Keep Your Shield Against Bank Identity Theft Solid
Although the internet is a great place for shopping, connecting and socializing, it is also an inherently dangerous place. The internet is one of the most dangerous places for bank identity theft. Millions of people across the globe say the same thing each year, “I wish I had been more careful with my sensitive information.” A lot of the times identity theft occurs because an individual was not careful and vigilant about protecting his or her vital information.
This is a problem that affects everyone globally but just in the United States identity thieves steal more than $52 billion a year. These criminals are not just stealing from the rich and powerful but are stealing from everyday people who have been less than careful with their sensitive information. No one is safe from this digital crime spree.
One of the most traditional ways to protect your identity is to shred all the documents which may be used to identify you. This includes credit car statements, bank deposit receipts and other sensitive documents which you would not want falling into the wrong hands. This safeguard alone can go a long ways in protecting your assests.
If you are one of the millions who shop online, only buy from trusted and secure websites. Before purchasing anything on the internet, read the site’s purchasing and payment terms. Look for the lock in the URL box or in the corner of the display to know that you have a secure connection.
If you keep a lot of financial information on your computer make sure that your anti-virus and anti-spyware software and programs are up to date and running smoothly. New viruses and other harmful programs are created each day and you will want to stay in front of them by upgrading your anti-virus software as much as possible.
Your local credit union or bank can also help you in the fight to stay protected. Most banks offer some form of identity security which you can take advantage of. They can help give you more ideas on how to keep yourself protected. It is your responsibility to keep yourself and your family protected from bank identity 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.
Everyone relies on computers to pay bills, communicate with others, arrange transportation, entertainment and other aspects of daily life is influenced by or depend on computers. This is why cyber security threats must be dealt with as soon as there detected.
The Government is also at risk to cyber security attacks. Granting public access can also increase the risks of data leaks, infiltration and cyber attacks. It is necessary to invest and have intensive solutions that address cyber attacks.
Government agencies are coming up with systems that will help in addressing cyber attacks. In addition to these programs there are ways to aid in providing long-term solutions for quick developing problems.
There are a multitude of agencies and institutions dedicated to fighting cyber crimes. InfraGard is a partnership between FBI and different members of the private sector like academic institutions, businesses, state and local law enforcement agencies and individuals. These organizations are dedicated to sharing information and intelligence to address criminal acts.
The government and also different organizations are reaching out to more CEOs of different businesses to help them understand cyber threat and what is can be done. This would help the government to come up with policies and resources that would help them build long term prevention plans.
The government and a multitude of different organizations are reaching out to more CEOs of different businesses to help them understand cyber threat and what is needed to be done. This would help the government to come up with resources and policies that would help them build long term prevention plans.
How often have we heard that the best cure is prevention. Too much reliance and putting too much sensitive material about our lives on computers is a risk that we all need to be prepared to face. We should be ready to handle cyber security issues on our own every moment.
One of today’s biggest concerns is computer fraud and cyber identity theft. Cyber thieves use all kinds of methods to commit computer fraud and steal personal or financial info from their victims personal computers.
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.
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?
How Serious Is Bank Identity Theft?
Imagine waking up one morning. You are on your way to an interview for a new job. Maybe you’re looking to jump up the corporate ladder or perhaps it’s for a second job to help get ahead of the bills. Whatever the case you are optimistic about the day. A friend of yours has given their personal recommendation and you are confident the job is in the bag.
The interview goes well. The interviewer seems pleased with you and you have a good feeling about the offer. While nothing is promised you are more than certain the job is yours as soon as the paperwork is approved.
You finish the interview and stop by the car showroom. It’s looking like a good time to finally get that new car you’ve had your eye on! You’ve been thinking about it for months. The salesperson takes you for a spin and it’s everything you’ve dreamed of – and more!
Stepping back into the showroom the salesperson suggests you sit down. “Grab a cup of coffee and we’ll talk about driving this baby away today!” Sounds good.
Bantering over the paperwork you sit back with a sigh of contentment and put down the pen. “Let’s just check your credit and you should be off in a few minutes” he says. Today is a GREAT day!
As you sit back and gaze at the gleaming cars on the showroom floor you notice the salesperson has become rather silent.
“I’m sorry but it looks like this might not work out right now” he says. You look at him and see a sudden sternness in his eyes. “Really,” you say “why’s that?”
“Well, you’ve got a few things on your credit report that are a concern. I’m afraid this car would be impossible to finance.”
“What do you mean? My credit is fine!” you start to sputter “let me see”.
“I’m not allowed to share your report with you, but maybe in a few months you can come back and look again.”
You head out the door in confusion. You KNEW you could get that car. What was he talking about?
As you open the door to your home you see the message light flashing on your phone. That was fast! The job offer – that will put you back in a good mood!
“…I’m afraid we won’t be able to offer you a position with us right now…” you don’t even hear the rest of the message. WHAT??
Ding-dong. The doorbell. Who could that be?
“Hello, I’m Officer Brown, may we have a word with you…”