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

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.

? Use a free e-mail account address (such as through Yahoo, MSN, Google) when filling out web forms. These addresses are free and, in most cases, they are very good at spam filtering.

? 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.

Persecuted by Identity Theft

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

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/

Victimized by Identity Theft

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/

Fraud - Identity Theft And Fraud

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

Identity Theft - Your Prevention Guide

Identity theft occurs when someone illegally obtains your personal information (social security number, credit card numbers or some other personal information) and uses that information to apply for loans or credit cards under your name or to make unauthorized purchases or gain access to your financial accounts. It is extremely prevalent these days, but there are steps you can take which will reduce the chances of you becoming a victim of identity theft.

1. NEVER give out personal information (date of birth, social security number, credit card numbers) over the phone, by email or on the internet unless you initiated the contact and know whom you're dealing with. If your social security number is requested, ask if another form of ID could be substituted in its place.

2. ALWAYS shred papers that have your personal information on them before throwing them away. Papers that should be shredded include credit card receipts, checks, bank statements, credit card statements, expired credit cards and pre-approved credit card offers. Cross-cut shredders are great for this purpose.

3. Keep accurate and current records of all your credit cards and who you should contact in case they are lost or stolen. You may want to take copies of your credit cards and write the customer service number on the copy. If you are not currently using some of your credit cards, you should keep them securely locked away. Other things to keep in a secure location include: unused checks, your social security card, bank statements and credit card statements.

4. ALWAYS make sure you get your copy of a credit card receipt when making a purchase. Check to make sure your credit card was returned to you as well.

5. Check your credit reports annually. There are three credit reporting agencies; Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Every year, you are allowed one free credit report from each of these credit reporting agencies. Go to www.annualcreditreport.com to order your free credit reports, ordering one from a different agency every 4 months.

6. ALWAYS make sure there are no "shoulder surfers" around when you are keying in your PIN number at an ATM or store. Be careful that no one overhears you when giving out your credit card number or personal information over the phone.

7. When purchasing on the internet, always make sure the site you're using is secure. You know you're on a secure site if the web address changes from http:// to https:// when you click on "buy" or "add to cart." You will also note a lock or key symbol in the lower corner of the web page.

8. On your own computer, use a firewall and virus protection. Use passwords that include letters, numbers and symbols to make them more difficult to break. Never use PIN numbers that are obvious, such as your birth date, street number, phone number, the last four digits of your social security number or any consecutive numbers. Memorize your PIN number-do not write it down. If your mother's maiden name is requested for security purposes, use a password instead-one you will remember.

9. NEVER respond to emailed requests from banks or creditors to update your information. You should always call the institution directly or go to their website (do NOT use the website the email directs you to) to update your information. Rarely do banks or other institutions request such information by email, and it is a simple task for someone to create a website that looks just like your bank's or creditor's.

10. If you receive lots of pre-approved credit card offers in the mail, call (888) 5OPT OUT to have your name removed from the marketing lists sold by the major credit bureaus.

11. Drop off outgoing mail at your post office or collection box rather than leaving it in your mailbox for pick up.

12. Have new checks mailed to your bank and pick them up there.

13. Place passwords on your bank accounts, brokerage accounts and credit card accounts for protection. Once again, use a mix of letters, numbers and symbols.

14. Consider an ID theft insurance policy.

15. Register with Equifax Credit Watch?. Equifax Credit Watch? makes monitoring your report easy by automatically alerting you within 24 hours of key changes in your Equifax Credit Report? - like when someone tries to get credit in your name or there are sudden changes in your credit card balances. - so you can act before serious damage is done. Debbie Pettitt teaches you all about identity theft: what it is, how it occurs and what to do if you are a victim at http://understandingidentitytheft.com. If you need help straightening out your credit report, learn all about it at http://yourcreditscoreranking.com.

Identity Theft: The road back

A couple of weeks ago, a friend of mine mentioned that one of his co-workers recently recovered his stolen identity. I asked how long the process took. "Only two years" he replied. Compared to the six year nightmare suffered by one of my business associates, "only" maybe appropriate. However like most victims of identity theft, my friend's co-worker probably thought in terms of "when". As in, "When will I get my life back?"

Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, a non profit consumer organization, reported that identity theft victims spend on average 175 hours trying to recover their identity, often over a period of years. Factor in out of pocket expenses which usually total, usually over $1,500 according to the Federal Trade Commission and recovery gets painfully magnified.

What are the steps to identity restoration? It starts with obtaining a police report. You're going to need it for contacting the many and I mean many different agencies and organizations, including the Social Security Administration, The Federal Trade Commission, all of your financial institutions, the 3 major credit bureaus, the Passport Office, The Department of Motor Vehicles, the Post Office, and other law enforcement agencies as well as the Medical Information Bureau, since identity thieves now target hospitals and doctor's offices. All of these places must be sent a fraud notification alert.

It is vital that you contact other law enforcement agencies. The databases of local and federal authorities must be searched to ensure no criminal activity exists on your identity.

Concerning your financial institutions, get them to cancel your credit cards and close your bank accounts. Find out from your bank about any suspicious activity, such as accounts tampered with or opened fraudulently. Reopen new bank accounts with password verification.

When contacting the credit bureaus make sure your credit report reflects the identity theft and gets flagged with a fraud alert. Dealing with all these organizations requires constant follow up. Make sure you keep a record of who you talk to along with the date, time and action taken. Many victims received assurances from the various bureaus and agencies that the matter would be resolved only to find the identity theft remained and that were still liable. If you do this yourself, be diligent. Constant follow up all the way to the end.

This also requires knowing your rights. According to the Fair Credit Reporting Act of 1992, you must be told not only what's in your file but if that information is being used against you. The Federal Trade Commission recently expanded the rights available to victims of identity theft including your right to get negative information due to fraud blocked from your records.

Stay Away from "credit repair "companies". No matter what they advertise, there's usually nothing they can do to help you with identity theft. Some of them even offer to help you
apply for credit under a new identity. Hello? When trying to eliminate fraud from your record you don't want to create more fraud!

Advise the utility companies. Many identity thieves open telephone accounts, purchase cable television or establish credit with the gas & electric companies. It's not just bank accounts and credit cards.

If necessary get counseling. Identity theft can be a shattering experience not just economically but emotionally. Many victims feel ashamed and humiliated. It's not their fault of course but the feelings remain. A network of support groups and counselors exists if you need it.

The road back from identity theft can take time, money, and cause much stress and pain . But with follow up, support and belief that the nightmare will end...the nightmare WILL end.

Don't go it alone. Get free information concerning identity theft protection, 24/7 monitoring and fast restoration.
Go to http://digbig.com/4cmcg now.

Daryl Campbell owns and operates WintheMarket.com a home based company that helps people build and protect their internet business.

 

Catching Spyware to Avoid Identity Theft

 Arming your computer against spyware is an important move to make to protect your personal security and private information. Statistics on the number of identity theft victims continue to rise as do the number of computers being infected with spyware. Some numbers have shown nine out of ten computers are affected by spyware, many on computer whose users are unaware of the infection. Identity theft and spyware are connected in that spyware has become a common method for intruders to gather your personal information and bank numbers so they can commit identity theft.

Spyware installs itself or comes installed with freeware and shareware programs. Once embedded in your computer it tracks your internet and software usages, records sent and received email and instant messages and logs keystrokes to identify passwords and credit card numbers. The information is sent out to advertisers or other intruders who will use it to bombard your computer with ads or at worst steal and use your accounts.

You will often lose complete control over your computer once spyware has been installed. The spyware can cause browser crashes and other unauthorized changes in your computer. The unwanted pop up ads that result from spyware can cause the computer to work slower and possible destroy some programs from being able to run. Spyware specific tools are needed to rid of and protect against spyware because normal anti-virus software is not designed to detect spyware, as it is unique from viruses. Spyware programs should also be able to detect adware, a similar application that runs on your computer by sending a constant stream of pop ups. Adware can be dangerous to the proper functioning of your computer.

Mitch Johnson is a successful freelance author that writes regularly for http://www.spyware-removal-made-easy.com/, a site that focuses exclusively on spyware removal software, as well as tips on how to prevent spyware from popping up on your computer. This site articles on has spyware guard, http://www.spyware-removal-made-easy.com/spyware_guard.htmas well as spyware scanner, http://www.spyware-removal-made-easy.com/spyware_scanner.htm