Monday, February 25, 2008

Idenity Theft

Let me start out by saying that you can NOT eliminate your risk for becoming a target for identity theft, you can only lower your chances through quality information and education.

This article is merely designed to show you what things to look for that can be potentially robbing you blind that most are completely oblivious to. There are ways to guard against this type of abuse, fraud, theft, etc. you just have to know what to do to protect yourself against these manipulative and sometimes vicious attacks.

Identity Theft: Your Information

All information should be on a need to know basis and no one 'needs' to know. Of course there will be times when you need to verify who you are in order from the bank, DMV, or other such institution to know that you are the person they are talking to. But this should only happen when YOU call THEM. If your bank, the DMV, your credit card company etc. calls you to 'verify' your billing information, update their files etc. simply tell them "I'm sorry, I am so busy right now I'll call you right back." And hang up promptly; do not wait for them to say a word. Then call the facility back and tell them what happened if by any small chance it was legit they will applaud your reaction and change the way they handle their business. On the other hand, if they say that no such call would've come from them then you just saved yourself a nightmare you wouldn't want to even conceive.

Many con artists will say that they need your social security number for confirmation on a delivery or service- they may tell you that you will get into trouble if you don't supply them with this information.... This is a scam!!! Don't fall for it. Ask questions such as: Who do you work for? Why would you need this information? Once you get a business name hang up immediately and call the company and ask if they need that info- DO NOT call a number that they have supplied you with! By finding (either in your phone book or online) a business number and calling them directly you are making absolutely sure that the call was legit.

Identity Theft: Ways You can be Targeted
I have always said that with a great invention the bad guys can use it for evil purposes. This is so true. Picture phones are all the rage. How many times have you been in line at your favorite store and noticed the guy (or girl) behind you acting as if they are 'checking their phone messages' or looking through their contacts while you were paying with your credit card? Unfortunately, if this has happened to you then your credit card was most likely caught on their camera. This is the newest and best way to capture someone's credit card number. The reason it is so widely used is because you wouldn't think a person who isn't even looking at you or making direct eye contact with your credit card is anything to worry about. This is the master manipulation of identity thieves. They want you to feel safe and secure in your surroundings, that way they can go home and download all the pictures, clean up the resolution a bit and see as clear as day the number to make online purchases.

Online there are so many ways to find your information IF you store your important documents in your files. First, if you store ANYTHING on your computer that you don't want any one to see or find then you must invest in software that can offer firewalls and hacker proof safeguards that will not allow people to hack in whenever they want to see what you have that they can steal. Also, be aware of the websites you go to... do not give out your personal information ever!!! There are quite a few mock 'paypal' sites that make you think that they are the real thing but are only waiting for you to log in so the criminals on the other end can go to the 'real' site with your user name and password and empty your account.

Yep, it is that easy! Who knew?

Identity Theft: Conclusion

It is also important to note that you can further protect yourself against identity theft if you get a free copy of your credit report each and every year. This will keep you apprised of every move that is made on your behalf and it may stop a con artist's little game before it can even get started. Remember that these losers are always looking for the easy money and they will target anyone they can to steal from.

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