Archive for June, 2009

Clear’s closure leaves security of travelers’ info up in the air

Monday, June 29th, 2009

I’ve seen stories of client information left completely unsecured, unprotected and easily accessible after the closing of a doctor’s office, a car dealership, a real estate agency and a fitness center.

In some cases the customer files were dumped into open trash bins, in others the files were simply left in abandoned offices or in boxes at the curb.

Now, with last week’s failure of Clear, the program that assured travelers’ hasty passage through airport security, the extensive information of 260,000 former customers is at risk. (more…)

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LifeLock only ID theft service with “A+” from BBB

Friday, June 26th, 2009

The most important time to check out a company on the Better Business Bureau’s website might be when you’re shopping for an ID theft protection service. After all, whichever company you choose, you’re going to have to give them a whole lot of personal and financial information. Unfortunately, there are a whole lot of ID theft companies out there. But, you’ve come to the right place, because I’ve made your life a lot easier by doing a quick BBB check on the 12 most prominent ID theft service companies as identified by the Consumer Federation of America.

Here’s what I found: LifeLock is the only of the 12 companies to receive an A+ ranking by the Better Business Bureau. (more…)

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Posted in LifeLock complaints | 1 Comment »

Maker of LAID OFF NEED A JOB bracelet arrested on ID theft charges

Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009

Watch for the new yellow bracelets that say “LAID OFF NEED YOUR NAME, SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER, DATE OF BIRTH.”

Stephanie R. Aucoin joined the ranks of millions of other unemployed Americans last September when she was fired from her job at an accounting firm last September. But, with the help of friends, by April, she was selling thousands of yellow bracelets imprinted with the words “LAID OFF NEED A JOB.”

After her arrest by Sarasota police, maybe she needs new bracelets that say “ARRESTED NEED BAIL MONEY.” (more…)

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Posted in Identity Theft | 3 Comments »

MENTOR’s SafetyNET child protection program enters new partnership

Thursday, June 18th, 2009

LifeLock was the first identity theft protection service to recognize the necessity of protecting children from ID theft, and to provide the services to do so. Now they’re stepping up once again to protect children through their partnership with a national mentoring advocacy program.

LifeLock is underwriting MENTOR’s congressionally established SafetyNET Program, which provides nationwide FBI background checks on volunteers who work with children—the segment of our population most vulnerable to crimes, including identity theft. (more…)

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Posted in Identity Theft | 1 Comment »

What to do if you become a medical ID theft victim

Tuesday, June 16th, 2009

Imagine you receive a collections notice from a hospital 1,000 miles away … in a city you’ve never visited … for a surgery you’ve never had … for a health problem you don’t have … and the notice says you owe more money than your house is worth.

You have to take immediate action, but be warned: Whoever had the surgery might be recovering better than you will. (more…)

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Posted in Identity Theft | No Comments »

Eight plead guilty in D.C. restaurants skimmer scheme

Tuesday, June 9th, 2009

Eight people have pleaded guilty to using skimmers to steal more than $736,000 from customers at Washington, D.C.’s M&S Grill, Clyde’s Restaurant and 701 Restaurant, according to federal prosecutors. (more…)

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Posted in Identity Theft | 2 Comments »

LifeLock review: VCU data breach affects 50,000 students

Sunday, June 7th, 2009

If you needed further evidence that our institutions of higher learning are failing to secure personally identifying information, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) brought new supporting evidence this week. (more…)

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Posted in Data breach | 2 Comments »

LifeLock complaints

Tuesday, June 2nd, 2009

You’ve probably seen these LifeLock ads: “Hi. I’m Todd Davis, and this is my real Social Security number.” If you’ve thought about enrolling in their identity theft program, but heard people complain about paying someone else to do what you can do for free, ask yourself these questions: (more…)

Posted in LifeLock complaints | 2 Comments »