Aug
22
Can other players gain vital information (such as passwords) through World of Warcraft?
Filed Under Security | 5 Comments
korinkoj1 asked:
Recently, my family was victim of ID theft through PayPal. We had over $8000 stolen. I’m an avid World of Warcraft player, and my dad thinks that our passwords may have been stolen somehow through World of Warcraft. I was told that the ports that WoW used couldn’t allow that kind of info to be passed through, but I need solid factual information.
Recently, my family was victim of ID theft through PayPal. We had over $8000 stolen. I’m an avid World of Warcraft player, and my dad thinks that our passwords may have been stolen somehow through World of Warcraft. I was told that the ports that WoW used couldn’t allow that kind of info to be passed through, but I need solid factual information.
I really need some help convincing my dad with TECH and FACT information.
Jo
Mar
21
Avery Mann asked:
Identity Theft is On the Rise
Privacy Protection for Your Computer
The definition of Identity Theft is simple. It is when someone uses another persons personal information for their own gain. The results are not so simple however. Lives have been totally destroyed. Experts say that it has steadily risen each year, and tragically affecting almost 10 million victims in 2008. As of now, online ID theft accounts for less than 20%, but that too is on the rise. Most PCs store history about different activities that are usually private. This information is stored on your hard-drives and virtually everyone who has the knowledge of it can take a look at it. It is possible to purchase zero-liability fraud protection programs offered by financial institutions and other privacy protection companies. If you are the type of person who doesn’t want that kind of hassle to begin with, than there are a few things you should know about your PC.
For those of you who think that using the “Clear History” button or common protection tools like firewalls and anti viruses will completely eliminate Identity Theft, here is what you don’t realize. These methods will not totally remove your personal information, and the hackers know it. Sophisticated hackers are using advanced methods and tools like Phishing, Spamming, Indentity Theft to pluck out vital and valuable information your software missed. Think about the places your PC hides personal information? This includes e-mail accounts, credit cards, bank accounts, Paypal accounts, web sites you browse on the Internet and you don’t want other people to find. All of these are within some hacker’s grasp.
Your PC is a Garbage Can of Sorts
Reasons to Get Privacy Protection Software
Email…Windows stores in its cookies your user name and password and on occasion your email addresses will contain private information.
Internet Banking…As this practice grows, so do the threats. You need to completely clear your browser history.
Credit Cards…More common than banking, making payments with your credit cards, can be very enticing to the hacker. With the use of certain trojans and malware, they can get your credit cards information from your computer
Stored Documents…Windows may save temporary files that are left unprotected, and thus exposing all private personal and work related information left on your computer’s hard-drive.
Sharing Your PC…You want to be confident that any activity is cleared every time someone uses it.
Software Designed to Make Your PC Safe
Use Your PC Stress Free
Just as there is software that will eliminate adware and spyware, so too is there software specifically for Privacy Protection. Besides adware and spyware, Malware comes in many other forms, such as Trojans, Dialers, worms and viruses. Any software that you engage should protect all your programs as well as your identity with real-time security updates, powerful first layer defense, and fastest possible responder to online threats, and must be compatible to your PC.
I have created a site, where you can go and peruse the top rated software for Privacy Protection, as well as all the top rated registry programs available on the internet.
PC Rescue Reviews is a one stop shopping Registry Products site. Not only will you find the top rated software programs available, but also information on how you can do-it-yourself with no software, if that’s your preference. This is a very convenient way to check out all your options in one place. So go to:
PC Rescue Reviews for all Privacy Protection and Anti-Identity Theft help.
Charles
Identity Theft is On the Rise
Privacy Protection for Your Computer
The definition of Identity Theft is simple. It is when someone uses another persons personal information for their own gain. The results are not so simple however. Lives have been totally destroyed. Experts say that it has steadily risen each year, and tragically affecting almost 10 million victims in 2008. As of now, online ID theft accounts for less than 20%, but that too is on the rise. Most PCs store history about different activities that are usually private. This information is stored on your hard-drives and virtually everyone who has the knowledge of it can take a look at it. It is possible to purchase zero-liability fraud protection programs offered by financial institutions and other privacy protection companies. If you are the type of person who doesn’t want that kind of hassle to begin with, than there are a few things you should know about your PC.
For those of you who think that using the “Clear History” button or common protection tools like firewalls and anti viruses will completely eliminate Identity Theft, here is what you don’t realize. These methods will not totally remove your personal information, and the hackers know it. Sophisticated hackers are using advanced methods and tools like Phishing, Spamming, Indentity Theft to pluck out vital and valuable information your software missed. Think about the places your PC hides personal information? This includes e-mail accounts, credit cards, bank accounts, Paypal accounts, web sites you browse on the Internet and you don’t want other people to find. All of these are within some hacker’s grasp.
Your PC is a Garbage Can of Sorts
Reasons to Get Privacy Protection Software
Email…Windows stores in its cookies your user name and password and on occasion your email addresses will contain private information.
Internet Banking…As this practice grows, so do the threats. You need to completely clear your browser history.
Credit Cards…More common than banking, making payments with your credit cards, can be very enticing to the hacker. With the use of certain trojans and malware, they can get your credit cards information from your computer
Stored Documents…Windows may save temporary files that are left unprotected, and thus exposing all private personal and work related information left on your computer’s hard-drive.
Sharing Your PC…You want to be confident that any activity is cleared every time someone uses it.
Software Designed to Make Your PC Safe
Use Your PC Stress Free
Just as there is software that will eliminate adware and spyware, so too is there software specifically for Privacy Protection. Besides adware and spyware, Malware comes in many other forms, such as Trojans, Dialers, worms and viruses. Any software that you engage should protect all your programs as well as your identity with real-time security updates, powerful first layer defense, and fastest possible responder to online threats, and must be compatible to your PC.
I have created a site, where you can go and peruse the top rated software for Privacy Protection, as well as all the top rated registry programs available on the internet.
PC Rescue Reviews is a one stop shopping Registry Products site. Not only will you find the top rated software programs available, but also information on how you can do-it-yourself with no software, if that’s your preference. This is a very convenient way to check out all your options in one place. So go to:
PC Rescue Reviews for all Privacy Protection and Anti-Identity Theft help.
Charles
Jul
16
Vijayanand asked:
Mike was like millions of Americans. He worked hard, was cautious with his spending and even paid off his credit card each month. He thought he was doing everything right. Then, something unexpected happened. He started getting calls from collection agencies. They were collecting on credit cards and other lines of credit Mike never opened. Mike had been the victim of ID theft.
Things went down hill fast for Mike’s credit. He quickly realized that there were several credit cards opened in his name fraudulently, and each one had overdue balances of thousands of dollars. Those balances had been festering on Mike’s credit report for months without his knowledge causing Mike’s credit rating to plummet to an abysmal 530.
This low credit rating affected Mike in numerous ways. He needed a new car, but was unable to get approval for a car loan. His oldest son was heading to college, but the school loans Mike applied for were rejected. Even Mike’s insurance premiums went up as a result of his low credit score. Mike knew he needed to do something fast.
Mike quickly discovered that the task of restoring his credit and good name was not as simple as he thought it would be. He would have to contact all of the credit agencies, place fraud alerts on his credit and investigate where else his identity had been compromised among other things. Where was Mike going to find the time to do all of these things? He worked full time and had a family to think about. Mike felt like he was caught in an impossible situation. In the end, it took Mike hundreds of hours to restore his credit rating and correct the errors on his credit report.
Once his credit was back to normal, Mike was determined never to allow such a thing to happen to him again. Mike had a friend who had gone through a similar experience just a year before. He recommended ID TheftSmart to Mike. ID TheftSmart is an Identity Theft Prevention and restoration service offered by Comodo, an innovative identity and trust assurance company. If Mike had already had ID TheftSmart program when he was victimized, his pre-theft credit status would have been restored without having to sacrifice hundreds of hours of his time.
To Mike’s surprise, he found that the licensed investigators at Comodo were prepared to do the lion’s share of the work to restore their client’s damaged credit. They work with the credit agencies to correct the issues on a credit report, place fraud alerts and investigate other issues related to ID Theft like criminal records, fraudulent check activity and other fraudulent uses of a social security number. Some of these issues Mike had not even considered when working to restore his damaged credit.
Mike decided to use the ID TheftSmart program to protect himself from future assaults on his credit, and you can do the same. The ID TheftSmart program monitors your credit on an ongoing basis so that you don’t have to go through the same ordeal Mike did. ID TheftSmart will alert you whenever someone tries to open a line of credit in your name. If your credit is compromised, the Identity Fraud Restoration services do most of the work to resolve your identity theft issues.
Stanley
Mike was like millions of Americans. He worked hard, was cautious with his spending and even paid off his credit card each month. He thought he was doing everything right. Then, something unexpected happened. He started getting calls from collection agencies. They were collecting on credit cards and other lines of credit Mike never opened. Mike had been the victim of ID theft.
Things went down hill fast for Mike’s credit. He quickly realized that there were several credit cards opened in his name fraudulently, and each one had overdue balances of thousands of dollars. Those balances had been festering on Mike’s credit report for months without his knowledge causing Mike’s credit rating to plummet to an abysmal 530.
This low credit rating affected Mike in numerous ways. He needed a new car, but was unable to get approval for a car loan. His oldest son was heading to college, but the school loans Mike applied for were rejected. Even Mike’s insurance premiums went up as a result of his low credit score. Mike knew he needed to do something fast.
Mike quickly discovered that the task of restoring his credit and good name was not as simple as he thought it would be. He would have to contact all of the credit agencies, place fraud alerts on his credit and investigate where else his identity had been compromised among other things. Where was Mike going to find the time to do all of these things? He worked full time and had a family to think about. Mike felt like he was caught in an impossible situation. In the end, it took Mike hundreds of hours to restore his credit rating and correct the errors on his credit report.
Once his credit was back to normal, Mike was determined never to allow such a thing to happen to him again. Mike had a friend who had gone through a similar experience just a year before. He recommended ID TheftSmart to Mike. ID TheftSmart is an Identity Theft Prevention and restoration service offered by Comodo, an innovative identity and trust assurance company. If Mike had already had ID TheftSmart program when he was victimized, his pre-theft credit status would have been restored without having to sacrifice hundreds of hours of his time.
To Mike’s surprise, he found that the licensed investigators at Comodo were prepared to do the lion’s share of the work to restore their client’s damaged credit. They work with the credit agencies to correct the issues on a credit report, place fraud alerts and investigate other issues related to ID Theft like criminal records, fraudulent check activity and other fraudulent uses of a social security number. Some of these issues Mike had not even considered when working to restore his damaged credit.
Mike decided to use the ID TheftSmart program to protect himself from future assaults on his credit, and you can do the same. The ID TheftSmart program monitors your credit on an ongoing basis so that you don’t have to go through the same ordeal Mike did. ID TheftSmart will alert you whenever someone tries to open a line of credit in your name. If your credit is compromised, the Identity Fraud Restoration services do most of the work to resolve your identity theft issues.
Stanley
Jul
13
Vijayanand asked:
If you’re like most people, you work hard to build your assets and maintain good credit in the eyes of lenders. Through no fault of your own, however, your hard work can be undermined through Identity theft. Having your identity stolen can wreak havoc on your life. If your social security number is compromised, thieves can rack up thousands of dollars on credit cards you don’t even know you have. Your credit rating can be ruined to the point where it’s impossible for you to get any kind of loan. In the worst cases, thieves can get driver’s licenses in your name and impersonate you in criminal pursuits. A warrant could be issued for you for crimes someone else committed in your name.
There are dozens of ways that criminals can access your personal and financial information. For example, they can steal your wallet or purse, rifle through your mail for credit applications, hack into your online accounts or bribe employees at companies who have access to your financial records and identity theft protection Protecting yourself from ID theft requires constant vigilance. There are steps you can take to minimize or prevent ID theft, some of the areas of opportunity for thieves (such as shredding credit card applications and using computer firewalls), but there are some vulnerabilities you simply can’t prevent ID Theft. For those things, early detection is the only way to minimize the damage.
The three main credit reporting agencies, TransUnion, Experian and Equifax, all provide one free credit report per year to consumers. Reviewing these credit reports is one way to identify fraudulent activity. Unfortunately, checking your credit report once a year is not enough to prevent damage from ID Theft. Your credit rating can fall quickly once your identity has been compromised. You need to know what’s on your credit on a regular basis to thwart identity thieves from the start.
ID TheftSmart from Comodo offers credit protection Identity theft Prevention? Anchor text and restoration services. Besides providing access to your credit score and credit report, ID TheftSmart monitors your credit constantly and alerts you to issues before they have a chance to damage your credit rating. Additionally, they provide email warnings of potentially fraudulent activity so you can stop it in its tracks. You do not have to fear for your credit rating or your good name when you enroll in the ID TheftSmart program.
If you do become the victim of ID theft, ID TheftSmart makes it easy to rectify the problem. A team of licensed investigators immediately puts fraud alerts on your credit to prevent further damage. They then comb through your personal and financial records to identify any suspicious activity and work with the proper authorities to restore your proper credit rating and good reputation. Recovering from identity theft on your own can take hundreds of hours of your personal time. If you are a member of ID TheftSmart, however, most of the work is done for you. Neither your time nor your credit has to suffer from someone else’s bad deeds when you protect yourself with ID TheftSmart.
Jorge
If you’re like most people, you work hard to build your assets and maintain good credit in the eyes of lenders. Through no fault of your own, however, your hard work can be undermined through Identity theft. Having your identity stolen can wreak havoc on your life. If your social security number is compromised, thieves can rack up thousands of dollars on credit cards you don’t even know you have. Your credit rating can be ruined to the point where it’s impossible for you to get any kind of loan. In the worst cases, thieves can get driver’s licenses in your name and impersonate you in criminal pursuits. A warrant could be issued for you for crimes someone else committed in your name.
There are dozens of ways that criminals can access your personal and financial information. For example, they can steal your wallet or purse, rifle through your mail for credit applications, hack into your online accounts or bribe employees at companies who have access to your financial records and identity theft protection Protecting yourself from ID theft requires constant vigilance. There are steps you can take to minimize or prevent ID theft, some of the areas of opportunity for thieves (such as shredding credit card applications and using computer firewalls), but there are some vulnerabilities you simply can’t prevent ID Theft. For those things, early detection is the only way to minimize the damage.
The three main credit reporting agencies, TransUnion, Experian and Equifax, all provide one free credit report per year to consumers. Reviewing these credit reports is one way to identify fraudulent activity. Unfortunately, checking your credit report once a year is not enough to prevent damage from ID Theft. Your credit rating can fall quickly once your identity has been compromised. You need to know what’s on your credit on a regular basis to thwart identity thieves from the start.
ID TheftSmart from Comodo offers credit protection Identity theft Prevention? Anchor text and restoration services. Besides providing access to your credit score and credit report, ID TheftSmart monitors your credit constantly and alerts you to issues before they have a chance to damage your credit rating. Additionally, they provide email warnings of potentially fraudulent activity so you can stop it in its tracks. You do not have to fear for your credit rating or your good name when you enroll in the ID TheftSmart program.
If you do become the victim of ID theft, ID TheftSmart makes it easy to rectify the problem. A team of licensed investigators immediately puts fraud alerts on your credit to prevent further damage. They then comb through your personal and financial records to identify any suspicious activity and work with the proper authorities to restore your proper credit rating and good reputation. Recovering from identity theft on your own can take hundreds of hours of your personal time. If you are a member of ID TheftSmart, however, most of the work is done for you. Neither your time nor your credit has to suffer from someone else’s bad deeds when you protect yourself with ID TheftSmart.
Jorge
Jul
11
Bernz Jayma P. asked:
Among the many things we want in life include security. Security is not limited to financial security or psychological security; this encompasses a wide variety of things including personal security. The transactions made everyday makes everyone exposed to identity theft. One of the most dangerous things that can happen today is losing your laptop. A lot of sensitive information is inevitably stored on your computer because it is used for personal and business reasons. There are startling numbers of lost laptops reported in different security agencies. Here are some of the tips in dealing with lost valuable thing like a laptop:
Prevention is better than cure as they say about disease but we should apply it with our things and other personal possessions as well. As a preventive measure, you should always have an online backup service for your files. We know that loss of important documents, pictures and emails is more frustrating than the loss of the laptop itself. The backup files will assure you that important documents can be retrieved easily.
As we all know, your laptop contains private information because it is a personal belonging. Most of the time it contains your bank account number, important telephone numbers and passwords that can be conveniently read by a criminal. If possible try to create back – up data manually and delete all your passwords on your laptop. In addition, some of the programs in the laptop automatically save your passwords so you must always delete them after use. Make use of the good passwords which cannot be easily made and gained access to. Most of the laptop companies provide laptop tracking and recovery service so you can locate missing laptops. You can label your laptop with your name and contact information so that it could be returned if ever lost by an honest citizen who finds it.
You must be aware that a laptop is one of the most tempting objects for dishonest people. Mark your laptop and have a copy of the serial number of it. It is easier to find a stolen laptop when you have the serial number and other identifying marks of your ownership. Getting the services of identity theft protection services is also recommended. It will help you in case your laptop gets stolen.
Dora
Among the many things we want in life include security. Security is not limited to financial security or psychological security; this encompasses a wide variety of things including personal security. The transactions made everyday makes everyone exposed to identity theft. One of the most dangerous things that can happen today is losing your laptop. A lot of sensitive information is inevitably stored on your computer because it is used for personal and business reasons. There are startling numbers of lost laptops reported in different security agencies. Here are some of the tips in dealing with lost valuable thing like a laptop:
Prevention is better than cure as they say about disease but we should apply it with our things and other personal possessions as well. As a preventive measure, you should always have an online backup service for your files. We know that loss of important documents, pictures and emails is more frustrating than the loss of the laptop itself. The backup files will assure you that important documents can be retrieved easily.
As we all know, your laptop contains private information because it is a personal belonging. Most of the time it contains your bank account number, important telephone numbers and passwords that can be conveniently read by a criminal. If possible try to create back – up data manually and delete all your passwords on your laptop. In addition, some of the programs in the laptop automatically save your passwords so you must always delete them after use. Make use of the good passwords which cannot be easily made and gained access to. Most of the laptop companies provide laptop tracking and recovery service so you can locate missing laptops. You can label your laptop with your name and contact information so that it could be returned if ever lost by an honest citizen who finds it.
You must be aware that a laptop is one of the most tempting objects for dishonest people. Mark your laptop and have a copy of the serial number of it. It is easier to find a stolen laptop when you have the serial number and other identifying marks of your ownership. Getting the services of identity theft protection services is also recommended. It will help you in case your laptop gets stolen.
Dora
May
2
Bernz Jayma P. asked:
Many people seeking to avoid the saddening effects of ID theft are in search of ways of minimizing such losses. Apart from enrolling in a credit card protection program, you can opt for identity card insurance, an insurance package tailored to meet the specific needs of potential ID theft victims.
Identity theft insurance, just like any other insurance is meant to cover for costs or losses incurred in the event of you becoming an identity theft victim. With cases on ID theft on the rise, it has become normal if not a prerequisite for one to have identity theft insurance. The many insurance companies marketing this service offer various policies depending on what your specific needs are, or what you risk looing in the event of ID theft.
The amount of coverage given for ID theft protection will largely depend on the type of policy you choose. The amount you will need to contribute will also depend on specific factors which will be inclusive in your policy.
Some companies offering credit service provide these policies as part of their plan or a form of endorsement to other forms of insurance policies. In such occasions the amount charged is often less. You can ask your creditor if such services exist in their products.
The most important thing to know before you take an insurance policy is its terms and conditions. This may be same across many insurance agencies but when it comes to what is covered in your policy, the list may vary sharply across the board.
Most insurers will cover legal costs incurred when you get an advocate to look into your case. Some will compensate for wages lost during the time you will spend dealing with the ID theft case. The loan re-application fees may also be covered by your agent. The mailing charges and other notary fees will also be inclusive in most policies. You may also send while notarizing various important documents to the relevant authorities.
Before going for an ID theft insurance policy, be informed of the above and such factors from the insurance agency in order to ensure the policy you get will provide you the maximum protection available. Identify theft insurance policies are a great way to protect you and your family against the growing threat of identity theft.
Anne
Many people seeking to avoid the saddening effects of ID theft are in search of ways of minimizing such losses. Apart from enrolling in a credit card protection program, you can opt for identity card insurance, an insurance package tailored to meet the specific needs of potential ID theft victims.
Identity theft insurance, just like any other insurance is meant to cover for costs or losses incurred in the event of you becoming an identity theft victim. With cases on ID theft on the rise, it has become normal if not a prerequisite for one to have identity theft insurance. The many insurance companies marketing this service offer various policies depending on what your specific needs are, or what you risk looing in the event of ID theft.
The amount of coverage given for ID theft protection will largely depend on the type of policy you choose. The amount you will need to contribute will also depend on specific factors which will be inclusive in your policy.
Some companies offering credit service provide these policies as part of their plan or a form of endorsement to other forms of insurance policies. In such occasions the amount charged is often less. You can ask your creditor if such services exist in their products.
The most important thing to know before you take an insurance policy is its terms and conditions. This may be same across many insurance agencies but when it comes to what is covered in your policy, the list may vary sharply across the board.
Most insurers will cover legal costs incurred when you get an advocate to look into your case. Some will compensate for wages lost during the time you will spend dealing with the ID theft case. The loan re-application fees may also be covered by your agent. The mailing charges and other notary fees will also be inclusive in most policies. You may also send while notarizing various important documents to the relevant authorities.
Before going for an ID theft insurance policy, be informed of the above and such factors from the insurance agency in order to ensure the policy you get will provide you the maximum protection available. Identify theft insurance policies are a great way to protect you and your family against the growing threat of identity theft.
Anne
Apr
25
Quick Tips On Avoiding Identity Theft
Filed Under Security | Leave a Comment
Lee Ives asked:
Its an unfortunate fact but identity theft is on the rise.
ID theft is a crime that can be committed in many different ways – in a department store, at your local ATM, on the internet and even via phone.
One small slip-up from yourself and you could find yourself paying the cost for years to come as identity theft is a crime that has far-reaching and long-lasting effects.
For that reason you’ll want to avoid it like the plague so here are some tips on how to minimise the chances of you becoming the next id theft victim :
BUY A SHREDDER
Shred every document that you have that contains personal information, including receipts, address, statements, and credit card offers. Some statements even contain a blank check for you to use. Be extra careful if you share a house with others, even if they are friends or family, as they are the most common perpertrators of this crime.
KEEP YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER SAFE
Your Social Security Number (SSN) should be kept safe at all times, preferable somewhere secure in your house, and never in your purse or wallet.
Never give your number to anyone who doesn’t need it, especially when talking to strangers on the telephone.
If someone steals your SSN then they are one step away from being able to completely assume your identity.
NEVER WRITE YOUR PIN DOWN
Please don’t write your PIN on a piece of paper and then put it into your wallet. If you do then you probably deserve what you’ll get if your wallet and cards are then stolen.
STUDY BANK AND CREDIT CARD STATEMENTS REGULARLY
Examine your statements regularly and always question and report any strange activity immediately.
GET YOUR FREE CREDIT REPORT EVERY YEAR
The Credit Bureaus offer free credit reports every year. Take advantage of that offer and then read them thoroughly.
A credit report can be a good tool for spotting the signs of identity theft and the earlier you deal with it the better.
For more tips on avoiding identity theft you ought to visit my blog where I share more tips on avoiding identity theft.
Maureen
Its an unfortunate fact but identity theft is on the rise.
ID theft is a crime that can be committed in many different ways – in a department store, at your local ATM, on the internet and even via phone.
One small slip-up from yourself and you could find yourself paying the cost for years to come as identity theft is a crime that has far-reaching and long-lasting effects.
For that reason you’ll want to avoid it like the plague so here are some tips on how to minimise the chances of you becoming the next id theft victim :
BUY A SHREDDER
Shred every document that you have that contains personal information, including receipts, address, statements, and credit card offers. Some statements even contain a blank check for you to use. Be extra careful if you share a house with others, even if they are friends or family, as they are the most common perpertrators of this crime.
KEEP YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER SAFE
Your Social Security Number (SSN) should be kept safe at all times, preferable somewhere secure in your house, and never in your purse or wallet.
Never give your number to anyone who doesn’t need it, especially when talking to strangers on the telephone.
If someone steals your SSN then they are one step away from being able to completely assume your identity.
NEVER WRITE YOUR PIN DOWN
Please don’t write your PIN on a piece of paper and then put it into your wallet. If you do then you probably deserve what you’ll get if your wallet and cards are then stolen.
STUDY BANK AND CREDIT CARD STATEMENTS REGULARLY
Examine your statements regularly and always question and report any strange activity immediately.
GET YOUR FREE CREDIT REPORT EVERY YEAR
The Credit Bureaus offer free credit reports every year. Take advantage of that offer and then read them thoroughly.
A credit report can be a good tool for spotting the signs of identity theft and the earlier you deal with it the better.
For more tips on avoiding identity theft you ought to visit my blog where I share more tips on avoiding identity theft.
Maureen
Apr
11
5 Tips for Identity Theft Protection
Filed Under Security | Leave a Comment
Daryl Campbell asked:
It’s that time of year.
This is when we all start getting those emails that want to steal our secret codes and passwords. You know the ones: “Your Account Is About To Be Closed,” “There’s A Block On Your Account,”, “Congratulations You’ve Won The Lottery (that you never entered).”and my favorite “Could You Help Me Claim My Funds?”.
This is also the time of year when we start shopping for gifts and the last thing you need is for your bank or credit card accounts to be stolen by “cyber grifters”. They are counting on some of us to follow the instructions in the email.
First and foremost, DON’T FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE EMAIL! If you think there might be a problem, access the account in question as you normally do on your PC and not with the link supplied in the phony email.
I’ve had some very authentic looking email supposedly from banks, that even went so far as to copy the colors of the bank logo and stationery style. But, don’t fall for the scam. In fact, don’t even open the email, because many are just set to loose a virus program on your computer by being opened. Simply forward the suspicious email to the “spoof email” address supplied by your bank, or credit card company.
Identity Theft is a worldwide epidemic. According to the Better Business Bureau and Javelin Research, almost 9 million Americans fell prey to identity theft this year with fraud costing businesses and individuals over $56 billion dollars.
There are ways to reduce your chances of identity theft:
1. Understand debit card dangers: When it comes to fraud, debit cards carry much greater personal liability than credit cards, depending on how quickly you report the loss of the card. If you fail to report unauthorized use within 60 days of receiving your bank statements, you could lose all the money in the account and be held responsible for the amount of money that has been tapped from your line of credit.
2. Rethink check writing: That little slip of paper has way too much information. Some experts advise against check writing because it gives away your address, bank account number, signature and license number to complete strangers. On top of that, there’s no federal legislation to limit your liability for forged checks (each state has its own set of rules). Experts advise that you look into automating your bill paying.
3. Secure your mail: Your mailbox is a goldmine of information. Between bank statement, bills, and all those pre-approved credit card offers, your mailbox is loaded with personal data which identity thieves can use to easily apply for a credit card in your name. Unless you diligently check your credit report, you may never even know about it. One way to avoid this is to have your mailbox under lock and key, but most of us in Santa Clarita have our mailboxes at the curb in front of our house and the postman frowns on carrying dozens and dozens of keys around. The other solution is to have a rented mailbox, or to foil “dumpster-diving” thieves by buying a shredder and destroy documents before discarding.
4. Go virtual: For shopping online, there are “virtual” card numbers. These are randomly generated credit card numbers that are disposable and that on-line shoppers use once and throw away. It’s linked directly to your real credit card account so purchases show up on your monthly bill. The service is easy to use and it’s FREE! All you need to do is register with companies offering the virtual card, and they are MBNA, Discover, and Citigroup.
5. Create an emergency identity kit: Would you know how to contact your credit card company in an emergency? Create an emergency kit that contains: your account number, expiration date, issuing company name, and emergency contact number for each card you own. While you’re at it, make copies of your driver’s license, social security card, birth certificate and passport and store them in a locked box or file cabinet, or a safe deposit box. I like the safe deposit box best, because this gives you protection in the event of a catastrophe such as fire, earthquake, etc.
This may all seem like a lot of unnecessary work, but if you’re ever the victim of identity theft even just once you’ll realize that it’s well worth the effort.
Many of us forget that were it not for what we carry in our wallets or in our purses, we’re all John and Jane Doe’s if we can’t speak due to injury or are unaccompanied by someone who knows us. How much less stressful is it to know that in a bank box, no matter where you are, there are items that can verify your identity. Better to be safe, than sorry!
Victoria
It’s that time of year.
This is when we all start getting those emails that want to steal our secret codes and passwords. You know the ones: “Your Account Is About To Be Closed,” “There’s A Block On Your Account,”, “Congratulations You’ve Won The Lottery (that you never entered).”and my favorite “Could You Help Me Claim My Funds?”.
This is also the time of year when we start shopping for gifts and the last thing you need is for your bank or credit card accounts to be stolen by “cyber grifters”. They are counting on some of us to follow the instructions in the email.
First and foremost, DON’T FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE EMAIL! If you think there might be a problem, access the account in question as you normally do on your PC and not with the link supplied in the phony email.
I’ve had some very authentic looking email supposedly from banks, that even went so far as to copy the colors of the bank logo and stationery style. But, don’t fall for the scam. In fact, don’t even open the email, because many are just set to loose a virus program on your computer by being opened. Simply forward the suspicious email to the “spoof email” address supplied by your bank, or credit card company.
Identity Theft is a worldwide epidemic. According to the Better Business Bureau and Javelin Research, almost 9 million Americans fell prey to identity theft this year with fraud costing businesses and individuals over $56 billion dollars.
There are ways to reduce your chances of identity theft:
1. Understand debit card dangers: When it comes to fraud, debit cards carry much greater personal liability than credit cards, depending on how quickly you report the loss of the card. If you fail to report unauthorized use within 60 days of receiving your bank statements, you could lose all the money in the account and be held responsible for the amount of money that has been tapped from your line of credit.
2. Rethink check writing: That little slip of paper has way too much information. Some experts advise against check writing because it gives away your address, bank account number, signature and license number to complete strangers. On top of that, there’s no federal legislation to limit your liability for forged checks (each state has its own set of rules). Experts advise that you look into automating your bill paying.
3. Secure your mail: Your mailbox is a goldmine of information. Between bank statement, bills, and all those pre-approved credit card offers, your mailbox is loaded with personal data which identity thieves can use to easily apply for a credit card in your name. Unless you diligently check your credit report, you may never even know about it. One way to avoid this is to have your mailbox under lock and key, but most of us in Santa Clarita have our mailboxes at the curb in front of our house and the postman frowns on carrying dozens and dozens of keys around. The other solution is to have a rented mailbox, or to foil “dumpster-diving” thieves by buying a shredder and destroy documents before discarding.
4. Go virtual: For shopping online, there are “virtual” card numbers. These are randomly generated credit card numbers that are disposable and that on-line shoppers use once and throw away. It’s linked directly to your real credit card account so purchases show up on your monthly bill. The service is easy to use and it’s FREE! All you need to do is register with companies offering the virtual card, and they are MBNA, Discover, and Citigroup.
5. Create an emergency identity kit: Would you know how to contact your credit card company in an emergency? Create an emergency kit that contains: your account number, expiration date, issuing company name, and emergency contact number for each card you own. While you’re at it, make copies of your driver’s license, social security card, birth certificate and passport and store them in a locked box or file cabinet, or a safe deposit box. I like the safe deposit box best, because this gives you protection in the event of a catastrophe such as fire, earthquake, etc.
This may all seem like a lot of unnecessary work, but if you’re ever the victim of identity theft even just once you’ll realize that it’s well worth the effort.
Many of us forget that were it not for what we carry in our wallets or in our purses, we’re all John and Jane Doe’s if we can’t speak due to injury or are unaccompanied by someone who knows us. How much less stressful is it to know that in a bank box, no matter where you are, there are items that can verify your identity. Better to be safe, than sorry!
Victoria
Apr
10
Michelle Oaks asked:
theft is a huge problem and as the economy has gotten worse so has identity theft. There has never been a time when it was more important to protect yourself from identity theft than now.
You may be wondering how you can protect yourself but first I think you should understand How bad identity theft has really become.
Here are some scary facts about identity theft – what is now the fastest-growing crime in the nation:
· There have been over 9 million victims a year for two years running
(Better Business Bureau and Javelin Strategy & Research, January 2005)
· Identity theft has been the top consumer complaint to FTC five years in a row
(Federal Trade Commission, National and State Trends in Fraud and Identity Theft, February 1, 2005)
??????· Identity theft has claimed over 30 million victims in past five years
(Federal Trade Commission, 2003 and Better Business Bureau, 2005)
WOW! Identity theft has become a nationwide problem with millions of victims of all ages.
Here is a fact that will probably surprise you. In 2003, nearly 7 million people became victims of identity theft in the previous 12 months. That breaks down to around 19,178 per day, 799 per hour, and 13.3 per minute.
It is a fact, according to the US Department of Justice, that drug trafficking is now being replaced by identity theft as the number one crime. This affects all of us in one way or another.
Either you, or someone you know becomes a victim of identity theft.
AND, identity theft causes stores and credit card company to raise prices and their rates, respectively.
So what does this mean? We all pay for identity theft in some way so we all need to protect ourselves and our loved ones and we need to be sure to report as soon as possible anyone that we suspect of trying to steal someone’s identity.
Although identity theft scams most often happen over the phone you need to be careful where-ever you are. They could contact you online, over the phone or even come to your door.
Be sure to provide the police with any pertinent information that you may have. Time, location, what the person looked like, sounded like, caller id information, what type of vehicle-kind, color, year, distinguishing marks on the person or their vehicle, etc.
For many people it will probably take hundreds of hours, and an average of $1,000, just to recover from ID theft. Even worse is that in some innocent victims have ended up in prison because identity thieves have been committing crimes in their names. Thus, the victim then ends up being victimized twice.
Now hopefully this has shown you why identity theft prevention is so important. We want to help you to protect yourself from this awful nightmare. We have an excellent resource to help you to protect yourself so that you never need worry about becoming a victim of identity theft. Find out about the different ways that these scammers will use to steal your identity and how you can protect yourself from them.
Now, if you would like to find out more about how identity thieves can steal your identity from you in the first place then please send a blank email to .
identity-theft-facts@freeautobot.com
Thelma
theft is a huge problem and as the economy has gotten worse so has identity theft. There has never been a time when it was more important to protect yourself from identity theft than now.
You may be wondering how you can protect yourself but first I think you should understand How bad identity theft has really become.
Here are some scary facts about identity theft – what is now the fastest-growing crime in the nation:
· There have been over 9 million victims a year for two years running
(Better Business Bureau and Javelin Strategy & Research, January 2005)
· Identity theft has been the top consumer complaint to FTC five years in a row
(Federal Trade Commission, National and State Trends in Fraud and Identity Theft, February 1, 2005)
??????· Identity theft has claimed over 30 million victims in past five years
(Federal Trade Commission, 2003 and Better Business Bureau, 2005)
WOW! Identity theft has become a nationwide problem with millions of victims of all ages.
Here is a fact that will probably surprise you. In 2003, nearly 7 million people became victims of identity theft in the previous 12 months. That breaks down to around 19,178 per day, 799 per hour, and 13.3 per minute.
It is a fact, according to the US Department of Justice, that drug trafficking is now being replaced by identity theft as the number one crime. This affects all of us in one way or another.
Either you, or someone you know becomes a victim of identity theft.
AND, identity theft causes stores and credit card company to raise prices and their rates, respectively.
So what does this mean? We all pay for identity theft in some way so we all need to protect ourselves and our loved ones and we need to be sure to report as soon as possible anyone that we suspect of trying to steal someone’s identity.
Although identity theft scams most often happen over the phone you need to be careful where-ever you are. They could contact you online, over the phone or even come to your door.
Be sure to provide the police with any pertinent information that you may have. Time, location, what the person looked like, sounded like, caller id information, what type of vehicle-kind, color, year, distinguishing marks on the person or their vehicle, etc.
For many people it will probably take hundreds of hours, and an average of $1,000, just to recover from ID theft. Even worse is that in some innocent victims have ended up in prison because identity thieves have been committing crimes in their names. Thus, the victim then ends up being victimized twice.
Now hopefully this has shown you why identity theft prevention is so important. We want to help you to protect yourself from this awful nightmare. We have an excellent resource to help you to protect yourself so that you never need worry about becoming a victim of identity theft. Find out about the different ways that these scammers will use to steal your identity and how you can protect yourself from them.
Now, if you would like to find out more about how identity thieves can steal your identity from you in the first place then please send a blank email to .
identity-theft-facts@freeautobot.com
Thelma
Mar
26
Bernz Jayma P. asked:
Many people seeking to avoid the saddening effects of ID theft are in search of ways of minimizing such losses. Apart from enrolling in a credit card protection program, you can opt for identity card insurance, an insurance package tailored to meet the specific needs of potential ID theft victims.
Identity theft insurance, just like any other insurance is meant to cover for costs or losses incurred in the event of you becoming an identity theft victim. With cases on ID theft on the rise, it has become normal if not a prerequisite for one to have identity theft insurance. The many insurance companies marketing this service offer various policies depending on what your specific needs are, or what you risk looing in the event of ID theft.
The amount of coverage given for ID theft protection will largely depend on the type of policy you choose. The amount you will need to contribute will also depend on specific factors which will be inclusive in your policy.
Some companies offering credit service provide these policies as part of their plan or a form of endorsement to other forms of insurance policies. In such occasions the amount charged is often less. You can ask your creditor if such services exist in their products.
The most important thing to know before you take an insurance policy is its terms and conditions. This may be same across many insurance agencies but when it comes to what is covered in your policy, the list may vary sharply across the board.
Most insurers will cover legal costs incurred when you get an advocate to look into your case. Some will compensate for wages lost during the time you will spend dealing with the ID theft case. The loan re-application fees may also be covered by your agent. The mailing charges and other notary fees will also be inclusive in most policies. You may also send while notarizing various important documents to the relevant authorities.
Before going for an ID theft insurance policy, be informed of the above and such factors from the insurance agency in order to ensure the policy you get will provide you the maximum protection available. Identify theft insurance policies are a great way to protect you and your family against the growing threat of identity theft.
Ralph
Many people seeking to avoid the saddening effects of ID theft are in search of ways of minimizing such losses. Apart from enrolling in a credit card protection program, you can opt for identity card insurance, an insurance package tailored to meet the specific needs of potential ID theft victims.
Identity theft insurance, just like any other insurance is meant to cover for costs or losses incurred in the event of you becoming an identity theft victim. With cases on ID theft on the rise, it has become normal if not a prerequisite for one to have identity theft insurance. The many insurance companies marketing this service offer various policies depending on what your specific needs are, or what you risk looing in the event of ID theft.
The amount of coverage given for ID theft protection will largely depend on the type of policy you choose. The amount you will need to contribute will also depend on specific factors which will be inclusive in your policy.
Some companies offering credit service provide these policies as part of their plan or a form of endorsement to other forms of insurance policies. In such occasions the amount charged is often less. You can ask your creditor if such services exist in their products.
The most important thing to know before you take an insurance policy is its terms and conditions. This may be same across many insurance agencies but when it comes to what is covered in your policy, the list may vary sharply across the board.
Most insurers will cover legal costs incurred when you get an advocate to look into your case. Some will compensate for wages lost during the time you will spend dealing with the ID theft case. The loan re-application fees may also be covered by your agent. The mailing charges and other notary fees will also be inclusive in most policies. You may also send while notarizing various important documents to the relevant authorities.
Before going for an ID theft insurance policy, be informed of the above and such factors from the insurance agency in order to ensure the policy you get will provide you the maximum protection available. Identify theft insurance policies are a great way to protect you and your family against the growing threat of identity theft.
Ralph