Cyber Identity Theft Is A Growing Problem
Cyber identity theft is a growing concern. In the old days there was a concern of a house being broken into and physicaly robbed, now thieves can come in through the computer. People who indulge in this type of activity have many ways at their disposal.
One of the most recent tactics even has a name, it is called phishing(fishing). The internet thief sends an e-mail that appears to have come from a legitimate site. Usually a bank or financial institution. Such as Citibank, eBay, Best Buy or PayPal to name a few. I get e-mails from PayPal frequently claiming that there is a problem with my account and it must be resolved immediately.
They will provide a link in the e-mail to their scam site. Never ever hit a link that is in this type of e-mail. Open a new browser window and type the URL of your financial institution if you think there may be a problem. Chances are exteremly good everything with your account will be fine. It is most likely just a lure to get you to hit their link.
This is a pretty simple trick but it is very effective. Education is the best defense, learn as much as you can about cyber identity theft.
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Categories: cyber identity theft Tags: bank identity theft, cyber crimes, cyber identity theft, email identity theft, identity theft detection, identity theft facts, identity theft pictures, identity theft punishment
Children Should Learn About Internet Theft
Internet theft should concern everyone but especially those that have children that use the internet or will soon. The internet is a fantastic way to learn the latest news, do research for school projects and communicate with friends but it can also be very dangerous.
Categories: cyber crimes Tags: bank identity theft, cyber crimes, cyber identity theft, email identity theft, identity theft detection, identity theft facts, identity theft pictures, identity theft punishment, identity theft research, internet theft
Defense Against Computer Fraud And Cyber Crimes
Cyber security crimes are not just limited to computer fraud hacking, financial, personnel and work related information theft. Trojan horse, worms, viruses, spyware and malware are among the cyber security threats that can affect our computers and machines also our personal lives as well.
Categories: cyber crimes Tags: bank identity theft, cyber crimes, cyber identity theft, email identity theft, identity theft detection, identity theft facts, identity theft pictures, identity theft punishment, identity theft research, identity theft training, identity theft video, internet theft
Are You at Risk For Cyber Identity Theft?
If you think you’ve figured out how to keep the thieves out of your personal information you may be surprised at the methods they use to gain access to it. Finding out HOW thieves access your information is the first step in reducing the risk.
Lost or Stolen Wallet
Not surprisingly a person who has had their wallet lost or stolen is at great risk of becoming a victim of identity theft. Carrying important documents like your Social Security Number, birth certificate, driver’s license and credit or debit cards in your wallet can give a thief easy access to your personal information.
Missing Mail
If you think you’ve missed a couple bills or know that your mail box has been broken into, your personal information may have been stolen. Credit card bills, offers for credit cards and information that contains personal information or your SSN can be used to gain access to unauthorized credit or to commit fraud in your name.
Garbage
Thinking of throwing the latest credit card offer in the garbage? Clearing out old tax forms or other personal information? Rummaging through the garbage for such information is known as ‘dumpster diving’ and can be an easy source for identity thieves. Your personal garbage isn’t the only source – businesses that collect personal information can also be targeted.
‘Phishing’ or ‘Pretexting’
Online or over the phone there are unscrupulous individuals masquerading as legitimate businesses in an attempt to convince you to pass on personal information for illegal purposes. Any requests to ‘validate account information’ by providing personal information online or over the phone should be questioned.
Businesses or Employees
Employees or businesses that have legitimate access to your personal information may use that information for non-business activities. Identity thieves that work in institutions that contain sensitive personal data may abuse the access they have or even present themselves to you as someone that should have access, such as a landlord or employer.
‘Skimming’
Thieves have access to ‘tools of the trade’ that allow them to steal information from your card at ATM’s or during a card swipe for a purchase. These data storing devices capture your information without your realizing it.
Change of Address
By filling out a form at the post office the identity thief can have your bills and other personal mail diverted to a new address. It may take you a few days to realize what has happened and make the correction.
Spyware
A new threat on the scene is from computer viruses that ‘spy’ on you while you shop or do banking online. Any website that you enter personal information into can be ‘spied on’ putting you at risk.
Unsecured Online Transactions
Online shopping at a site that is not secured can potentially put you at risk of having your information stolen. Websites may also collect and sell some of your information without your knowledge unless their posted Privacy Policy states otherwise.
Break In
Anytime you or a business that has your information is a victim of a break in you may have had personal information stolen.
Personal Computers
Are you storing sensitive passwords on your laptop? Are you throwing out an old computer? If your laptop is stolen or accessed by a thief they may be able to find that information. Old computers may hold information on their hard drives even when you’ve deleted it.
Categories: cyber identity theft Tags: bank identity theft, cyber identity theft, email identity theft, identity theft, identity theft detection, identity theft facts, identity theft pictures, identity theft punishment, identity theft research, identity theft training, identity theft video
What Cyber Identity Theft Can Do To You
We often take our liberties for granted. What you know life to be can suddenly change if you’ve been a victim of identity theft.
While you’ve been busy with your day-to-day life someone could have stolen your personal information and racked up debts or committed fraud – all with your name on it. What happens then can be anything from being denied employment, credit or even being arrested for a crime you didn’t commit.
Cyber Identity theft is that serious.
Victims of identity theft can spend years paying back debts or fighting to restore their credit as well as their reputation. Finding out you are a victim of identity theft can be frightening and a source of anxiety even after you’ve resolved the issue.
According to a survey conducted by the FTC (Federal Trade and Commission) 4.6% of Americans involved in the survey responded that they had been a victim of identity theft within the past year. That means about 10 million Americans dealt with some form of identity theft – from using existing credit cards to setting up new accounts or giving false identification when arrested for a crime.
It doesn’t stop there. The cost of clearing up the theft ranged from an average of $500 to $1200 per victim. It took them on average 30 hours to resolve the issue while also costing time and money for businesses and agencies who assist these victims.
With all the tools available to potential thieves along with our increasing reliance on paperless money transfers (credit cards, debit cards and online payments) we are incredibly susceptible to having this nightmare come true.
How can you reduce the risk and what do you do if it happens to you or your family?
