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Being mistaken for someone else can be very hazardous. It can actually get you punished for something you never did. A couple of situations have already cropped up when someone else in a course of a criminal act uses another persons identity.
Many criminals have had the ability to get crucial and vital information, such as social security number, addresses, credit card numbers, bank accounts, birth certificates and etcetera to commit crimes.
The imposter uses someone else’s identification. Not only that, most of the imposter uses fraudulent information or in this case, true personal information but not their own. The fake identification can lead the crime to someone else. As a result, the innocent person will suffer from all of the consequences of the crime commited.
In a traffic scenario, criminal identity theft can also happen. Traffic imposter that violates the traffic rules can use a fraudulent driver’s license with another persons name. By doing this, they can escape the traffic fine or escape from appearing in court as the law requires. The fine goes to another persons record.
The judge will surely issue a warrant of arrest for traffic violation. Unfortunately, the license card is in the name of the victim. Because of this, the imposter will never appear in any court hearing. The worst thing is that, the victim is normally arrested upon a routine traffic stop.
Criminal identity theft is more complicated compared to financial identity theft. Fortunately, unlike other theft cases, criminal identity theft is very rare. In this case the imposter has a rigid form of identify complex. Especially if the suspect uses a different fraud identity, the police department will surely have a hard time looking for the perpetrator.
At the present situation, police are very much more cautious when it comes to criminal identity theft. This offense is considered to be an extreme personal crime. Moreover, records are not easily cleared which could cause several problems with transactions a person may undertake. For example, a criminal record, albeit false, can mar a clean record causing a person some problems with say his credit or a job opportunity.
Not only that, criminal identity imposter can also tamper with some bank account charges of the victim. It can also make some bank account withdrawals and social security tampering. Unrelated crimes can also be committed by the imposter for whom the victim may be held responsible.
Criminal identity theft can also affect the victim in obtaining a job. The imposter can simply use the other personal documents in some events. An impostor can steal from a company and the assumed identity may get the bum wrap for the act done.
The real trouble in identity theft is that the burden of proof relies on the victim’s evidences. The victim must have enough information and data in order to clear up the issues. Not only that, if the imposter had committed a serious offense, the trial can take years. It can even cost the victim thousands of dollars to clear his or her name. These are more conveniences on the part of the victim.
In most cases, the victim is required to have a set of circumstances. The victim must render enough time and evidences to clear the issue on his or her criminal records. A good lawyer should also be retained, the sooner you clear your name and your records the better it will be for you.
If you ever found out that someone is using your identity, don’t wait for the authorities to pick you up, do actions already to minimize the potential damage it may cause.
What are things that an individual should do when criminal identity theft happened?
• The very first thing that he must do is to report the incident. The local law enforcement agency must know the misidentification issue.
• Proper impersonation report must be filled officially. The victim must not take all things for granted. He must act as soon as possible to prevent serious troubles.
• Having enough information about the particular laws of the state is important. The victim must know the proper proceedings when it comes to identity theft. Here is where a good and knowledgeably lawyer will be very handy.
This kind of criminal offense happens more often than what everybody thinks. It has already destroyed countless lives of innocent people. Do not let somebody damage your reputation. Take the essential precautions to protect yourself from criminal identification theft.
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You wake up one lovely morning and you tell yourself that it is going to be a great day. As you walk towards the kitchen to cook a luscious breakfast, the phone rang.
With a smile pasted on your face, you said one of the sweetest hello you have ever uttered your whole life, only to find out from an alert employee whom you are speaking with on the other line that you are near insolvency.
You stand there frozen - unable to make the information sink in instantly. Afterwards, the smiled faded into a wry. Now you know your identity is in great trouble.
Somebody has stolen your name, address, social-security number, bank and credit account numbers and phone numbers. Somebody has stolen your IDENTITY.
That somebody has been using your identifying information and accounts to purchase properties and enrich. You are greatly indebted and your bank accounts are emptied. Without you knowing it, you are nearing your doom days.
What is identity theft? Identity theft happens when somebody has taken your name, address, Social Security number (SSN), identifying information and credit card account or bank accounts in order to commit crimes and other fraudulent machinations.
If you are faced in this situation, fury and loathe will be an understatement. That is for sure. It takes years to build who you are and what you have now. No one has the right to take it away from you. If they do, they have to pay for it.
Your identity is as precious as your life. Your finances are valuable as your living. You have worked hard for it. Hence, it is just but right to protect them from the widespread identity theft commercial.
Perpetrators can easily steal identities. They roam around and watch you closely and the next thing you found out is that you have fallen victim of identity theft commercial. Do not let this happen to you. Try to device something helpful.
Moreover, you have to be extra cautious about your personal information especially those that involves your finances.
You have to make an effective identity theft commercial prevention plan. To do it efficiently, here are some of the things that you must do:
1. You have to check your credit report from the three bureaus at least once every year. Check whether it is accurate. If it contains error, dispute it right away. This is to protect you from fraud and inconsistencies.
2. Another way to prevent identity theft commercial is not to leave your Social Security card in your wallet when you carry the same in public places. Leave it at home or anywhere safe and away from intruders.
3. Keep your social security number, bank account pin numbers and credit report access number private. Do not write your ATM pin number at the back of the ATM card. Another, since identity theft commercial has invaded the net, use security software. Firewall is a good choice.
4. Avoid Internet frauds. Bear in mind that no reputable and legal business will ask you to confirm your personal identification information through e-mail. This is an example of a hoax leading to identity theft commercial.
5. Be careful in telling others your credit card number via phone. This is especially true with telemarketers.
6. When you are about to have an airline or hotel reservation, it is preferable that you use a regular corded phone rather than a cell phone or cordless phone. This will minimize the chance of identity theft commercial.
7. You can also have a membership program from a company that helps victims of identity theft to recover from said crime. Said membership provides security, convenience and financial assistance. In addition, it also offers reimbursement of benefits covered.
8. If you happen to find a credit card, report it immediately. This is to stop a possible chain of identity theft commercial.
9. If you have queries regarding identity theft commercial, you are free to visit the Federal Trade Commission site at www.consumer.gov/idtheft. You can also call its Identity Theft Hotline at 1-877-IDTHEFT (438-4338).
More often than not, the perpetrator’s goal is just to get your name, address and credit card number – that’s it. Moreover, you have to be careful in giving away these pieces of information.
Though these tips may not guaranty a 100% identity theft-proof still this will keep you more protected that the rest who do not exercise these precautions.
Given the chance to live a simple life where the advent of technology do not conquer humanity yet, some people will prefer to have that so.
With the recent advancement, everything is beyond the control of people. Identity theft in the web world and in personal transactions is also increasing.
In spite of remarkable efforts, the problem continues to exist. This is how situation is getting worse. United States initiated a collaborative endeavor with the proper authority to solve the threat brought by identity theft.
Identity theft is indeed a menace in the United States society. The issue has been plaguing the state for several times. It already affects millions of US citizens. More and more victims’ everyday are filing their complaints.
According to the Bureau of Investigation in the United States, the status of identity theft is considered one of their most prevalent crimes. The statistic shows that the ratio of the crime is 1:5. In other words, for every five families residing in US, one of them is hooked by identity theft.
Why identity theft seems very intriguing? The crime is taking the personal information of another person without due consent, from his name down to other legal documents that a person possesses. In addition, after taking the personal information, the thief tends to use it in deceitful transactions where they can earn money.
United States present several preventive measures on how to stop further misuse of your identity once you discover that someone has stolen it from you. This is the identity theft reporting. It allows you to give prior notice to the agencies and bureaus concerned.
Here is how identity theft reporting works for you.
1. Contact the fraud departments where you apply the fraud alert. Fraud alert is place on your personal data when you have transaction to a particular office. Once notice a stolen identity, it will be immediately reported to you. However, fraud alert is one way to protect you from identity theft.
2. When you encounter identity theft, report the crime to the nearest local police or sheriff department in your place. Identity reporting should also be done immediately after you discover the crime.
Do not let it pass for over 24 hours because you will give the thief a chance to manipulate his actions. This is worse if it already involves your credit account.
3. After you have reported the crime, be sure that you request a police report. Sometimes, this is referred to your personal statement about the scenario that happened.
Be factual and honest as possible in your narration. This will serve as a basis for the authority to make the necessary investigation.
4. Coordinate with your creditor banks and notify them about the crime. Let the banks and utility companies freeze all your accounts. The police report that you asked from the sheriff will also be asked from you by the bank.
Make sure that you are able to present one for them. You can be accountable for a minimal amount for your account replacement. Some banks provide you with new passbook or credit cards. Sometimes, they will also issue you new account numbers.
5. Prior to your identity theft reporting, if you monitored that somebody already made unauthorized withdrawal from your account, notify the bank right away. By doing this, they will immediately make efforts to trace the person who made the withdrawal.
6. You should i8nstyantly stop your payment to any existing accounts using your previous identity. You can alert the check verification company, as well. This will make them reject whoever will attempt to withdraw from your stolen account.
7. Aside from your account and credit account numbers, you should also make a report to the SSS office for them to issue new SS card for you.
It is very important that you protect yourself from being one of the victims of identity theft because if not you will suddenly notice that you almost loose everything that you own; it can be both your reputation and your property. Do not let these things to happen before you. Act now before it will be too late!
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Nothing will prevent you from being an identity theft fraud victim. These criminals can easily commit identity because of the careless information-handling processes in the workplace, lenient credit industry practices, and the effortlessness of getting SSNs.
However, you can lessen your risk of fraud by following some simple steps. Consider them so you will not find yourself in the middle of an identity theft fraud.
On credit and debit reports.
1. Do not make it a habit of carrying all your credit and debit cards in your wallet at all times. It is also not advisable to use debit cards because they are more prone to losses to your checking account.
But you can have at least one or two credit cards and your ATM with you. If you are used to using debit cards, make the most of online access to your bank account to check your account activity regularly. It is best to report early signs of fraud to your financial bank or institution the earliest possible time.
2. When using your cards in public establishments, be wary of how they are being handled. Pay attention on how these cards are swiped by the clerk or waiter.
There are some employees who are using non-detectable skimmers to swipe the card and get the account number data from a personal computer later on. They can use the information achieved to purchase online or to make counterfeit cards.
3. It is not a good idea to use debit cards when you are shopping over the Internet. Instead of these cards, use a credit card instead. Yu are better protected if you use these kind of cards whenever you do some purchase online.
4. Maintain a list of copy of all your cards. You should also have a separate list for the account numbers, dates of expiration and phone numbers of customer service and fraud establishments.
It is best to keep them with you at all times. Put them in a safe pocket of what you are wearing so you will have immediate access to them whenever the need arises.
5. Do not give out any of your personal information over the phone, Internet or by mail. You can do this if you have enough trust on the person who will be receiving them.
One of the strategy that identity thieves use is calling out to their potential victims and telling them that they have won some contest. They will then tell you that you need to give out some personal data so you can get your prize.
6. Do not dispose your receipts anywhere. Always try and bring them along with you. If ever you want to throw them away, tear them first and find a safe place to thrash it in.
It is not wise to put receipts on shopping bags when you go shopping. Put them in your wallet or purse to avoid having someone getting hold of them.
7. Do not have your credit card number written your checks. Besides being exposed to dishonest persons, this is also in violation to some of the law in many states.
Take note that by doing this, you are more prone to being a victim of fraud.
8.Check the mail always especially if you are waiting for one of your cards to arrive. You never know who might be watching out for them and try to steal them when you are not looking.
If the card does not arrive at the anticipated date and time, contact the card company or the issuer to make sure that it have not fallen into the wrong hands already.
9. Request for a credit report at least once a year. The law gives you the right to one free credit report each year from the three credit bureaus.
Your credit report will show drastic signs and changes if ever you are a victim of identity theft. You might find in them inquiries not made by you, along with new accounts that you did not request or open.
The sooner you notice that an identity fraud is taking place, the easier and quicker it will be to clean up your credit files and get back your financial capabilities.
Everyday hackers are getting new methods to access your data. Make sure your profile is safe and out of the hands of people that will pay for it like your ex and your stalker.
People of all ages and status can be a victim of identity theft. Since you are not an exception, you just have to educate yourself to be able to spot identity theft when you see it coming…
How can you do this?
1. Identifying identity theft.
The most common scenario is that victims are not aware that they are victimized unless they are given notices of unpaid bills and purchase charges. Whenever someone is put into this kind of situation, there is always a tendency to be mentally and emotionally affected.
You have to double and even triple your precautions when you know that you are among those persons that have a good credit history. Identity thieves are always on the lookout for persons having your kind of credit status. This makes their actions quicker. Also, they know that they can do more damage to you if your credit is good.
These thieves can take complete control over your existing credit. Not only that, they can only open new ones put under your name. That does not stop there. Your personal information can even be used to write counterfeit checks, take and transfer money and achieve employment.
Using the conventional method of going over your thrash or by using someone in your workplace, these thieves can get hold of bank statement, credit card accounts and other vital information.
You will know that you are a victim when you find yourself denied credit or even employment. You will also know this when you get calls or letters saying that you have been approved or denied credit for which you never applied or billings on purchases you never made or unusual credit card or utility bills.
Start being suspicious also if you notice that you are not receiving credit or bank statements and other kinds of mailings that you usually get regularly. All these things can only mean that you are the newest addition the number of identity theft victims.
2. Taking countermeasures.
If you do not want to be one of the victims, you need to know what actions you should take to prevent this from happening.
You should:
Not give out give personal data to just about anyone or anywhere. Do not give out your information over the phone or on the Internet.
Check your statements. Identity thieves get away with their crime because most people do not check their credit or bank statements regularly. Be sure that you know your past statements too so you can compare them with the new ones.
Not take everything with you. Carrying cards, passport or social security card in your wallet is very dangerous. It is also not advisable to throw receipts anywhere.
Have a secure mailbox. Do not make it a habit to leave mails in your mailbox. It is best if you have your own postal service mailbox. That way, your mails will not fall into the wrong hands.
Tear up or shred anything that has your personal data in it. This is especially important if you plan on throwing away these things. Make sure that the information is not anymore visible once you decide to dispose of them.
3. Ask for assistance.
It can be noted that 60% of the identity theft victims surveyed did not inform the police. But some were able to contact the police and was able to find out what happened.
If you are certain that you have become an identity theft victim, do not think twice. Report immediately to the proper authorities. Request a copy of your credit report agency and dispute anything you think is fraudulent.
Make sure you inform your creditors if your credit cards were stolen, as well as your bank checks. Ask for new credit cards, and close any existing bank accounts and open new ones. If your debit card gets stolen, get a new one and use a different password.
Be cautious when establishing new credit with a different Social Security number. Having two might lead to confusion when trying to repair your credit report.
Preventing yourself from being an identity theft is within your capabilities. Follow the information on identity theft protection mentioned above and you will be able to fight the battle and come out successful.
The simplest way for fraud to get access to your bank statement is by the use of your own checks. Well, how could other people get your checks? It is so simple! They just snatch your checkbook when you are about to pay for your purchases or they can just pick it from your pockets or bags.
Checks are usually susceptible to thieves especially if you are not attending to it that much. The thief may get one piece of your check or worse, he or she might take your whole check book.
Once you realize that your check book is missing or stolen, you should stop payments for it and have them cancelled. It is wise that you should inform your bank immediately after you realize your check is missing. It is also necessary to request for any check verification service from the bank to know if your missing or stolen checks have already been used
However, if you are a check user and afraid of being a victim of identity theft, here are steps which you can use to protect yourself from having your financial identity, through your stolen checks, used by a thief on his/her shopping spree:
1. Request for an annual credit report from the three major credit agencies to verify all your account transactions. This is to make sure that there are no strange activities in your credit report.
2. Make sure to report all your stolen checks. In addition, it is also good to have a copy of your checking account number. Notify your bank once your check is missing or stolen.
3. Do not put your checkbook in a purse or bag together with your valid ids or passports.
4. Make sure not to put any checking account statements in your mailbox.
5. Request for privacy procedures and information application from your bank. Know the situation once your bank gives your checking account information to someone.
6. Keep all your checking accounts statements to know if you issued each check appropriately.
7. When requesting for a new checkbook, be sure to claim it at your bank personally. Do not permit your bank to just mail it to you since most thieves acquire your personal and financial information by stealing your mails.
8. Do not put your Social Security number on your checks. Do not write/print any of your financial credit information outside an envelope.
9. Review all your check statement and cashed checks using your periodic bank statements to know if there are any unofficial transaction and charges.
10. When applying for a checking account, it is wise to ask the bank how they dispose of your application. Once you have received a confirmation about your checking account application, be sure to shred it to pieces.
11. When writing on your check, use a permanent marker with fine point and write a line before your write the amount. In this way you are already avoiding someone to write an additional “something” on your check.
12. Once you notice that one of your checks is missing, immediately contact your bank about it. You can also file a report to the nearest police station and have a copy of the police report to present to the bank if ever they ask for it.
By having a correct and complete account records, you are preventing identity theft happening to you.
Just follow the steps given, and you will be sure of the safety of your checks and your personal protection therefore, avoiding identity theft.
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Identity theft is one of the crimes that people are always talking about.
Media is one of the most effective identity theft resource centers. You can find all related stories, new techniques and solutions for this crime through media. It is also because of them that people have gotten all the needed information to fight the spread of identity theft.
Even though there are a lot of identity theft resource centers that are focusing on the problem at hand, it seems that this crime is continuously growing in numbers. Can all this be attributed to the fact that these thieves are getting wiser everyday?
Not really. There are other factors that may be contributing to the spread of identity theft.
Personal data storage.
One of the reasons for its growth is the improper up keeping and discarding of individual's critical data and financial information. This may be because of the misconception that identity theft is only limited to trading and consumer based areas.
But then, all kinds of business are at risk. Although the most vulnerable would be and banking and lending institutions, real estate and facilities management and other related fields.
That is why, these businesses must maintain a close watch on what how their systems are working. They should check and update regularly all their files to see if anything is out of order.
Federal laws and legislations.
It can be noted that the government are also not taking these crimes sitting down. There have been laws and legislations set up to punish those whoa re caught stealing information and taking advantage of them.
More and more laws have been made against identity theft to hopefully reduce the growing number.
Other means of prevention.
New and different measures can be seen in the way credit and other financial transactions are done.
One example is the so-called security freeze. This allows individuals to thwart off access to their credit report for the purpose of granting credit except if the individual approves. When someone is applying for credit, the freeze can be lifted off for a certain time so that application can be processed.
The advance technology of today is also helping people and businesses protect and store information. With the portability of computers and the speed of Internet connections, people are shifting to using electronic images more and more.
The higher cost of having electronic storage data made is only reasonable when you compare it with the cheaper ones that are not really working effectively for your business. Besides, the benefits you will be getting out of this electronic deals are enough to make up for the cost you paid initially.
You probably will get more customers because they are assured of the security measures that you can give them.
Electronic documents and files are easily and securely stored on floppy disks, CD ROMS or put directly on a removable computer hard drive that is disconnected from the Internet and from hackers.
Each format is made safe and access can be encrypted or can be protected by a password. Electronically storing critical information gives another barrier between important information and dishonest individuals who are constantly looking for ways of taking advantage of anything that is available.
Documents and files stored this way also allows for trouble-free search and recovery of data or information.
A lot of pages can be saved on a single CD ROM. Thus abolishing file cabinets and the potential risk of identity thieves finding vital information in back room storage areas. Disaster recovery is also made easy when information is archived electronically and stored in a secure off site location by a service provider.
You do not have to think twice about what identity resource centers are telling you. There should be no doubt in your mind that this crime is rising and it can get to you when you least expect it. By adding important features to business establishments, its owners and customers will have a peace of mind that they will not become victims of fraud.
You can check some more identity theft resource center to find out what is being developed to help prevent this crime from getting to you and going out of hand.
If identity theft can cause so much trouble for an individual, it can also cause the same kind of trouble to companies or organizations.
It seems that people have found a gold mine in stealing other peoples’ information to use for their own personal gain. And since there are a lot of benefits gained from this, there is no stopping anyone from doing it more and more.
The popularity of the Internet and computer databases has only become an additional tool for thieves to steal information from. Just think of all the genius minds wandering unnoticed everyday.
The economic and social effect of this crime is not something to be ignored. If they can do these things to nameless individuals then the more they can do it with big organizations that are known and may have some of its information up for grabs.
Even if there is still no perfect solution, every organization should take reasonable steps to reduce the risk and to know what to do if an identity theft incident occurs there.
Identity theft in an organization can be attested to different factors:
Identity theft because of negligence and lenient standards.
Out of negligence, an organization can fail in checking the validity of persons or companies they are selling their information into. They may not be aware that some of this are identity thieves whose sole purpose is to get information about the organization.
Another case of negligence would be putting information into portable, carry around gadgets. Example of these are lap tops and notebooks. The potable things are one of the most convenient ways of keeping important information.
Many of its owners do not protect or encrypt any information stored. The result? Instant access to personal and organization-related information once these things have gotten into the hands of wrongdoers.
There have been reports of data and information being lost in some bigger organizations. There are many reasons why this thing can happen. One is that the company may not have the potential to safely store big files. Another is that, they do not have a way of knowing what the employees are doing and what they can access to.
Identity theft using state-of-the-art attacks.
Some identity theft attacks occur through technical means, such as exploiting weaknesses in computer hardware or software. Hackers make the most of the problems in operating systems, firewalls, Internet browsers, or internal processing software to gain unauthorized access to confidential data.
But these kinds of attack can be countered by:
Keeping up to date with security software updates. An unpatched system is operating with known weaknesses. These weaknesses can act as invitations to hackers. But applying patches takes time and resources. And it is up to senior management to maintain that security updates be handled fast and effectively.
Knowing where essential customer data are stored. Every company should have data flow mapping. This will provide an objective basis for company managers to track information and understand who will have access to those data.
The strategy is to create a “path” so the data do not just thrive randomly in different electronic nooks and corners of the company. This will prevent employees, freelancer, contractors or hackers to gain access to the information stored.
Collecting proof when an incident occurs. Failure to gather evidence in a forensically sound manner can make it impossible to track criminal charges or to look for civil compensation. Having qualified computer forensic resources should be a part of every organization’s plan.
Recognizing the dangers of wireless data communication. You may seen instances where organizations do not properly secure wireless networks. The network may not be protected and unauthorized network could be accessed from outside the premises of the organization. Regular testing to make sure that no one is running a scoundrel network, and that authorized wireless networks are well protected, is very important.
The effects of identity theft in an organization is a problem that should not be taken for granted. While there are no absolute solutions, there are many well-documented methods to decrease the risks and handle incidents effectively.
The effects of identity theft vary from one organization to another. But with preparation, planning, and the recognition that a wide range of expertise sets are needed to stop this crime, any organization can keep up with the challenge.
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Identity theft has been one of the worst crimes happening all over the world. People pose as other people to get something, usually the money of the people they pose as.
If we think of the security measures being taken to hide our Social Security numbers, credit card numbers, and other vital information, it is quite alarming how people still obtain this information and uses them to steal a lot from us!
Here are some ways to prevent identity theft:
1) Put a lock on your home mailbox
If the mailbox you keep is readily accessible by anyone, better buy a lock for that. One root cause of identity theft is that strangers steal your mail, gather as much information as they can on you, then pose as you when doing transactions to get valuable things you own.
2) Rent a PO Box from the Post Office
If you do not have a mailbox at home, and you are usually away on trips, rent a PO Box from the local post office. Always have your mails addressed to your PO Box address to prevent others from having access to your mail.
Deposit your outgoing mail to your PO Box. Also, request a vacation hold from the Post Office for your mail if you will be away for more than 2 days.
3) Don’t give financial details over the phone
The usual strategy is when people pose as some charitable foundation or a telemarketer for some online store or TV shop, and then they ask for your credit card details. Give your details to them, and you can kiss your credit line and history goodbye.
4) Have a private phone number
It pays to have your own private number. You will be getting only calls from the people you know, and from people who got your number directly from you.
Make sure that you give your number only to trustworthy people. This will minimize telemarketers and other fraud artists from calling you and possibly stealing your identity.
5) Store your PINs in a safe place
It we know it is difficult to memorize the PINs of your ATM cards, credit cards, and debit cards. It will save you a lot of trouble if you store your PINs in a safe place that is away from your plastic cards.
If a thief steals your plastic card, he will not be able to use it after a few unsuccessful attempts at your PIN as the system will lock your card. It may be an inconvenience for you as well, but that will prevent your money from being stolen.
6) Photocopy both sides of your wallet’s contents
Make sure that you have a photocopy of all contents of your wallet. If your wallet is stolen, you can easily report it to the proper authorities.
Make sure you report the theft to the proper companies, (e.g. Social Security, credit card company etc.) as soon as possible to prevent the thieves from using your personals.
7) Carefully choose your passwords
Thieves can easily determine your passwords, especially for your online accounts. Make sure your password is very difficult to determine, usually a combination of letters and numbers only you will remember, or something that will not be associated with you.
8) Always obtain a credit card report
It is always a good move to have a monthly report regarding your credit card. You will never know what purchases may pop up on your bill. Call the following major bureaus to have your monthly report:
Equifax: P.O. Box 740241 Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
For Fraud Alerts, call: 800-525-6285
Experian: P.O. Box 2002 Allen TX 75013
for Fraud Alerts, call: 888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)
Trans Union: P.O. Box 1000, Chester, PA 19022
For Fraud Alerts, call: 800-680-7289
9) Keep your records and personal papers in a safe place
Thieves can get into your home, and if they find your personal papers like loan applications, birth certificate etc., they will use these information to steal anything from you.
Make sure these are in a safety deposit box where only you know its location. If not, place these in a safety deposit box in a bank.
10) Have a good paper shredder
Make sure you have access to a powerful paper shredder, usually the crosscut type. Pre–filled charge receipts, copies of credit applications, insurance forms, physician statements, checks and bank statements, expired charge cards that you're discarding, and mail credit offers should be immediately shredded, NOT TORN TO PIECES, when they will be discarded.
11) Proper Use of Credit Cards
Do not sign at the back of your credit card. If possible, always have a photo laminated into your credit card so that a thief cannot use it.
Also, do not use your credit card in establishments like restaurants, where your card will be out of your sight. Do not give out any details regarding your credit card.
12) Be Smart Online
Use encrypted or secure servers whenever you go online. Do not transact business with unknown websites. Do not open files sent to you by strangers. Make sure your virus database is regularly updated. Use firewall programs to block spyware and malicious advertisements from pop–ups in certain websites.
The maniacal cruelty and audacity of identity theft criminals have now reached into the corporate world of business companies. In November 2005, the corporate identity theft crime wave reached the UK businesses.
According to brief reports last November, the corporate identity theft cost UK businesses up to £50M a year. Why? What is the modus operandi of these corporate identity thieves? Actually, it has been going on for years now.
Believe it or not, there are criminals posing as company directors on certain companies! Each year, as they see how gullible some people could be, there has been increasing number of them. They order goods that they never pay for and then sell those products for profits thus ripping off suppliers.
As a smokescreen to make them seem legitimate, they register through government agency handling company registrations, change company records and run up credit using company’s name.
Indeed, there are rouges that claim/pretend to be the manager or other illustrious title of a company and check that company’s credit rating. When he/she see that it's good, he starts his game. By forging and filing forms at the government agency where companies are registered, he notifies the appointment of a fictitious new director. He then implies that there’s a new registered office address for the company.
Since the Registrar of Companies cannot check the validity of the documents, and is not obliged by law to check them, they proceed to register them. Afterwards, the thief orders high value goods and services on credit. He/she may use false IDs and then pretend to be a company director.
To countercheck, the supplier may search at Companies House. Since the accuracy of the thief’s claim has been established there already, the supplier will not see anything amiss. However, once the goods are delivered, the fictitious company directory disappears, without paying. The company he represented then suffers the set back.
As of now, according to reports many companies are suffering from this kind of corporate identity theft. It has become a present problem since even smaller companies are as vulnerable as large ones.
A company who has become victim of a corporate identity theft may even find out long after the rouge has taken off. Once they need a loan, they may be surprised of being denied credit and learn that they cannot obtain credit because they already have significant financial obligations. Until they can clear up that these are made by somebody else has accumulated these debts using the company’s name, their business may suffer terribly.
Beware, for this may happen in your company. You must know that it's the medium sized and smaller businesses being targeted.
Security and trust are very important aspects in corporate ethics code. Corporate identity theft seems to have broken the barriers of these ethical bounds.
Whether your business is in UK or in any other part of the globe, avoid falling victim to corporate identity theft. There are simple precautions that you can make sure to make sure corporate identity theft does not taint your company’s good name.
Here are protective measures recommended for companies to prevent other people from pretending to be you.
First, make sure that the thief has not targeted your business. You need to frequently check with the government agency handling company registrations to see if your company’s registered office is accurate. You can do it online by finding out the website of the government agency mentioned.
You can also sign up proof service in order to pre-empt the thief. If your business is in UK, you can file online for PROOF service.
Filing for proof service means that certain changes in the information about your company should only be filed electronically. This must include the changes of company director’s name and your business address.
Once you file for proof service, filing through paper forms will be rejected. There are user name, password and authentication codes used in these electronic forms wherein your documents will be protected and no one else who does not know these codes can access them.
Do not let the tentacles of corporate identity theft get into your company. Stop pretensions of thieves and fight back. Aside from the preventive measures given, companies can find other means of preventing and eventually, stopping the insidious attacks of this crime.
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The Internet is a very useful tool for people. It helps us communicate with our loved ones who are at the other side of the nation or overseas. It helps us find a lot of information regarding something.
It allows us to listen to radio stations from all over the world, or even watch movies. It also helps us purchase things without ever having to leave our homes.
The Internet is also a very useful tool for identity thieves. Many have fallen prey to numerous baits left by identity thieves and lost their identities.
As we know, knowledge is the best weapon against this. Know how to stop being a victim of online identity theft, and follow some simple tips that we will give you:
1) Use secure servers
When surfing the Internet, make sure you are on a secure or encrypted server. That way, when a hacker or ID thief tries to find you and your computer’s location, they cannot locate you as your ISP and URL are encrypted, or coded as unreadable characters, by your server. Secure servers will filter fraud websites and spam mails before you can access them.
2) Don’t reply to spoofed e–mails
Spoofed mails are e–mails sent to you by certain e–mail accounts, asking for your details, or telling you to reply to their e–mail to do something like verify the details of your credit card account, online account, etc.
These e–mail accounts pose as banks, credit card companies, retailing websites like eBay, PayPal etc., and send you emails telling you to give them your information to get or verify something.
NEVER REPLY TO SPOOF E–MAILS! Banks, credit card companies, and other companies never ask their client to send their details over the Internet just for verification or claiming a prize or confirming your entry into a raffle draw you have never joined.
3) Don’t open files sent by unknown sources
If someone you have never known sends you a file over the Internet, usually through an instant messenger, or as an attachment in an e–mail, DO NOT OPEN IT!
The file may contain viruses and spying software that will steal your personal information that is in your computer. Besides, opening the file may cause serious damage to your computer!
4) Properly log into your sensitive accounts
Always log on to your sensitive accounts by opening a new browser and typing the actual URL directly into the address bar. This will help you verify if the URL of the sender of an email is really the website it claims to be.
5) Use disposable e-mail accounts
Whenever you want to join a newsgroup, subscribe to mailing lists, or make online purchases, always use a disposable, free email account.
That way, you can always delete that account if you suspect ID theft. Always keep your business account for business and personal communications.
6) Disguise your online ID
Never use domain names and identities that will give out who you are. For example, if you are Brian Gadzuric, do not use brgadzuric@mail.com or briangadz as your email address and username respectively, especially when dealing with people you do not know.
7) Use leveled and strong passwords
Always have different passwords for your accounts. A password should be different for your personal account, business account, and disposable account.
Never use sequential passwords like password1, password2, password3 etc. that will easily allow others to access your accounts.
Make sure your passwords will be very difficult to guess. Use a combo of letters, numbers, and characters that only you can remember. Never write down a copy of your password. If you must, make sure you keep it in a safe place.
8) Regularly change passwords
Always change your passwords after a short period, let us say, one month. Regularly changing passwords makes if very difficult to access your accounts. It also helps stimulate your memory and creative side.
9) Use credit cards for online purchases
Credit cards are more secure than debit cards due to the security system being used by credit card companies. Besides, disputing fraudulent chargers is easier than recovering funds already spent. Also, use ONLY ONE CREDIT CARD for online purchases.
10) Always check a company’s privacy policy
Whenever you are going to transact business with a company, make sure to check its privacy policy.
Also, make sure to click the logos of the consumer groups posted on their website to make sure that the safety authentication is authentic. Make sure you also know the real online consumer welfare groups before transacting with companies.
11) Always use a secure site when submitting data
Make sure the URL of the site has https:// at the beginning, or has a padlock icon at the address bar before submitting sensitive data.
12) Security Software for your PC
Always make sure that you get the latest security patches for your operating system and internet browser.
Also, update your virus databases, and install advertisement and pop–up blockers that will disallow pop–ups from certain websites from appearing on your screen.
One of the fastest rising crimes in the United States and United Kingdom is Identity Theft. Considerably, identity theft is one of the most often reported crimes. Identity theft is a horrible crime which occurs about thrice every minute in America. In U.K an estimated one hundred thousand cases are committed every year.
Regrettably, identity theft is not anymore an unusual happening particularly in North America. Majority of people do not even give a thought of it. It does not matter to them whether the crime is committed or not. They will only be concerned about it if they will be victimized by the identity thief.
What is the meaning of Identity Theft? Identity Theft or Identity Fraud is the deliberate assumption of the identity of another person, generally in order to have free access of their finances or to use it in committing a terrible crime. Identity theft is unlawful use of your personal name, date of birth, social security number together with your financial and banking information. The Identity Thief will utilize the information in applying for credit, opening bank accounts and to the extent of find a job.
Identity theft is seldom used in terrorism, illegal immigration, espionage or alters the identity of the person permanently. Identity theft can also be a way of blackmailing a person by violating the privacy of the person. The illegal activities of the thief while using the name of the victim will have serious consequences such as the loss of job or the marriage.
The victims of identity theft are not solely the stable credit companies, but also who does not have much credit life for example, the students from college. They will be framed up by giving them fake credit accounts using their names.
The students are the common victims because their personal information especially for schools that will post their grades by using their Social Security Number. And sometimes students do not even bother to protect such information. They do not check seriously their financial accounts. Mostly, credit card applications are sent by mail.
Identity theft crimes come from snatching of the wallet to big time fraud rings. Identity theft can happen when somebody gets your mail, your purse is stolen, or your records in an institution are swiped. This can be easily remedied if the thief is arrested early. The banks and creditors will only ask you to pay the first $50 of deceptive charges.
However, those grave cases of deception will go on for so many years and more resources to be resolved. In view of this, there is no denying that there exists the danger of identity theft. Thus, everyone should do something so as to give the necessary protection.
There are some preventive measures for the commission of the crime. It is really not easy to keep your identity safe especially in our world wherein we find strangers who are always smiling. You do not know whether they are sincere or not. Hence, you should be aware of fraud and be very careful in sharing your personal information. Every month, make it a habit to monitor carefully your statement of accounts. You should strictly observe any unlawful activity about your credit report.
In order that your personal information and pre-approved credit offers will not be known by any unauthorized person, you should use the paper shredder.
The above mentioned measures will serve as precautions for everyone who will be possible victims of identity theft. Now if you are really serious about your identity and financial stability, then the best way to protect us from identity theft is to get an identity theft insurance. Many companies are offering this identity theft insurance which normally costs from $25 to $60 every year.
You should bear in mind that identity theft insurance is not a guarantee which will prevent you from being a victim. Identity theft insurance will help you to recover from your plenty of losses due to identity theft.
However, your direct monetary losses resulting from identity theft are not covered by identity theft insurance. Identity theft insurance will provide the coverage for the reclaiming of your financial identity like the expenses when making a phone call, reproducing copies; documents are mailed, taking a leave from office without pay and hiring your attorney.
There are to things to consider before you get an identity theft insurance.
· Know what are the policy limits.
· Inquire if there is something deductible.
· Take note that identity theft insurance does not include direct monetary losses.
· Make some verifications on what limits apply and what are the requirements to cause the coverage, when the insurance policy covers the lost wages.
· If the insurance policy includes the legal fees, then verify what limits apply and if there is a need for the insurer to approve the legal work.
![Identity Theft: Protecting Yourself In The Information Age [VHS]](/51dZZjb0pwLSL500.jpg)
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Identity theft is a horrifying and traumatic experience. It's easy to imagine the frustration at being wrongly denied a credit card or loan. Worse are the sleepless nights after threatening phone calls from creditors anxious to retrieve cash loaned in your name. It can also be much more serious.This product is manufactured on demand using CD-R recordable media. Amazon.com's standard return policy will apply.
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