Protecting Our Identity

Reputation is most important in anyone’s life. People generally do not bother or do not know about Internet Reputation Management and when they realize that someone has defamed them by posting an obscene video on Youtube or by publishing an article on the internet, it is too late and nothing could be done to take them out from net. It can be costly and difficult to investigate & take legal measures against the offender. If you know who the offender is, probably you could save your online reputation but not before the press adding spice to the news and creating a controversy. The whole world comes to know why you are defending yourself.

 

Is there a way to handle Online Reputation Management? It would be really convenient if one could have a Personal PR specialized in Online Reputation Management taking care of your reputation on line. It would give you a sense of security and peace of mind by having a 24/7 watch dog looking out for any malicious postings on line safeguarding your online reputation. Children & teens are the most common targets on line. Their ignorance and impulse make them fall victim to cyber criminals. They are black mailed, abused and bullied. One small mistake in their teens could ruin their reputation for the life.

 

Another burning problem is the identity theft. It is increasing day by day. One should take adequate precautions to protect the privacy & prevent the identity theft.

 

These cyber crimes can be prevented by taking control of your online reputation by your own search engine results. An Online Reputation Management interface can be used to look for information about you online. This will allow you to regulate the information you want to make public. There is one product I know that allows you to remove your personal information from people databases spread all over the Internet. The adverse postings or information can be destroyed from the internet quietly. This is the Web’s first online reputation management solution and enables you to review everything that is available about you online. An expert team will work tirelessly to remove or destroy any information you want on both the open internet and the “invisible Web” at a minimal fee of $29.95 per destroy.

 



By: Ruzain Ghosh

About the Author:

Content

Most new computer users use the computer for a specific purpose. I know of some people who use it only for e-mail. Others use it to view and print pictures that they took with their digital camera. Some people use it for doing work at home like word processing or spreadsheets. Teachers may use it to develop class plans that they do not have time to do at work.

Even though Identity Theft is in a lot of newspapers, letters from banks, TV, the Internet, most people do not protect their computer and their information. Maybe their attitude is “It can’t happen to me”. I am surprised that more than half of the home computer wireless networks in my neighborhood are not secure. Someone can have a laptop in their car and surf the internet for free. Some households can also borrow the neighbor’s Internet Service Provider (ISP) without having to pay for it themselves.

I have a little gadget that detects wireless networks. I am amazed that some small business and even schools in my area do not have a secure network. I taught an Identity Theft class in a school, and I went right onto their network without any login information. The school assumed that they were secure.

Another security concern is when someone has a laptop and they leave it unattended at the airport. When they look for it the laptop is gone. Some thieves just re-sell the laptop for quick cash. Other thieves see what type of information they can take off of the laptop. Even if the thief re-sells the laptop quickly, your personal information is still on the laptop. If the computer does not have a password on it, then anyone has immediate access to the information on the computer.

I had one customer put her laptop into her luggage and checked it in at the airline. When she arrived at the hotel and opened her case she saw that the laptop was gone. There was also a note inside that the airline inspected her luggage. Did this customer learn? No, she did it again. And to make matters worse, she was traveling with someone else. He saw that she checked her luggage with the laptop in it, and he followed suit. A big surprise here – both laptops were gone.

Home networks is another big security concern. When I see an unsecured home network I leave a flyer on their door and say that there network is not secure and for $25 I will secure it for them. I usually write the name of their network on the flyer so that they know. Four out of five people call me.

Here are some ways to help protect your computer system (they are not in any order of importance):

1. Put a password to access your computer. I would even put a power-on password which means that once you turn on the computer you need to put in a password before the computer starts up. This should not be the same password you use to login to your computer. This advice is needed for laptop users.

2. Buy a surge protector and plug all of your computer items into it. Buy one that works and has a guarantee, and not just a power strip.

3. During a thunder storm, or any storm that looks like it has an effect on power, turn the computers off. I would even unplug the surge protector from the wall. If the home is hit by lightning the house wiring can burn out computer components.

4. If you need the computer constantly on, invest in an Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS). The computer can stay on up to three hours without electricity. If you have a laptop plugged into a UPS, then you have the three hours and the laptop battery time.

5. If you are connected to the Internet, wired or wireless, you must have a router with a built-in hardware firewall. You should also have a software firewall as well. Most times software scans the internet looking for vulnerable computers. It is not unlikely if you have cable, DSL, Satellite, or FIOS that your computer is not scanned 15 or more times a day. A hardware and software firewall prevents this from happening.

6. Get anti-virus software installed on your computer. If you do not want to pay for it, get a free one.

7. Install spyware removal software on your computer and run it regularly. You can just get free ones if you do not want to invest in a commercial product, although the commercial ones are better.

8. Do not have Windows remember your passwords. On my blog I recommend a product for remembering passwords.

9. In Internet Explorer and Firefox have your security settings to at least medium.

10. When traveling keep your laptop in sight. Do not check it in with your luggage.

11. When you go into a wireless café or hotel that has internet access you should have an internet security product. McAfee and Norton are pretty good. There are also a couple of free ones.

One other thing to keep in mind with a laptop is that many of them can transfer through infrared to other laptops or PDAs / cell phones. It only takes a couple of seconds to transfer your information. Credit card numbers for example are 16 characters. There is software out there that can look for a string of 16 characters, or your social security number.

12. Do not open attachments from someone you do not know.

13. If an email does not look right, do not open it. Ebay, your bank, paypal, etc. will not ask you to click on a link to update your account information. They say, log into your account and verify your information. These fake emails are phishing for your information. When you click on them it does look like the right sight, but as soon as you sign into this phishing site they have your login name and password. You should then immediately go to your site by typing in the address and change your login password. If you can change your login name do that as well.

14. Do not give your passwords out to others.

15. If someone requests to remotely access your computer make sure their software is permission based. This means that you will get a pop up window or email and you give the person permission to look at your screen. That way if you do see something wrong like looking at your emails or documents you can stop the connection between the two computers.

I hope you found this article informative. In the resource box below click on the blog link where you will find more useful hints and recommended software and hardware.

John Gontowicz

Sign Up For A Free Weekly Email Newsletter To Learn More Computer Tips For The Beginner: http://www.yourpcguide.com or send an email to computers@sendfree.com



By: John Gontowicz

About the Author:

Create a video blog…instantly.

Identity theft monitoring is a mechanism that helps us effectively prevent incidences of identity theft . And identity theft monitoring prevents internet fraud and also helps you protect your personal information.

Most often, identity theft occurs whenever the user’s personal information is compromised. In fact identity theft usually involves using the victim’s personal information to commit frauds.

There are some guidelines that can help us prevent identity thefts; these guidelines are useful to minimize the potential damage that can occur from identity theft:

1) Blocking disclosed credit card numbers is a part of identity theft monitoring process.

2) Monitoring credit reports is necessary to monitor identity theft.

3) Contacting government agencies is another way to prevent identity theft; this will also prevent the assailant to use licenses or credit cards.

There are many symptoms of identity theft such as:

a) Getting late or missing bills

b) Sometimes receiving an unknown credit card bill is another symptom of identity theft.

c) Other symptoms of identity theft include being contacted by unknown debt collectors or receiving bills for purchases that you have not made.

There are some steps that are necessary to minimize and prevent identity theft, these preventive measurement are known as identity theft monitoring mechanisms.

Identity Theft Monitoring Mechanisms

Identity theft monitoring includes a mechanism that will ensure that identity theft will never occur in future. There are many measures that help to prevent identity theft such as securing Social Security number (SSN), credit card numbers or other personal information. These preventive measures will help to tackle fraud or other identity theft crimes.

Identity theft monitoring includes the thorough verification of your personal accounts, which also cover all your credit card accounts. If identity theft occurs then it is necessary to close the credit account immediately. Consulting with financial institutions and banks is one of the best way to prevent identity theft. Changing passwords of credit cards and ATM cards frequently is another way to prevent identity theft. Avoiding parents names, date of birth and last digit of social security number in passwords to aid the process of identity theft monitoring.

Identity thefy can be even be done by using anybody’s social security number which is generally a four-digit number. If this happens, then it is necessary to inform one of the three nation wide consumer reporting companies. Placing initial fraud alert is part of Identity theft monitoring process, this will restrict the fraudster from opening a credit account by using a duplicate name. This alert will stays on credit card report for 90 days.

Monitoring suspicious activities are also part of Identity theft monitoring process. This process includes checking accounts that have never been accessed previously, debits on such accounts that cannot be explained and inquiries from unknown companies. Sometimes checking name, surname, and social security number and employers name is also important to monitor identity theft.

Putting a flag on file can be a part of Identity theft monitoring mechanism, which will prevent anyone else from getting duplicate license or other authorized documents. Carefully reading and monitoring credit card reports and financial statements is also part of Identity theft monitoring system. This is useful to prevent and tackle identity theft. Many financial companies and insurance companies are offering identity theft insurance, which cover every aspect of identity theft.



By: Bernard Pragides

About the Author:

Create a video blog

If you’re like most people, you work hard to build your assets and maintain good credit in the eyes of lenders. Through no fault of your own, however, your hard work can be undermined through Identity theft. Having your identity stolen can wreak havoc on your life. If your social security number is compromised, thieves can rack up thousands of dollars on credit cards you don’t even know you have. Your credit rating can be ruined to the point where it’s impossible for you to get any kind of loan. In the worst cases, thieves can get driver’s licenses in your name and impersonate you in criminal pursuits. A warrant could be issued for you for crimes someone else committed in your name.

There are dozens of ways that criminals can access your personal and financial information. For example, they can steal your wallet or purse, rifle through your mail for credit applications, hack into your online accounts or bribe employees at companies who have access to your financial records and identity theft protection Protecting yourself from ID theft requires constant vigilance. There are steps you can take to minimize or prevent ID theft, some of the areas of opportunity for thieves (such as shredding credit card applications and using computer firewalls), but there are some vulnerabilities you simply can’t prevent ID Theft. For those things, early detection is the only way to minimize the damage.

The three main credit reporting agencies, TransUnion, Experian and Equifax, all provide one free credit report per year to consumers. Reviewing these credit reports is one way to identify fraudulent activity. Unfortunately, checking your credit report once a year is not enough to prevent damage from ID Theft. Your credit rating can fall quickly once your identity has been compromised. You need to know what’s on your credit on a regular basis to thwart identity thieves from the start.

ID TheftSmart from Comodo offers credit protection Identity theft Prevention? Anchor text and restoration services. Besides providing access to your credit score and credit report, ID TheftSmart monitors your credit constantly and alerts you to issues before they have a chance to damage your credit rating. Additionally, they provide email warnings of potentially fraudulent activity so you can stop it in its tracks. You do not have to fear for your credit rating or your good name when you enroll in the ID TheftSmart program.

If you do become the victim of ID theft, ID TheftSmart makes it easy to rectify the problem. A team of licensed investigators immediately puts fraud alerts on your credit to prevent further damage. They then comb through your personal and financial records to identify any suspicious activity and work with the proper authorities to restore your proper credit rating and good reputation. Recovering from identity theft on your own can take hundreds of hours of your personal time. If you are a member of ID TheftSmart, however, most of the work is done for you. Neither your time nor your credit has to suffer from someone else’s bad deeds when you protect yourself with ID TheftSmart.



By: Vijayanand

About the Author:

Create a video blog…instantly.

Note: You have a one in ten chance of becoming the victim of identity theft this year. With this in mind, you need to make sure that you take all reasonable steps available to you to protect yourself from becoming the victim of identity theft. With this in mind, if you have detected that you may have become the victim of identity theft, one of the initial steps that you will want to take in response is to put a fraud alert on your credit reports. You will want to contact the three major credit reporting agencies and have them flag your accounts with these fraud alerts.

 

Fraud alerts do serve a very helpful purpose when it comes to protecting you from become a victim of identity theft or becoming re-victimized by an identity theft. When you ask the credit reporting agencies to place a fraud alert on your credit reports, when an attempt is made by an identity thief to open up new credit accounts in your name, the financial institution from which the credit or loan is being sought will see the credit alert and will proceed accordingly. For example, rather than issue a new credit card to the identity thief in your name, the financial institution will put the whole process on hold until the time that it can confirm that it really is you who is seeking this extension of credit – in this case, a credit card.

 

Despite the definite importance of fraud alerts, these alerts simply are not enough to clean up after you have become the victim of identity theft or to protect you from becoming the victim of identity theft in the future. Fraud alerts are one weapon in your arsenal that can be a part of your overall effort at responding to and preventing identity theft.

 

For example, if you have been the victim of identity theft, in addition to seeking and obtaining fraud alerts you absolutely must also file an appropriate police report. Moreover, you must notify each and every financial or similar type of institution or business through which you have an account. You need to make these types of individual notifications in the aftermath of becoming the victim of identity theft.

 

If you have not been the victim of identity theft per se, fraud alerts also represent one line of defense that can be helpful to you. But, you must maintain a vigilant and comprehensive approach to doing everything possible to protect your identity.

 



By: Bernard Pragides

About the Author:

Content for WordPress

The Federal Trade Commission has reported identity theft as the top consumer complaint, affecting millions of Americans each year. Seniors are appealing targets because they generally have higher credit lines, home equity, and more savings than young people. Identity theft affecting seniors rose 200% between 2000 and 2001.

There are many simple ways to protect your identity. Never release personal information over the internet, unless you are absolutely sure that you are on the correct website. Never respond to an e-mail that asks you to “verify” bank account or pin information. These e-mails are almost always fraudulent. Most banks and credit cards have a 24-hour toll-free number for customer service and identity theft victims. If you suspect identity theft, immediately contact your bank and credit card companies.

If possible, always leave social security cards and Medicare cards at home. If you are going to a new doctor, take them with you, and then return the cards to a safe place when you come home.

Refuse to provide your social security number if a business requests it without a legitimate reason. Health care providers, the social security administration, and the IRS are agencies that have a legitimate reason for requesting your social security number. Small businesses, such as your veterinarian, handyman, or grocery store clerk should not ask for your social security number.

5 Easy Tips to Help Protect Your Identity

1. Print checks with as little information as possible. Use only your first initial, last name, and address. If you have a business address, use it instead of your home address. That way, if your checks are ever stolen, your home address is protected. This is especially important for female seniors who may live alone. Never print your phone number or social security number on your checks.

2. Get a copy of your credit report every year. It’s free, and if you find errors on your report, you are entitled to free reports until the errors are corrected. If you have been denied credit or you suspect fraud on your account, you are automatically entitled to a free credit report. To get a free copy of your report, go to www.annualcreditreport.com. You can also request your credit report by phone. Call 1-877-322-8228 to request your credit report by phone. Your report will be mailed to your address on file.

You can contact all three credit reporting agencies directly. The contact numbers for the three credit reporting agencies are:

Equifax (800) 525-6285

Experian (888) 397-3742

Trans Union (800) 680-7289)

3. Protect your mail. Do not leave mail in your box overnight. Get a locking mailbox from your local hardware store. They are relatively expensive, and well worth the investment. Deposit outgoing mail in US post offices, or US mailboxes. Do not leave mail out for your postman to pick up, especially if your mail contains personal checks!

4. Shred all important documents. Use a paper shredder to destroy all important financial documents. Identity thieves often “troll” trash bins for personal information. This technique is called “dumpster diving,” and is one of the most common methods that thieves use to steal financial information.

5. Never give personal information over the phone unless you initiated the phone call. A common scam is for a thief to call you, and claim to be calling from your doctor’s office. They ask to “confirm” your insurance information, and social security number, which most people supply without thinking. Don’t become a victim of this scam! Call your doctor’s office directly, and ask them if they require the information. If the call was fraudulent, contact your insurer, and the police.

If you are still a victim of identity theft, don’t panic. Go to your local police station, and file a police report. And remember–your bank and credit cards cannot make you legally responsible for crimes committed in your name by an identity thief. Contact the credit reporting agencies, and place a fraud alert on your account. If creditors begin calling, tell them that you are the victim of identity theft, and that you request to be contacted in writing. That way, you can respond with a copy of the police report and a letter. DO NOT PAY CREDITORS FOR FRAUDULENT CHARGES! Many collection agencies intimidate and bully identity theft victims. This is sad, but true. After consulting multiple identity theft victims, I was shocked by how many were also victims of creditor abuse. If you become a victim of creditor harassment, report the credit card company or creditor to the Federal Trade Commission.

The address to report creditor abuse is:

Federal Trade Commission

Bureau of Consumer Protection

55 East Monroe Street, #1437

Chicago, IL 60603

312-353-4423

There are a number of online resources and excellent books to help guide identity theft victims. Do everything you can to protect yourself, and don’t give out personal information unless you are sure the requester has a right to it. When it comes to identity theft, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”



By: Christie Pinheiro

About the Author:

Create a video blog