On a daily basis many people around the world become victims of online identity theft. With new and upcoming technology at people's hands, identity theft is at a rise more than ever before. In today's society it is popular for a person to access his or her personal information such as online bank accounts or tax statements from a lap top, desktop, or even a Smart phone.
The key element is to take charge and become aware of identity theft in order to prevent oneself from becoming a potential victim. There are many precautions and steps to acquire which aid in preventing identity theft. First of all, renewing credit reports is one of the best tools to help detect identity theft. A recommended website when checking credit history is htt://www.annualcreditreport.com.
Maintaining and keeping passwords on credit cards, debit cards, or any financial institutions is very important. This will help detect and prevent fraudulent transactions on a person's bank account. Passwords make it very hard for thieves to capture any online transactions or information from a person's account.
According to OnGuard Online, it is beneficial to become familiar with an online phishing attempt. Phishing is a scam where internet fraudsters send spam or pop-up messages luring unsuspected victims in providing personal and financial information. Therefore a person must stay cautious when opening up any attachments or downloading any files from an email. These emails could potentially be very malicious and end up corrupting an individual's entire operating system. The key is not to open up any pop-up messages asking for personal information. A website dedicated to reporting any phishing activity is at reportphishing@antiphishing.org.
According to OnGuard Online, "Malicious Software" or Malware includes viruses and spyware. Malware works to steal personal information, send spam, and commit fraudulent acitivities on a person's account. It is important to remain cautious when accesing any online websites or information because it could potentially be false. Criminals will create appealing websites, desirable downloads, and compelling stories luring people into links; which end up downloading Malware onto their operating system.
It is recomended to invest in an Anti-Virus or Anti-Spyware Software. Running an anti-virus or anti-spyware on a daily basis will help keep an operating system healthy. Also, it is wise to invest in security software which operates automatically. Anti-Virus Software protects computers from viruses which can eventually destroy a person's data. Viruses are known for slowing down operating systems and potentially causing them to crash.
Firewalls are very beneficial because they help keep online hackers from sending out an individual's personal information without his or her consent. Firewalls perform like a guard, blocking outside communication to avoid potential threats.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
comments:
ReplyDeleteStan_Stankov said...
Identity theft has become a big issue in today's world. With the growth of technology the majority of Americans use online services such as online banking, or checking their tax statements.My family and I, use online banking because it is convenient. You dont have to go the bank, or you dont have to wait on your bank statement in the mail. You can just log on to the banks website and manage your money. As you mentioned, checking your credit score is a good way to prevent identity theft. As we all know, today there are companies that can protect you against identity theft for a fee.
A year ago I had spyware on my computer. Somehow it got infected and the whole computer was not working the way it was suppose to. I needed to purchase a anti spyware software in order to clean up my computer.I was "scared" to do my online banking when this happened, and I didnt. After this happened I bought a Anti-Virus program to help me stay protected from identity theft. As you recommended, it is beneficial for people to have a firewall and a good Anti-Virus software.
I agree with you that keeping track of your debit and credit card passwords is very important to keep you from identity theft. My suggestion to people is keep track of your credit score, and maybe sign up for a identity theft service.
October 31, 2009 12:04 PM
Post a Comment
Yes Stan_Stankov, it is unfortunate that your computer got infected and did not function properly afterward. I have had a similar experience with my laptop and the spyware caused my computer to crash. It is very wise you chose to buy the Anti-Virus software. Technology will only continue to grow and hackers will find more ways to get a hold of our information.
ReplyDeleteThis is why it is good to educate and inform everyone about viruses, malware, spyware, phising etc. In a matter of seconds we can have our whole operating system crash, or identity can get stolen. When we take action, we make a difference.
This truly is a serious problem. My moms’ identity has been stolen twice! Hers was not due to an internet scam; it was stolen from a waiter at a Mexican restaurant. Because they had their debit card number and name they were able to go on the internet and buy all kinds of things. They used my moms’ card to buy Jerry Curl and Mexican gay porn. It took my mother a long time to find a 1-800 number to tell someone that her identity had been stolen. Even after she found it, they did not believe her and said it must have been someone else that lived in her household!
ReplyDeleteMy friends’ moms’ identity was stolen and she did not know it. It was not until the other person committed a crime in her name and the police were at her door arresting her that she found out. It took an entire day in jail until they were able to clear her name. It is terrible how easy it is to have your identity stolen and how hard it is to clear your name.
I personally do not open up any random unfamiliar emails or pop-ups. If a restaurant gives me a receipt with my card number on it, I scratch it out. The second time my moms identity was stolen she was able to contact American Express and they filled out a fraud alert form over the phone and sent my mom one to sign. They handled everything from there where as in the previous incident; she had to make phone call after phone call to prove her innocence.
The internet has made it very easy for identity theft to happen. I hesitate giving my card number away on the internet, even when I know the sight is completely legitimate. People are capable of getting any kind of information these days and it is very scary.
Wow Annie that is so unfortunate your mom's identity was stolen multiple times! We can only learn from these experiences and stay cautious when giving out any personal information whether electronically or through debit, credit cards. The bright side is that in your moms case American Express was able to handle the claim; however it is a very big hassle going through the process when trying to get your identity back; especially with all of the paperwork involved.
ReplyDeleteI am also very hesitant to give my debit card information out when I am asked to. For example the other night my friends and I went out for drinks and the waitress asked to "start a tab" on one of our cards. I was not very willing to give her my card, so I asked if I could just pay her in cash. Overall it is very scary that our identity can get stolen any minute; especially with the growth of technology.
social issues such as daliy routin problems of life as we face day by day
ReplyDeleterich person are always think that poor can't right to get stand in front of rich person i experience in every way there is no emotional feeling work in daliy life if person falls down on the road on one get bother
ReplyDelete