Posts Tagged ‘identity fraud’

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How do criminals get information to commit identity theft?

Wednesday, March 21st, 2012

You may not realize it, but criminals can get our personal information fairly easily. In public places, thieves can shoulder surf as you type in your PIN number or credit card number, or they can listen while you give this information over the telephone.

Another way they get to information is by dumpster diving, which is when they go through garbage bins or even the trash cans out by the curb for pickup. By doing this, they can easily find checks, credit card or bank statements, or even pre-approved credit offers you’ve tossed.

Speaking of pre-approved credit card offers, be sure you shred them before you dispose of them. You may think since the offer is blank, you can just trash it. But a criminal can fill it in, using the information already printed on it, and obtain a credit card. He’ll then use that card to rack up thousands of dollars in debt – and you will be the responsible party, without even knowing it.

The Internet has also become a common tool for identity thieves. Criminals use hacking, social media, phishing and other techniques to obtain your personal and financial information. You may even find your computer infected with malware – and it’s because of something you downloaded. Be sure of what you are downloading and of the source.

Once a criminal has your information, or at least enough of it, he can apply for loans and credit cards, make withdrawals from your bank accounts, and get other good and privileges.

Take steps to protect yourself and your information today. Call LifeLock – LifeLock can lock down your information and help protect you against identity theft.

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Understand, avoid Nigerian scams

Friday, March 16th, 2012

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Technology is nice – But it can lead to ruin

Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012

We’re all used to the technology we’re fortunate to have access to these days. We have smartphones, computers, tablets and other devices that make our lives easier and more entertaining.

But all this technology can be a problem as well – particularly if these items are abused. Criminals who are seeking to steal your personal or financial information have found all sorts of ways to misuse technology in order to gain ill-gotten goods. Knowing how these criminals work and what to do to protect yourself can help.

First of all, be careful where you use the computer, particularly in public places. Public computers are never 100 percent safe, and neither is free Wi-Fi, which you can find all over the place. These networks are not secured, and therefore dangerous. Don’t conduct financial transactions on public Wi-Fi or on public computers, and always remember to sign off when you’re done.

If you use your debit card frequently, make sure you use it as credit, instead of debit, so you don’t have to input your PIN. Most places where you typically use your debit card do not have the level of security to really protect your card, so it’s much safer to use it as you would a credit card. The only time you should use your PIN is at the ATM.

If you shop online, make sure you only use secured sites. Criminals are very good at creating sites that look legitimate and appear to sell whatever you need. If you happen onto one of them, you will input your information in order to make a purchase, but what you’re really transacting for is heartache. Check out a site thoroughly before you shop, making sure the site is secured, and reviewing the site’s return policy. Read the comments as well – it will help you to know what others have said.

Last of all, use common sense. Don’t give your personal or financial information out unless you have to, and to only those with whom you have initiated contact. Remember: Better safe than sorry.

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Keeping your Social Security number safe

Monday, January 30th, 2012

One of the biggest concerns when it comes to identity theft is keeping your Social Security number safe. Once a thief has your SSN, he can open new accounts, obtain a mortgage, get a new cell phone and apply for a job.

Identity thieves use all sorts of scams to try and trick you out of your Social Security number. But there are steps you can take to be sure your information is safe. Here are a few suggestions.

• If someone calls you and asks for your SSN, you are not legally bound to give out that information over the telephone. If you are unsure of the person on the other end of the call, don’t give out your SSN. If the caller persists, hang up, and verify the request with an official representative of the organization.

• If you are establishing a new account with a business you’ve never dealt with before, and the business requires your Social Security number, but can’t give you an explanation of how they will use and protect your SSN, remember that you have rights. There is no law that prevents businesses from requesting your SSN, and the business has a right to refuse service if you don’t provide it. Ask if there is an alternate form of identification you can provide, like your driver’s license.

If you have given your SSN to someone and you’re now worried that you may have fallen for a scam, contact the credit bureaus and watch your credit reports carefully for any fraudulent activity. If you find any bogus activity, report it immediately and close the accounts. You will need to file a police report and contact the Federal Trade Commission to report the incident as well at 1-877-438-4338 or go online at www.consumer.gov/idtheft.

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Is your information safe when you give to charity?

Monday, December 19th, 2011

Fifty-five gang members and others were busted for running a $2 million identity theft ring which targeted donors who had given to a Jewish charity, according to reports.

The donors were considered “high profile,” and included billionaire investor Ira Rennert and his wife, and former AIG CEO Maurice “Hank” Greenberg. A total of 1,000 people were targeted.

Among those arrested were members of the Bloods, Crips and Outlaws, who had participated in a check scam. A worker at the UJA-Federation of New York, which is a prominent Jewish charity, photocopied checks received from wealthy donors and sold the checks to gang members, who assumed the identities of those who had made the donations.

Authorities also arrested three JP Morgan Chase tellers, a worker at TD Bank and a U.S. postal worker. Accomplices would forge checks, deposit them into other people’s bank accounts, and withdraw the money as soon as it cleared. Aided by the tellers, the thieves also made phone and wire transfers from the victims’ accounts and got credit cards in their names.

Incidents such as this, particularly at this time of year, make it more difficult to give charitably. But don’t let this deter you from giving, particularly during the holidays, when there are more needs than usual.

When you do give, question the charity about how your how your information will be used, processed and stored after use. If there are no concrete answers, find a different charity. And never give to a charity you are unfamiliar with – make sure you know who you’re giving to and how the money will be used.

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Beware of smishing

Thursday, December 15th, 2011

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Consumers warned: Don’t be complacent this holiday season

Thursday, December 1st, 2011

A new study by the U.S. Department of Justice shows that more and more Americans are falling victim to identity theft. In 2010, an estimated 8.6 million households experienced some form of identity theft, up from 6.4 million in 2005.

Households headed by a person 65 years of age or older had the lowest rate of identity theft, 3.3 percent, about half that of other age groups, the DOJ findings stated. Households in the highest income category, $75,000 or more, are far more likely to experience identity theft, 12.3 percent, than those with poorer income. Over half of the households that experienced identity theft reported no direct financial loss.

Most of the increase in identity theft is attributed to the unauthorized use of credit cards, but it also includes the misuse of banking, savings, PayPal and other types of financial accounts as well.

According to DOJ findings, consumers experienced about $13.3 billion in financial losses due to identity theft in 2010, which the average loss per person falling somewhere around $2,200.

The report comes just in time for the holiday season, and offers a sobering reminder to shoppers this year.

During the rush of the season, it’s easy for consumers to become complacent regarding the safety of their financial and personal information. Thieves know this, and definitely take advantage of it.

To reduce your risk, avoid using debit cards, and instead use only cash or credit cards. Debit cards are linked directly to your bank account, while credit cards offer consumer protection. Consumers should also keep their eyes open for skimming devices, which can appear everywhere from ATMS and gas pumps to point of sale machines in department stores and restaurants.

Many shoppers are using their smartphones while out shopping. Doing so raises the potential for identity theft for consumers. Don’t shop remotely on unsecured networks, make purchases at unfamiliar websites, and be sure to check your account statements.

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‘Make it rain’ parties afford theft opportunity for identity thieves

Wednesday, November 9th, 2011

During a recent traffic stop in Tampa, Fla., police didn’t find drugs in the car of a known drug dealer – they found large numbers of pre-paid debit cards and ledgers with Social Security numbers.

Identity theft involving tax fraud is increasing faster than law enforcement and government officials can handle. Identity theft to scam fraudulent tax refunds has increased 100 percent in just three years. As of August 31 of this year, the IRS tracking reports showed that the number of taxpayers affected by identity theft has more than doubled since 2008.

In Tampa, police say they have busted up several “make it rain” parties, where criminals get together in a hotel room with Internet access and file one fake tax return after another.

The really bad news is that the chances of these criminals being caught and punished are low because each fraud case amounts to an average of $3,400, which is deemed too little to merit prosecution. The IRS is also limited by law in sharing information from taxpayer returns with local law enforcement authorities, further hampering police efforts.

Protect your Social Security number. Don’t carry it around with you, keeping it instead locked in a safe place like a safe deposit box. Don’t give your number out online or on the phone, and don’t give it to anyone in person unless you are sure how it will be used and stored. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about how your number will be secured, and don’t be afraid to ask if alternative information can be used instead of your Social Security number.

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Don’t let the holiday rush get your guard down

Monday, November 7th, 2011

Identity theft is the fastest-growing crime in the country – hands down. One person falls victim to this crime every few seconds. Knowing this, you can see why it pays to be vigilant.

Identity thieves know that one of the easiest ways to get to their victims is online. It can be quick and the online environment creates a place where thieves can get in and get out quickly, and all too often without getting caught. But you can protect yourself.

Make sure you have firewalls and anti-spy software installed on your computer. Make sure your own network is secure, particularly if you use your home computer to check your bank account or if you shop online. Make your passwords tough to decipher – use upper and lower case letters, numbers and symbols. And don’t use the same password for every site you visit.

If you receive unsolicited e-mails, don’t click on any links they may contain. These links could contain malware, which will invade your computer and give a thief access to your personal and financial information. If you do receive an e-mail that you think could be a phishing attempt, report it to your local authorities, as well as to the Federal Trade Commission.

You may feel that shopping online just isn’t safe, with all of these concerns rattling around in your brain. But you can shop online – you just have to be smart about it. Only shop on sites that are secure, and stay away from lesser-known sites. Shop only on those well-established store sites that you know you can trust.

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Learn to speak ’scam’

Friday, November 4th, 2011

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