postal workers are stealing identities and selling the information to thieves so that they can stay in England. I do not know the level of truth in this allegation at this point; however, anything is possible when it comes to identity theft. I am ready to instruct anyone paying bills to pay a low cost for Money Orders and submit your bill payments, since your check has enough information available that anyone can gain control of your accounts.

Thieves come in all forms, including postal workers, utility clerks, court clerks, judges, lawyers, doctors, mothers, fathers, spouses, et cetera. Likewise, victims come in the same form.

Few samples of Phishing Mails include information such as "Closed Account." The email address may appear to come from genuine banks. Recently, phishing mails came from "FDIC" claiming that the account holder's 'account has been frozen." The receiver was asked to click on the link provided in the body of the email and provide pertinent information now. Thus, the email continued to threaten the emotions of the receiver by claiming that the head nacho man has instructed the bank to discontinue any activity by you, under a particular Act.

Few Phishing Mails request the receiver to download attachments with claims to store "Internet Billing Notice" and once the receiver downloads, they find them self in a whirl of problems, since Viruses, Trojans, or other nasty contaminates are attached to the mail. The contaminate in turn redirects to the receivers "email contact list."

EBay is another area where perpetrators frequent and have even put forth the effort to steal identities or gain from the auction provider's clientele. The Internet unfortunately, is the single most dangerous area where identity thieves frequent. Therefore, protect your self by learning more about identity theft and how to protect your self from the crime that is claiming millions of identities each year.

Tony Robinson is an International Author, Webmaster and Security Guru. Check out his Identity Theft Protection Tips at http://www.officialidentitytheft.com/

Internet Mail Identity Theft

2008-05-06T03:13:00.000-07:00

Internet mail is one of the main sources that perpetrators of identity theft utilize to gain access to personal information. The perpetrator may send threatening mails, or mails that seem appealing. Spam or Phishing emails are linked to identity thieves and arrive in millions of mailboxes worldwide. Not one of us is singled out to become the next victim. Rather, identity thieves focus on getting identities to gain, instead of worrying about whom they are stealing the identity from.

Few thieves will target a specific company or person, especially if they are aware of the worth of the accounts. Thus, these thieves are acting on greed and intend to get rich by stealing someone else's identity. The dispatcher of such mails are challenging the receiver by deception hoping the receiver will give out personal information, such as banking routing numbers, bank numbers, PIN and passwords, Social Security Numbers and other precious information that the thief can utilize to gain control over your identity.

Added emails that you may want to bear in mind are Spam mails that often assert that you have won x amount of cash, please act now to receive your prize. Logic should tell you that if you have not joined a contest or gave your information over the phone lines or internet, then chances are you have not won a prize. Recently, I received various mails claiming that I have won $32,000 and is requested to pay the tax on the winning, and to please respond now to receive your prize. DELETE. Other mails followed claiming that I could receive scholars or grants to attend such and such college, to earn my degree act now by providing my personal information. NOT!

After my identity has been stolen, unless your name is GOD you are not getting any personal information from me. My bank already has my personal information, thus there is no reason for them to email me asking for my personal information. Banks clearly state in the Terms & Conditions that they will "Never" send electronic mail requesting information from the recipient at any time, thus giving your information to an electronic email with your bank name listed in the header is only asking for trouble.

Identity thieves think of everything when it comes to stealing identities, including sending emails in respected names. FDIC was targeted by thieves, thus the sender sent mails to recipients of the bank requesting that they provide personal information now to avoid closure of their accounts. Microsoft was also targeted by thieves when mails were sent to various boxes requesting the receiver to download patches to protect their computers. Once the receiver downloaded, the attachment a dangerous Virus quickly took control of their computer, leaving the computer bleeding and leaking with empty spaces that would direct anyone to the information stored on the computer.

EBay is a target for thieves. Few thieves purchase items on EBay claiming to send the owner a check that amounts to more than the purchase price and that the owner should send the remaining amount back to the purchaser by electronic form, or else through "Western Union." The checks were found to be copycats and were attempts to steal. Thus, the Internet is not a safe environment; therefore, I will provide helpful tips to help you prevent identity theft.

Steps to protecting your identity:

Never open emails that you do not trust.

Never give out personal information abroad the internet, unless you know the company is trusted and has encryptions to secure the site. Still, you may want to reconsider and order directly via postal mail from the company.

Do a background check on any site you are thinking of giving your information to.

If possible, send Money Orders to pay bills or else pay for products online and offline.

Never give our personal information over the phone lines.

Do not post personal information on forums, bulletin boards or discussion boards online.

Conceal your personal information at all times, including at home.

When using ATM or other machines to make deposits, withdrawals or purchases make sure no one sees, you type in your PIN number.

Change your Pin numbers and passwords randomly.

Tony Robinson is an International Author, Webmaster and Security Guru. Check out his Identity Theft Protection Tips at http://www.officialidentitytheft.com/

Internet Mail Identity Theft

2008-05-05T01:13:00.000-07:00

Steps to protecting your identity:

Never open emails that you do not trust.

Do a background check on any site you are thinking of giving your information to.

If possible, send Money Orders to pay bills or else pay for products online and offline.

Never give our personal information over the phone lines.

Do not post personal information on forums, bulletin boards or discussion boards online.

Conceal your personal information at all times, including at home.

When using ATM or other machines to make deposits, withdrawals or purchases make sure no one sees, you type in your PIN number.

Change your Pin numbers and passwords randomly.

Tony Robinson is an International Author, Webmaster and Security Guru. Check out his Identity Theft Protection Tips at http://www.officialidentitytheft.com/

Electronic Mail Identity Theft

2008-05-01T03:13:00.000-07:00

In this article, I will provide examples of fraudulent mails that will help you to protect your self against identity theft. Personally, I delete all mails in my box, unless it is directly sent to me for jobs, since I am a freelance writer. Any other mails are disregarded and deleted immediately without being opened.

Example of an electronic fraudulent mail sent from a bank online: This is merely a sample, redirected, but the information is similar enough that you can learn from it.

Dear customer:

We are sending you this email to inform you that after the bank has reviewed you account, we suspect that someone has gained access to your identity. Thus, the letter may continue claiming that your privacy and security is their first choice to protect you.

The letter may continue stating, for security precautions we have 'limited your account,' until further investigation is completed. Following the message, a short statement will claim that you must click the link below to be redirected to the banking site where you must login to access information for protecting your self against identity theft.

The salutation will state sincerely, your banking 'team.' Apologizes will follow and a statement claiming that the consumer should not reply to the email, since no response is available, thus clicking the link above and logging into the account is encouraged. This is an example of a Phishing Email, which include links to other sites. Few Phishing Emails may not have links. Stay alert if you are reading these emails, since the sender often has grammar errors, such as run-on sentences, or misspelled words.

Spam or Phishing mails are links to identity thieves often. The sender is attempting to trick the receiver into giving out personal information, such as banking routing numbers, bank numbers, PIN and passwords, Social Security Numbers and other valuable information that the perpetrator can use to steal your identity. Thus, the sender is cunning, since the email will often read as follow "yourbankonline" and so on. Thus, the email will appear to come from your bank. Most banks state clearly in their terms and conditions that the bank "will never send" emails requesting 'confidential account or personal information," especially sending links in the body of the mail.

If you believe that you responded to a Phishing Mail or Spam Mail, be sure to contact your account providers immediately, change your passwords and PIN numbers, and monitor your accounts frequently. Do not feel stupid, since we all learn more about identity theft each day, and we are the victims of such thieves, not the perpetrators. You have no reason to feel ashamed, guilty, or stupid. Some of the most educated people in the world has fell into the hands of identity thieves.

Other types of emails that you may want to consider are Spam mails that claim you have won x amount of dollars, please respond now. Other types of trick mail may not be sent with the purpose of stealing your identity. However, the mails open the door to identity theft, and since the company often tries to sell products, thus once they get hold of your information they will sell, rent, lease or give the information to other individuals and/or companies.

Mails, such as you won x amount of dollars, please respond now often come from foreign regions, thus they must be reported as Spam mails immediately. Never respond to electronic mails, unless you know exactly who sent the mail, and if you receive a mail from your credit card providers or bank providers, delete the mail, call your account holders immediately, and ask if any mail was sent to your box. Of course, you will hear the person tell you that mail is never sent online asking for your information, thus, you can alert the bank that someone is attempting to steal your identity.

It is important to report all Spam and Phishing mails by clicking "REPORT SPAM MAIL" at the top of your Email Window in Internet Explorer, AOL, or other service provider. Few people send the mails back to the sender without opening the email. Thus, it is a wise trick that frustrates the sender, which he may stop sending emails to your address after tiring of reading his/her own mail.

Tony Robinson is an International Author, Webmaster and Security Guru. Check out his Identity Theft Protection Tips at http://www.officialidentitytheft.com/

Phishing, Identity Theft and Scams

2008-04-10T23:05:00.001-07:00

The Internal Revenue Service has issued several consumer warnings on the fraudulent use of the IRS name or logo by scamsters trying to gain access to consumers' financial data in order to steal their assets. Fraudsters may use the IRS name because most consumers recognize it, have had prior communication with or from the IRS (such as receiving annual tax form and instruction packages) and have previously provided the IRS some financial data (such as that contained on tax returns).

As a general rule, the IRS does not send out unsolicited e-mails or ask for detailed personal information. Additionally, the IRS does not ask people for the PIN numbers, passwords or similar secret access information for their credit card, bank or other financial accounts.

Tricking consumers into disclosing their personal and financial data, such as secret access data or credit card or bank account numbers, is identity theft. Such schemes perpetrated through the Internet are called "phishing" for information.

The information fraudulently obtained is then used to steal the taxpayer's identity and financial assets. Typically, identity thieves use someone's personal data to steal his or her financial accounts, run up charges on the victim's existing credit cards, apply for new loans, credit cards, services or benefits in the victim's name and even file fraudulent tax returns.

Identity theft usually causes immediate financial losses for the victims, who may also encounter lingering credit and other problems as a result of the identity theft.

Identity theft schemes take numerous forms. Identity theft may be conducted by e-mail (phishing), standard mail, telephone or fax. Thieves may also go through trash looking for discarded tax returns, bank records, credit card receipts or other records that contain personal and financial information.

When the IRS learns about schemes involving use of the IRS name, it tries to alert consumers as well as authorities that can shut down the scheme, if possible.

The following are examples of recent schemes:

1. e-Mails claiming to come from tax-refunds@irs.gov, admin@irs.gov or other variations on the irs.gov theme told the recipients that they were eligible to receive a tax refund for a given amount. It directed recipients to claim the refund by using a link contained in the e-mail which sent the recipient to a Web site. The site, a clone of the IRS Web site, displayed an interactive page similar to a genuine IRS one; however, it had been modified to ask for personal and financial information that the genuine IRS interactive page does not require.

The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) has reported that it found 12 separate Web sites in 11 different countries hosting variations on this scheme.

2. A bogus IRS letter and Form W-8BEN (Certificate of Foreign Status of Beneficial Owner for United States Tax Withholding) asked non-residents to provide personal information such as account numbers, PINs, mother's maiden name and passport number. The legitimate IRS Form W-8BEN, which is used by financial institutions to establish appropriate tax withholding for foreign individuals, does not ask for any of this information.

To protect against potential identity thieves, take the following steps:

1. Be skeptical of communications you receive from sources you are not expecting. Verify the authenticity of phone calls, standard mail, faxes or e-mails of questionable origin before responding.

2. Do not reveal secret passwords, PINs or other security-based data to third parties; genuine organizations or institutions do not need your secret data for ordinary business transactions.

3. Do not click on links contained in possibly questionable e-mails; instead, go directly to the site already know to be genuine. For example, the only address for the IRS Web site is www.irs.gov -- any other variations on this will not lead to the legitimate IRS Web site.

4. Do not open attachments to e-mails of possibly questionable origin, since they may contain viruses that will infect your computer.

5. Shred paper documents containing private financial information before discarding.

To report the fraudulent misuse of the IRS name, logo, forms or other IRS property, you may contact the TIGTA toll-free hotline at 1-800-366-4484 or visit the TIGTA Web site.

Those who think their identity has been stolen should visit the Federal Trade Commission's Web site for information about how to handle the aftermath of identity theft.

Cal Golden is a volunteer tax preparer and webmaster of Tax Help Super Tips For up to the minute information on how to get the most from your federal and state tax returns, visit his site now.

Crime and Identity Theft

2008-04-10T23:04:00.001-07:00

What is crime? Crime defined is an atrocity or enslavement, an act carried out by a single or group of individuals, targeting the population, or a set area to attack. When an identity thief gets hold of a persons identity he/she has CONTROL to a large degree over an entire population of people, and next to complete control over the victim in which the identity he stole.

Identity is cards that link personal information to thousands of databases worldwide. The government stores in its filing cabinets the identity of millions of individuals, including members in foreign lands. Companies store on their databases each day millions of identities and the list continues.

Crime has been ongoing since the first Sin. The first crime reported in history was the act Cain committed against his brother Abel. Followed by the first recording came a linage of other crimes, thus each year the crimes worsen and the law is far from putting a stop to the unlawful acts committed against an entire population, including the victims of the crime.

The law is made up of assumptions, thoughts, ideas, opinions, et cetera. Each year the law changes when a number of complaints, theories, protests, and other letters come in on a particular subject. Therefore, if you want to fight identity theft you must learn how to protest the laws and stand up for your rights. This includes every one of us standing up, fighting, and protesting ongoing without cease. Furthermore, protesting and fighting back includes adhering to assertiveness and avoiding violence and aggressiveness.

As a protestor of many laws, for years I have made waves with the government by enforcing my statements and repeatedly letting the government know new crimes or actions pending, or letting them have insight of the small town where I live and constantly telling them about the many complaints. As a study of Criminal Justice I have learnt that what I am doing is what all of us should be doing, thus it takes the PEOPLE to make the changes.

Identity theft has increased since technology has enhanced throughout the years. The financial processors designed to pay bills, make purchases, et cetera puts us at risk of identity theft. My son asked me last night, "What happen to Type Writers?" this is one of the questions I have asked for years, and all I could tell him, is "Someone thinks they have the ultimate solution to fix everyone problems," thus risks are increasing.

At one time, the world was comfortable with typewriters and rarely did you hear reports of identity theft. If you did, it was escalated to the millions of reports you hear each year today. Thus, technology, financial processors and other sources are making it easier than ever for criminal minds to take hold of someone's identity. The downside is the true victims of the crime pay (over and over and over and over and over and over)...Get the point...for the crime committed against them.

When identity theft occurs, we all are victims of the crime, since gas prices increase, produce prices increase and other necessity prices increase. We are in a race and the motive is to survive greed, self-centered, ill-minded world. Thus, the patients diagnosed with mental illnesses often have more sense than the common people that make waves for criminals to control our lives. Most patients diagnosed with mental illness (outside of psychopathic and other major illnesses) have never committed a crime in their lives. Few may have committed petty crimes, but for the most part they live and they learn. Yet, many degrade the suffering souls that have more sense than most people do in existence.

Thieves often are accused of having Antisocial Behaviors. In many studies it shows that the thieves follow patterns that lead to Antisocial Personality Types, thus in the next article we will go over the symptoms of Antisocial Behaviors to help you determine who the real thieves are?

Tony Robinson is an International Author, Webmaster and Security Guru. Check out his Identity Theft Protection Tips at http://www.officialidentitytheft.com/

Resources for Identity Theft Victims

2008-04-10T23:02:00.000-07:00

Having the right resources to prevent theft or else learn how to cope with identity theft and take the steps to recover from the loss is essential, since more victims occur daily. First, you will need copies of your credit reports or else information that will help you to see what is on your credit reports. The Free Credit Report site is just one area online where you can view copies of your reports. The site is secure as you will see when you look in the search engine, noticing the's' behind the http: in the area. The's' stands for secure site. Otherwise, you can visit the TransUnion site, Experian site or Equifax to request an annual free copy of your report. If you have received your free annual report then you will need to view the updated copies or else pay the small fees to obtain personally copies of your reports. If you are a victim of identity theft, you will need to mail a letter to the three bureaus requesting a copy of your reports and provide proof of your identity, including utility receipts of last area lived, rental or mortgage receipts, picture ID and social security number.

Once you have copies in your hands review the reports carefully to make sure that nothing is showing on your report that does not belong to you. If you notice, any unauthorized debts report them immediately to the bureaus, disputing the actions. If you are a victim of identity theft make, sure you monitor your reports carefully all through the year and from that point on. Some recommend that you review your reports during the first year at least twice and yearly thereafter, however, twice is not enough. Take it from someone that knows from experience.

Thieves will work longer hours than most police officers to get what they want and when they want it. Therefore, reviewing your reports only twice per year is leaving room for the perpetrator to take full control. If you recently fell into the hands of an identity theft, be sure to report the crime immediately and keep copies of the police report. The police will do little to find the perpetrator unless you meet their special criteria of victims, but for the most part, you will have ammunition. Next, report the crime to the Federal Trade Commission Consumers, where you information will reach government officials. Again, expect little effort to find the perpetrator, but at most, you will have additional ammunition.

If you have to go to the FBI and higher if necessary to make the law work for you and to enforce that the perpetrator is caught. Unfortunately, victims of identity theft rarely receive justice. You might want to go online and read any information available on identity theft to learn how to protect, recover and take the steps to ensue the case.

It is important that you protect your self from identity theft, even if you are a victim. All of us are encouraged to change our passwords and PIN numbers at random to avoid loss. We are also encouraged to close any accounts if a thief has your information, including closing credit card accounts, bank accounts, and other accounts in your name. Keep watch over all new accounts, including statements you receive. Make sure you keep all copies of your receipts, even if the receipts do not seem important. Store the receipts, statements and any notes you keep on your self in a safe place.

Many people store information on computers, but this is a bad idea. Computers are far too risky of loss to store valuable information on them, thus store you information on discs, tapes and keep hard copies in a safe place for sufficiency.

It is important that you keep your personal information out of everyone's hands, including friends, family if necessary and so forth. All it takes is one mistake and your life can fall into anyone's hands at any time. Finally, if you are a victim of identity theft, report the crime to the Department of Motor Vehicles also, since criminals holding your driver license will do anything in your name.

Tony Robinson is an International Author, Webmaster and Security Guru. Check out his Identity Theft Protection Tips at http://www.officialidentitytheft.com/

Persecuted by Identity Theft

2008-03-31T00:10:00.002-07:00

When a person becomes victim of identity theft, they are often persecuted throughout the battle to restore their lives. Identity theft predators are lurking the World Wide Web daily searching for information to steal and these predators will go as far as setting up equipment in their home to hear phone conversations, as well as standing over a person while they type in their PIN name at ATM machines or stores.

Identity thieves do not care that the cost of the crime is placed on the victims head. Identity thieves think of them self when stealing and will go to all lengths to steal information. Cordless phones and cell phones are vulnerable, since with the right scanner installed a person can listen into phone calls in a local area. When a person goes to the ATM or stores to make a purchase thieves will stand over your shoulder watching you as you provide you PIN number to a machine.

Hackers and crackers frequent the World Wide Web, studying the Internet while they following tracks left behind when a person searches web pages. Thieves will study new technology to find leaks in the system to locate information in which they can use to open new accounts, use up credit cards, apply for credit cards, commit additional crimes, lease apartments, and apply for credit and so forth.

Victims' of identity theft have discovered that they were being sued for failure to uphold a lease agreement, or for debts that they did not authorize. Victims' have been accused of crimes they did not commit, and have found them self in bankruptcy when they have never been to court. Victims' have been issued bank drafts when they had sufficient funds in their banking account.

Thieves will drain accounts, file bankruptcy, buy new cars, mortgage a home, or lease an apartment in the victim's name, and when the thief feels nervous, the thief will move on without caring about the damage he or she does to the victim. When delinquencies or judges incur from the thief's actions, thus the victim is the target for persecution.

If you suspect that your identity is stolen it is important to report the crime to the local authorities immediately, or in the area where you suspect your identity was stolen. You will also need to report the crime to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and request reports of your credit files. You will also need to alert the credit bureaus that your identity has been stolen. Few states will permit a FREEZE on your accounts, while other states only permit Fraud Alerts. Thus, the states that offer FREEZE should be considered, since if you can get a freeze on your accounts it will prevent the thief from taking further advantage of you. A Fraud Alert merely causes the victim further persecution, since creditors and employers can view the files and will often assume that the alert is risky on the behalf of the victim, thus will often reject the applicant. The FREEZE on your account enables you to choose when to temporary remove a PIN number to permit viewing.

Next, you will need to close all accounts, including bank accounts, credit card accounts and other accounts. If you have pending mortgages and car loans, notify the company and let them know that your identity was stolen. You should also notify your utility providers and phone providers to alert them that your identity was stolen.

After opening new accounts, make sure that you change the PIN and Passwords randomly to prevent the thief from gaining access to your accounts. If the thief has your social security number and driver license number, notify the Secretary of State and Social Security Administration to alert them, and then consider storing your money at home temporarily, since if the thief has this information he can gain access to your new accounts.

Finally, if you become a victim of identity theft continue to monitor all aspects of your life cautiously, and remember you are the victim, thus those persecuting you are the ignorant that have not endured such crime as of yet.

Tony Robinson is an International Author, Webmaster and Security Guru. Check out his Identity Theft Protection Tips at http://www.officialidentitytheft.com/

Identity Theft Victims Persecuted

2008-03-31T00:10:00.001-07:00

When a person becomes victim of identity theft the law, the thief, creditors and others often persecute them throughout the battle to restore their identity. Thus, in this article I am providing you legal advice, inform you of your rights and help you to battle the fight of identity theft and get results. Abroad the World Wide Web is beyond measure of narratives and information. Each year millions of people are affected by identity theft.

If you think that you are not a victim of identity theft, you may want to rethink when I am done writing this article. Each time a person loses his/her identity the prices of gas, food, household goods, materials, and so forth increase. The government claims to spend billions of dollars fighting the crime, thus each year when you pay taxes a few of those dollars giving to the government is paid out to fight identity theft.

Now what do you think? Listen on. Each year MILLIONS of people fall into the hands of identity theft, and none of us can determine if we are the next victim. Each year, we hear reports of bankers giving out personal information to unauthorized individuals and/or companies that potentially put us at risk.

Throughout the world companies, financial services, government, law technology, and many others are fighting identity theft, yet each step they take the predators are one-step ahead.

Criminals come in all forms, including doctors, lawyers, politicians, law, spouses, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, clerks, postmasters, and the list continues. When you send in your monthly bills there is no guarantee that one of the employees as developed an idea to steal your identity. When you give out your information abroad the World Wide Web, there are no guarantees that your identity will not fall into the hands of an identity theft. When you visit stores, gas stations there is no guarantee the clerk, or someone looking over your shoulders will you key in your PIN number will steal your information.

Today, no one is your best friend; rather anyone of us is potentially capable of stealing identities. Sounds dramatic, but the reality exists when you hear reports all over the world that tell you stories about identity theft. During the September 11, ordeal the terrorists stole identities first and used the information to carry out the terrorist act.

In the UK, reports of identity theft occur each day, with some of the perpetrators being postmasters according to few. The postmasters steal information and sell it to immigrants who wish to remain in the country.

Few identity thieves have committed felony crimes and need new identities to cover their tracks. Other identity theft are teenagers peek to levels of curiosity that they learn how to crack open computers owned by others and steal information. The teenagers may not use the information, while others may. Some of the teenagers carry out the crime out of pure curiosity with no harmful intentions, however it is still a crime committed innocently by the curious minds.

The ultimate thief will steal identities to gain. Many thieves use personal information to open accounts, apply for credit cards, mortgages, and other lines of credits. The thieves will use the personal information to live a productive lifestyle while the victim fights effortlessly to regain back his/her name. The thief will think nothing about what the victim goes through and may even laugh when news reports tell stories about how hard people are struggling to restore their lives. Thus, these are the worst types of criminals, since not only are they capable of committing identity theft, they are capable of committing murder.

Identity thieves have also killed to use someone else's information, therefore, keep in mind that anyone can be your worst nightmare. Finally, protect your self with all measures to prevent identity theft. The fight should include suspicious thinking when someone asks you for your confidential information and never giving your information out over the net.

Tony Robinson is an International Author, Webmaster and Security Guru. Check out his Identity Theft Protection Tips at http://www.officialidentitytheft.com/

How To Protect Yourself From Identity Theft and PC Hackers

2008-03-29T01:28:00.000-07:00

Identity theft is rampant these days, and the best way to avoid being a victim is to protect your self in any and all ways possible. You may be aware of some information here, but not all, so please read on, print this article, then implement everything and check mark off when completed. You'll feel safer and more in control. There are two lists here for you, online and offline protection.

Offline protection

Shred with a criss-cross shredder, everything that has your date of birth, social security number, signature, bank acct #, credit card #, tax ID#, balance transfer checks (unless of course you are planning on using them), credit card applications, etc. I don't go crazy here with mail that just has my name and address on it because that's public info, easy to get and it would be a part time job to do it! Be careful with some credit card companies who have sales/loan/special interest acct information on pages behind your normal account info pages. Often these pages have you full account number on them. Be sure to shred that part of it.

All it takes to run your credit report is your name, address, social security number and date of birth. Do not give your date of birth to anyone you don't have to. Never give your mother's maiden name to anyone except your back and credit card company. If they insist on one, and it's not a large institution, use a fake one; just pick something you'll remember.

Do not carry your social security card with you. Preferably, keep it in a safe at home or safe place no one would look. Don't give the number to just anyone. Don't carry all your credit cards in your wallet at the same time. Keep only the necessary ones in it. Unless you called the company directly yourself, do not give people over the phone, who claim to be from a certain company, any info without getting some proof first.

Online Protection

Use Mozilla Firefox as your Internet browser 98% of the time rather than Internet Explorer. It's safer. Occasionally, some websites are programmed specifically just for IE, so you don't have much choice.

Install anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-keylogger software, a firewall and Spoof Stick on your pc. Many ISP's will give you the first 2 listed free. You should use at least 2 anti-spy ware programs. I use 3 and rotate my scans. I also use 2 anti-virus programs, one paid for anti-keylogger and one that's included in my anti-spyware. You can get Spoof Stick free, by downloading it from the Internet, but unless you remember to use it, it's worthless.

Here's what Spoof Stick will do; when you go online and click, type or paste a URL (web site address) in your browser window, Spoof Stick will show you what web site you are really on, on the top right of the window. There are hackers that make sites that look like the real thing, to try to get your information or infect you with viruses and Trojan horses. They may send you an email with a link in it saying they need to verify information regarding an account you have. This is called spoofing or phishing. You may actually have an account where they say you do, but it's probably not a real email from the company. Don't click on the links in it. If you think it's real, type in the company URL you would normally use into your browser. Verify with spoof stick you are on their site, in case they got hacked, and if everything looks ok, log in and see if they really need something from you. Get in the habit of always looking at Spoof Stick to verify the web site you are really on.

What's a key logger you ask? Well, they hack your computer, and can track your keyboard strokes, trying to get passwords to your accounts, so they can steal your money and or your identity. Always use the secure random keystroke (SRK) option if there is one. This is a separate keypad you use in a separate window to click on the letters and numbers of your passwords. Key-loggers cannot track it.

Passwords

Don't use the same passwords for everything! Depending on how many online accts or private membership sites you have, you may use duplicates for a few, if there's nothing really sensitive about the information in them. Always use separate ones for banks, credit cards or online acct like Paypal, e-gold etc. Use combinations of letter and numbers, not words that are easily figured out. Don't use your kids or pets name, your anniversary, birthday or anything other people know. Do not keep the actual passwords written out or typed on your pc. If you have too many to remember them all, as I do, write down a coded version of it and a coded version of the acct name and don't title the page!

I know it's difficult and time consuming to do all these things, but well worth it to avoid having your pc hacked and your identity stolen. If you do, read my article on what to do and what not to do.

Sandra Wellman is the owner of www.freefinanceinfo.org, where you'll find over 50 articles & books on credit repair, how to get out of debt, identity theft protection, refinancing, reverse mortgages, & student and auto loans

Reviews of Identity Theft

2008-03-28T00:21:00.001-07:00

Abroad the Internet is countless of stories directly from victims harmed from identity theft. Millions of other stories are never told. After hearing, one review I learnt that what I have said all along is proving truer than ever and that is the law works for the perpetrators of crimes and work against the victims. One review peeked my interest when the person stated "Laws are not only there to give" the thieves "more power" while weakening the victim, the law is also protecting the thieves more so than they will protect the victims. Thus, during Criminal Law Studies and from experience, including frequent visits to the courtrooms, I notice that the criminals had more rights and protection than most victims did.

One review was disturbing, since the persons Mortgage lender gave out personal information unauthorized, thus the person suffered anguish and had no idea what steps to take to protect them self. Most times the law will work overtime if a person has a 'high-profile' to find the perpetrator, however if a person does not have upper class respect in society the law often slacks in their efforts to apprehend the predator. This is silly on their part, since the thief has the ability to steal their identity possibly, thus they are only slacking, making room for the criminal to gain control of another identity. Thus, who is the blame for identity theft...I promise you it is not the victims,' in most instances, rather it is the financial processing machines and technical makers, the law, technology enhancement providers, but mostly the blame is on the thief him self.

I am not here to promote anyone's business; however, I found a source throughout my history that proved valuable overtime. Thus, the service costs $25 per month, or at least it did and this service will connect you with lawyers in your area that can help you out if you fall victim of identity theft. Pre-Paid Legal Aid offers services and recently has opened up new services to help people fight identity theft. If you are a victim, it might be worth looking into. From first hand experience the service works fast and sufficient, unfortunately, the areas I live in, most lawyers are not worth mentioning. Countless of people in this area have complained regarding various lawyers, thus never think that a lawyer will work for you to get your identity cleared. Always assume... (This is what creditors and millions of others do worldwide) give the world a dose of their own medicine that the lawyer is not your best friend.

When a person becomes victim of identity theft, the whole world will seem like your enemy. You may feel that you can trust no one; however, someone if you have the needle is buried in the haystack that has a shred of humane left in this system. Therefore, you should never stop fighting for your life back if someone has stolen your identity.

It is important to put on the 'suit of armor' and protect your self with all your might. Putting on the suit of armor means, you are willing to walk the extra mile to get back what is rightfully yours. If the authorities or other qualified sources to fight identity theft do not listen, use your assertive tools to make them listen to what you have to say. NEVER become violent or aggressive when fighting for your identity, since people reject this reaction.

If no one listens, write letters to your state reps, governor, President, and other political leaders letting them know what you have done, what you are going through and what results you are getting.

I reported my local police department and then talked to the chief of police. He told me, "always start at the bottom in the department and work to the top before contacting state reps.: I told him, "I start at the top and then work down to you." I got results immediately.

Therefore, forget what people tell you when they are working for a company where you are filing a complaint, if that person is telling you there is nothing they can do to help, or we will get back to you. Do NOT accept that response; rather tell them politely and assertively that you want to speak with someone over their heads.

Tony Robinson is an International Author, Webmaster and Security Guru. Check out his Identity Theft Protection Tips at http://www.officialidentitytheft.com/

The Criminal Mind and Identity Theft

2008-03-28T00:20:00.000-07:00

After studying human behaviors, crimes, criminals, emotions, thoughts, and various other subjects and surviving many crimes, I feel it is important to understand the criminal mind to a degree when fighting identity theft. This article is geared toward victims of identity theft, or potential victims, however law enforcement may learn a thing or two by reading this information them self.

Thieves do not care what they have to do and how dirty the job is to get it done when desire, greed, and other inhumane emotions flare. Thieves will go through trashcans, bribes employees, break in homes, practice hacking skills, kill, et cetera to get what they want. Thieves utilize power and control, scheme, and contemplate cautiously when carry out crimes. The majority of thieves does not do something spontaneously or act on emotions when committing crimes. Scandalous offenders are often ahead of the game, by planning ahead of the crime and learning strategies as they plan.

The criminal mind is a mysterious, yet familiar habitat. Criminals study forensics, law, technology and other developments and studies carefully to learn how the source acts, respond to crime, plan to prevent, and so forth.

Let me give you an example of a criminal mind by illustrating a case study. One criminal minded soul studied for years how the forensics-investigated crimes, including studying to great links how finger prints and other information was produced during the cases. Thus, the criminal minded individual studied, but relented when he felt there was no way to commit the crimes he had in mind. Therefore, an instance the criminal delayed, however, it does not happen often. Therefore, the criminal minded person will continue his studying by analyzing all the information he gathered throughout his life, until one day he sees a modus operandi that will help him commit the perfect crime. The case study was conducted by myself, however, petty crimes were committed throughout this persons life, and as I helped this person to think logically and avoid criminal activities, I know in time he will do exactly what I encouraged and fought hard to prevent him from doing...that is murder. The person illustrated has Psychopathic Tendencies, Oppositional Defiant, Schizophrenia, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders, Intermittent Explosive Disorders, and other disorders that pose a serious threat to our society.

This one criminal oriented mind has also stolen, yet was never prosecuted for the crime. The criminal minds are cunning, swift, conniving, venturous, and the list continues. Often criminals are smarter than the average, simply because they have the ability to listen and hear ongoing, yet only listening and hearing the things that help them productively carry out the crimes.

Identity theft is one of the leading crimes in the world that has broken the trust of nearly every one in existence. Nowadays, mothers, fathers, sons, brothers, sisters, daughters, nieces, nephews and other family members find it hard to trust even the people they love.

The world is heading in a disastrous direction, simply because the world has variants of directions to follow with on focus in mind. Who can make more money than the next guy can? This is what our system promotes and pushes, thus why should we expect anything less than identity thieves, murder, and other crimes from occurring.

To protect your self against identity theft you should read all information and adhere to the warnings provided worldwide. While the UK is placing chips in their credit/debit cards believing that they have the solution for fighting identity theft, thieves are conjuring modus operandi to get past the chips are succeeding every day.

Tips for preventing identity theft include:

Remember that anyone, including you can be the next victim. Never set your self up for a hard fall, such as thinking "It only happens to the misfortune." Alternatively, thinking, "It can never happen to me." This is opening your world up to vulnerability where criminals frequent daily. In other words, criminals often search for vulnerable areas to attack.

Tony Robinson is an International Author, Webmaster and Security Guru. Check out his Identity Theft Protection Tips at http://www.officialidentitytheft.com/

The Federal Trade Commission Identity Theft Clearinghouse and its Steps to Prevent THEFT

2008-03-27T01:44:00.000-07:00

The Federal Trade Commission Identity Theft Clearinghouse is the second step when you become a victim of identity theft to report the crime. When you report identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission Identity Theft Clearinghouse, the services will contact various contacts, including the law, investigators, particular "consumer reporting companies," lawyers and so forth in an effort to help you through the crime.

Once you report to the right authorities that you have become victim of identity theft, police department worldwide will have this knowledge. Next, you will need to report the theft to TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax and request and dispute any unauthorized debts, including bankruptcies.

It depends on the state in which you live, but few states offer the option of placing a FREEZE on your credit reports, which supposedly prohibits access to anyone but you and the bureaus. You will be provided a PIN number, which you can remove temporary to allow viewing of your reports in the event you are applying for a job or credit.

Victims of identity theft should be aware that any debts incurred on their reports come from creditors, or public records. When a person is sued, files bankruptcy, files for divorce, or judgments and tax liens are filed against, thus the information is public.

One of the cruelest laws is that the media can report crimes committed by a person, including placing the persons address in the papers. This is a surefire failure in the system that opens up the advantage for perpetrators of identity theft, and even predators to take control of a person's life. Thus, placing your social security number, home address, phone number and other information on credit reports where anyone can gain access is another failure in the system that opens the door for identity theft.

Thus, when a person is victimized by identity theft and the perpetrator commits an act that enforces tax liens, bankruptcies and delinquencies the information goes on the credit report. It is up to the victim to dispute the charges, however, even if the victim succeeds the information may stay on the credit reports for seven, ten, or fifteen years. Many people believe that debts stay on credit reports up to three years, however, Experian clearly states on its letters that debts linger on reports for 'seven years," while 'bankruptcies" remain on the reports for 'ten years,' and "tax liens" stay on the reports for fifteen 'years.'

When you dispute a charge on your credit report and after the investigation it is found you are telling the truth, thus the credit bureaus will place deleted behind the charge. To dispute any charges you must contact the credit bureaus dispute service by calling or going online and visit the credit bureaus sites. Keep all letters where a dispute was filed on records. If the companies accusing you of the debt, after a dispute is made cannot show proof that you incurred the debt, thus the credit bureaus will include "dismiss" or "deleted" behind the charge.

Thus, under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) laws you have the right to sue anyone causing damage to you, by giving out, selling, or leasing your information, you may sue him or her in federal or state courts. Therefore, learn your rights, since companies will sell, rent, lease, or give out your information to others in some instances.

It is against the law for any company willfully given out information to others without the consent of the individual. Thus, under law the person can be sued, fined and tossed in jail, or both. For example, if a company sells, leases, rents, or gives your information out to someone else and you become victim of identity theft by reason of this action, you have the legal right to file charges and sue the company.

Finally, the steps to reporting identity theft include: Filing a report with the police, Federal Trade Commission Identity Theft Clearinghouse and notifying the credit bureaus. You will also need to contact the Department of Motor Vehicles, as well as the Social Security Administration. For more information on identity theft, read and learn.

Tony Robinson is an International Author, Webmaster and Security Guru. Check out his Identity Theft Protection Tips at http://www.officialidentitytheft.com/

UK Identity Theft

2008-03-25T02:52:00.000-07:00

The UK like the United States of America is facing ongoing problems regarding identity theft. New technology enhancement has issued developments, such as PINS and Codes to use credit cards, however, studies are showing that the as technology advances so does criminals. Few credit cards now have chips integrated into the cards to prevent identity theft, however, thieves have developed new strategies that match the developments and it is making it easier for the thieves to steal identities.

In the UK identity theft is an immigration crime-related action verses the purposes that thieves will steal identities in America. The thieves often steal identities because they are illegal residents in the UK and in order to remain in the country a new identity is required. After interviewing a gentleman in England, he claimed that postmasters stole identities sometimes, since the postmaster could make profit by selling the cards to immigrants. With this information in hand, you can see identity theft has many reasons and purposes, thus making it difficult for authorities to understand the crimes.

In the year of 2004, over eleven million victims lost their identities to theft, thus this figure does not include the number of victims in the UK and other countries. In comparison to the early 90's the number of identity theft has increased enormously, and the reason that the numbers escalate is that policyholders are unwilling to make the necessary changes to protect identity as reason of money and credit. Thus, the policyholders are not the only sources responsible for the ongoing crime of identity theft. While policyholders are more concern about making profit, they do consider risks to a large degree since victims of identity theft reach the policyholders and extend throughout the world.

Unfortunately, a victim of any crime often is treated far worse than criminals are treated, thus criminals often have more rights than the victims. The problem is due to the Criminal Justice System who is in constant study of resolving problems, and under the control of various sources, thus restricting their ability to change laws at a giving time.

In order for the crimes to fall in place, as they should, rather in order for the law to work harder than they do, citizens of the world must make a stand and fight by protesting the laws. Each person that makes a stand adds to the changes in our system. While studying the Criminal Justice System I found that these sources are one of the most flawed areas of help in our system. If we want to stop identity theft, thus we as the people need to rise and protest to State Representatives, Congress, Governors, and other leaders in the world. Once you start the protesting you should never cease, since the only way we can have better laws is if we all work together to make the laws work.

The truth is the government allows particular developments and dismisses to the public developments that will protect them from identity theft. When a person becomes a victim of identity theft, it is a long-lasting victimization, since the law rarely cares about the individual that lost his/her identity, rather they are more concerned about the large companies losing money because of the crime. The law claims to be working hard to resolve the problems, but if you ever have been a victim of identity theft you know this is an outright lie.

In the UK, it is said that the people do not have a right to obtain copies of their credit reports and in the US; people are allowed one free copy per year of their reports unless they apply for credit and are denied. Thus, this means that anyone offering financial agreements or extending credit have the right to our reports more so than we do. Is this fair? No. simply put the laws are backwards and will continue to be backwards until stands are made that forces them to act according to their pay. We as the taxpayers are victims of policyholders, law, government and so forth. Thus, identity thefts are a minor problem compared to the bigger problems we have in the world.

Tony Robinson is an International Author, Webmaster and Security Guru. Check out his Identity Theft Protection Tips at http://www.officialidentitytheft.com/

Valuable Information for Identity Theft Victims

2008-03-24T01:18:00.000-07:00

Identity theft is one of the biggest problems we are facing in society. Bankers, credit card lenders, law, and other sources are working to find a solution to the problems. At what time a person falls into the hands of an identity thief, they will struggle for months and even years to restore their identity.

As a victim of identity theft, I learned to never lose control and keep the fight going, even if activity ceases. Every day I struggle to survive rejections and pray that the perpetrators do not commit a crime that lands me in the courtrooms or in jail. Thus, I took up Criminal Justice working to obtain my Bachelors degree for the purpose to have ammunition to continue my battle. It is costing me over $20 Grand and this does not include the mental anguish and price I have paid in the past as the victim of identity theft.

One of the best sources online according to a few identity theft victims came to my attention, thus I am ready to share any information to help you prevent identity theft, or else recover from the crime. Rely Delta is one of the many sources that help fight identity theft. The company teams up with others working together to fight identity theft, and according to victims of identity theft, this particular company helped them in less than a week.

One week...I can only dream of what these people are saying, since it has been seven long years fighting for my own identity when I spent a lifetime to find my identity. If this service offers help this quickly, I encourage everyone victimized by identity theft to request help from this source, since the law and other authorities have done nothing in line of helping me restore my life, since 2000.

Another great source supposedly is Kroll who teamed up with Pre-Paid Legal Services, which I have used in the past, to work against identity theft. Kroll is a risk management service that helped track down some of the terrorists of September 11 according to few. The service monitors your credit reports ongoing and opens the doors so that you have access to your own credit reports. CV2Now is another source that helps to fight identity theft, while monitoring credit reports; however, I visited the site first hand and did not see security, thus proceed with caution if you want to challenge this site for help. Payment processors are one of the biggest problems that lead to identity theft. Payment processors are machines that process payments abroad the World Wide Net and phone lines. The source has the biggest leakage over any other source that makes identity theft easier than ever.

Again, as a victim of identity theft, there is no such thing as I heard enough. As a victim of identity theft, until now I have not heard any positive news. I read a bulletin board recently, that informed me about the Rely Delta, which I have not tried yet, but at least the story told was positive. I was robbed of my identity twice, once in 2000 and once in 2001. The first time the perpetrator was offline and stole my personal identification, meaning all my personal identification, my vehicle, and myself. Fortunately, I escaped the hands of the perpetrator, all to learn that the thieves had taken full advantage of my truck and identity before I awaken from the drugs administered to me, which knocked me unconscious so that they could commit the crime. The second crime was committed online when I first joined the Internet. As na?ve as I was regarding the Internet, it did not take me long to learn all I could about computers, identity theft, Internet, and other related subjects.

If Paypal an online bank had not contacted me, it would have taking a couple days longer for me to learn that I was a victim, since my bank regardless that nearly $2000 was drained from my account in less than a day. The first event the perpetrators got fifteen years, while the second perpetrator has not been caught to date. Protect your self now!

Tony Robinson is an International Author, Webmaster and Security Guru. Check out his Identity Theft Protection Tips at http://www.officialidentitytheft.com/

Victimized by Identity Theft

2008-03-24T01:17:00.000-07:00

When a person is victimized by identity theft the person becomes a lifetime victim, simply put because regardless of how many times the law tells you they are working to resolve the problem, they are lying. As a victim of identity theft when I reported the second offense against me, the police ask few questions and gave me a report number with no other action behind it. I contacted the Federal Trade Commissions, reported the crime, and have heard nothing and to date (since 2000) the perpetrator is still active.

Once I contacted the credit bureaus they did nothing to remove the charges against me, rather they merely placed a resolved or other related comment behind the debt. Other people have suffered far more severe attacks on their life, including summoned to court for debts they never could have made. The people lived in one area of the world, while the perpetrator was acting in another area. It is pathetic that we as the victims must suffer the loss of our lives while few are taking the stand to stop the crimes.

In most instances of identity, theft if a company is not involved and reports the crime a single individual's will fall into the large group of people in society without receiving help from anyone. Often victims' of identity theft are denied credit and find it difficult to survive once the credit reports are affected. Some states permit freezing of the credit reports, which should be permitted in all states, since it denies anyone the right to review the credit reports, except the person that has the right ownership. Most states allow Fraud Alerts up to three months and sometimes permanently, however this only makes the victim look bad since nothing is removed from the reports.

Thus, identity theft is ongoing and it is up to us to protect our self from theft. It is difficult since technology advancements have proven to make it easier for thieves to gain access to nearly anyone's identity. The government has high-tech developments that protect their databases; however, identity thefts have proven that even this level of technology will not stop them.

New credit cards are developed that have chips in them that is supposedly sophisticated enough to prevent or slow theft, however thieves are far more advanced in most instances and accepts the challenge going above and beyond the chips. The World Wide Web is the single more convenient area where identity thieves frequent and often they use programs designed that are suppose to ward off hackers, crackers, spies and other harmful critters, however, the development has only made it convenient for the thieves to get in the doors to thousands of computers. Again, in 2004, more than eleven million people alone became victims of identity theft, and the majority of crimes committed were done abroad the Internet.

Some cases of identity theft report turned out to be neighbors, friends, and even family members. One case reported came from England when a couple moved to the states and when they left they learned that their identity was robbed of them, which led them to pain and suffering for years. The couple unfortunately received little if any help and were sent summons to appear in court for debts they did not initiate. Creditors and financial lenders often think of identity theft as an escape goat for people to get out of debt, and the victim is left standing even if there is concrete evidence showing that the person did not authorize the debts.

This leaves us all in a shamble; since we have to do everything, we can to avoid identity theft. If it was up to me, I'd say get rid of the credit cards and other materials that have potential links to thieves, however nowadays if you do not have a credit card you are basically considered an outcast. We live in a stereotyped, uncultured world where too many judges and assumers control the environment, thus think like a criminal and protect your self from everyone, including creditors, cops, lawyers, government officials and so forth to win the horrific increasing rates of identity theft victims.

Tony Robinson is an International Author, Webmaster and Security Guru. Check out his Identity Theft Protection Tips at http://www.officialidentitytheft.com/

When to Fight Identity Theft

2008-03-21T01:58:00.001-07:00

The time to fight Identity theft is now. If you are not a victim of identity theft, do not take any chances, since it is next to impossible if not impossible to restore your life once someone takes hold of your identity.

Identity thieves will steal your identity nearly anywhere in the world, but many of the utilize the World Wide Web to take advantage of millions of people. Since, technology has developed it has open the doors to predators of all walks and these hungry souls are taking full advantage of the developments.

Thieves are tricky. In the world, we have all types of predators including serial killers, thieves, rapists, extortionists, and so forth. Serial killers are one of the hardest predators to catch, and what follows the steps of a skilled killer is an identity thief. Comparing the two, you would be luckier to have a serial killer on your trial verses having lost your identity. Serial killers will annihilate you instantaneously after interrupting your life quietly. Likewise, a thief will monitor the moves of random candidates ready for the taking and when they gain access to your identity, you will battle for the rest of your life to restore your life in general.

When you become a victim of identity theft you are a victim forever, however when you become a victim of other crimes and survive you are a survivor once you come over the trauma in the path. Thus, identity thieves once hold of your information can open accounts in your name, withdrawal money from your accounts, violate your credit reports, commit crimes and use your identity to evade the authorities, or else commit crimes and leave you holding the bag. Identity thieves that hold your information can contact the government and file for anything they like in your name and the government will have no clue, since they are assuming you are the one requesting the documents.

Thus, if you suspect your identity is stolen take the first step and contact the authorities. Next, you will need to contact the government, and social security administration as well as the license bureau. You will also need to contact your bank, credit card providers, debit card providers, utility providers, property owner, mortgage and anyone that is connected to you and your information. You will also need to get copies of your credit reports and dispute any activities immediately on the reports that are not belonging to you. Be sure to request that TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax put a FREEZE on your accounts. If the companies put up a Fraud Alert the alert will leave you open, thus a FREEZE will go further with creditors when you apply for credit in the future. I stress FREEZE, since this will halt anyone from adding any debts to your account. If a fraud alert is, pending then anyone can add debts to your account, which takes three to seven and even ten years to remove, even if you did not create the debts.

After you have took all the necessary steps you will need to continue monitor any new accounts and continue monitoring your credit reports randomly. Anytime new information becomes available that insinuates that someone has violated your identity make sure you provide the updates to the authorities.

So, do you still want to ask when to fight identity theft? If you are still asking this question then you obviously missed the point. In the year of 2002 alone, more than one-half million individuals lost their identity and the statistics are increasing each year.

Identity theft is a major crime where the criminal rarely meets the authorities. The World Wide Web opens the door for thieves to come and go as they please without little exposure. Thus, learning the steps to prevent identity theft is critical, especially if you are connected to the Internet, or frequent the World Wide Web often. For more information on identity theft, visit the online connections where you can find a swamp load of information that will help you to protect your identity. Otherwise, visit your local library to learn how you can prevent identity theft, even if you never use a computer.

Tony Robinson is an International Author, Webmaster and Security Guru. Check out his Identity Theft Protection Tips at http://www.officialidentitytheft.com/

Protect Yourself From Identity Theft.

2008-03-20T01:46:00.001-07:00

There are so many ways that your identity can be stolen. It's such a shame that people take something as valuable as the internet and steal from you, but it happens. When it does, they can go on a spending spree that can ruin you financially. It's a dangerous game for them, and for you it's dangerous... but no game. It happens a lot but in this article we'll show you some strategies so that it doesn't happen to you.

Here are proactive strategies to keep it from happening. Here are some ways to help you fight identity theft and avoid having someone else ruin your good credit rating and keep you from getting the loan or mortgage you want to get.

Be careful how much information you give out over the Internet.

Never put your credit card number into an e-mail.

If you do make purchases online only use sites that offer a high level of encryption and only use one credit card for all of your Internet purchases and make sure that credit card has a low limit. If you do that, no one will be able to ruin your credit rating even if they max out your credit card because the limit is so low!

You should also be shredding all of your outgoing mail. A lot of your information is already on your garbage and all the thieves have to do is pick through your garbage and learn about you.

Make sure that your mailbox is safe. You may have to rent a mailbox if you live in an area where it is not secure and private.

Get a credit check done regularly to see if someone is ruining your credit rating. A credit report will tell you how many credit inquiries have been made and if you see any on there that you did not approve of, you should contact the credit bureau immediately.

Why this talk about identity theft on a site about loans? Because if someone steals your identity they can get loans based on your credit rating and they will disappear with the goods while you get stuck with a bad credit report.

Tim Renolds is the owner of Homeowner Loans providing Uk homeowners with a free loan quote service. Visit us today for a free no obligation quote

What Can I Do About Identity Theft And Fraud?

2008-03-20T01:45:00.001-07:00

What Can I Do About Identity Theft And Fraud?

To victims of identity theft and fraud, the task of correcting incorrect information about their financial or personal status, and trying to restore their good names and reputations, may seem as daunting as trying to solve a puzzle in which some of the pieces are missing and other pieces no longer fit as they once did. Unfortunately, the damage that criminals do in stealing another person's identity and using it to commit fraud often takes far longer to undo than it took the criminal to commit the crimes.

What Should I Do To Avoid Becoming A Victim Of Identity Theft?

To reduce or minimize the risk of becoming a victim of identity theft or fraud, there are some basic steps you can take. For starters, just remember the word "SCAM":

S Be stingy about giving out your personal information to others unless you have a reason to trust them, regardless of where you are:

At Home.

Start by adopting a "need to know" approach to your personal data. Your credit card company may need to know your mother's maiden name, so that it can verify your identity when you call to inquire about your account. A person who calls you and says he's from your bank, however, doesn't need to know that information if it's already on file with your bank; the only purpose of such a call is to acquire that information for that person's personal benefit. Also, the more information that you have printed on your personal bank checks -- such as your Social Security number or home telephone number -- the more personal data you are routinely handing out to people who may not need that information. If someone you don't know calls you on the telephone and offers you the chance to receive a "major" credit card, a prize, or other valuable item, but asks you for personal data -- such as your Social Security number, credit card number or expiration date, or mother's maiden name -- ask them to send you a written application form. If they won't do it, tell them you're not interested and hang up. If they will, review the application carefully when you receive it and make sure it's going to a company or financial institution that's well-known and reputable. The Better Business Bureau can give you information about businesses that have been the subject of complaints.

On Travel.

If you're traveling, have your mail held at your local post office, or ask someone you know well and trust ? another family member, a friend, or a neighbor ? to collect and hold your mail while you're away.

If you have to telephone someone while you're traveling, and need to pass on personal financial information to the person you're calling, don't do it at an open telephone booth where passersby can listen in on what you're saying; use a telephone booth where you can close the door, or wait until you're at a less public location to call.

C Check your financial information regularly, and look for what should be there and what shouldn't: What Should Be There.

If you have bank or credit card accounts, you should be receiving monthly statements that list transactions for the most recent month or reporting period.

If you're not receiving monthly statements for the accounts you know you have, call the financial institution or credit card company immediately and ask about it.

If you're told that your statements are being mailed to another address that you haven't authorized, tell the financial institution or credit card representative immediately that you did not authorize the change of address and that someone may be improperly using your accounts. In that situation, you should also ask for copies of all statements and debit or charge transactions that have occurred since the last statement you received. Obtaining those copies will help you to work with the financial institution or credit card company in determining whether some or all of those debit or charge transactions were fraudulent.

What Shouldn't Be There.

If someone has gotten your financial data and made unauthorized debits or charges against your financial accounts, checking your monthly statements carefully may be the quickest way for you to find out. Too many of us give those statements, or the enclosed checks or credit transactions, only a quick glance, and don't review them closely to make sure there are no unauthorized withdrawals or charges.

If someone has managed to get access to your mail or other personal data, and opened any credit cards in your name or taken any funds from your bank account, contact your financial institution or credit card company immediately to report those transactions and to request further action.

A Ask periodically for a copy of your credit report.

Your credit report should list all bank and financial accounts under your name, and will provide other indications of whether someone has wrongfully opened or used any accounts in your name.

M Maintain careful records of your banking and financial accounts.

Even though financial institutions are required to maintain copies of your checks, debit transactions, and similar transactions for five years, you should retain your monthly statements and checks for at least one year, if not more. If you need to dispute a particular check or transaction ? especially if they purport to bear your signatures ? your original records will be more immediately accessible and useful to the institutions that you have contacted.

Even if you take all of these steps, however, it's still possible that you can become a victim of identity theft. Records containing your personal data -- credit-card receipts or car-rental agreements, for example -- may be found by or shared with someone who decides to use your data for fraudulent purposes. http://www.usdoj.gov/

Jake Paterson - visit http://www.backgroundcheckunlimited.com to find more about public records and vital records

Some Tips For Preventing Identity Theft

2008-03-19T02:44:00.000-07:00

These days it is becoming increasingly common to see people suffering from identity theft. It has become a huge business for thieves and con artists all over the world.

If it has never happened to you, trust me you don't want it to. These people who specialize in stealing identities can run up charges on your credit cards, empty your bank accounts, sell off investment portfolios and have the funds transferred to offshore accounts, and ruin your credit almost overnight.

So, how do you protect yourself from this new crime threat? I have gathered a few tips for you that will give you a good start to guarding against identity theft.

One of the easiest things that one can do to help prevent identity theft from people going through your garbage is to buy a cross-cut type shredder. Shred all your important papers and especially pre-approved credit applications received in your name and other financial information that provides access to your private information. Don't forget to shred your credit card receipts as well. These shredders can be bought now for under $50.

Be careful at ATM's and using Phone Cards. "Shoulder Surfers" can get your "Pin Number" and get access to your accounts. Another thing is to be careful when pulling up to an ATM and watch out for people in the area. I also suggest not going to ATM's late at night and especially if they are in remote areas just from a safety standpoint.

Get all of your checks delivered to your bank - not to your home address.

Do not put checks to pay bills in the mail from your home mailbox. Drop them off at a U.S. Mailbox or the U.S. Post Office. Mail theft is common. It's easy to change the name of the recipient on the check with an acid wash. Another thing you can do to guard against this type of theft is buy a better mailbox. There are many mailboxes now that only allow the postman to drop mail in the box and only the owner can access it. These extras steps require some time and effort on your part but they are well worth it.

When you order new credit cards in the mail, or your previous ones have expired, watch the calendar to make sure that you get the card within the appropriate time. If it is not received by a certain date, call the credit card grantor immediately and find out if the card was sent. Find out if a change of address was filed if you don't receive the card or a billing statement. Cancel all credit cards that you do not use or have not used in 6 months. Thieves use these very easily - open credit is a prime target.

By following these tips and avoiding sending personal information and checks from your home mailbox you can go a long way in preventing identity theft.

Gregg Hall is a business consultant and author for many online and offline businesses and lives in Navarre Florida with his 16 year old son. Get a secure mailbox from http://www.mailboxsuperstoreonline.com

Fraud - Identity Theft And Fraud

2008-03-18T02:13:00.000-07:00

Identity theft and fraud is when someone illegally obtains someone else's personal information such as social security number and possibly credit card information for the purposes of some sort of economic gain.

Besides social security number and credit card info, other personal pieces of information that a someone might steal to commit identity fraud are your bank account number and telephone calling card number. The stealing of this information leads to a number of crimes such as illegally transferring funds from your bank account, using your telephone card to make phone calls and the worst case scenario, using your credit card number to run up large debts on your account. This is the most common type of identity fraud. Some people even go as far as committing crimes using a person's personal identification such as stolen car and drivers license. Then when the police go knocking on a door it's your door they end up knocking on. Sometimes the damage done is so extensive that the person's credit rating is destroyed and in many cases the person's life is in ruins.

So what does one do to prevent against identity theft? Actually there are a number of precautions you can take that, while they don't guarantee it won't happen to you, can greatly decrease the chances of you being a victim of identity fraud.

For starters, be very stingy about giving out your personal information to anyone, especially if they are asking for it for something that seems like it may be a scam, like if somebody tells you that they've got a sure fire way for you to make $10,000 real fast and all you have to do is give them your credit card number. This should be a warning sign that should light up the sky for you. Don't ever fall for these scams.

If someone calls you at home and says they are from your bank and need some information from you, this is most likely an attempt to get your personal info as the bank should have everything it needs on file already.

If someone calls you on the phone and says you are eligible to win some terrific prize and to qualify for it all you need to do is give them your credit card number, again, this is most likely a scam as there is no reason for you to have to give out that information if you have truly won a prize. Never fall for this one.

If you're traveling, only take what you absolutely must have with you. It's best to get travelers checks instead of carrying around a credit card. Travelers checks are insured and you won't end up running up a big debt from a lost or stolen credit card. Also, the less ID you carry with you the less chance that it can be gotten from you unless someone cracks open your head and drains the info from you.

The bottom line is to just be careful with who you trust and what you trust them with. By doing this you stand the best chance of avoiding being the victim of identity fraud.

Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Fraud

How To Avoid Getting Into Identity Theft Trouble

2008-03-17T03:04:00.001-07:00

The credit card industry seems to be growing at an unprecedented rate. According to some statistical reports, the average American household has at least one credit card. In fact, from the total respondents in the survey, 81% of the households have at least one credit card.

This goes to show that more and more people are enticed to get their own credit card. The reasons for doing so are based on the fact that credit cards offer extreme cashless shopping convenience. Hence, everybody seems to be motivated to get at least one credit card.

However, the travails of the credit card industry do not end here. This is because the reality that evolves on the credit cards does not just depend on the way people use credit cards but with the way on how they use it and protect themselves.

What people do not realize is that the manner on how they use their credit cards can greatly affect the way they live. For instance, frauds and fraudulent activities are very prevalent in the industry and the best targets of the culprits are those who use credit cards whenever they are into shopping.

People should take note that one of the most prevalent credit card scams in the society today is the identity theft. In fact, it has been reported by the FBI that almost 350,000 up to 500,000 cases of identity theft are known to exist in the U.S. every single year.

Basically, identity theft is when some unscrupulous people try to get some information from you such as your social security number and other pertinent personal and financial data.

These sets of information are used deceitfully by these people for their own benefits. Hence, the poor victim does not realize that his identity was stolen and that his financial future is doomed.

For this reason, it is important to know how to avoid getting into trouble. Here is how:

1. Protect your personal data and any financial information

Never entertain phone calls that require you to give any personal data or information, even if the caller says he is from the bank that issued your credit card and that the information gathering is just some sort of verifications.

If this is the case, try to inform him that you wish to do the transactions personally. Hence, it is important to very if the caller is, indeed, a representative of the bank.

2. Avoid freebies and offers that involve credit cards

If you were offered with some promotions requiring you to give some personal information, then, it would be better not to entertain the promo at all.

Things like these will only entice you to try it. In the end, it is too late to realize that you have just been a victim of an identity theft.

3. Have a regular check up on your credit standing and bills

Most of credit card holders are so lazy to do regular check ups on their status. If you do this, it will be easier for you to detect any probable identity theft case on your part. Credit reports can definitely tell you if there were purchases that you know that you did not make.

4. Do not carry them around

The problem with most people is that they ten to carry their cards wherever they are. This is a bad habit that should be stopped. You will never know what will happen while you are in a public place, where identity theft could just be lurking around, waiting for its next victim.

The bottom line is that credit card users should be responsible enough not to allow these fraudulent activities to happen. Keep in mind that the reason why these kinds of frauds exist is that there are people who are unconsciously victimized every now and then.

Robert Thatcher is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides identity theft resources on www.about-identity-theft.info

Identity Theft - Resources for Victims

2008-03-13T02:53:00.000-07:00

Identity theft could happen to anyone. These are resources that will help you once you have become the victim of identity theft.

Identity theft could happen to anyone. Someone gets hold of important information, such as your name, credit card information and social security number and uses this to make online purchases or apply for additional credit cards. The source of the information could be a "phishing" e-mail you replied to, stolen mail or one of many other ways.

At first you are probably going to be stunned when you receive that call from a credit rating company or collection agency, but you have to get over your shock and act quickly.

Step number one should be to contact your local police department and report the identity theft. At this point you should ask whether the police department has an information package or website with information on how to deal with identity theft.

If that is not the case, you can use some of the following resources to help you in the arduous process of clearing your good name and credit:

http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/

This FTP website offers substantial resources, including a downloadable booklet in PDF format.

http://www.usdoj.gov/criminal/fraud/idtheft.html

Resources by the Department of Justice

http://www.idtheftcenter.org/index.shtml

Identity Theft Resource Center (includes P?ginas en Espa?ol)

http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/idtheft.htm

Social Security Administration website that allows you to report misues of your social security number

http://www.privacyrights.org/identity.htm

Privacy Right Clearinghouse website with numerous links to other resources.

None of this will make the process easier or less painful, but at least now you have some tools to work with.

Pamela Bruce lives in Austin, TX. She is the owner of Love Beads Unlimited and sells the sterling silver and Swarovski crystal bead jewelry she designs and creates both in her eBay store (http://stores.ebay.com/LOVE-BEADS-UNLIMITED) and on her website at http://www.lovebeadsunlimited.com, where you can also download the free e-book "A Consumer's Guide to Buying Bead Jewelry Online".

Don't be a Victim of Identity Theft

2008-03-13T02:45:00.000-07:00

By Paul D. McDonald, M.B.A.

We live in an information-oriented society. Technology allows us to do business and make transactions literally in a matter of seconds. This abundance of information has given rise to a new crime - identity theft. In fact, according to a 2003 release from the Federal Trade Commission, approximately 27 million Americans have fallen prey to identity thieves since 1999. Each year that number climbs higher and higher. In 2003 alone, almost 10 million people in the United States reported being victimized by identity bandits.

So what does that mean? Someone has stolen your credit card - your credit card company can help you with that, right?

Well, according to the FTC, almost 60% of identity theft issues don't pertain to your existing credit card accounts. Identity theft can occur as a result of new lines of credit being opened in your name either through credit cards or bank loans, as well as phone/utility fraud and even employment related fraud. Because we are susceptible through so many avenues in our daily life, we are all at risk.

What can you do? Where would you turn if you found yourself in this situation? Would you know where to start to clear your name? Well, now you don't have to worry about what to do as we have the answer.

As you already know, Pre-Paid Legal Services?, Inc. is a pioneer of the legal services industry. With more than 30 years of experience in providing legal rights protection to our members, we have now teamed with Kroll Inc., the world's largest risk consulting company.

For more than 30 years, Kroll has helped companies, government agencies and individuals reduce their exposure to risk and capitalize on business opportunities. Kroll is an operating unit of Marsh Inc., the risk and insurance services subsidiary of Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc., the global professional services .rm. With offices in more than 60 cities in the United States and abroad, Kroll can operate and restructure businesses; scrutinize accounting practices and financial documents; gather and filter electronic evidence for attorneys; recover lost or damaged data from computers and servers; conduct in-depth investigations; screen domestic and foreign-born job candidates; protect individuals, and enhance security systems and procedures. Over the last three years, Kroll has developed a unique solution for victims of identity theft. This new service is now available to Pre-Paid Legal members through the IDENTITY THEFT SHIELD benefit.

What does this benefit provide our members? The Identity Theft Shield gives you easy access to the resources you need to understand your credit ratings and to fight back if an identity thief threatens your financial standing. This benefit is designed to alert you to suspicious account activity, and to restore any resulting damage to your credit history.

1. Credit Report Through Experian

Make sure your financial records are accurate. Your credit standing is one of your most important financial assets. It not only affects your ability to get credit, it often dictates the interest rate at which you can borrow. It can also affect your ability to purchase insurance or to find employment. Some insurance companies and prospective employers use your credit rating to gauge your sense of responsibility.

Experts recommend you review your credit report regularly. The Identity Theft Shield makes it easy. Members are entitled to an up-to-date credit report from Experian at no additional charge.

Personal Credit Score and Analysis from Experian. Know your credit score . . . and how it affects your ability to borrow.

Your credit score is derived from the information in your credit report. This score is used by lenders to determine your creditworthiness. The higher the number, the better your chance of being approved for the credit you want. A detailed analysis of your Personal Credit Score will be included with your Credit Report. You can use this analysis to evaluate your current credit standing.

2. Continuous Credit Monitoring Through Experian

Learn of suspicious activity before your credit is ruined. A professional thief can assume your identity in just a few hours. But it can take years for you to repair your credit standing. Early detection is key to minimizing the damage caused by thieves who steal you name.

With your Identity Theft Shield membership, your credit .les will be monitored through Experian daily. Suspicious activity will be brought to your attention, providing you with early detection. You'll receive prompt notice if any new accounts are opened in your name . . . or if negative notations are added to your credit report.

3. Fraud Restoration Service

Get personal assistance and advice from experts. Any discrepancy in your credit report should be addressed at once. Call our Customer Service Department at the designated Identity Theft Shield number and explain your concerns. If it is identity theft, our fraud investigators will assist you every step of the way. A Fraud Restoration package with complete and detailed materials, aids, and instructions will be rushed to you.

If you sign a Limited Power of Attorney, you will be entitled to Enhanced Restoration Services. Kroll will work with you to determine the extent of the fraud in your credit and regarding your identity. On your behalf, Kroll will issue fraud alerts to the three major credit repositories, the Federal Trade Commission, the Social Security Administration, and the United States Postal Service. Kroll will work with the bureaus, creditors, and collection agencies to restore your credit accuracy with regard to your identity theft issues. If necessary and reasonable, Kroll will work with law enforcement, the department of motor vehicles, and other organizations to resolve your identity theft issues

If you decline the Limited Power of Attorney, you will receive Basic Consulting Services. Kroll will work with you to determine the extent of the fraud in your credit and regarding your identity. Kroll will provide you with contact information and procedures for the organizations you will need to work with. Kroll will provide sample letters and forms and be available to you through a toll-free phone number for assistance and advice throughout the process of restoring your identity.

Now, it is important to understand any identity theft that occurred prior to the membership enrollment or any situations relating to a business identity are not covered. Identity Restoration will not apply if the identity theft is the result of a dishonest, criminal, malicious, or fraudulent act you, your spouse, or child participated in, directed, or had knowledge of. Restoration services will not be provided for a preexisting, known stolen identity event. You must be an active, paid member to receive restoration services. Plan benefits do not cover financial losses arising from the identity theft.

Did you know, that on average, victims spend more than 175 hours and $1,500 in out-of-pocket expenses to clear their names? With Pre-Paid Legal's IDENTITY THEFT SHIELD, the cost of combating identity theft is much less. For just $12.95 a month [$9.95 along with the Pre-Paid Legal membership], IDENTITY THEFT SHIELD members have the added security of knowing they have someone to fight the battle for them. And the best thing is, this monthly fee provides benefits to you, the member, and your spouse.

Reports on identity theft are everywhere - television, newspapers, magazines, talk shows, etc. Now that you know this benefit is available, doesn't it make sense to have this sort of coverage? Imagine the peace of mind you would have knowing you and your spouse would have access to all of these services if you found yourself to be an identity theft statistic? Contact Paul D. McDonald, Independent Associate, to sign up for your Identity Theft membership by calling toll-free 1-877-711-1264. Don't wait until it is too late - do it today!

For a full list of disclosures and exclusions, please consult the Identity Theft Shield written material provided by Pre- Paid Legal.

Paul D. McDonald, MBA is a financial professional specializing in working with seniors and business owners. He assists people in making decisions on retirement planning, investing, insurance, budgeting, debt management, and many other critical financial decisions.

Paul can be reached by email pauldmcdonald@prepaidlegal.com or by calling 1-877-711-1264. You can visit his website at http://www.877-711-1264.com for more information

What Everyone Should Know About Reducing the Risk of Identity Theft

2008-03-12T02:45:00.000-07:00

Identity theft commonly begins with the loss or theft of a wallet or purse. But there are many or high-tech and low-tech ways criminals can get their hands on your personal and financial information in order to commit identity theft. When someone uses your name or personal information, such as your credit card number, driver's license number, Social Security number, telephone number, or other account numbers, without your permission, you become a victim of identity theft.

Thieves steal your personal information and use it to open credit accounts, bank accounts, telephone service accounts, and make major purchases in your name. These criminals use your sensitive information to take over existing accounts, or open new accounts. Their criminal activities can result in damage to your credit rating and denials to credit and job offers.

Protecting Your Identity While there are no guarantees that your identity will never be stolen or compromised, there are several steps you can take to minimize the risks. Here are a few of them:

* Before you discard your personal information that you no longer need, such as credit card receipts, billing statements, and pre-approved credit card offers, shred them using, at best, a diagonal-cut shredder.

* Create unique passwords and personal identification numbers (PINS) and avoid using easily available information such as mother's maiden name, date of birth, or last four digits of your Social Security number.

* Do not give your Social Security number to people or companies that you do not know.

* Guard your mail from theft. Promptly remove your incoming mail from your mailbox and place outgoing mail in locked collection boxes at your local Post Office.

* As an extra measure of security, install a lock on your mailbox, even if mail theft is not an identified problem in your neighborhood.

* Before disclosing personal information, even to people you know where you shop or do business, insist on knowing the reason(s) your personal information is required and how it will be used.

Low-Tech Rip-offs: Thieves can do much damage with what they remove from your mailbox.

Criminals are increasingly creative in the methods they use to get their hands or eyes on your personal information, and ultimately, your money. Here are some of the low-tech techniques they employ:

* Dumpster Diving, one of the easiest ways for them to appropriate your personal information.

* Mail Theft from unsecured residential mailboxes. According to statistics, mail theft most often takes place at unprotected and easily accessible mailboxes in public places.

* Shoulder surfing takes place when a thief watches or listens literally over your shoulder as you enter your PIN into an ATM machine. They may even follow you home or your place of work to gather additional information about you.

High-Tech Techniques: Data transferred across the Internet can be intercepted during its journey.

* Phishing and Pharming: While phishing is a scam in which consumers are tricked into entering their personal information via a bogus email and website form, pharming occurs where hackers steal personal information from numerous people simultaneously through something known as "domain spoofing". They take over a DNS server and redirect user information to a new website that they use to gather, collect, "pharm" illegal information.

* Skimming: Thieves quickly and temporarily steal a credit card and run it through a skimmer, a credit card reader that has been reprogrammed to steal information off the card.

Fight Back: Reduce the Risks

Make education about the scams, schemes, and frauds criminal use to steal your identity your priority in view of the rising occurrence of this multi-million-dollar-problem. With education comes prevention. Here are some prevention tips to help reduce the risks:

* Safeguard your personal information. Never take simple things for granted.

* Carry with your only the information you need. Always keep your personal information and documents in a safe and secured place of your choosing.

* Order and review a copy of your credit report at least once a year.

* Shred documents containing your sensitive information before discarding them.

For extensive information about ways to protect your identity, visit "Protecting Your Identity" at http://www.ProtectingYourIdentity.blogspot.com/.

Known as The Master Blog Builder, Etienne A. Gibbs, MSW, helps small business owners and non-profit organizations improve their customer relationship marketing. Often he comes across cases that are red flags calling identity thieves to come in. Hence, he started the "Protecting Your Identity" blog. Contact him at http://www.MasterBlogBuilder.com/ for more information

How to Avoid Becoming a Victim of Identity Theft

2008-03-11T00:25:00.000-07:00

Identity theft is the fastest growing felony in North America. There are ways to reduce or minimize the risk of becoming a victim of identity theft and fraud. I have taken the following steps to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft, and so can you:

Taking care of my personal data - I never give out personal information to people on the phone and to people who do not need to know. A person on the phone saying he is calling from my bank does not need to know my personal information because it is already on the file with my bank. I never print my Social Security or my telephone number on my personal bank checks. I would unnecessarily be passing out information to people who need not know.

I have had Scamsters call with offers to receive a prize or some valuable item, and asking for my personal data, such as Social Security number, credit card number or its expiration date, or my mother's maiden name.

While on the move - If I am away for some time, I have my mail held up at the post office, or have someone I trust empty my mailbox daily. In case I need to communicate some personal information to someone, I trust. I make sure I am in a booth where no one can listen to what I am conveying.

Checking financial information regularly - I regularly receive my monthly bank and credit card statements. If this becomes irregular, I check with the concerned institution immediately to ask what is going on. Chances are that my bills are going to an address I have not authorized. Someone may have assumed my identity and be improperly using my accounts. If so, I would immediately start proceedings to cope with this identity theft to put a stop to it.

In the next article of the series, let me tell you how I would cope with identity theft.

Jon publishes articles and ebooks to help individuals with their personal finance needs and goals

Understanding and Avoiding Identity Theft

2008-03-10T02:43:00.000-07:00

Identity theft - the assumption of our identity - is one of the least understood and most frightening problems. It is a complicated issue and let me tell you how it works: A scamster manages to get my name, address, social security number and credit card or other information. Assuming my identity, the person runs up huge bills and skips without paying, leaving me with a ruined credit and creditors baying for my blood.

Our wallet contains so much information about ourselves, which we normally do not realize. A thief can make use of the information and pretend to be us.

Reducing Exposure to Identity Theft

* We cannot prevent identity theft with a 100% certainty, but we can certainly try to reduce our exposure to it.

* We must carry only the information we need to carry out our daily dealings. We should not carry all our credit cards in our wallet. We must avoid putting our Social Security number on our checks.

* Stolen mail is one of the easiest ways to get personal statistics. Do not leave your mailbox full. If out of town, arrange to have your mail picked up by friends or family members, or arrange to leave it at the post office.

* Do we get alert if our credit card bill is late? I always call up my credit card issuer to ask why. Identity thieves can arrange to change my billing address and run up huge bills before I can realize.

* Employers, merchants, proprietors, etc may have legitimate reasons to ask for my personal information. I always find out why they want the information and provide only that which is required for that particular transaction.

* One of the oldest frauds is being asked to update out of date credit card information, over phone. I never give out any information to strangers. You too should not.

In the next article, let us learn how to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft.

Jon Sterling tries to help you overcome Personal Financial problems through informative articles to help you reach your personal financial goals.

Jon publishes articles and ebooks to help individuals with their personal finance needs and goals.

Identity Theft - the 1 most important thing you can do now!

2008-03-07T23:21:00.000-08:00

Identity Theft - The one most important thing you can do to protect yourself!

If your credit card is ever stolen, don't panic. Immediately call the 3 national credit reporting organizations to place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number. The alert tells every company that checks your credit (as the thief trys to use your credit card) knows your information was stolen, and they will contact you by phone to authorize new credit.

Why is this so important? By the time most people do this, days after the theft, all the damage had been done. Notifying these 3 national credit reporting organizations immediately, stops thieves dead in their tracks! Now, here are the critical numbers you will need to contact if your purse or wallet is stolen: (Print these phones numbers now and keep a copy in your coat pocket, suitcase or another safe place that you can find easily if your purse or wallet is stolen.) a.) Equifax: 1-800-525-6285 b.) Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742 c.) Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289 d.) Social Security Administration (fraud line): 1-800-269-0271

Brought to you by www.Prepaid-Legal-Help-4U.com

I developed http://www.prepaid-legal-help-4u.com to help the 'little guy' have access to legal services previously reserved for the wealthy!

Identity Theft

2008-03-06T01:06:00.001-08:00

Identity Theft - the 10 Best Tips You Can Use Right Now!

We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed by someone stealing a name, address, Social Security number or credit card. Here are 10 suggestions you can take to help protect yourself.

1. The next time you order checks, have only your initials (instead of your first name) and last name put on them. If someone takes your checkbook, they won't know if you sign your checks with just your initials or your first name, but your bank will know how you sign your checks.

2. When you are writing checks to pay your credit card accounts, DO NOT put the complete account number on the "For" line. Instead, just put the last four numbers. The credit card company knows the rest of the number, and anyone who might be handling your check as it passes through all the check processing channels won't have access to it.

3. Put your work phone number on your checks instead of your home phone. If you have a PO Box, use that instead of your home address. If you don't have a PO Box, use your work address.

4. Never have your Social Security number or driver's license number printed on your checks. You can add it if it is necessary. But if you have it printed, anyone can get it.

5. Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine. Do both sides of each license, credit card, etc. You will know what you had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel. Keep the photocopy in a safe place. It's also a good idea to carry a photocopy of your passport when traveling abroad.

6. For couples or friends traveling together - each of you should carry a different, unique credit card. For example, one of you could carry a Visa card and one of you a Discover card. Don't both carry the same credit card! That way if one of you has their credit card stolen, you still have a valid credit card to use and aren't completely without funds while you are traveling.

7. Another tip for couples or friends traveling together - each of you should carry the other person's photo copies of their credit cards and passport. If someone steals your wallet or purse, your traveling companion still has copies of all your information.

8. When you're reading email, don't click on any of the links listed in the email message. No matter how tempting the offer is! This is a way 'phishers' use to direct you to their website and capture your credit card and personal information.

9. We are told to cancel our credit cards immediately. But the key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call. Keep these numbers where you can find them separate from your credit cards.

10. File a police report immediately in the city where your credit cards, purse or wallet were stolen. This proves to credit providers you were diligent, and this is a first step toward an investigation.

Brought to you by www.Prepaid-Legal-Help-4U.com

I developed www.prepaid-legal-help-4u.com to help the 'little guy' have access to legal services previously reserved for the wealthy!

Criminal Identity Theft - Don't Let Your Good Name End up in a Criminal Database!

2008-03-06T01:04:00.001-08:00

Criminal Identity Theft - don't think it can't happen to you! Stolen identities have ended up in criminal databases. Learn how to protect yourself, and not become a victim.

You're driving on road one night, then you notice there's a police cruiser following close behind you. You figure the cop just wants to pass you, so you move over one lane, except he moves over too and stays on your tail, then you see the flashing red & blue lights then "Woooop!!! wooooop!!!" You must be wondering why you were pulled over. You weren't speeding nor breaking any traffic laws and your tag is not expired. Maybe it's just a burned out taillight. "Sir may I see your driver's license and registration please." Then comes the shocker! "SIR... step out of the vehicle." You get patted down for weapons, drugs, etc.. "You're under arrest for outstanding warrants." On go the handcuffs "Zzzzkkkkkk! Zzzzkkkkkk!" "You have the right to remain silent..." By now, you must be thinking "OH S---!!!". "I've never been arrested in my life!" After you've been booked at the county jail, strip searched, fingerprinted, and maybe spent the weekend in the slammer, you go before the judge only to find out you're free to go, all charges dropped because it turns out you're not the person they were looking for.

Is this a case of mistaken identity, or more likely, a case of STOLEN IDENTITY, or criminal identity fraud. The most common scenario is during a traffic citation or misdemeanor arrest, the imposter fraudulently provides to an officer-of-the-law somebody else's identification, usually always that of a friend or relative, then skip town and simply not pay the fine or fail to make the required court appearance. Unlike financial identity theft, the victim is usually always known to the imposter. The judge will then issue a warrant for his arrest. In many cases, the imposter either stole or fraudulently acquired a phony driver's license or other ID, or simply "borrowed" the victim's name as an alias. The impostor is most often wanted on outstanding warrants for failure to appear. The victim is usually arrested during a routine traffic stop. This type of identity theft commonly occurs where the age and physical appearance of the two are similar. Police are tending to be much more cautious today in order to avoid false arrest lawsuits, but the system has a long way to go. Fortunately, unlike financial, criminal identity fraud is relatively rare.

In a few cases serious offenses such as DUI and felonies were committed in the victim's name and the person's name ends up in the criminal database system. The victim might in for a real shock when he is told he cannot buy a gun because he failed the instant background check, or is one day called into his boss's office, to be informed he is being fired because a criminal record showed up in a routine employee background check. In the end you probably wished this imposter were caught in Saudi Arabia where he would be sentenced to 100 lashes in the public square.

Unfortunately, the criminal justice system does not yet have a decent contingency plan in place to clear an innocent person's name. The burdon of clearing one's name lies mostly with the accused, sometimes with steep attorney's fees.

Procedures to clear your name from criminal databases varies according to state, or even individual counties. Some states already have special procedures in place for victims of criminal identity theft. Ask your state Attorney General's office.

If wrongful criminal offenses are linked to your name, first contact the original arresting police/sheriff's department who originally arrested the impostor, or else the court who issued the arrest warrant and file an impersonation report with them, and confirm your identity. Ask the police department to take your fingerprints, photograph you, and make official copies of your photo IDs, I.e.: driver's license, passport, etc.. To claim your innocence, ask the police to compare your fingerprints and photos with the imposter's.

Maintain a detailed log of all your phone conversions, paperwork, email messages, contacts, etc.. Keep a detailed record of all your expenses incurred. When writing the authorities you should always use certified mail with return receipt. Email is generally not considered secure for sending confidential private information, so it's not recommended if you can avoid it. The rule is never send out something via email that would not want to share with the public. Changing your social security number is rarely recommended as that usually causes more problems than it solves.

If the arrest warrant is from another state or county, ask your local police dept. to forward your impersonation report to the agency of the jurisdiction where the arrest warrant, traffic citation, or criminal conviction originated.

The police/sheriff's dept should recall any arrest warrants and issue you a clearance letter or certificate of release in the event you were arrested and booked. It's essential to keep this document with you at all times in case you might be falsely arrested again. Have official copies made at the courthouse, in case it gets lost. Ask the agency to file the record of the follow-up investigation establishing your innocence at the D.A's office and/or the court in the jurisdiction where the crime occurred. This will result in an amended complaint. Unfortunately once your name ends up in a criminal database, it's difficult to get it completely removed. Ask that the key name or primary name be changed from yours to the imposter's name, or else to "John Doe" if the imposter's true identity is unknown, with your name noted as an alias.

You will also want to clear your name within the court records. Determine which state law(s) will help you with this and how. If your state has no formal procedure for clearing your record, contact the D.A.'s office in the county where the case was originally prosecuted. Ask the D.A.'s office for the appropriate court records needed to clear your name. Unfortunately in some situations, you may have no choice but to hire an attorney to help you clear your good name. You may want to ask your state DMV if your driver's license was used by the imposter. Ask them to flag your files for possible fraud.

Overall, your best defense is prevention. Pick your friends carefully, and safeguard your drivers license, passports or other forms of ID.

Fred Appleyard Jr. - Visit http://www.beyourowndetective.com to learn more about identity fraud and private investigation. Get the latest tools to help you conduct your investigations.

Protect Your Network From Identity Theft Now!

2008-03-05T01:17:00.000-08:00

It is deniable that our works and lives are more convenient and easier when using wireless. We can work anywhere and that is why wireless networks are becoming so popular. Especially if you have broadband Internet access, a wireless router can give you instant communication with the world.

Imagine you are sitting by the pool and enjoying chatting through the Internet. Or lounging in the Jacuzzi listening to your MP3 collection is appealing to us all. Unfortunately, many, or even most, wireless units don't come with security features already functioning. This may not seem like a big issue to someone who is simply setting up a home network, but there are a number of potential problems you should consider.

Identity theft seems to be the most serious problem. If your network is unsecured, the personal data on your wireless electronic equipment is also unsecured. The order you just placed for a book at Amazon may have given your contact and payment information to an unscrupulous hacker! Nearly every town in which "WiFi" is common will have "War Drivers" and "War Chalkers" at work. These are people who walk or drive around town with wireless equipment, searching for unsecured networks. The "Chalkers" then live up their name, marking curbs and other public items with chalk so that others can more easily find and exploit your network.

In fact, not all "War Drivers" are hackers, of course. Many just want to use your network for free, but the risk is high if you don't learn how to protect yourself. You can usually find quite a bit of free information as to how to secure your network at the website of your router's manufacturer, or by doing a search in a search engine for a phrase like "secure home wireless."

In addition, there are also your neighbors who may find your network by accident and enjoy nosing into your activities and using your Internet access at will, slowing down your network speed in the process.

Even many businesses use cheap, home-use quality equipment for their company networks. With the poor security often found on small business networks, anyone with a basic knowledge of wireless can access sensitive company and customer data.

It is highly recommended that you hire service companies to secure your network for you, or else you will have to bear with a risk of being exploited. A search of your local yellow pages or an inquiry at your neighborhood computer store should yield professional help and get your private data private again.

George Williams maintains many websites about network security, including Wireless, Wireless Secret ,and Wireless Now

10 Ways To Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft

2008-03-03T23:23:00.000-08:00

As the popularity of credit cards and Internet shopping grow, so does the chance that you will become a victim of Identity Theft. One's information can be easily accessed by anyone who has your social security number and other identifying information such as credit card bills or processed checks.

Before becoming a victim of identity theft you can go on the offensive and practice prevention in 10 basic steps. There steps will not guarantee that your information does not get into the hands of a criminal, but it gives you a better chance against a syndicate of International identity theft thieves.

1. Buy a Shredder. Shredding your old bills, invoices, receipts and credit & bank statements is the first and possibly most effective way to stop dumpster divers from access your information. Before throwing away anything with private information, shred it.

If you're not sure that the info can be used to steal your identity, shred it anyway.

2. When using an ATM be weary of those standing next to you. If someone is standing too close behind you, do not be afraid to ask them to step back.

3. Hidden camera detectors. In addition to prying eyes, also be aware of surveilance devices in stores, ATMs, gas stations, and anywhere you may be using a credit card or signing your name. There are many small and affordable hidden camera frequency detectors on the market. For more information see AntiSpyCam.com.

4. Treat your checks like money. Would you stuff your mailbox with wads of cold cash? Mail theft is probably easier than dumpster diving when it comes to stealing private information, and much cleaner. Mail checks by dropping them off at the Post Office and if you do order bank checks via the web or mail, have them delivered via registered mail or FedEx.

5. Biometrics services like fingerprint or voice recognition are becoming popular in the war against identity theft or account hacking. Voice biometrics works by digitizing a profile of a person's speech to produce a stored model voice print. Many banks are now offering this service, ask yours about adding this to your bank account security options. More info on Voice Biometrics at VoiceVerified.com

6. Make a list of all of your credit card numbers, passwords, usernames and bank account numbers and guard them in a safe place. Do not keep them on your computer, especially if you use peer to peer file sharing software.

7. When applying for a credit card request that your photo be placed on the card. There are also companies which will place your photo on your checks. For more information see UniqueChecks.com

8. Write on the back of your credit card "Ask To See My ID" , most people at the register treat credit cards like cash not asking for ID. If they do not ask or forget to do so, ask them why they have not.

9. When you move be sure to register your new forwarding address with the Post Office and also inform all of your credit cards, banks, and subscriptions services personally of your new address. If they are still sending private information to your old address, cancel your card or account.

10. Don't carry your social security number or credit cards you don't use on you. You are not required to carry a social security card so lock it up. If you're not using your credit cards, keep them in a safe place with your social security card.

Mrs. Suzuki is a freelance security and techology writer and has never had her identity stolen.

The Dangers Of Identity Theft

2008-03-03T23:22:00.000-08:00

Identity Theft is a real and growing problem. So what is identity theft exactly? Basically, identity theft is when someone uses your social security number, your bank credit card number, your driver's license number or any other form of identity without your knowledge or permission.

Many people have fallen victim to identity theft through many different means. Some of these ways are easily preventable due to their common sense obvious nature. Other ways identities are stolen are more dubious and discreet.

What Identity Theft Can Do To You

We often take our liberties for granted. What you know life to be can suddenly change if you've been a victim of identity theft.

While you've been busy with your day-to-day life someone could have stolen your personal information and racked up debts or committed fraud - all with your name on it. What happens then can be anything from being denied employment, credit or even being arrested for a crime you didn't commit.Identity theft is that serious.

Victims of identity theft can spend years paying back debts or fighting to restore their credit as well as their reputation. Finding out you are a victim of identity theft can be frightening and a source of anxiety even after you've resolved the issue.

According to a survey conducted by the FTC (Federal Trade and Commission) 4.6% of Americans involved in the survey responded that they had been a victim of identity theft within the past year. That means about 10 million Americans dealt with some form of identity theft - from using existing credit cards to setting up new accounts or giving false identification when arrested for a crime.

It doesn't stop there. The cost of clearing up the theft ranged from an average of $500 to $1200 per victim. It took them on average 30 hours to resolve the issue while also costing time and money for businesses and agencies who assist these victims.

With all the tools available to potential thieves along with our increasing reliance on paperless money transfers (credit cards, debit cards and online payments) we are incredibly susceptible to having this nightmare come true.

How can you reduce the risk and what do you do if it happens to you or your family?

So, the question becomes, how can you protect yourself from someone stealing your identity?

To protect yourself from identity theft, the first thing you should do when considering how to divulge information about your identity to someone you do not know or may not trust is to use your common sense. Never make one-sided assumptions or take things for granted where your identity is concerned.

Credit card company statements and bank statements you receive in the mail contain your account information including your account number. Any of these items need to be shredded with an inexpensive shredder you can buy at any office supply store. Do not throw credit card statements, old credit cards or bank statements, etc. in the trash as that presents an easy way for someone going through the trash to steal your account information and use it as if they were you.

Another thing you can do to protect yourself against credit card fraud and unauthorized credit card usage is to sign the back of your card as "Check ID". If a store clerk asks to see your card, he or she will check the signature on the back and compare it with some other form of ID you have. This safeguard will not work where a purchase can be automatically completed (like at a gas pump).

When you are buying items at a store or withdrawing money from a bank or ATM machine using your ATM debit card always protect the visibility of your PIN number as you punch it in.

Do not carry your social security card with your number on it in your wallet. Keep your social security card or anything with your social security number on it in a safe place where no one has access to it but you. If you must dispose of anything that has your social security number on it, do not forget to shred it.

When online, do not open files sent to you by strangers or even files that are from someone you know but were not expecting to receive any from them. Do not click on hyperlinks or download programs from people you do not know either. Opening a computer file from an unknown source could expose your system to a computer virus, a Trojan or spyware. These types of programs could be ones that could log your keystroke information containing your credit card numbers, passwords or other sensitive information as you type it in.

If you use Ebay or Paypal, read the company website policies concerning how they handle communication to you about your account information. Never trust an email you may receive out of nowhere from Ebay or Paypal asking you to "update your account information" as this is more than likely a ploy to steal that information and use it illegally.

Use a firewall program and a router while you are online if you have high speed internet that leaves your computer connected to the internet 24/7. The router and the firewall program both make it much more difficult for a hacker to see your computer's actual IP address which means that you have a better chance of safely sending and receiving sensitive information over the internet. Windows XP operating system SP2 has a built in firewall which you should make sure is enabled in your settings.

When you are shopping online, always use a secure browser and shop from a web site that offers secure transactions when shopping online. Most browsers in use today have this protection feature including the popular Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox browsers. Secure website shopping carts you visit will show up as "https://thestoresdomain.com" in the web browser address bar.

Practice keeping your computer clean from spyware or Trojan programs that log keystroke information by using virus protection software and spyware monitoring and removal software. These programs should be updated regularly, and updates for you're operating system and other software programs should be installed regularly to protect against the compromise of your computer files and password information. Ideally, virus protection software should be set to update itself frequently. The Windows XP operating system will update itself automatically if you enable this feature, which you should.

The consequences of identity theft once thieves have your information can be quite severe and range from going on a spending spree to taking out auto loans in your name. For these reasons and others, it is a good idea to monitor your credit report periodically. A credit report can be obtained from Trans Union Corp. New laws have made it easy for you to get at least one free credit report that you can use to see if accounts have been opened in your name.

Dan Farrell is the owner of http://www.identitytheftcop.com that offers "The Dangers Of Identity Theft And How To Protect Yourself!"