Id Theft Alerts

December 16, 2010
Protect your Information While Shopping

Here are some quick tips that are good all year long for protecting your identity while shopping.

ONLINE SHOPPING
  1. Make sure you have a secure connection before sending private information (https not http on the address bar)
  2. Use a credit card instead of a debit card for better protection.
  3. Print out receipts so you have a back up copy in case of computer problems.

OFFLINE SHOPPING

  1. Only keep essential information in your wallet/purse.
  2. Never leave your purse hanging over the back of a chair.
  3. Make sure the ATM has not be tampered with before using it.
     
  4. Use a credit card instead of a debit card for better protection.
  5. Keep your receipts.
Now matter how you shop be wary of unknown charges on your cards, notices for credit you didn't apply for, packages arrive that you did not order, or change of address notices. These are all signs of identity theft.
Doctors and Lawyers get out of Red Flag Rule

Doctors and Lawyers have successfully lobbied their way out of the FACTA Red Flag Rule. The Red Flag Rule requires businesses to put procedures in place to identify the signs of identity theft among its customers. [article]

This can only be described as special interests groups gutting a regulation that would protect everyone. Every person, organization, and business should try to prevent identity theft. The efforts of these professionals sure fly in the opposite direction.
Did we Really Need a Law?

Congress has passed the Social Security Protection Act of 2010. The law prohibits prisoners from having access to social security numbers. The law requires compliance within a year.

It may seem obvious and unnecessary but eight states employ prisoners to do jobs that involve access to social security numbers.
Clerk at DMV Steals information

Charles DiPrima, a drivers license clerk in Illinois has been charged with conspiracy to commit identity theft. He is accused of stealing information to sell to thieves. [news] It is always easier to hack a person than a computer.
A Season to Give
Don't forget those less fortunate than yourself in the season of giving. Give to the Salvation Army.
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