CREDIT CARD FRADS

Today more and more people are looking to the internet to do their shopping. With online stores popping up all over the internet the urge to spend money on the World Wide Web has never been stronger. The unfortunate thing is that the urge for scam artists to take your money has never been stronger. So how do you protect your self from these thieves? If you follow these simple steps I promise you’ll enjoy shopping on the internet more having taken these precautions.
The first thing you should consider when buying online is if the website you are shopping on is secure? These days most retail websites have secure pages where you enter your personal information but that doesn’t mean that all sites are secure. The first step in making sure that your information is secure is to check the address bar and look for “https” this means that you are on a secure page. If the address begins with “http” the page is not secure and your information should not be given. The second step in determining if the website is safe is to look for the picture of a closed lock or an unbroken key. These pictures can be found in the bottom right corner of your browser window. When the lock is open or the key is broken the page is not secure. The last thing to look for is mention of secure certificates or “SSL” . These logos usually appear near the bottom of the screen. If you are still not sure if the website is secure you can always ask them through e-mail (make sure to save the reply just in case).
Credit card fraud is still relatively common. Even with all the security that some of the larger websites have, these con artists are still able to scam some people. So what do you do if you suspect that you have been scammed? The first thing you should do is determine if the charges on your credit card are really unauthorized. This is why you should save all of your receipts. Sometimes when a company makes a charge to your card it might show up on your statement as a charge from a name that you don’t recognize so it is important to check your receipts and confirmation e-mails (the company will usually tell you what the purchase will be charged as in the confirmation) to make sure that the mystery charges aren’t legitimate. Once you are sure that you have been scammed either by the store or by someone that has somehow stolen your credit card information your next step is to contact the credit card company. Some companies such as VISA and MasterCard offer zero liability for fraudulent charges. If your credit card issuer does not have a zero liability policy then you are only liable for up to $50 according to federal law.
Shopping on the internet is more popular than ever and with the flood of internet shoppers comes a wave of con artists. Protect your self from these crooks. Follow the information I have laid out for you and remember to save your receipts, look for secure pages and if that isn’t enough then only buy from well established websites that you have had good experiences with

safety steps

Identity theft has become the fastest growing criminal activity in the 20th Century, replacing illegal drug sales. For the perpetrators, it offers the highest profit margin with the least risk. In fact, according to one expert, it is estimated that fewer than 1-in-700-identity crimes actually result in a conviction.
In the United States alone, Identity theft has reached $53 billion dollars a year. Consumers are directly shouldering about $5 billion of that, but the rest, which is paid by businesses and retailers, is passed on indirectly to consumers who are paying more for goods and services.
How BIG is this Problem?
In recent months, there has been a rash of reports about big thefts, where criminals are stealing identities in mass quantities. Banks, credit card companies and businesses that house servers storing passwords or other sensitive, private information have all reported “break-ins” that happened through the use of Trojan viruses and other online hacking methods – resulting in the loss of millions of pieces of information being stolen. There have also been instances of the information just getting “lost”, of employees selling it and other lax security measures resulting in the same thing – thieves having access to your identity.
What do Thieves Want?
- Your Name- Date of Birth- Home Address- Phone Numbers- Social Security Number- Driver’s License Number- Credit Card Numbers- CW2 Security Code (the number on the back of your credit card)- Your Credit Report- ATM Cards- Telephone Calling Cards- Mortgage Details
Where Are They Getting All Your Information?
High-tech methods include online thefts from:
- Banks- Credit-Reference Agencies- Retailers- Credit Card Networks- Data-Brokerage Companies- Payment Processing Companies- Phone Companies- Schools- Your Employer- Doctors, Clinics and Health Departments- Government Agencies
But there are still low-tech methods that are effective as well:
- Dumpster Diving- Mail Theft- Retail Theft- “Phishing”/pretexting/pretending- Purse/Wallet Theft
What are Thieves Using Your Information For?
- Making charges to your existing credit cards- Opening new credit cards in your name- Having phone or utilities turned on- Withdrawing money from your existing bank accounts- Employment purposes- Driver’s Licenses- Tax Fraud- Social Service benefits- Student loans- Business or Personal loans- Health care- Mortgage loans/leases- Auto loans- Using your ID when caught committing a crime
How Can You Protect Yourself?
- Keep a photocopy of all your credit cards, bank account numbers and investment account numbers in a safe place- Keep your credit card receipts – don’t throw them away in a public place- Put a “fraud alert” on all your credit reports- If you apply for credit and the card doesn’t arrive on time, call the card issuer- Choose difficult to guess PIN numbers or passwords. (Don’t use birth dates, your mother’s maiden name, pet’s name, etc.)- Never give personal information to anyone who sends you an email, a letter or calls you asking for it- Shred any personal information – such as bills, credit card or bank statements, even pre-approved credit applications before throwing them away- Don’t use the ATM machine if someone is watching you- Pay attention to what’s going on around you – cell phones often have cameras in them. If someone is standing close by you with a cell phone while you're entering a PIN number at the ATM or in line at the grocery store, block their view- Review your bills each month for unusual or suspicious charges. If there’s something you don’t remember or doesn’t seem right, call the creditor right away- Check your credit report at least once a year- Store your cancelled checks safely, or better yet, have the bank do it. You can always get a copy if you need one.- Don’t leave your purse in plain sight when driving- Keep your valuable locked in the trunk or glove box when driving- Make all personal information on your laptop or computer password protected- Don’t carry information about your PIN numbers, passwords and account numbers in your purse or wallet; or at least don’t make them easily identifiable as to which account they belong to
Warning Signs that Your Identity Has Been Stolen:
- Although you have good credit, a loan application is denied, or you’re refused extended credit requests- You are suddenly contacted by a debt-collection agency- Your purse or wallet has been stolen, or your house broken into- There is unfamiliar activity on your credit report
What to do if it Happens to You:
- If your purse or wallet is stolen, call the police immediately, and file a report. Make sure that you’re given a report number- Contact your bank, credit card and other credit extending companies and report the theft- Close the accounts- Contact the credit-reporting companies in your area, and report the theft.- Review your credit report every 90 days for the next year for suspicious activity- If there is fraudulent activity, have it removed immediately and monitor your credit report every 90 days for the next year- Put everything in writing, and follow up with your credit card companies, banks, and credit reporting agencies. Keep copies of all supporting documents- File a report with the Federal Trade Commission- Change the passwords on your existing accounts and create new ones for new accounts
Identity theft is real, and it’s a growing problem, and it could happen to you. Although there are no guarantees that you can keep your information safe, by paying attention to the risks and taking proactive steps to protect yourself, you can minimize your chances of someday having an “identity crisis”. Good luck!

INTERNET SAFETY

Q: I use PayPal to accept credit cards for my online collectibles business. I recently received an email that my PayPal account was going to expire in five days if I didn't click a link in the email and give them my PayPal account information. Being naturally paranoid I decided not to give this information and I'm happy to say that my PayPal account did not expire. Was this a scam? -- Brenda A.
A: Be thankful that your paranoia kicked in, Brenda, because you were about to fall victim to the scam of the week, this one aimed at the 35 million merchants and individuals who use Paypal.com as their online payment processor.
The email you received was not from PayPal, but from an Internet bad guy behind a forged email address using the PayPal.com domain. You should understand that no reputable online company will ever ask you to provide your account information. Think about it. They already have this information. Why would they ask you to provide it.
Since I use PayPal for several of my online ventures, I, too, received the email in question. The email first seeks to instill fear in you by saying that your PayPal account will be closed if you do not provide personal information. You are then directed to open an attached executable file and enter your PayPal account information and other personal information that PayPal doesn't even require, including your social security number, checking and savings account information, driver's license number, and other personal information that can be used to clean out your PayPal account and perhaps even steal your identity.
If you're not familiar with PayPal, it is a hugely successful, web-based company (purchased by eBay in 2002) that many online retailers and eBay sellers use to accept electronic payments for everything from newsletter subscriptions to consulting services to just about any product for sale on eBay.
The allure of PayPal is that it does not require the seller to have a bank merchant account through which to process credit cards. Anyone with a verifiable email address and bank account can use PayPal and the service can be implemented almost immediately after registering. When someone places an order on a website that uses PayPal for online payments, that customer is directed to PayPal.com to complete the payment process using a credit card or electronic check. The merchant can transfer the money collected in his PayPal account to his checking account any time he likes. Since many larger merchants make this transfer just once a week or so, their PayPal accounts are ripe for the picking from those who have the cunning and lack of ethics required to gain access.
The shear number of PayPal customers is one reason it has become a popular target of scam artists trying to steal personal information from individuals and businesses alike. Identify theft is on the rise. Thanks to the Internet stealing someone's identity has never been easier. At any given moment, there are any number of Internet thieves using all manner of high tech wizardry to steal personal and business information from unsuspecting souls, and many times they can gain access to this information simply by asking the person to provide it through fraudulent means.
The PayPal scam is just the latest in a long line of sophisticated attempts to steal personal information through online means, Amazon, eBay, Dell Computer, and many others have been the brunt of many such scams in recent years.
Identity theft is what's known as "a knowledge crime," which means that the criminal doesn't have to break into your house to rob you blind. If you have a bank account and a social security number, you are susceptible to identity theft.
While most people are familiar with identity theft, most business men and women never think about it happening to them, at least on a professional level. Consider this: if a criminal can learn your business checking account number or the number of your company credit card, they can steal far more from your business than if they had simply knocked down the door and carted off your desk.
The Internet aside, most business and personal identity theft is still the result of stolen wallets and dumpster diving. You should guard your business records closely and be very careful what you throw away. Stop and think for a moment what a criminal might find in the dumpster behind your office.
There's a good chance that dumpster has, at various times, contained scraps of paper with your social security number, driver's license number, credit card number, old ATM cards, telephone calling cards, and other pieces of vital business information like bank statements, invoices, and purchase orders. A dumpster-diving thief could literally rob your business blind in a matter of hours.
Here are a few ways to protect yourself from business and personal identity theft.
· Never give out your first name, last name, business name, email address, account passwords, credit card numbers, bank account information, PIN number, social security number, or driver's license number.
· Change your online account passwords every 30 days. Believe it or not, a hacker who steals your personal information can guess your online account passwords in about two minutes. If your Charles Schwab online account password is your birthday or the name of your first born or family pet, count on a hacker cracking that code faster than you can say "Bill Gates."
· Never provide personal information in response to an email or telephone call. Just because someone calls and says they are from Dunn & Bradstreet and need to confirm your business information does not mean they are really from Dunn & Bradstreet.
· Never give your business credit card number over the phone to place an order with someone who has called you unsolicited. If you are interested in what they are selling get their number, check out their company, then call them back to place the order.
If you think that you have become the victim of identity theft or think someone is trying to steal your identity or personal information you should report them immediately to the Federal Trade Commission. You will find more information on their website at http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/. For more information on what to do if identity theft happens to you visit http://www.privacyrights.org/fs/fs17a.htm.
So, if you ever receive an email from PayPal, Amazon, eBay, or any other ecommerce website asking you to update your account information by email you can pretty much bet the farm that it is a scam.

10 WAY TO PROTECT YOUR SELF

As the popularity of credit cards and Internet shopping grow, so does the chance that you will become a victim of Identity Theft. One's information can be easily accessed by anyone who has your social security number and other identifying information such as credit card bills or processed checks.
Before becoming a victim of identity theft you can go on the offensive and practice prevention in 10 basic steps. These steps will not guarantee that your information does not get into the hands of a criminal, but it gives you a better chance against a syndicate of International identity thieves.
1. Buy a Shredder. Shredding your old bills, invoices, receipts and credit & bank statements is the first and possibly most effective way to stop dumpster divers from access your information. Before throwing away anything with private information, shred it.
If you're not sure that the info can be used to steal your identity, shred it anyway.
2. When using an ATM be weary of those standing next to you. If someone is standing too close behind you, do not be afraid to ask them to step back.
3. Hidden camera detectors. In addition to prying eyes, also be aware of surveilance devices in stores, ATMs, gas stations, and anywhere you may be using a credit card or signing your name. There are many small and affordable hidden camera frequency detectors on the market. For more information see AntiSpyCam.com.
4. Treat your checks like money. Would you stuff your mailbox with wads of cold cash? Mail theft is probably easier than dumpster diving when it comes to stealing private information, and much cleaner. Mail checks by dropping them off at the Post Office and if you do order bank checks via the web or mail, have them delivered via registered mail or FedEx.
5. Biometrics services like fingerprint or voice recognition are becoming popular in the war against identity theft or account hacking. Voice biometrics works by digitizing a profile of a person's speech to produce a stored model voice print. Many banks are now offering this service, ask yours about adding this to your bank account security options. More info on Voice Biometrics at VoiceVerified.com
6. Make a list of all of your credit card numbers, passwords, usernames and bank account numbers and guard them in a safe place. Do not keep them on your computer, especially if you use peer to peer file sharing software.
7. When applying for a credit card request that your photo be placed on the card. There are also companies which will place your photo on your checks. For more information see UniqueChecks.com
8. Write on the back of your credit card "Ask To See My ID" , most people at the register treat credit cards like cash not asking for ID. If they do not ask or forget to do so, ask them why they have not.
9. When you move be sure to register your new forwarding address with the Post Office and also inform all of your credit cards, banks, and subscriptions services personally of your new address. If they are still sending private information to your old address, cancel your card or account.
10. Don't carry your social security number or credit cards you don't use on you. You are not required to carry a social security card so lock it up. If you're not using your credit cards, keep them in a safe place with your social security card.

40 MILLION HACKED

Saturday, MasterCard blamed a vendor of ALL credit card providers called CardSystems Solutions, Inc., a third-party processor of payment card data, as the source of loss of 40 million consumers credit card information.
As is pointed out by several newspaper and web articles over the last few weeks, each recapping long lists of financial information data breaches, something's gotta give before we entirely lose trust in financial institutions, data brokers and credit bureaus. How much privacy loss can we take without acting?
These types of data loss were very likely common and have very probably been going on for a very long time. The difference is that now, THEY ARE REQUIRED BY LAW TO DISCLOSE THOSE LOSSES - not just in California, but in many states. National disclosure laws on data security breaches are being considered in Congress.
I suggest that these breaches of data security all came to light due to the California law requiring disclosure from companies suffering hacking loss or leaks or social engineering or crooked employees or organized crime rings posing as "legitimate" customers. All of the above have been given as reasons for security lapses or poor security policies.
About three years ago, a friend told me his paycheck deposit to Bank of America went missing from account records after he took his check to the bank on Friday. By Monday, Bank of America was in the news claiming a computer glitch had disappeared the entire day's deposits. I mumbled to myself, "I'll bet that was a hack and that hacker just made a huge offshore banking deposit with B of A depositors' money."
But we didn't find out why it happened in that particular case because there was no disclosure law in place at the time. Now we have disclosure laws that mandate notice of security breaches. Now suddenly - huge financial services hacks and devious criminal social engineering outfits posing as legitimate customers and apparently "innocent" losses by transport companies of backup tapes begin to come to light.
This spate of data loss incidents is proof of the need for corporate "sunshine laws" that make public notice mandatory of those data losses that threaten customer information.
Who is going to lose here - the public, the corporations, the criminals, or the government? I'd prefer that the bad guys get the shaft and take down crooked company insiders that either facilitate data loss by underfunding security and encryption or participate in data theft or loss in any form - even if that participation is security negligence.
Financial companies and data brokers have been covering up the losses and keeping quiet about hacks so as not to worry or frighten their customers. But that practice is essentially ended now that they must notify the public and disclose those losses instead of hushing them up.
Keeping the breaches hidden from public view is bad practice as it maintains the status quo. Disclosure will facilitate internal corporate lockdowns on the data and all access to it. Disclosure will educate the public to the lack of security and danger to the sensitive information we all provide rather casually and routinely to businesses.
As the following link to a silicon.com story suggests, we cannot take much more of this lack of regard to privacy and must lock down financially sensitive data securely and must begin to hold data brokers, bureaus and handlers VERY accountable.
Insist to your elected representatives that your financial data be locked down, encrypted and guarded by those entrusted with storing, transporting and using it. Since our financial, medical and legal lives are increasingly being housed in digital form and transmitted between data centers of multiple handlers - we need to know it is secure. We also need to know when that security has been breached and our data compromised or lost.
Thieves are becoming more aware of the ease with which they can find and access financial data. Hacking is not the source of the greatest losses.
Organized crime has easily found their way into our financial records by simply paying for it by posing as "legitimate" business customers of information brokers such as ChoicePoint and Lexis/Nexis. Any business can buy financial and credit information from those information bureaus and credit reporting agencies by meeting rather lax requirements for "need to know" that data.
As long as it is possible to purchase our sensitive data from brokers and bureaus, organized crime will "legitimately" buy it from those sources, then ruin our credit by selling that information at a higher price in identity theft schemes.
Since disclosure laws have come into effect, those breaches have been made public, credit cards cancelled before losses can occur and credit reports monitored to watch for suspicious activity. The bad guys activities are squelched because we are made aware of the possibility our information has been compromised.
Not all blame can go to financial institutions and data brokers. Protect your own private data by protecting your computer records at home, in the office, on your laptop and in your PDA by using basic keyword security and locking down files. Use built in encryption on your operating system and your home network to keep data secure. Then be certain to clear that sensitive data off the computer when you sell it or throw it away.
Data security is something we all need to take seriously and the corporate breaches are dramatic illustrations of how important it has become to build digital fortresses around our critical financial, legal and medical information.

I D THEFT AND TAX

Some frauds have been around for years. Others are new. This is how they work - and how to avoid being defrauded.
Crooks will stop at nothing when it comes to parting you from your money Some schemes have been around for years, others have emerged more recently. It's estimated that consumers lose over $1 billion dollars a year to cons. Here are some that are still operating , and others to expect in the future.
The Free government Grant
Here's another way they entice you to give out sensitive information that they can use to steal your identity and defraud you. Beware
This one is the offer of free government grants. A man was nearly a victim of this scam. He received a phone call from a man with a heavy accent who claimed to be from the "Government Grant Processing Center " and that he had been selected to receive a free grant of $8000.00.
All he had to do was furnish his checking account number so they could take out a service charge. The man became suspicious when he was asked for more and more personal data, so he hung up. Had he given the information they wanted they could have stolen his identity
This practice is very common and comes in various of guises. Do not give any personal data to anyone unless you have initiated the transaction and know who you're dealing with. Do not respond to any unsolicited offers or requests for personal data.
Identity Theft
An e-mail fraud scheme designed to get people to divulge account information has intensified recently.
The scheme known as phishing, AKA identity theft generally uses e-mail to link us to bogus sites that lure you into disclosing credit card numbers, passwords, user names PIN numbers and other sensitive information.
The e-mails purport to be from well known institutions, banks, online businesses even government agencies. The links are exact copies of legitimate web sites and even use a lot of genuine links.
There are in the neighborhood of 400 active phishing sites and they are on the rise so be Cautious
They use a combination of threats and urgency to entice victims to fall for their schemes. Once the phishers get the data they need they can cash bogus checks, buy expensive merchandise, withdraw money from ATM machines, open new accounts in your name, pay expensive hotel bills or anything else they can think of to spend your money on. So beware.
Phishing, or identity theft is really a two part crime where the first step is e-mail fraud but the main goal is identity theft, says a spokesman for the Justice Department.
Most of these operations are overseas so prosecution is virtually impossible. Reimbursement can be a problem because you are considered responsible if you give out personal data although most banks consider phishing a fraudulent transaction.
Tax Refund Fraud
This is an iteration of Phishing or Identity Theft.
The tax refund phishing scam starts with an e-mail, which appears to originate from taxrefunds@irs.gov. The e-mail tells recipients they may be owed a federal tax
The IRS does not use e-mail to solicite personal information so Beware Do not reply.
Telemarketing scams
This is an example of the unscrupulous .taking advantage of current situations. When gasoline prices went off the charts it was a severe blow to my wife who distributes newspapers.
At the height of this fiasco I received an offer of $200.00 in gasoline vouchers as an inducement to try out a telephone service and a couple of other products. It also involved coupons for discounts in restaurants and other services. It sounded plausible, I had used these programs in the past and the companies mentioned were known entities.
There was a charge of $1.95 for the package which didn't appear unreasonable so I acquiesced to an electronic transfer from my checking account. These trial offers were subject to your cancellation when you received the material in the mail and had an opportunity to inspect it.
The upshot was that they delayed mailing the material until the time limit had expired and substantial charges had been made to my account.
Being furious I began an offensive. I called the phone company, the Attorney General, the Better Business Bureau the FCC, the FTC and any other agency I could think of, as well as the principal companies.
Most of them claimed lack of jurisdiction. I also called my credit card company, who were unable to help because technically I had sanctioned the transaction. The next step would have been small claims court, but my aggressive action paid off and the companies eventually issued full refunds.
This all took time and involved needless aggravation. My first mistake was giving out my checking account information. NEVER, EVER, do this.
In the first place don't fall for deals like this. If they sound too good to be true, they usually are. Again if you are going to buy, use a protected credit card, don't use checks or even debit cards, you are too vulnerable.
Not only was that a problem but apparently I got on a sucker list and I am plagued with calls from people who want my account number under one pretext or another. BEWARE
Work at home schemes
Not only are we deluged with “Get rich quick " schemes in the form of work at home offers by email and telephone, we are now getting a dose of them on TV and the radio. Be careful of these work at home offers. Be alert, use caution before you get involved in any of these schemes.
As stated in our introduction: "If it seems too good to be true it probably is." Some of these offers may be legitimate, but remember: "You get nothing for nothing." If you want to generate income, you are going to earn it.
We're used to seeing the scam artists on the internet. Now they've invaded TV and radio promising earnings of $5000.00 to $50,000.00 per month by staying at home and doing practically nothing.
These commercials are obviously misleading if not downright dishonest, to say the least. some are outright fraud, Common sense tells you that a business earning the kind of money that they offer would be worth a fortune. Do not fall into their traps!
Most work at home scams are legal. That doesn't mean that they are honest. They are cleverly planned to entice you to spend more money than you intended to spend, or they garner personal information that they use for other lucrative nefarious purposes.
Classified Advertising Scams
Basically these frauds operate in similar fashion. They are triggered generally by a classified ad for a major item such as a car or some other relatively expensive item.
You are contacted by someone from another country offering to pay your price or more. Because of exchange rates or some other nonsense. they want to issue a certified cheek far in excess of your price.
You are to deduct your price plus the export charges and send the excess money in a money order to the buyer.
You would think this would arouse suspicion, but many people become victims. The problem is that the cashier's check you receive is counterfeit but of such high quality that the bank tellers are unable to detect them. They are caught when they are processed.
In these cases you, not the bank are responsible and you are out the money.
Pyramid Schemes
One pyramid selling scheme is known as the VIP club. It was claiming to provide significant discounts on travel and leisure services through the club in exchange for a substantial membership fee.
The club was then offering members large commissions for introducing other people (usually family or friends) to become members, often this indicates a pyramid scheme.
Pyramid scheme operators do not always use high-pressure sales measures but, however they lure you in, they always promise money in return for the number of people you are able to recruit to pay and join the scheme.
Pyramid Schemes are illegal if their sole purpose is to make money for the recruitment of other people.
Don't sign up to them and report them to your local authorities.
Lotteries and Prize Contests
The highest number of complaints in relation to scams are about lotteries and prize draws. Most appear to be notification of a prize in an overseas lottery in return for administration or registration fees.
How can you win a lottery you never entered?
Never send any money to receive a prize, and do not give out private financial information.
Nigerian Scam
There are a number of these scams, named after the Nigerian criminal statute against fraud, which essentially offer to pay you thousands of dollars for allowing a large amount of money to be paid into your account.
The scam? Before this can happen you are asked to pay a fee in advance. Once the fee has been paid, the correspondent offering this fantastic deal disappears along with your money.
These are old tricks thatyou would think no one would fall for, but they are becoming more sophisticated all the time. They come in many different disguises. The Nigerian crime squad, issued a fresh warning about them in November. 'These people are very convincing, they have an answer to every question.
Some of the scams purport to be from a juvenile orphaned by the tsunami disaster asking for help in moving their parents millions out of an overseas bank, and a journalist who has unearthed Saddam Hussein's missing millions and needs to deposit them in your account in return for a share.
If you are approached do not reply and do not give out your personal details. Also send the email to the internet service provider from which the scam email originated. These emails should be addressed to: abuse@the ISP name (example: abuse@yahoo.com).
Pet Scams
A variation of theNigerian Scam is being used to rip-off pet owners and breeders. Use caution dealing with people on the inernet whether you're buying or selling.
Do not use Western Union or money orders and if you resort to eascrow accounts be sure you use a reliable one. They are another vehicle susceptible to fraudsters.
An internet associate publishes a warning site identifying some of these villians and has been threatened for doing so. They don't like publicity and do all they can to thwart crusaders. So Beware. Use caution and common sense in these "Too good to be true " offers

THE ROAD BACK

ot too long ago, a friend of mine mentioned that one of his coworkers recently recovered his stolen identity. I asked how long the process took. "Only two years" he replied.
Compared to my business partner's six year nightmare "only" maybe appropriate but like most victims of identity theft, my friend's coworker probably thought "when". As in, "when will I get my life back?"
Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, a consumer nonprofit organization, reported that victims spend on average 175 hours trying to recover their identity, often over a period of years. Factor in out of pocket expenses, (usually over $1,500 according to the Federal Trade Commission) and recovery gets painfully magnified.
What are the steps to identity restoration? It starts with obtaining a police report. That report doesn't mean other law enforcement agencies have been contacted. Yet you must do a complete search of local and federal law enforcement databases too find out if anything else, including criminal activity exists on your identity.
You're also going to need the police report to contact the many and I mean many different agencies and organizations, including the Social Security Administration, The Federal Trade Commission, all of your financial institutions, the 3 major credit bureaus, the Passport Office,The Department of Motor Vehicles, the Post Office, as well as the Medical Information Bureau . All of these places must be sent a fraud notification alert. Concerning your financial institutions, get them to cancel your credit cards and close your bank accounts. Find out from your bank about any suspicious activity, such as accounts tampered with or opened fraudulently. Reopen new bank accounts with password verification.
Know your rights. According to the Fair Credit Reporting Act of 1992, you must be told not only what's in your file but if that information is being used against you. The Federal Trade Commission recently expanded the rights available to victims of identity theft, including your right to get negative information due to fraud blocked from your records.
This brings us to the credit bureaus. Make sure your credit report reflects the identity theft and gets flagged with a fraud alert. Many victims have received assurances that the matter would be resolved, however months and sometimes years later, the credit bureaus have not cleared their records. This without a doubt ranks as THE biggest headache for identity theft victims.
Once a negative gets put on your record, it seems the credit bureaus refuse to remove it, in spite of the countless documentation you provide to them. This can affect you well into the future when buying a house, car or any other big ticket item. If you are going to do this by yourself, constant follow up is critical. That goes for all the organizations but especially the credit bureaus. Be diligent until the matter gets resolved. Getting a lawyer wouldn't be a bad idea.
Stay Away from "credit repair companies". No matter what they advertise, there's usually nothing they can do to help you with identity theft. Some of them even offer to help you apply for credit under a new identity. Hello? When trying to eliminate fraud from your record you don't want to create more fraud!
Advise the utility companies. It's not just bank accounts and credit cards. Many identity thieves commit fraud by opening telephone accounts, purchasing cable television or establishing credit with the gas & electric companies, in the hopes it will go unnoticed for as long as possible.
If necessary get counseling. Identity theft can be a shattering experience mentally and emotionally. Victims and family members often feel violated. It's not their fault of course but the feelings remain. A network of support groups and counselors exists if you need it.
The road back from identity theft can take years, cost a lot of money,and cause much stress and pain . But with follow up, support and belief that the nightmare will end...the nightmare WILL end

electronic fruad

Electronic Fraud and Identity Theft-----------------------------------Human beings are pretty sensible when presented with an imminent threat or risk. That is, if it's staring us directly in the face. Many threats and risk are presented in subtle ways, and it is these subtleties we tend to overlook.
It's The Little Things We Tend To Overlook------------------------------------------Thousands of years ago, it was the subtle things that caused us to take action, to error on the side of caution and protection. A good example, the reports regarding animals seeking refuge early on during the tsunami that claimed the lives of over 300,000 people this past January. Over time, most people have lost the ability to identify the signs, determine the probability, validity, and impact of certain threats and risk.
Making Assumptions vs. Staying Vigilant---------------------------------------At home, my family has given me the nickname "Safety Dad". I tend to be hyper-vigilant when it comes to the safety and protection of my family, probably to a fault. I take a similar position on the security of my computer systems and my financial well-being. On the other hand, I tend to make assumptions about things when I should not. For the most part, I like to think that people are good natured. I believe the majority of people would like to think this way. The sad fact is, this is an assumption that can impact us greatly, and not in a positive manner.
The purpose of this article is to share with you my thoughts and position on some of the basic things you can do to protect yourself from several types of threats. Particularly those that involve electronic fraud and Internet fraud. Although some of these items are not directly related to the Internet, the moment someone has your private or financial information (identity theft), the Internet will be one of the first places they visit.
(Protect Yourself Against Electronic Fraud)
Automated Teller Machines (ATM) & Skimmers------------------------------------------Have you ever heard of a "Skimmer"? If you haven't, you need to be aware the risk this presents you. Skimmer's are devices that appear to be a legitimate part of an automated teller machine but are in fact, fake card readers. They capture all the information stored on the magnetic stripe on the back of the card. Skimmer's have been around for quite some time but their use is on the rise again. The following link will show you what a skimmer may look like and how it is used.
Links-----http://www.defendingthenet.com/Newsletters/ATMSkimmerFraud.htm
Did you know the cost to a bank or ATM vendor is minimal if their machine is compromised, but to you it may be severe? The company that owns the ATM only has to worry about the cost to replace the machine, plus the amount of money inside. You, on the other hand, stand to loose not only your bank account funds, but possibly your identity.
Phishing and Web Site Redirection---------------------------------This type of electronic fraud comes in many forms, and is one of the most popular ways of collecting private information, and money from the masses. Why? Because it is simple to do and very effective.
If you receive an e-mail from your bank, credit card company, or other online merchant like, Ebay.com or Amazon.com, requesting information such as passwords and financial info, delete it and report it immediately. Many of these e-mails link you to web sites that look exactly like that of the real company but are in fact fakes. Take a look at Ebay's Online Security and Protection section to get an idea of what you need to do in order to identify scams like these.
Links-----http://pages.ebay.com/help/confidence/index.html
If you receive an e-mail from someone promising you millions of dollars if you assist them with their finances, delete it immediately!. Some of these scams have been running for years and new ones surface frequently. I recently saw one supposedly from the wife of the late Yasser Arafat, promising millions of dollars if someone would help her establish a trust fund in the US. The reasons these types of e-mail scams are so wide spread is because they are highly effective and relatively easy to do. Thousands of people get ripped off by these scams every day. To see examples of several recent scams, take a look at the following Phishing Scams page.
Links-----http://www.defendingthenet.com/NewsLetters/RecentPhishingScams.htm
Another good source of information on these types of scams can be found at the State of NY Banking Department.
Links-----http://www.banking.state.ny.us/index.htm
Credit Card Fraud-----------------Never place your credit card face up when paying for something. Many people will simply place their credit card on the table, face up, when paying for a meal, for instance. In the time it takes for the server to pick up your check, someone walking by can visually scan your card for everything they need to go on an Internet shopping spree. There are thieves that specialize in this type of fraud.
When paying for something, particularly at a restaurant, check to see if the full or partial credit card number is on the merchant receipt. In most cases, only the partial number is visible. However, when the full number is there, I cross out all but the last four digits with a pen. The merchant has already scanned the card at this point, they should not need a paper backup of the number.
If your credit card is stolen, lost, or used fraudulently, you can call your card company and speak with the fraud department. However, I recommend you contact your card company's credit line department first. This is the department that can extend your credit almost instantaneously. They can also decrease it within seconds as well. If you have a limit of $5,000, they can reduce it to $100 immediately, then pass you to the fraud department. Call your card company and request the direct number to this department and make a record of it.
If you notice someone swiping your card more than once when paying for an item, ask them why. Regardless of how sensible the answer is, call your card company and request a list of the last few transactions, you might be surprised what you find.
If your card company sends you checks to use for cash advancements and you don't plan on using them, don't keep them around, shred them immediately. We get these all the time in the mail. As far as shredders go, everyone should have one. You can pick up a small one for under $30 and it is well worth the investment.
Any statements or correspondence you have regarding your credit cards should be in a secure place or shredded.
Credit Reporting & Monitoring-----------------------------Thoroughly review your credit report at least every 90 days, more frequently if possible. It's better to find out sooner than later if someone else's actions are negatively impacting your credit report, trust me. There are three major credit reporting agencies, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. They all have reporting and monitoring solutions available. Some of these services may be free of charge.
Links-----http://www.transunion.comhttp://www.experian.comhttps://www.econsumer.equifax.com
If you find something strange on your credit report, contact the credit reporting agency immediately. In addition to calling them (if possible), send them a certified letter describing what you have found. It's very important to document any and all correspondence on these matters.
Conclusion----------I am sure this information may be old news to some. However, if just one person reads this article and learns something new, then my objective has been met.
One of the best ways to protect yourself from electronic fraud and identity theft is to ask questions. Primarily, ask yourself whether or not the particular situation you are faced with makes sense? Why would your bank request information from you via e-mail? Why would someone in another country be willing to give you millions of dollars to assist them with their banking woes?
There is a certain percentage of our population who has absolutely no morality when it comes to the acquisition of wealth. These people know the risk of getting caught is minimal. In many cases, even if they do get caught, they are willing to deal with the consequences given the potential monetary payoff. Stay vigilant and educate yourself on these matters. It really is the best way to protect yourself against the myriad of threats and risks we are presented with everyday

fighting fruad

Chances are good that you know someone who has been victimized by the fastest growing crime - identity theft. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that there were 10 million cases of identity theft in 2002 alone. It’s estimated that someone’s identity is stolen every 79 seconds.
The bad news is with increasing amounts of personal information available to an experienced identity thief, it shows few signs of slowing down. The good news is that identity fraud is now a federal crime with stiff penalties for those who perpetrate these crimes.
Here are a few simple steps you can take now to minimize your risk:
1) Check your credit report annually, if not more often. Most victims of identity theft don’t realize they’ve been victimized until 14 months after the crime. By then the damage is done and you will spend a significant amount of time and money trying to correct it.
2) Keep your Social Security number private. Do not have it printed on your personal checks or drivers license. Do not share it with anyone, including merchants, unless they can provide a good reason for having it. Once someone has your Social Security number they have the key to unlocking your identity and using it fraudulently.
3) Shred offers for pre-approved credit cards that you receive by mail. Do the same with any receipts that contain account numbers or your Social Security number. Identity thieves are not afraid to go “dumpster diving” in order to obtain your personal information.
Identity theft has become the fastest growing crime because it is the most profitable crime. On average, the loss from identity theft is about $18,000.00. Taking these precautions now can you save you from becoming another statistic in the fight against identity theft.

7 FRUAD TIPS

Identity theft fraud in America has reached epidemic proportions having surpassed 27 million cases and increasing every year.
The banks are taking identity theft fraud very seriously and have taken substantial measures to protect your identity and your accounts against scammers.
They have implemented a password protection for online transactions. When you use your online services, keep your secret password protected so only you know what it is.
All online bank transactions are now encrypted which converts your information into a secure code, protecting you against would be hackers.
To protect yourself here are a few more things you should know about preventing identity fraud :
1. Never give out information such as checking and credit card numbers or your Social Security number to anyone you do not know.
2. Notify your bank immediately if you lose or have your checks stolen. They can be flagged with a fraud notice to block payment.
3. Don't give the PIN number on your ATM card to anyone and never write the number down and keep in your wallet. Always take your ATM receipts with you after a transaction.
4. Shred any financial papers you receive before disposing of them. This includes any solicitation notices that you may receive for any credit cards or mail from other financial institutions.
5. If you don't receive a regular monthly bill, call the company to find out why.
6. Check out the bills you do receive to make sure all the transactions are legitimate. If there is anything suspicious call the company immediately to stop any fraud from going any further.
7. Check your credit report at least once a year to make sure the information is correct.
In December 2004 the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act was put into effect and one provision requires that the three major credit reporting agencies are to provide consumers with a free copy of their own credit report.
Another provision to help fight identity theft is the National Fraud Alert System. This allows consumers who reasonably suspect they have been a victim of identity theft can place an alert on their credit files. This alert will tell potential creditors that they must proceed with caution when granting credit.
Scammers can get the information they need to assume your identity from a variety of sources. They range from stealing your wallet to digging in your trash. They may approach you in person, by telephone or on the Internet.
The sources of information about you are so numerous that you cannot totally prevent the theft of your identity. But identity theft fraud can be minimized by just becoming aware of the possibilities.