Identity Theft: Dont Be The Next Victim

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

Identity Theft: The New Threat To Your Credit

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.

Identity Theft at Record Levels

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.

Think Twice About Identity Theft

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.

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.

Internet Mail Identity Theft

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/

The Criminal Mind and Identity Theft

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/

UK Identity Theft

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/

Simple Ways to Help Avoid Identity Theft

Each year, thousands of people around the world fall victim to identity theft... the assumption of their identity by others in an attempt to empty their bank accounts, establish fake lines of credit in their name, or to take advantage of current lines of credit and max out any credit cards that they might currently have.

Luckily, there are some simple steps that you can take that will help you to avoid identity thieves and keep your personal and financial information private.

The tips provided below are designed to help you to protect your identifying information, though in the end the implementation of them is up to you.

Lock Up Your Records

One easy way to keep your financial information out of the wrong hands is to purchase a lock box in which to keep your personal and financial records until they are out of date. Though the lock box doesn't have to be expensive, it's important to buy a sturdy one with a good lock on it in the event of a break-in or if someone should be in your house looking for financial information. Buying a fireproof lock box can also have the benefit of protecting your financial and personal information in the event if a fire or other natural disaster.

Buy a Shredder

When it comes time to get rid of old records, unused credit card applications, and other identifying information, a personal shredder is one of the best investments that you can make. It's generally best to purchase a cross-cut shredder, which cuts paper at opposite angles and makes it virtually impossible to reconstruct at a later date. These shredders can usually be bought for not a lot of money, and can more than make up the cost in the peace of mind that they can bring.

Be Careful with Your Information Before giving out any personal or financial information, you should make sure that the person that you're giving it to is legitimate. Avoid giving any identifying information to anyone over the phone unless you know for sure who you're talking to and that it's alright to do so, and don't submit personal information over the internet unless it's via an encrypted and automated system.

You should also avoid replying to requests for passwords for websites that claim to come from administrators... almost all major websites have automated password generation features, so administrators would not have any need for your password.

Report Suspicious E-mail

If you receive an e-mail that claims to be from a company that you do business with but is asking for financial or personal information, don't believe it. Don't reply to it, and don't click any links contained within... instead, manually type in the main URL of the website, log in, and report the e-mail to the company to verify whether it's legitimate or not.

Watch Your Credit and Accounts

In order to stay on top of identity theft, you should periodically check your credit report and go over all account statements and account transactions via online bank account access. Verify that all charges and debits are legitimate, and report any that appear without your authorization. Look for accounts or listings on your credit report that you didn't open, and contact the issuer should you find any.

By taking a little time to stay on top of your bank accounts and your credit report, you can usually discover attempts at identity theft while something can still be done to stop it... and might just catch the person in the act.

You may freely reprint this article provided the following author's biography (including the live URL link) remains intact:

John Mussi is the founder of Direct Online Loans who help homeowners find the best available loans via the www.directonlineloans.co.uk website

Identity Theft OR Will The REAL Me Please Stand Up!

There is a new thief on the block. An identity thief and YOU are at risk!
There is a new thief on the block. An identity thief and YOU are at risk!

Identity Theft is the fastest growing crime today and is effecting approximately 900,000 NEW victims each year!

Everyday transactions such as writing a check, using your cell phone, making a charge purchase, applying for a credit card, mailing your tax returns, even simply placing your outgoing mail in your mail box may put you at risk.

Shopping Online (e-commerce) has enabled consumers to purchase almost any product online, from clothing to groceries, vehicles to home loans and anywhere in between. All with the click of the mouse!

These and other transactions require you to share personal information-credit and bank account numbers, your social security number, birth date, your income, name, address and telephone number.

The identity theft takes some piece of your information and then co-opts (shares) the information while pretending to be you and uses it to commit fraud or theft. Such as using your personal information to obtain credit, merchandise, services or even criminal action in your name.

You, in return, are left with your good name and credit ruined and with the complicated and time consuming task of regaining your identity and restoring your credit.

Can identity theft be completely preventedNo, but there are steps/ways you can take to minimize your risk by managing your personal information better.

Ways An Identity Thief Uses Your Information:

The identity thief calls your credit card issuer, posing as you, gives a change of address for your credit card account. Then the identity thief uses your card information to run up charges on your account.

Since your statement (and the merchandise) is going to a new address, you don't realize right away there is a problem.

Using your name, birth date and social security number, the identity thief can open new credit card accounts in your name, never pay the bills and the delinquent account is reported in your name and becomes part of your credit report.

Identity thieves have also been know to open a bank account in your name, write bad checks on the account and leave you facing the consequences.

Another area of identity theft is using counterfeit checks and/or debit cards and steal the money from your bank account.

Still another area of identity theft is establishing cellular phone service in your name. The identity thief can even buy vehicles by using your name and taking out a vehicle loan.

Steps To Help You Decrease Your Risk Of Identity Theft:

1. Protect your Social Security Number.

Don't carry your Social Security card with you or in your wallet. Leave your drivers license, social security and home telephone numbers off your personal checks.

2. Shop Online at Secure Web Sites.

Always make sure you are dealing with a secure web site. Look for https:// displayed in your web address bar located near the top of your screen. The "s" after "http" stands for "secure". https://

3. Destroy information and papers you throw away.

Shred (crosscut shredders are best) bank information, credit card information, offers for credit and payments made with receipts given.

4. Know your credit accounts billing cycles.

In case your bills are late coming in, you can call the company and request a duplicate copy. This will help you see right away if there is a problem on your account.

5. Check your credit report.

Once a year check your credit report with the three major credit reporting agencies. Don't overlook the "Inquiries" section of the report. This will give you an overview of creditors, accounts and inquiries made on your report.

Even though you can't totally prevent identity theft from occurring, following these few steps and tips will help you lower your risk. When the time (credit report) comes.... The Real You IS Standing Up!

Livvie Matthews, Internet Business Specialist, Consultant and Author helps people interested in creating information products, niche marketing and building relationships while building their business! Visit http://www.simplebizpublications.com and Market Your Goldmine! Simple Biz Ezine subscribe mailto:subscribe@simplebizpublications.com Receive a Free e-mail course.