Articles and Ideas October, 2008
ATM machines hold some of our most critical money information, including our bank account number, PIN number and other identification. As such, ATMs make it easy for us to perform bank transactions. Unfortunately, they also make it easy for crooks to steal your identification--and strip your wallet. Here are some of the top ATM theft procedures and what steps you can take to help prevent becoming a victim.
Withholding
With this common trick, the thief places a capture strip, called a “loop,” inside the card insertion slot. The thief may stand behind you to watch you enter your PIN number, or a ...
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Back in Time - to 2006
A few years ago, Shell employees made headlines as an identity theft scam was uncovered in Forest Hill TX. Erica Washington was employed at a Shell station there, and realized she could make a nice side business out of selling customer credit card information off of in-store generated manger reports.
Erica sold off credit card numbers and expiration date information to a couple from Ft Worth, who subsequently used the numbers to make multiple purchases online. The items purchased included shoes, clothing, DVDs and other items that were shipped to Melvin Jones and Jenifer Perkins - ...
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It’s all over the news: 2008 may leave U.S. citizens more open to identity theft than previous voting years. Why? According to identity theft prevention experts, this year’s emotionally charged primary election may expose voters open to sneakier and more sophisticated means of illegally grabbing (or even destroying) their vote.
Additionally, the grassroots efforts of the major political parties mean that we expect to be approached--and that we assume the approachers are legitimate members of a given party.
In order to minimize the possibility of your vote being stolen, keep the following in mind:
Beware of E-Mail Voting Scams
The internet ensures that we ...
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The fact that over half a million people will be victims of identity fraud every year has made identity theft programs a product of interest for many. The average working adult is likely already busy leading a hectic life balancing home with a professional career; therefore, spending days and nights trying to watch one's back to keep from becoming a victim of fraud is simply unfeasible.
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It was a cold January morning when MVE officers entered a Salt Lake City hotel room to find evidence of an incredible, carefully planned crime. Stacks of stolen mail; dozens of credit cards with corresponding user agreements, account information and pin numbers; counterfeit state ID cards and multiple credit reports littered the crowded room, along with the receipts for two laptop computers.
The Motor Vehicle Enforcement officers had found what they were looking for; the second half of an elaborate and carefully put together identity theft ring. They arrested Joshua Smith and Michelle Chapman, who would be joining the previously apprehended ...
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Phishing. What is it...and would you know it if you saw it? You may think so--but watch out: today's phishing techniques are more sneaky than ever. Here’s the quick-and-dirty on how computer criminals are faking their way into bank accounts just like yours (and what you can do about it).
Fishy Business
Phishing involves posing as a trusted entity, such as a well-known bank or credit card company, in an effort to obtain a password or other account information from an unsuspecting victim. (The word is a combination of "fishing"--casting out for and reeling in information--and "phreaking," or hacking via networked communications, ...
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There are indications that paying credit card bills late could have severe repercussions for consumers this new year.
That's because late fees on credit cards have become astronomical. If, for instance, you fail to pay your January credit card bill on time, you could be hit with a $39 late fee.
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Male, white, college-educated and a confirmed computer geek: you've heard a lot about the "average" ID thief. But do these characteristics constitute the majority? Not by a long shot, according to the latest reports. Read on for the scoop on who's really out to take your identity--and how he (or she!) plans to do it.
Do I Know You?
Many people are surprised to learn that ID thieves aren't always strangers. One common scamming method involves what is known as the "sweetheart scenario". A new love (perhaps someone you've known for months or even longer) cries on your shoulder about an ill ...
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Was Jesus Christ the first recorded victim of identity theft?
Because it has recently become so widespread, many assume identity theft is a whole new phenomenon. However, identity theft has been practiced by the less than scrupulous throughout history. In the early times when personal records were scant, it was not unheard of for identity theft to be perpetrated for the gain of status, authority or even a stately inheritance. Even as the world became more organized, slipping into another identity to gain access to money, goods and benefits was still a rather easy task.
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Identity theft is the awful business of taking a person’s personal information and gaining access to their credit. This information is then often used to get credit cards, checking/savings accounts, loans, rent, mortgage, etc. One way criminals access your personal information is the old fashioned way – stealing your purse or wallet. Another mode of criminals is “dumpster diving.” This occurs when someone goes through the garbage of homes & businesses to find personal information. Perpetrators of identity theft have also been known to steal mail, watch over your shoulder to get your pin number, ...
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