eBay Online Security website Microsoft.com's
Security Suggestions |
Make sure your computer is up-to-date with the latest security patches. Use Firewall protection. Use virus protection software. Use a pop-up blocker. Use "spy-ware blockers" software to help secure your internet browsing. |
Protecting Against Identity Theft
Identity Theft is the fastest-growing
crime in America, affecting half a million new victims each year. Identity
Theft or Identity Fraud is the taking of another person's identity to
obtain credit, credit cards from banks and retailers, steal money from
a victim's existing accounts, apply for loans, establish accounts with
utility companies, rent an apartment, file bankruptcy, or obtain a job
using the victim's name. Thousands of dollars can be stolen without the
victim knowing about if for months or even years.
Tips for protecting yourself:
- Shred or burn papers with credit card or bank account numbers, Social Security numbers, etc.
- Don't put your Social Security number on anything, unless it is legally required. And don't have it printed on your checks. For those of you with driver licenses that routinely use your Social Security number, check with your DMV to see if they offer another option.
- Check your credit report once or twice a year to make sure it doesn't have accounts you don't know about.
The major credit reporting agencies are:
- Equifax -- P.O. Box 105873, Atlanta, Ga. 30348-5873 -- Telephone: 1-800-997-2493;
- Experian Information Solutions (Formerly TRW) -- P.O. Box 949, Allen, Texas, 75013-0949 -- Telephone: 1-800-397-3742;
- TransUnion -- P.O. Box 390, Springfield, Penn. 19064-0390 -- Telephone: 1-800-916-8800.
If you have been victimized, file a police report. You will need it when disputing charges with various creditors. Also remember to write letters to have erroneous and fraudulent items removed from your credit report.
Stealing mail and papers isn't the only way to get information. Phishing is the newest wave in identity theft. This method uses various online techniques to fool you into providing financial and personal information to people waiting to take advantage of you.
Phishing uses spam, email or pop-up messages to deceive Internet users into disclosing credit card numbers, bank account information, Social Security numbers, passwords, and other sensitive information.
These e-mails appear to come from a legitimate business, often posing as your financial institution, credit card company, or as a company like eBay, urging you to immediately reply with personal information so your account is not deactivated.
To increase the chances of people falling for this type of scam, they'll even use the company's logo, colors, and standard disclosure text. The e-mail usually will contain a link that takes you to a fake site made to look like the company's legitimate Web site.
Here are some clues that an email is part of a phishing scam:
- Look for misspellings and poor grammar.
- The Web site often does not have ''http://'' in the address bar at the top.
- There generally is an urgent tone or call to action. Phishing e-mails will allude to dire consequences, such as ''your account will be deactivated if you do not respond within 24 hours...''
The Federal Trade Commision works to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint or to get free information on consumer issues, visit www.ftc.gov, or call toll-free, 1-877-382-4357.