Protecting Our Identity

Have you ever thought how it could affect you if someone stole your identity? According to the latest information available from the FBI you have every reason to fear. This according to the FBI is the fastest growing crime wave in the USA. Not rape as horrible as that is, not mass shootings like the one at the Omaha mall as shocked as everyone was – but stealing identities of people like you and me.

In researching the facts for this article I was amazed at the examples of everyday folks that have had their identity stolen and didn’t have a clue until the damage was done in some cases so completely that it will take years to sort everything out. Sometimes the culprits are found and prosecuted and sometimes they change identities AGAIN and become someone else and move on. They leave in their wake a tragedy of damaged credit and lives that take years to recover from.

We are going to give you a number of examples of the identity theft AND then we are going to give you a solution that I hope you will follow. Be proactive rather than just think this happens to others and could never happen to you. It can indeed.

From the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in congressional testimony:

· A NASA engineer went to his bank where he had banked 11 years for a loan and was refused. He had to use his retirement funds for his son’s education.

· A consumer spent three years trying to repair her damaged credit rating due to identity theft and was unable to purchase a new home.

· A department store clerk whose identity had been assumed by a shoplifter has spent several years seeking employment in the retail industry (unsuccessfully).

These are real examples but if you don’t know the persons yourself might be inclined to dismiss this, don’t – it’s real. In an article we published a few months ago entitled, “Be Careful What You Throw Away” we pointed out that there are people who make a living just going through trash looking for that one “jewel” like your bank account number, credit card number(s), social security number or anything that gives them a leg up to “become you”. They open credit cards using that information; even bank accounts, purchase homes and cars then abscond leaving the victim to sort it all out.

Here are a few more examples:

· Thousands of Social Security numbers posted on Texas state government site.

A security expert discovered that he could very easily find personal data from all tax liens and loan agreement notices filed in the state of Texas before June 2005. When he inquired about this the Secretary of State’s office told him it was the individual citizens responsibility to let them know that they didn’t want their SS number published. How are they supposed to know this?

· It’s almost an everyday occurrence to read of restaurant employee skimming customer’s identities.

Waiters have been caught using hand-held computers to secretly steal personal information. This is known as “skimming”. It has been determined that up to 70% of this type of credit card theft is done by restaurant personnel. Security experts warn that you are in danger every time you hand your credit card to a stranger.

· Thousands of Ohio’s state employees had their bank information stolen.

Just this past summer the news reported that a computer back-up tape was stolen from an intern’s car. This put the state officials in Columbus, Ohio into damage control mode. The tape contained the fund-transfer bank information for almost 30,000 state employees.

· Just a couple of months ago the Arizona Republic where we live reported that they have uncovered a mill cranking out thousands of false identities. Their big fear is with our new law going into effect on January 1 requiring employers to verify SS numbers with the Feds before employment, is the identity thefts will increase allowing these illegal folks to continue to work using your name or mine.

Have I convinced you yet that you are in imminent danger? I hope so because everyone is. The problem is this isn’t like locking a window/door to keep a burglar out. It’s a little more complex than that and yet it isn’t, not really. The solution is as close as your computer – It’s called LifeLock!

LifeLock is a one of a kind. You have heard their advertisement on the radio where their CEO gives his Social Security number and tells who they are and what they can do to protect you. There are several copy cat companies who provide the same service but this is the “ONLY ONE” whose CEO dares to give you his personal Social Security number and also a Million Dollar guarantee if someone steals your identity. No one else gives you that. After we researched this information, both my daughter (my partner) and myself both signed up for this. We were convinced and glad we did.

Enroll with us now don’t put it off. The danger is real. Give yourself a gift of identity security. Do it now!! Visit our site and sign up today. http://www.1-800BadCredit.com

Reference: www.fdic.gov/consumers/privacy/criminalscover



By: Dewey Kearney

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The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has been asked to promptly investigate recent disclosures of inadvertent file sharing over contaminated peer-to-peer (P2P) networks and to take steps to ensure that potential risks posed by contaminated P2P networks are incorporated into the Commission’s ongoing efforts to combat identity theft.

A strongly worded letter this week (10-17-07) to the FTC chairman signed by Committee Chairman Waxman and 18 congressmen, calls for an immediate investigation and stiffer enforcement and expanded efforts and penalties to protect consumers from inadvertent file sharing and identity theft caused by contaminated P2P networks. The committee has proven that these networks are known to allow the mass redistribution of copyrighted files, classified business information, national security data and personal identification documents.

“Chairman Waxman and 18 congressmen have recognized the real threat of Contaminated P2P networks. SafeMedia has the technology to support their vision in stopping the distributors and developers of contaminated P2P technology. Living by the letter of the law is what made America great; contaminated P2P is a proven menace to our society and a real threat to our national security and freedom: 19 congressman recognize this threat and they are obviously concerned by the continuous criminal activities of individuals who use the most important invention of our time; “The Internet” to steal the intellectual property of others,” said CEO Safwat Fahmy, SafeMedia Corp.

“Although we recognize that P2P networks have the potential to deliver innovative and lawful applications that will enhance business and academic endeavors, reduce transaction costs, and increase available bandwidth, these networks must also be used in a way that protects sensitive government, personal, and corporate information and copyright laws,” said House Committee Chairman Henry Waxman On Oversight and Government Reform. “In our view, the FTC should play an important role towards that end.”

Retired General Wesley Clark told a congressional hearing this summer “P2P Networks is the next national security threat.” On September 21, 2007, the Associated Press reported the inadvertent release of more than “5,000 Social Security numbers and other personal details about customers of ABN Amro Mortgage Group,” a division of Citigroup.”

Referring to the first indictment last month against an individual for ID theft using computer file sharing programs the letter said, “Recent developments underscore the potential threats posed by P2P file-sharing. According to DOJ, the suspect is linked to 80 victims and more than $70,000.00 in fraud.”

Recent studies and Congressional hearings have shown that contaminated P2P network users often do not realize they are involuntarily sharing their files with the world. A March 2007 United States Patent & Trademark Office report, which analyzed Kazaa, LimeWire, BearShare, eDonkey, and Morpheus discovered that all five “repeatedly tricked users into uploading infringing files inadvertently.”

The PTO report concluded that the five popular programs “repeatedly deployed features” for the purpose of tricking users into sharing files that they might not otherwise want share.”

SafeMedia vigorously supports the members of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform for challenging the FTC on addressing the complex threats of contaminated P2P networks. “SafeMedia has the only products available today that can eliminate the threat to personal, corporate, and national security associated with inadvertent file sharing on encrypted or non encrypted contaminated P2P networks; without invading user privacy or impacting normal Internet traffic.” said Pasquale Giordano, president/COO, SafeMedia Corp.



By: George S. Mc Quade III

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Access to information and entertainment, credit and financial services, and products from every corner of the world is greater than earlier generations could ever have imagined. Thanks to the Internet, consumers may order products, download games and music, or conduct online banking 24 hours a day.

However, the flip side is that the Internet also affords online scammers, hackers, and identity thieves access to personal computers, information, finances, and much more. According to the Federal Trade Commission, there are millions of victims of identity theft a year. It’s often difficult to know how thieves obtain a victim’s personal information, but instances of ID theft often start when online data is stolen.

The following is a glossary of terms, provided by the Federal Trade Commission, aimed at educating consumers on various software and computer scams used to steal and protect individuals from ID theft:

Anti-Virus Softare

Protects personal computers from viruses that can destroy data, slow a computer’s performance, cause a crash, or even allow spammers to send email through a private account.

Bizopps

Shorthand for “business opportunity;” some schemes involve extravagant and unfounded earnings - claims and are actually fraudulent business ventures.

Browser Highjacker

A common spyware program that changes a web browser’s home page automatically, even if the owner changes it back.

CAN-SPAM Act

A law that prohibits senders of unsolicited commercial email from using false or misleading header information or deceptive subject lines, and requires they identify each email as an advertisement, among other provisions.

Download

To copy files from one computer to another; to view a website or other web material with a browser.

Drive-by Download

Software that installs on a computer without the owner’s knowledge when he or she visits certain websites. To avoid drive-by downloads, make sure to update operating system and Web browser regularly.

Encryption

The scrambling of data into a secret code that can be read only by software set to decode the information.

End User Licensing Agreement (EULA)

A provider’s legal terms. An “end user” may be required to “click” to accept before downloading software.

Exposure

When sensitive data is released to someone without authorization.

Filter

Software that screens information on the Internet, classifies its content, and allows the user to block certain kinds of content.

Firewall

Hardware or software that helps keep hackers from using a personal computer to send out personal information without permission.

Hacker

Someone who uses the Internet to access computers without permission.

Hidden Dialers

Programs that a user may unknowingly download that can use a computer to silently dial expensive phone calls which later show up on a phone bill.

IP Address

A computer’s “address,” which consists of a series of numbers separated by periods.

Keystroke Logger

A device or program that records each keystroke typed on a particular computer.

Malware

Criminals sometimes use malware, programs like viruses and spyware, to get into a personal computer. Once there, the criminal can steal information, send spam, and commit fraud

Online Profiling

Compiling information about consumers’ preferences and interests by tracking their online movements and actions in order to create targeted ads.

Personal Information

Information that can identify someone, such as bank and credit card numbers; income; Social Security Number; or name, address and phone numbers

Phishing

A scam that involves Internet fraudsters who send span or pop-up messages to lure personal information from unsuspecting victims.

Spam Zombies

Home computers that have been taken over by spammers who then use them to send spam in a way that hides the true origin.

Spam

Unsolicited commercial email, often sent in bulk qualities.

Spyware

Software program that may be installed on a personal computer without the owner’s consent to monitor his or her use, send pop-up ads, redirect the computer to certain websites, or record keystrokes, which could lead to identity theft.

Trojans

Programs that, when installed on a computer, can enable unauthorized people to access it and sometimes send spam from it.

Virus

A program that can sneak onto a computer - often through an email attachment - and then make copies of itself, quickly using up all available memory.

Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA)

A security protocol developed to fix flaws in WEP. Encrypts data sent to and from wireless devices within a network.

Worm

A program that reproduces itself over a network and can use up a computer’s resources and possibly shut the system down.

With awareness as a safety net, computer users conducting online banking or other activities that require the use of personal information can minimize the chances of identity theft. Vigilance is required when it comes to protecting personal information, a computer, and even yourself.



By: Ann Knapp

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Yearly Reports of Identity Theft to the Federal Trade Commission:

In 2007 identity theft accounted for 36 percent of the 674,354 fraud and identity theft complaints (reported to the Federal Trade Commission.

In 2005 -255,565 cases of identity theft were reported to the FTC

In 2004 -246,847 cases of identity theft were reported to the FTC

In 2003 215,177 cases reported of identity theft were reported to the FTC

In 2001 CBS News reported that someone became the victim of identity theft every 79 seconds (CBSnews.com, 1/25/01)

Between 1997 and 2005 the Federal Trade Commission reported that over 3 million cases of fraud and identity theft were reported to over 1400 law enforcement agencies in 19 nations. Identity theft crimes are not limited to the United States but are committed world wide.

Facts every consumer should know:

- Credit card fraud (26%) was the most common form of reported identity theft followed by phone or utilities fraud; (18%), bank fraud (17%), and employment fraud (12%). Other significant categories of identity theft reported by victims were government documents/benefits fraud (9%) and loan fraud (5%). (Federal Trade Commission Complaint Data)

- the majority of cases go unreported to Federal or local authorities

- the most common age group affected by identity theft is 18-29

- the top 10 metropolitan areas affected by identity theft include: Phoenix, AZ; Las Vegas, NV; Miami, FL; San Francisco, CA; and Dallas, TX (2005)

- California had the most reported cases of identity theft with a total of approximately 45,000 cases of identity theft (2005)

- the most common method of retrieving information for use in identity theft is through lost or stolen wallets, theft of mail, dumpster diving, and information obtained through friends, family or consumer providers

- another common method of obtaining your information is by “stealing” it at a business that you may you frequent

New, Harder to Detect Form of Identity Theft

Synthetic identity theft occurs when bits and pieces of several people are used in order to create an entirely new identity. Information may come in the form of an address from one person, the social security number of another and employment or banking information from a third or fourth.

Your Damages resulting from Identity Theft:

In a study conducted of 173 victims of identity theft by The Identity Theft Resource Center specific damages were explored. In each case the victim’s damages included:

- an extended period of time to correct their credit status;

- 85% of the victims found out about the theft when they attempted to apply for a job or credit;

- victims are currently spending over 600 hours attempting to repair the damages to their credit

- victims are spending money in the approximate a amount of over $16,000 per victim to repair their credit

- it is taking longer to remove negative, incorrect or falsified information from their credit reports

- many victims equate the emotional impact of identity theft with that of a violent crime - in some cases similar to a rape as the violation can be that personal.

Identity theft is a serious crime. Damages result to individuals, banks, and businesses as well as families. Imagine going to purchase your new home to find out that your credit is damaged and now you are unable to. Imagine the time and money you will spend to correct the problems associated with identity theft. Millions of dollars and Hundreds of thousands of people in the United States and millions worldwide are affected each year by identity theft. Victims, both personal and business must use valuable time, effort and resources to correct the situation, which in some cases is beyond total repair. Damages are not only to your credit and your finances but also to your emotional, physical, and psychological well being.

Reporting suspected identity theft is essential to protecting yourself further and protecting others. Reports should be filed with local authorities, your State’s Attorney General’s office and the Federal Trade Commission. Consumers need to not only protect their information but by reporting efforts at identity theft may be able to stop it from happening in the future.

Consumers can report ID theft to the FTC by calling the agency’s toll-free number: 877-438-4338.



By: Lisa Carey

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According to the Federal Trade Commission, the most common types of identity theft are credit card fraud, utility fraud, bank and loan fraud, employment-related fraud, and government document or benefit fraud. While many people are award of credit card fraud as it is the number one crime committed and is also the easiest way a criminal can use your information, it is important to understand the other types of identity theft in order to protect yourself. It is the goal of this article to discuss remaining four types of identity theft and some ways to protect you from each method. While nobody is completely safe from identity theft, there are steps you can take to reduce the chance of becoming a victim.

Identity theft can extend to utility fraud which is currently rated the number two type of fraud in the United States and is actually higher then credit card fraud in certain states. Utility fraud is relatively easy to commit and is the practice of an identity thief using your personal information to obtain utility accounts such as gas, electric, water and sewer, cable, and other services. The thief can also setup telecommunication accounts such a home or cell phone and in many cases a thief needs only your name, address and phone number to commit utility fraud. About 15 percent of senior victims report that an identity thief obtained unauthorized telecommunications or utility equipment or services in their name. In order to avoid utility fraud it is imperative that you keep a tight rein on all of your personal information. Burn or shred any documents or mail with your personal information on it instead of putting it in the trash as many thieves are not above dumpster diving.

Bank and loan fraud is another identity theft crime that often affects the elderly as about 10 percent of all victims over age 60 reported fraud involving their checking or saving accounts and seven percent reported that an identity thief obtained a loan in their name. Bank fraud is sometimes perpetrated from the inside by a bank employee or manager who already has access to financial information and will sell it to the highest bidder. There are also thieves who already have some of your information and will disguise themselves as a bank official to try and get banking account numbers. Never give any information over the phone to somebody that claims that they work for a financial institution. Instead, ask for an appointment where you can meet with them in person at the bank. It is also important that you never click on an e-mail link in a message said to be from a financial institution asking for information to verify your account. A legitimate bank will never use this type of communication.

Employment fraud comes in two styles with the first type being where someone steals your social security number to get employment. With the ever increasing influx of illegal immigrants looking for work in the United States, the chance of somebody using your social security number to find gainful employment is on the rise. In fact, about two percent of victims over the age of 60 reported that an identity thief used their personal information for employment purposes. While you can reduce the possibility of this crime by keeping tight control of who has access to your social security number, there are no guarantees as many of these illegal immigrants will pick as social security number at random. While most people utilizing this method are simply people looking for work and not true identity thieves, the method is still illegal and can cause some negative effects for the victim.

The second type of employment fraud should be particularly concerning to most Americans as this is the practice of a thief obtaining employment in small businesses such as doctors offices, dentists, and banks to gain access to patient or customer records. Because it is the responsibility of a business to keep their records safe, there is very little an individual can do about this type of crime other then choose only well known and reputable businesses with a strong privacy policy.

Government fraud can occur in many ways including tactics such as applying for government benefits, unemployment insurance, financial aid, or even filing for bankruptcy while using somebody elses social security number. Some identity thieves will commit traffic violations or other crimes and then give a victims personal information when caught as it is easy to get falsified drivers licenses, state IDs, bank cards, and social security numbers if you know where to look. While government fraud is a major focus for the law enforcement groups and agencies in the United States and government fraud comes with a high penalty, too few criminals are ever caught. Once again it is up to you to protect your personal information to avoid this type of fraud.

As you can see, identity thieves are not limited to credit card fraud but can practice other techniques such as the four listed above. Even though credit card fraud, utility fraud, bank and loan fraud, employment-related fraud, and government document fraud are the top 5 methods that identity theft criminals utilize, it would be foolish to think that they are the only methods available. The methods that an enterprising thieve may employ is limited by only their imagination. Because identity theft has become so common a crime it is impossible to be completely safe but you can take steps to reduce the risk. The important thing is to take some type of action be it taking steps on your own or employing an identity theft program such as LifeLock.



By: Rick Churchill

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As parents we most often carefully monitor our child’s websites, emails, cell phone and text messages because we are concerned. Many times it is a concern for our child’s safety. We worry about them being approached inappropriately online. We are concerned about sexual predators. But have we considered that our children may also be in a different kind of danger –the danger of identity theft?

Children are the perfect target for identity theft. They have a spotless credit record and because they are not using their credit it may go undetected for several years. They grow up and suddenly there discover their credit records are blemished. Can the information that we share about our children, whether it is online, to a school or medical professional allow the opportunity for identity theft?

In 2005 the Federal Trade Commission reported that over half a million children were victims of identity theft. These cases include: the use of a child’s Social Security Number being used illegally for income tax purposes and obtaining credit in a child’s name. It’s easy enough to do; just the other day one of my own children received a credit card offer in the mail. What if that fell into the wrong hands?

How can you protect your child from identity theft? The National Cyber Security Alliance calls social networking sites “billboards in cyberspace.” Would you post on a billboard your child’s personal information, such a social security number? To protect your child from identity theft you can take the following steps:

Limit access to your profile, photographs, blogs and other online sources.

Limit access to your child’s social security number. You can refuse to provide it to schools and medical providers. Educational or health benefits can not be denied based on keeping your information private.

Keep a safe spot in your home for important documents. This can be a lock box or file cabinet with a lock on it.

When someone request your child’s SSN know the reason for doing so. Ask for copies of the bank account statement or other verifying documents if they claim that they are setting up a savings account or other investment opportunity for your child. Note, in the event a family member or friend wants to create an investment or savings fund for your child establish the account yourself and note that deposits can be made by specific individuals on the account. This keeps your child’s social security number private.

Do not carry important documents in your purse.

Do not provide your children with their SSN or Birth Certificate until they are older. Destroy and/or shred any and all documents of a personal nature including credit card offers, medical claim forms (after paid) and any other document you do not need to keep. Invest in a scanner and scan the documents into your computer, save it to a disc and keep it under lock and key.

Be sure to use your computer’s parental controls, including spyware and anti virus software, not only for to protect your child’s information but yours also.

Ask questions and distrust any website or telephone call that asks for your child’s social security number. Make sure that any request for your child’s SSN is valid, relevant and necessary before providing it.

Thoroughness and vigilance are absolutely necessary to protect your child from identity theft. In most cases, identity theft to children is committed by friends or family members, however more and more instances occur as a result of information posted on the internet; whether by yourself or your child. Don’t worry about what people will think of you. Those that understand will see you as a concerned parent who is being very aware of the real world and its dangers, and one not only protects their child’s future financial wellbeing, but also sets the example to other parents by teaching them how to protect their children from identity theft.



By: Lisa Carey

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