Id Theft Alerts

January 18, 2012
Protect Information at Tax Time
grocery checkout
This is the time of year that all of your personal information is traveling through the mail. What makes it more tempting for identity thieves is that it is a target rich environment. Steal the mail out of all the mailboxes on a street this time of year and you are sure to get something worthwhile.

Then there is the problem of false tax returns in your name. The IRS is  orking to set up systems for identifying fraud that are getting much more accurate at detecting fraud. They also have some tips to help protect yourself.

Here are some we suggest:
  • The IRS doesn't send emails. Don't respond to them.
  • Get your mail in a locked mailbox.  
  • Send your mail out in a locked mailbox.
  • Never answer questions over the phone unless you called them.
Identity Theft Against Children

A great target for identity theft are children. Their credit scores are usually nice and clean. The other thing that makes them a tempting target is the fraud often takes years to discover. The Huffington Post ran a good series on the problem and some people who are working to correct the problems. The one thing you can do for your kids is get their free credit report every year. If there is anything you know there might be a problem.
 
Identity Thief Ring Leader Gets Nine Years    

Arthur Franklin has been sentenced for 9-18 years in prison. He plead guilty to conspiracy and grand larceny as the ring leader of an identity theft ring. The group used pickpockets to get personal information. Then they would take out money from banks.

While investigating credit card fraud the detective notices that Franklin was in the background at several of fraudulent transactions, in various disguises. From there they were able to piece together his role in the organization. [story]
Are RFID Credit Cards Safe?

The RFID credit cards are getting more common. You can put the card next to the reader instead of swiping it through. It is very convenient but is it safe? Can the information be stolen by a reader near the card? The answer is yes, the card is safe. In fact, there are safeguards with these cards that can limit fraud to just one transaction. So feel free to tap the reader the next time you are at the gas station.
  
  
   
Accountant
Need a good accountant to handle your taxes? The Accounting Aisle can help.
Get Monthly Alerts

Email: