One of the reasons that computer identity theft works so well is that the e-mails look official. Sometimes they even redirect the consumer to a site that looks exactly like they would expect the site to look. They also make the consumer feel as though if they do not do something about the information in the e-mail, their account will be in serious jeopardy, or an expensive charge will be made to their account that they did not intend. The sense of urgency created by computer identity theft is one reason why it is so successful.
How to Protect Yourself
To protect yourself from computer identity theft, start by installing an anti-spy ware program on your computer. Run it before doing any financial work online. This program will scan your computer for programs that record your personal information and send it to a third party. Remove these programs before you do anything online that could give your personal information away.
Second, do not click on e-mails that look like they are from a company or agency, no matter how official. Instead, type in the address of the e-mail and put in your password. This ensures that you will not be taken for a ride, because you know the website address of the company.
Finally, only do online business with secure sites. Never give your social security address out over the Internet. These two tips will go a long way to keeping you safe from computer identity theft.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Everything You Need To Know About Computer Identity Theft
Computer identity theft is a growing problem facing consumers, as more and more people are turning to the Internet for their shopping needs. Predators are using the power of the Internet to steel the information from unsuspecting victims. Computer identity theft usually starts with an e-mail. The e-mail is sent from what looks to be a reputable agency or business that the person has reason to deal with, such as the IRS, Ebay, or a credit card company. The e-mail tells the reader that something has happened to them, such as an audit or a problem with their credit card, and all they need to do is respond to the e-mail with their information, or Social Security number, and the problem will be fixed.
The minute the consumer responds to this e-mail, the computer identity theft begins. The scammer immediately begins to use their identity online to make purchases, clear bank accounts, and even take out loans. The sad truth about identity theft is that the person whose identity is used to make the fraudulent purchases is often responsible for them. This can lead to financial disaster, particularly for people who are in a dangerous place financially.
The minute the consumer responds to this e-mail, the computer identity theft begins. The scammer immediately begins to use their identity online to make purchases, clear bank accounts, and even take out loans. The sad truth about identity theft is that the person whose identity is used to make the fraudulent purchases is often responsible for them. This can lead to financial disaster, particularly for people who are in a dangerous place financially.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
How Can an Identity Theft Lawyer Help?
Some folks who don’t check their credit card account everyday for fraud or have a joint account with their spouse and therefore expect some expenses that they are not aware about don’t take much notice of them when they occur can end up one day being bankrupt if an identity thief got his or her hands on their personal data. Clearing identity theft damage can take years in which time you will be absolutely bankrupt as you may not be able to have or even use credit cards or sometimes even touch your bank balance anymore that is if you still have any money left in the bank.
An identity theft lawyer can speed up the procedures by digging all your credentials and original papers in order to prove that you have been through an identity theft and that you are not a fraud yourself. Proving that you are not the identity thief is where the identity theft lawyer will be of the greatest help because there are so many formalities, rules and regulations that leave people frustrated when they have to deal alone. The best place to search for an identity theft lawyer is online where you will find a number of them in your own town in order to get an appointment and start getting your life back.
An identity theft lawyer can speed up the procedures by digging all your credentials and original papers in order to prove that you have been through an identity theft and that you are not a fraud yourself. Proving that you are not the identity thief is where the identity theft lawyer will be of the greatest help because there are so many formalities, rules and regulations that leave people frustrated when they have to deal alone. The best place to search for an identity theft lawyer is online where you will find a number of them in your own town in order to get an appointment and start getting your life back.
Identity theft lawyer
How Can an Identity Theft Lawyer Help You Get Your Life Back
Identity theft can be devastating and for some life ruining; while some catch it in its early stages and thus, is able to rectify the damage, other life with t for years until they wake up one day with huge loans against their name and no possibility to pay back. Identity theft criminals spend months watching your every move whether it is in real life or on the internet where they will go through your personal papers in order to find all the details they need about you in order to be able to use them for getting money out of your bank or worse get a loan posing as you. Today everything is done on the Internet, banking and even applying and getting approved for major loans therefore that is the place identity thieves operate and unfortunately succeed many times if you are not careful at protecting your personal data and identity. Identity thieves will pose as you by providing your personal data such as social security number, name and address as well as bank accounts and get many small loans in your name; they usually try to get many small loans instead of one big one, as it is easier to achieve especially if your credit score is good.
Identity theft can be devastating and for some life ruining; while some catch it in its early stages and thus, is able to rectify the damage, other life with t for years until they wake up one day with huge loans against their name and no possibility to pay back. Identity theft criminals spend months watching your every move whether it is in real life or on the internet where they will go through your personal papers in order to find all the details they need about you in order to be able to use them for getting money out of your bank or worse get a loan posing as you. Today everything is done on the Internet, banking and even applying and getting approved for major loans therefore that is the place identity thieves operate and unfortunately succeed many times if you are not careful at protecting your personal data and identity. Identity thieves will pose as you by providing your personal data such as social security number, name and address as well as bank accounts and get many small loans in your name; they usually try to get many small loans instead of one big one, as it is easier to achieve especially if your credit score is good.
Sunday, January 7, 2007
How to Avoid Identity Theft?
Basically one word will do here – careful. If you are careful, you will be able to sidestep a good number of traps and avoid identity theft effectively. The following guidelines would be helpful:
1. Keep all the critical information (it is even better if your keep all your information) concealed. Do not write your driver license number or social security number anywhere, lest people will copy it and use it. This is particularly important when it comes to checks. People tend to write all kind of identity information right on the back of the checks. You should rather give only your phone number and if the bank needs further identification or verification, they will call you up.
2. Never give any information over the phone. How do you know that the person at the end of the line is a genuine person? If the bank is calling you, ask the name of the person and inform that you will give the information in person, or send it through someone you authorize on your behalf.
3. Never give your financial details for buying things over the Internet. Whenever you like something, check out the website (name of the enterprise) with the BBB or Better Business Bureau to see whether they are genuine. Unless you do this, you might be feeding your financial information into a clone website. This is one of the most popular methods to steal people’s identity; hence, you should be very careful about what you are doing and with whom you are interacting to avoid identity theft.
1. Keep all the critical information (it is even better if your keep all your information) concealed. Do not write your driver license number or social security number anywhere, lest people will copy it and use it. This is particularly important when it comes to checks. People tend to write all kind of identity information right on the back of the checks. You should rather give only your phone number and if the bank needs further identification or verification, they will call you up.
2. Never give any information over the phone. How do you know that the person at the end of the line is a genuine person? If the bank is calling you, ask the name of the person and inform that you will give the information in person, or send it through someone you authorize on your behalf.
3. Never give your financial details for buying things over the Internet. Whenever you like something, check out the website (name of the enterprise) with the BBB or Better Business Bureau to see whether they are genuine. Unless you do this, you might be feeding your financial information into a clone website. This is one of the most popular methods to steal people’s identity; hence, you should be very careful about what you are doing and with whom you are interacting to avoid identity theft.
You Can Avoid Identity Theft
Before we go into how we can avoid identity theft, let us see what identity theft means. Identity theft is mostly defined as a state where another person uses your name to appropriate gains due to you – this could be anything from abusing your credit cards to usurping your medical insurance or bank balance, or committing crimes in your name. We are often not aware that we leave behind us a trail of vital information, which literally invites miscreants to pick it up and misuse it. How many times you have written your full name, security number and phone number on the back of the pizza payment check? Now, sit and think logically how many people would have access to that information before the check is deposited.
Then, you will have the bank personnel who will have access to your account number as well. Can you realize how inviting it can be to know the details you have mentioned? If that check falls into the hands of any unscrupulous person, you will be wide open for identity theft whereby your bank can be cleared within minutes.
Then, you will have the bank personnel who will have access to your account number as well. Can you realize how inviting it can be to know the details you have mentioned? If that check falls into the hands of any unscrupulous person, you will be wide open for identity theft whereby your bank can be cleared within minutes.
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