The number of people who fall victim to identity theft scams is unbelievable. Criminals continue to come up with new ways to get personal information both online and over the phone. Once they have this information there is no limit to what they will do - access credit cards, take money from bank accounts, and even open up new accounts. Even with the different software programs out there to protect your information online from being compromised it continues to happen. New viruses are introduced every day that can take on these programs.
It is important that you protect your credit card information and you bank information when you participate in online transactions. Limit the sites where you make purchases to those that you have verified as being legitimate. Remember that anyone can make what appears to be a real website to obtain your information. Make sure the site is secured as well which means it is being protected and monitored. There are very few reasons why you should ever provide your social security number online. Be very careful with providing this information.
Most online purchases end up giving you a confirmation number either immediately after you complete the check out process or via e-mail. Save this information and make sure the charge on your credit card is correct. If the amount is different contact both your credit card company and the site where you placed the order through. Paying attention to such details can go along way in preventing your information from being part of an identity theft scam.
While they aren't as common, identity theft scams do take place over the phone as well. You never want to answer any questions about bank accounts, credit cards, or your personal information. A legitimate business will not be discussing this with you over the phone. Try to get some information though such as the name they gave you and the company they are saying the represent. If a phone number comes up on your caller ID write it down as well. This way you have some good information to report to the local authorities and to the Better Business Bureau.
Too many people fail to file a complaint because they are embarrassed that they fell for such identity theft scams. However the more complaints are filed the more likely it is that law enforcement can catch those responsible before they scam other innocent people. Anyone can become the victim of identity theft but it seems those without education on the subject are easier prey.
If you found this information on Identity Theft Scams useful, you'll also want to read about Identity Theft Help
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Caleb_Liu
Identity Theft Prevention
Identity theft is a malicious action that involves the taking of a victim’s identity (name, birth date, and address, for example) and using this personal information in order to obtain money from the victim’s bank account, to apply for loans, and even to establish accounts with various companies. While no one can totally prevent this activity from occurring, there are some positive steps to take to decrease the risk of becoming a victim.
At least once a year, you should check your credit reports from credit reporting agencies. This way, you will be able to determine unauthorized accounts and fraudulent activities that will surely arouse your suspicion.
Guard your social security number since identity thieves can easily access this. If you will not be using it for any transaction for the day, better leave your Social Security card in a safe place at home.
Make sure that when you give out your personal information orally, strangers are not within your distance because they may try to eavesdrop and overhear the information you give. And if your conversation is by phone, be suspicious of telephone solicitors. You should never provide the person you are talking to any information not unless you are the one who initiated the call.
Use a crosscut paper shredder to destroy papers with confidential information. This is better than throwing them away in a wastebasket, as anyone can search through the discarded papers and get the information written on them.
And lastly, since the Internet is the easiest place for identity thieves to gain access to your personal information, see to it that you delete any suspicious email requests without replying to them. Never a use password that contains any of your personal information like your birthday or your email address.
These steps are important in order to decrease people’s risk factors of being identity theft victims. Simply follow all these precautions, and be on the look out at all times.
Identity Theft provides detailed information on Identity Theft, Identity Theft Protection, Identity Theft Insurance, Identity Theft Prevention and more. Identity Theft is affiliated with Investment Fraud
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Gluckman
At least once a year, you should check your credit reports from credit reporting agencies. This way, you will be able to determine unauthorized accounts and fraudulent activities that will surely arouse your suspicion.
Guard your social security number since identity thieves can easily access this. If you will not be using it for any transaction for the day, better leave your Social Security card in a safe place at home.
Make sure that when you give out your personal information orally, strangers are not within your distance because they may try to eavesdrop and overhear the information you give. And if your conversation is by phone, be suspicious of telephone solicitors. You should never provide the person you are talking to any information not unless you are the one who initiated the call.
Use a crosscut paper shredder to destroy papers with confidential information. This is better than throwing them away in a wastebasket, as anyone can search through the discarded papers and get the information written on them.
And lastly, since the Internet is the easiest place for identity thieves to gain access to your personal information, see to it that you delete any suspicious email requests without replying to them. Never a use password that contains any of your personal information like your birthday or your email address.
These steps are important in order to decrease people’s risk factors of being identity theft victims. Simply follow all these precautions, and be on the look out at all times.
Identity Theft provides detailed information on Identity Theft, Identity Theft Protection, Identity Theft Insurance, Identity Theft Prevention and more. Identity Theft is affiliated with Investment Fraud
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Gluckman
Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft - Tips to Help Ward Off Identity Thieves
Although id theft can happen to anyone, there are methods that you can do to prevent yourself from its perils. As much as possible, never give your personal information to anyone who happens to contact you by means of phone solicitation.
It is entirely easy for someone to pretend that he is from a legitimate business over the phone hence it is important that you safeguard yourself against these con artists. When talking with someone on the phone, it is safe to think twice before providing your credit card details. In case you really wish to give your credit card information over the phone, it is important that you are the one who is initiating the call.
Do not fail to double check all of your bills and bank statements as soon as they arrive. Or in case you have an access to online account then it would be best if you could check them regularly to prevent any trouble from cropping up. Be on the lookout for some fraudulent charges. In case you see that something is suspicious, it is best to contact your bank without delay.
Furthermore, it is important not to list your birth date as well as social security number on your resume. Your potential employers would not need this info, so why place them anyway? Come to think about it, you may never really know how many will your social security number passed on hands. That said, it is sensible if you can just forget about this information in a way that you are not going to placed them on your resume. It is always safe to be secured than regret your action later on. Be mindful of the information that often gives to other people because you don't want to display your self publicly to other people.
Learn how ID theft protection can help you before and after you've been victimized by ID theft. Learn the best ways to protect yourself from online ID theft
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephanie_Hofstetler
It is entirely easy for someone to pretend that he is from a legitimate business over the phone hence it is important that you safeguard yourself against these con artists. When talking with someone on the phone, it is safe to think twice before providing your credit card details. In case you really wish to give your credit card information over the phone, it is important that you are the one who is initiating the call.
Do not fail to double check all of your bills and bank statements as soon as they arrive. Or in case you have an access to online account then it would be best if you could check them regularly to prevent any trouble from cropping up. Be on the lookout for some fraudulent charges. In case you see that something is suspicious, it is best to contact your bank without delay.
Furthermore, it is important not to list your birth date as well as social security number on your resume. Your potential employers would not need this info, so why place them anyway? Come to think about it, you may never really know how many will your social security number passed on hands. That said, it is sensible if you can just forget about this information in a way that you are not going to placed them on your resume. It is always safe to be secured than regret your action later on. Be mindful of the information that often gives to other people because you don't want to display your self publicly to other people.
Learn how ID theft protection can help you before and after you've been victimized by ID theft. Learn the best ways to protect yourself from online ID theft
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stephanie_Hofstetler
Do You Know the 5 Basic Principles to Prevent Identity Theft
Everyday, thousands of people experience identity theft which leads to vast amounts of resources and money being stolen. In order to prevent identity theft, various guidelines should be followed by users to prevent this disruptive cyberspace crime from occurring. Security and protection against online hackers could be attained by simply availing the latest security software.
Online users should be constantly aware and vigilant in their use of different programs, websites and services on line. We have to consider that despite the ease and practicality presented by on line processing, they are susceptible to hacking by technically proficient and knowledgeable hackers.
Customers and clients should only avail services from online service providers with a secure and developed system of cyberspace business transaction. It is a joint responsibility of the users and service provides to be careful in order to prevent identity theft.
The basic principle used to prevent identity theft is preparedness and attentiveness. Majority of people being victimized of identity theft are unaware of the rampant activities of hackers to install hidden programs such as worms and viruses.
Hacker employs these malicious programs by attaching them to different websites and disguising them as credible tools. Online users are tricked into downloading them. These programs actually steal information and use them against the users. In the United States alone, thousands of cases regarding password theft which lead to stolen online bank funds are reported at a regular rate. When people discover of the theft against them, most of the damages are already done.
The second principle to prevent identity theft is prudence. Before committing sensitive transactions in a web site, it is the responsibility of the user to know how effective is the security measure set in place to protect his passwords, resources and investments. Reliable websites usually offer firewall installations during online payment and wire transfer.
The third principle to prevent identity theft is to be updated regularly. This could be easily done by downloading and installing all the latest security programs such as internet security software, registry cleaners and virus scanners. It is easy to find these utilities since thousands of websites are set in place to provide free and trial downloads.
The fourth principle is to be always careful and watchful. An online user should always be wary of where he inputs his important passwords and data such as public computers and random person's laptop. Computers which are accessed by the general population could be infected with illegal software that steal and save data to be used for degrading and damaging purposes.
The fifth principle to prevent identity theft is consistency. People tend to forget to scan foreign drives and devices that are integrated to their system. This could lead to installation of hidden programs such as viruses which are common hacking tools for identity theft.
By following these five basic principles, an online user could easily prevent identity theft and its damaging effects. As computer users, it is the responsibility of the owner to be careful in utilizing it in different purposes especially online payment. Hackers only victimize those who are unaware and ignorant.
Need PREVENT IDENTITY THEFT solutions for you and your family? Get an introductory resource on how to use a 10-step identity protection plan to enjoy a full coverage against identity theft for the entire family. Helping individuals to search various ways to prevent identity theft solutions fast. Go there now for a comprehensive explanation on identity theft protection
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jonathan_Simmons
Online users should be constantly aware and vigilant in their use of different programs, websites and services on line. We have to consider that despite the ease and practicality presented by on line processing, they are susceptible to hacking by technically proficient and knowledgeable hackers.
Customers and clients should only avail services from online service providers with a secure and developed system of cyberspace business transaction. It is a joint responsibility of the users and service provides to be careful in order to prevent identity theft.
The basic principle used to prevent identity theft is preparedness and attentiveness. Majority of people being victimized of identity theft are unaware of the rampant activities of hackers to install hidden programs such as worms and viruses.
Hacker employs these malicious programs by attaching them to different websites and disguising them as credible tools. Online users are tricked into downloading them. These programs actually steal information and use them against the users. In the United States alone, thousands of cases regarding password theft which lead to stolen online bank funds are reported at a regular rate. When people discover of the theft against them, most of the damages are already done.
The second principle to prevent identity theft is prudence. Before committing sensitive transactions in a web site, it is the responsibility of the user to know how effective is the security measure set in place to protect his passwords, resources and investments. Reliable websites usually offer firewall installations during online payment and wire transfer.
The third principle to prevent identity theft is to be updated regularly. This could be easily done by downloading and installing all the latest security programs such as internet security software, registry cleaners and virus scanners. It is easy to find these utilities since thousands of websites are set in place to provide free and trial downloads.
The fourth principle is to be always careful and watchful. An online user should always be wary of where he inputs his important passwords and data such as public computers and random person's laptop. Computers which are accessed by the general population could be infected with illegal software that steal and save data to be used for degrading and damaging purposes.
The fifth principle to prevent identity theft is consistency. People tend to forget to scan foreign drives and devices that are integrated to their system. This could lead to installation of hidden programs such as viruses which are common hacking tools for identity theft.
By following these five basic principles, an online user could easily prevent identity theft and its damaging effects. As computer users, it is the responsibility of the owner to be careful in utilizing it in different purposes especially online payment. Hackers only victimize those who are unaware and ignorant.
Need PREVENT IDENTITY THEFT solutions for you and your family? Get an introductory resource on how to use a 10-step identity protection plan to enjoy a full coverage against identity theft for the entire family. Helping individuals to search various ways to prevent identity theft solutions fast. Go there now for a comprehensive explanation on identity theft protection
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jonathan_Simmons
How to Protect Yourself From Identity Theft and Stay Safe
Protecting ourselves from identity theft is on most of our minds these days. It's a scary proposition to find out one day that your credit cards and bank accounts are no longer yours to control. The thought of someone using your money and your credit to enrich themselves at your expense makes most of us angry. Learning how to protect yourself from identity theft is important. Amazingly, just a few simple things can make you a much smaller target for thieves. You see, thieves target "easy money" and if you've made it difficult for them, they will likely look somewhere else for their crooked deeds.
While this list obviously isn't everything you can do, it's well-rounded and will cover the bases to take you off the radar for most identity thieves.
Protect Your Social Security Number
If you do nothing else to protect yourself, at least do this. Your SSN is your passport to credit and that means it's the easiest way for a thief to get there too. Only use your SSN when absolutely necessary. Do not give it out over the phone unless you are completely sure of who you're talking to and don't put it on things that you're mailing unless they are sent certified or by other, trackable means.
Finally, the one that's overlooked most often, is to never put your SSN on a job application until you've been interviewed and are likely to get the job. Many job applications are thrown away without shredding or destruction or filed away for unscrupulous employees to access later. There is no requirement that you put your SSN on the application unless they state that they will be using it for background checking. Otherwise, your SSN is not needed until you are actually hired for the job.
Monitor Your Credit
Most people know that credit monitoring services promise to keep them safe. Do you know how to protect yourself from identity theft without purchasing a service? It's a little-known fact that most credit monitoring/locking services are little more than insurance companies. They take two or three simple steps to guard your credit and then bank on your not being a victim so they don't have to pay out their guarantee. That's exactly how an insurance company operates.
The first thing they'll do is "lock" your credit reports. See below for more information on that important step. Then they will order a report, in your name, every few months or once a year (depending on the service) and compare it (via computers usually) to older reports to find changes. They then look at those changes to assess whether they're legitimate.
All of this can be done by you, yourself, without their help. It's usually cheaper to purchase identity theft protection insurance than it is to purchase an entire monitoring service. Most insurance companies now offer ID theft insurance. You are entitled to a free credit report every year from all three credit bureaus. Take advantage of that and look it over carefully for any unauthorized discrepancies. You might even find things that shouldn't be there that you can remove to improve your scores!
Lock Your Reports
The credit bureaus, by law, are required to allow you to request that your credit reports be "locked." They call this "freezing" too. What this does is close your report from outside looking without your express authorization. This means that credit card companies scanning reports to pre-authorize offers won't have access and neither will any credit institution or group that isn't either already supplying you with credit or specifically authorized by you for that look. This is how to protect yourself from identity theft of the worst kind: total credit takeover.
Watch Your Mail
Last, but not least, make sure to watch your mail. Shred and destroy pre-approved credit offers (don't just throw them out), do not receive blank checks or other bank correspondence to non-secure mailboxes, and don't put outgoing bill payments into non-secure boxes. Get a PO box (or the equivalent at a service) and use that to receive your bills and other personally-identifying mail with account numbers and other information on them. Mail your bill payments from locked, blue Post boxes or at the Post Office-the #1 way for thieves to steal credit and checking information is to take outgoing bill payments.
Hopefully this short list will show you how to protect yourself from identity theft and will get you started down the road to security
For more information and a helpful guide to protect yourself, take a look at - Avoiding Identity Theft
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Travis_Stone
While this list obviously isn't everything you can do, it's well-rounded and will cover the bases to take you off the radar for most identity thieves.
Protect Your Social Security Number
If you do nothing else to protect yourself, at least do this. Your SSN is your passport to credit and that means it's the easiest way for a thief to get there too. Only use your SSN when absolutely necessary. Do not give it out over the phone unless you are completely sure of who you're talking to and don't put it on things that you're mailing unless they are sent certified or by other, trackable means.
Finally, the one that's overlooked most often, is to never put your SSN on a job application until you've been interviewed and are likely to get the job. Many job applications are thrown away without shredding or destruction or filed away for unscrupulous employees to access later. There is no requirement that you put your SSN on the application unless they state that they will be using it for background checking. Otherwise, your SSN is not needed until you are actually hired for the job.
Monitor Your Credit
Most people know that credit monitoring services promise to keep them safe. Do you know how to protect yourself from identity theft without purchasing a service? It's a little-known fact that most credit monitoring/locking services are little more than insurance companies. They take two or three simple steps to guard your credit and then bank on your not being a victim so they don't have to pay out their guarantee. That's exactly how an insurance company operates.
The first thing they'll do is "lock" your credit reports. See below for more information on that important step. Then they will order a report, in your name, every few months or once a year (depending on the service) and compare it (via computers usually) to older reports to find changes. They then look at those changes to assess whether they're legitimate.
All of this can be done by you, yourself, without their help. It's usually cheaper to purchase identity theft protection insurance than it is to purchase an entire monitoring service. Most insurance companies now offer ID theft insurance. You are entitled to a free credit report every year from all three credit bureaus. Take advantage of that and look it over carefully for any unauthorized discrepancies. You might even find things that shouldn't be there that you can remove to improve your scores!
Lock Your Reports
The credit bureaus, by law, are required to allow you to request that your credit reports be "locked." They call this "freezing" too. What this does is close your report from outside looking without your express authorization. This means that credit card companies scanning reports to pre-authorize offers won't have access and neither will any credit institution or group that isn't either already supplying you with credit or specifically authorized by you for that look. This is how to protect yourself from identity theft of the worst kind: total credit takeover.
Watch Your Mail
Last, but not least, make sure to watch your mail. Shred and destroy pre-approved credit offers (don't just throw them out), do not receive blank checks or other bank correspondence to non-secure mailboxes, and don't put outgoing bill payments into non-secure boxes. Get a PO box (or the equivalent at a service) and use that to receive your bills and other personally-identifying mail with account numbers and other information on them. Mail your bill payments from locked, blue Post boxes or at the Post Office-the #1 way for thieves to steal credit and checking information is to take outgoing bill payments.
Hopefully this short list will show you how to protect yourself from identity theft and will get you started down the road to security
For more information and a helpful guide to protect yourself, take a look at - Avoiding Identity Theft
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Travis_Stone
Identity Theft - Do You Know Where Your Personal Info Is?
The sad fact is that there is nothing that you can do to prevent your information from being stolen. No matter how careful you are in shredding documents, protecting a pass word, social security or pin number, or on the internet, or what you do personally to protect your information, there is information about yourself you cannot control. Your information can't be controlled and when dealing with protecting yourself from identity theft credit monitoring isn't enough.
An easy way to lessen the chance of your identity being stolen is to get onto the opt-out lists. It will also lessen the aggravating dinner time telemarketing calls and cut down on the amount of junk mail you get. Identity Theft is less risky, incredibly easy, and highly profitable as compared to most other crimes. A thief who robs you at gunpoint and is caught is likely to be sentenced to 5 to 10 years in prison. In comparison, an identity thief who steals your identity, opens multiple accounts and gets medical treatment in your name then accrues tens of thousands of dollars in fraudulent debt will likely get probation if they are ever caught.
You can and should elect to opt-out of pre-approved offers and marketing lists sold by the credit bureaus. Your personal information is in a number of data bases, and it is constantly being sold, traded and bought. At any time a database with your information can be hacked, or a computer can be stolen containing your information. Your information is also being stored in doctors offices and many types of businesses you deal with every day. Thieves break into the businesses not to steal the goods or property, but to steal your information right from the files stored in these places.
I was in the US Air Force when I got a letter from the government stating it had lost a computer. You may think so what people lose stuff all the time. That computer had all of my personal information on it. This is when I started to pay attention to the problem of identity theft. I have put in many hour of my time studying what identity theft is and how to fight it. I have even become a Certified Identity Theft Risk Management Specialist. If I can help you with any questions about identity theft call me direct at 281-288-5884 or just email me
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=J_W_Dickens
An easy way to lessen the chance of your identity being stolen is to get onto the opt-out lists. It will also lessen the aggravating dinner time telemarketing calls and cut down on the amount of junk mail you get. Identity Theft is less risky, incredibly easy, and highly profitable as compared to most other crimes. A thief who robs you at gunpoint and is caught is likely to be sentenced to 5 to 10 years in prison. In comparison, an identity thief who steals your identity, opens multiple accounts and gets medical treatment in your name then accrues tens of thousands of dollars in fraudulent debt will likely get probation if they are ever caught.
You can and should elect to opt-out of pre-approved offers and marketing lists sold by the credit bureaus. Your personal information is in a number of data bases, and it is constantly being sold, traded and bought. At any time a database with your information can be hacked, or a computer can be stolen containing your information. Your information is also being stored in doctors offices and many types of businesses you deal with every day. Thieves break into the businesses not to steal the goods or property, but to steal your information right from the files stored in these places.
I was in the US Air Force when I got a letter from the government stating it had lost a computer. You may think so what people lose stuff all the time. That computer had all of my personal information on it. This is when I started to pay attention to the problem of identity theft. I have put in many hour of my time studying what identity theft is and how to fight it. I have even become a Certified Identity Theft Risk Management Specialist. If I can help you with any questions about identity theft call me direct at 281-288-5884 or just email me
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=J_W_Dickens
The Identity Theft Epidemic - What It Is and What You Can Do
You've heard the buzz word. You've seen the commercials and heard the news reports. Identity theft is on the rise and has been characterized by the FBI as the fastest-growing crime in America. So you know it's a problem, but do you really know what identity theft is?
The quick answer is that identity theft is a fraudulent usage of someone else's personal information, without his or her knowledge. The details, however, are far more frightening. Identity thieves can cause extensive damage to your reputation and finances; damage that may take years and hundreds of hours to rectify by yourself.
Most people are aware of the most common type of identity theft, in which thieves take advantage of your good credit and subsequently run it into the ground. The perpetrators may open credit cards using your personal information, make purchases and loans in your name, or transfer funds from your savings into different accounts. This type of fraud makes up about 20% of all identity theft cases, according to the most recent report from the FTC.
The other 80%, however, is where the real trouble lies. Identity thieves have been known to use victims' personal information to commit crimes, which then show up on the victims' background reports. Imagine being pulled over for speeding, only to discover that you have already been convicted for a crime you had nothing to do with. Also, a thief could use your personal data to obtain medical procedures in your name, which can have results far worse than financial loss. Your medical records would then show inaccurate information, which could, in turn, lead to improper care in the case of an emergency.
The debilitating damage of identity theft is preventable, but shredding your mail and keeping your social security number private are not enough to ensure your protection. In order to be fully protected, you have to monitor all of your personal records to make sure that all of the information is continually accurate and no one is acting fraudulently on your behalf. But who has the time?
ID Watchdog is a company that does all of the hard work for you. They monitor thousands of databases to check for changes in your personal information, so that you don't have to. They also take it one step further: If you happen to become a victim of identity theft while under their watch, they guarantee that they will take all of the necessary steps to clear you of the fraudulent acts. It seems like a no-brainer - enlist the services of ID Watchdog today and ensure your protection against this rising crime.
For more information about identity theft, visit http://www.idwatchdog.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Erin_R
The quick answer is that identity theft is a fraudulent usage of someone else's personal information, without his or her knowledge. The details, however, are far more frightening. Identity thieves can cause extensive damage to your reputation and finances; damage that may take years and hundreds of hours to rectify by yourself.
Most people are aware of the most common type of identity theft, in which thieves take advantage of your good credit and subsequently run it into the ground. The perpetrators may open credit cards using your personal information, make purchases and loans in your name, or transfer funds from your savings into different accounts. This type of fraud makes up about 20% of all identity theft cases, according to the most recent report from the FTC.
The other 80%, however, is where the real trouble lies. Identity thieves have been known to use victims' personal information to commit crimes, which then show up on the victims' background reports. Imagine being pulled over for speeding, only to discover that you have already been convicted for a crime you had nothing to do with. Also, a thief could use your personal data to obtain medical procedures in your name, which can have results far worse than financial loss. Your medical records would then show inaccurate information, which could, in turn, lead to improper care in the case of an emergency.
The debilitating damage of identity theft is preventable, but shredding your mail and keeping your social security number private are not enough to ensure your protection. In order to be fully protected, you have to monitor all of your personal records to make sure that all of the information is continually accurate and no one is acting fraudulently on your behalf. But who has the time?
ID Watchdog is a company that does all of the hard work for you. They monitor thousands of databases to check for changes in your personal information, so that you don't have to. They also take it one step further: If you happen to become a victim of identity theft while under their watch, they guarantee that they will take all of the necessary steps to clear you of the fraudulent acts. It seems like a no-brainer - enlist the services of ID Watchdog today and ensure your protection against this rising crime.
For more information about identity theft, visit http://www.idwatchdog.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Erin_R
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
