Sunil Tanna asked:




Unsolicited pre-approved credit card offers could potentially put you at risk of identity theft. A thief may steal from your mailbox, and seeing the promotional invitation to take out a pre-approved credit card, take advantage of this opportunity. If a thief intercepts such an application, completes it and sends it back in your name, the application is quite likely to be accepted. From then on there would be somebody operating a credit card in your name – without you knowing anything about it – until trouble develops.

More sophisticated identity thieves may order a redirection or change of address of your mail, perhaps through the postal service or directly with the credit card company concerned. This allows them to take control of subsequent communication, including the delivery of the new credit cards. If you come across any evidence of such activity, it could be a warning sign that identity thieves may be interested or active in stealing your identity in some way. One thing to be on look out for, is sudden drop-offs in mail volume – in that case you should check with your local postal center to find out whether a redirection order has been placed in your name without your knowledge.

Many credit card companies may send repeated offers. You can reduce your risk, if you can stop them when you get the first offer. Start by asking the company directly, but if they do not comply, there may be a direct marketing ethics body or a consumer agency in your area that can help you to get you off the company’s mailing list.

Your liability is, of course, limited if it was not you who sent back the application. However, that does not mean you would free of the consequential hassles. You may become a “suspect”, especially if your signature was forged, and be faced with having to argue against the credit card company. Meanwhile your good credit record may have been damaged, and it may take you some time, expense and effort to sort out the problems with banks, merchants and others who may have lost money when dealing with someone who presented himself as if he were you. In these cases, you may well find it necessary to engage an identity theft lawyer to help sort out all issues.

Fortunately, the credit card issuers are gradually getting better at understanding and managing these risks. Pre-approved offers are becoming less common – however they have not disappeared completely – they are such a powerful marketing tool that these companies do not wish to abandon completely. Most credit card companies have improved their procedures to reduce identity theft risks, and are working on further improvements – but that doesn’t mean that you can afford to become complacent!

These three tips can further reduce the risk of these types of fraud:-

- Lock your mailbox, or use a mail center post box

- If you throw out pre-approved credit card applications received in the mail, make sure they are well shredded before you do so

- If you move house, have your mail redirected to your new address so it does not end up being left uncollected at your old address

Enid Edginton asked:




Identity theft and identity fraud are terms used to refer to all types of crime in which someone and uses another person’s personal data in some way that involves fraud or deception, typically for economic profit. There are many different types of identity theft and fraud.

Here are some of the most common types of identity theft:

Shoulder Surfing – This is where the thief nuzzles up to you, sometimes holding a hidden video camera (usually in a cell phone) and tries to tell what your account number and PIN Is while you are performing a transaction at an ATM or on a telephone. This is why it is always a good idea to keep an eye on who is around you when you are doing credit card transactions in public. Shoulder surfing can even take place while you are in a store using a hand held debit device so it is always a good idea to conceal the numeric pad as you punch your numbers in.

Skimming – This type of fraud usually happens in a place where you are required to give an employee your card (such as a restaurant.) The employee disappears with your card to process it but also puts it through a bit of extra processing by using a device that can copy the encrypted information on the black magnetic stripe in your card. This information is then replicated to create a copy of your original credit card so charges can be rung up on it.

Dumpster Diving- With this type of identity theft the thief goes through your garbage to find receipts from cash registers, financial statements, credit card statements and even black carbon statements in order to find out your personal information and your credit card number.

Taking Advantage of Your Offers – In this kind of fraud a thief either steals a pre-approved credit card offer from your mailbox or out of your garbage. They then apply for the card as if it was you. This is why it is so important to shred or discard these materials if you happen to receive them.

The Fraudulent Email – A very common way of obtaining passwords, account numbers, social security numbers and other information is for the thief to send you an email under the guise of a company that you trust. Very often they pose as your credit card company, bank or another institution that you hold an account with. They will tell you that there has been “fraud” suspected on your account and that they need you to confirm your account number. Sometimes they will ask you to change your password (if they already have your account number. This is a great way of getting your personal data. Some criminals even have advanced computer technology that can obtain large amounts of personal data once you provide them with just one or two important bits of information such as your social security number.

Yet another crime of this type is called phishing. This is where criminals posing as a credit consolidation company make you an offer to obtain your credit report or fix your credit. In order to this they of course need your financial information and some kind of fee. Once you pay the fee the company of course disappears.

With enough identifying information about an individual, a criminal can take over that individual’s identity and conduct all kinds of crimes. The crook can make false applications for loans and credit cards and withdraw money from your accounts. Your stolen identity can also be used for the fraudulent use of telephone calling cards. This can go on for months without the victim’s knowledge as often falsely obtained credit cards are sent to an address other than yours. It is quite common for a victim of identity theft to have not idea this is going on until quite a bit of damage has already been done to the person’s reputation and credit.

Michael Russell asked:




Identity theft is a fast growing problem within the US and many other countries. There are many victims desperately trying to put their lives back together after an unknown person has taken everything from them. Identity theft is when someone uses your name, address, social security number (SSN), bank or credit card account numbers or other identifying information without your knowledge. With this information they then are able to open accounts, commit fraud and other crimes all in your name!

It would appear that Identity Thieves are using this as a career and are very experienced in what they do. They can use a number of low and high tech methods to gain access to your personal identifying information.

A person wishing to steal someone’s identity can get information from businesses or institutions by stealing records from their employer, bribing an employee who has access to the records, conning information out of employees or hacking into the organizations computers.

A less glamorous way to steal an identity is to rummage through your trash, the trash of businesses, or dumps in a practice known as dumpster diving.

Identity thieves obtain credit reports by abusing their employer’s authorized access to credit reports or by posing as a landlord, employer or someone else who may have legitimate need to the information.

As your credit or debit card is processed identity thieves steal the account numbers in a practice known as skimming.

They steal wallets and purses that contain credit and debit cards as well as identification.

Mail is stolen which includes bank and credit card statements, pre-approved credit offers, new checks or tax information.

All they have to do is complete a change of address form to divert your mail to another location.

And the more confident identity thief may scam the information from you by posing as a legitimate person or government official.

Unfortunately there are many consequences to becoming a victim of identity theft. Once the thief has your personal information he can go on spending sprees. Buying ‘big ticket’ items such as computers (these can be sold easily) using your credit and debit account numbers.

It is easy for an identity thief to open a new credit card account using your name, date of birth and social security number. Needless to say the thieves do not pay the bill and the delinquent account is reported on your credit report.

The imposter changes the mailing address on your credit card account so that it will take some time before you will realize there is a problem. By this time he has probably taken out auto loans in your name as well.

With your information it is easy for the imposter to establish phone or wireless service in your name.

He will more than likely open a bank account in you r name and write bad checks on that account. Another useful trick for them is to file for bankruptcy under your name to avoid paying debts or to avoid eviction.

If arrested at any time they can give the police your name and when they do not show up for the court appearance a warrant for arrest will be issued in your name.

So as you can see it is very easy to become a victim and the consequences can be enormous and take a long while to sort out. It is essential to do everything within ones power to protect their identity from these thieves.

Sylvia Rolfe asked:




Identity theft happens to nearly 10 millions Americans each year, and the numbers are on a dramatic increase. This could be partially due to a rise in on line activities such as shopping, paying bills and social member sites. Luckily, there are ways that you can prevent identity theft and protect your credit. Let us discuss the 5 major ways that you can protect yourself.


The dangers of your debit card. It may seem odd to say your debit card can place you at risk for having your identity taken. They actually carry a higher liability than a credit card. You have more personal liability when it comes to fraud. You only have up to 60 days to report your card missing or stolen. After that time period you may end up losing all the money in your bank account and also be held accountable for any money taken from your lines of credit.
Shred the check book. That one piece of paper is a lifeline to you. It contains vital information such as your name, address, bank account number and signature. Is that really something you want in the hands of a complete stranger? So how do you avoid paying by check, look into automating your bill payment. The worst part about checks, is that there is no federal legislation to limit your liability on forged checks.
Secure your mail. Your mailbox is full of a complete while information. You receive everything including bank statements bills, and even those annoying pre-approved credit card offers. The biggest risk of the pre-approved credit card offers, is it is easy to apply for a new credit card in your name using the pre-filled information on the application. The only way you would ever find out is if you kept up to date on your credit reports. Otherwise you have no idea that someone had stolen your identity. Only to avoid this is have your mailbox under lock and key. Another solution is to rent a mailbox from your local post office. Another good word of advice is to ensure to shred your documents before discarding them. You can pick up a simple shredder, at most office supply stores. The cost will quickly be paid for in the peace of mind, you find.
Take advantage of technology. When shopping on line you can purchase a virtual card number. These are randomly generated credit card numbers that are disposable. You use it once and throw it away. It is linked directly to your real credit card accounts purchases will show up on your monthly bill. The service is free to use and will assist you in preventing identity theft.
Create an identity kit. Do you know who to contact a credit card company and emergency? By creating an emergency kit that contains your account information expiration dates issuing company names and contact numbers for each card. You can make it easier on yourself in the case something does happen to your cards. Another important aspect would be to copy all your major pieces of identification. This includes your drivers license Social Security number ****** pocket and passport. Make sure you store them in a lock box a file cabinet or better yet a safety deposit box. This gives you protection in the event of a natural disasters as well.

Identity theft is on the rise. All these things may seem extreme until it happens to you. Only you are capable of protecting yourself. Do your best to prevent becoming a victim of identity theft.

Puripong Koomsin asked:




LifeLock was the first company to offer identity protection against credit card and bank account frauds, etc. Later came other companies such as IdentityTruth, LoudSiren, etc.

Here is what LoudSiren provides:

1. Fraud alerts are set to remove your name from pre-approved credit such as found in mailing offers.
2. When you sign up, you get free credit reports.
3. You need to verify all new credits in your name. When there is a new credit for your verification, LoudSiren (not the bank) delivers a message to your phone for you to either accept or reject. You just press a button to accept or reject.
4. You pay $10 a month (individual coverage) or $99 a year. Your membership is automatically renewed so that it does not lapse, and your identity becomes vulnerable.
5. Should your identity be compromised, you are covered in terms of expenses incurred legally and for lost wages due to restoration of your identity, for up to $1,000,000.

How does LoudSiren stack up against LifeLock? The former does not monitor possible illegal activities with your account numbers such as sale of your account numbers, and neither will it cancel your credit card or call your bank should you lose the contents of your wallet. The latter do both.

When your name and social security number are used to apply credit, LoudSiren sends you an automated telephone call whereas LifeLock has an actual person calling you. Instead of following automated rules, you can speak to a live person and ask questions if any.

Membership of this service is also limited to people of 18 years and above. LifeLock on the other hand, has coverage for children, and this is useful because it is not unusual to find pre-approved credit offers toward those under the age of 18.

Here is what LifeLock offers:
1. Automatic fraud alerts
2. Automatic renewals
3. Free credit report
4. Removal from pre-approved credit offers
5. Protection of your address
6. Good customer service
7. Possibly the lowest pricing (when you factor in the discount)
8. $1,000,000 guarantee in the event of identity theft

It is a no brainer that LifeLock is the choice identity protection company to use. There simply are more services offered at less pricing. And why only get yourself covered when the rest of your family needs the same protection. Besides, the more services are offered, the more convenient it is for you. Why do some things yourself when these can be done by someone else? As well, who needs automation when there is a real person to communicate with?

If you should still be skeptical, the $1,000,000 guarantee should prove to you the confidence this company has of its products. So confident is the CEO that he actually publicizes his social security number on the web to challenge identity thieves. All this plus good customer support should spell professionalism to you.

What is more, all this for only $10 a month, which most people can afford. That is hardly much to ask for, for the peace of mind that you can get, and as mentioned, all the services bundled in.

Joseph Camerlin asked:




By now we all heard for identity theft, but what is identity theft, how does it affect you and how do you protect yourself from it?

What is identity theft?

Identity theft occurs when a “criminal” uses another your personal information such as your social security number, credit card number or even your name without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes. It has been reported that over 9 million Americans fall victim to identity theft each year.

How does identity theft affect you?

Having your identity stolen is serious and can take years to correct. Crimes committed in your name can be in the form of renting apartments, establishing a telephone account, purchasing products and services with your credit card number, getting cash advances from credit card companies, the list is endless. If you are a victim of identity theft you can be denied loans, have your credit ruined, lose out on job opportunities or even by arrested for crimes you did not commit. This is a serious issue.

How does your identity get stolen?

Thieves will do the following:

Go through your trash looking for bills or other personal papers Steal your credit card number by using special storage devices when processing your card Pretend to be a financial institution and send you spam messages to get to reveal your information Change your address by filling out a change of address form Steal your wallet, purse, mail, pre-approved credit offer etc.
How do you protect yourself from identity theft? Shred financial papers before you discard them Do not carry your Social Security card in your wallet Do not give out your Social Security number over the phone unless you have to Do not give out personal information over the phone, through the mail or over the Internet unless you know who you are dealing with Nerve click on link of unsolicited email. Use fire walls, anti-spy ware and anti-virus software to protect your computer Do not use obvious passwords such as your date of birth or the last four digits of your Social Security number Keep your personal information in a secure place at home.

Identity theft is very serious and can take you years to correct and cause untold stress. To learn more about protecting your identity, visit: http://inshopper.googlepages.com/identitytheft