We talk about preventing identity theft on social networks quite often here on the idSafeUSA blog, and in 2010 we’ll probably be talking about it a lot more. This morning, my favorite social media website posted an article about protecting your identity on Facebook.

In the past year, there was an alarmingly large number of Facebook-related scams, viruses, phishing attempts and malware attacks. And though most of these haven’t happened due to Facebook’s error, it’s still very much the site’s problem. – Mashable.com

The article goes on to talk about a ‘partnership’ between McAfee and Facebook. The ‘partnership’ is really just a decoy to get Facebook users to sign up for McAfee protection. I’m sure Facebook gets some kind of kick-back for this advertising, as well as Mashable for even running this blog. The important thing to take from this blog, however, is that one of the top social media marketing websites in the nation is talking about identity theft on Facebook. That alone means it is a huge issue.

Facebook is known for changing its privacy standards every other month. It’s really ridiculous how often they update their privacy settings, and how often every single user has to re-familiarize themselves with this social network. Facebook is doing it to keep up with identity thieves and to keep their users protected. The problem that we face is with the changes every month, users get confused, frustrated, and in the end they don’t even review the new privacy settings, leaving them vulnerable to even more identity theft issues.

Identity thieves are one step ahead of us no matter what we do. It’s almost inevitable that you will become a victim if you’re a frequent internet user, especially if you’re a frequent social media user. The tactics that identity thieves use are always changing, evolving, and taking us by surprise. Something as simple as adding a new friend, filling out an informational form, or following a link can leave you completely in the hands of an identity thieves. Phishing attempts and malware attacks are just part of the system now.

There are many things that you can do to stay protected, which we’ve outlined in previous blogs, and there are many things that you can do to fight back after becoming a victim. With idSafeUSA’s free fraud alerts, credit freezes, and identity theft library, there is no end to the ways you can fight back. The best part; you don’t need a Facebook discount (like McAfee requires). Our DIY identity theft protection is the most affordable and secure product around.

Take a look at what idSafeUSA has to offer at http://www.idsafeusa.com.

Do-it-yourself identity theft protection is getting a little help from the government. At both the state and federal levels, officials are taking a stand against identity theft this year. From California to Massachusetts, new identity theft laws are taking affect this year. New York has been the first to step up and start implimenting these new laws.

The new provisions of a law against identity theft will now restrict the government, businesses and other employers from using Social Security numbers as a form of identification. They also allow consumers to place a security freeze on their consumer credit reports within a single business day to help prevent identity thieves from causing more harm to their victims. – LegislativeGazette.com

Along with these new rules, New York is also implementing shred-a-thons and will be educating the public on the threat of identity theft. With identity theft being the fastest growing crime in the world right now, every state must take this threat seriously.

Individual towns and cities have also taken it upon themselves to educate the public about the 2010 Census and how to stay protected against identity theft. More information on what your city and town is doing to keep your identity protected can be found at the library on http://www.idSafeUSA.com.

As for here in the state of Arizona, identity theft is not taken lightly. Below is the exact text from the Arizona legislature regarding identity theft:

13-2008. Taking identity of another person or entity; knowingly accepting identity of another person; classification

A. A person commits taking the identity of another person or entity if the person knowingly takes, purchases, manufactures, records, possesses or uses any personal identifying information or entity identifying information of another person or entity, including a real or fictitious person or entity, without the consent of that other person or entity, with the intent to obtain or use the other person’s or entity’s identity for any unlawful purpose or to cause loss to a person or entity whether or not the person or entity actually suffers any economic loss as a result of the offense, or with the intent to obtain or continue employment.

B. A person commits knowingly accepting the identity of another person if the person, in hiring an employee, knowingly does both of the following:

1. Accepts any personal identifying information of another person from an individual and knows that the individual is not the actual person identified by that information.

2. Uses that identity information for the purpose of determining whether the individual who presented that identity information has the legal right or authorization under federal law to work in the United States as described and determined under the processes and procedures under 8 United States Code section 1324a.

C. On the request of a person or entity, a peace officer in any jurisdiction in which an element of an offense under this section is committed, a result of an offense under this section occurs or the person or entity whose identity is taken or accepted resides or is located shall take a report. The peace officer may provide a copy of the report to any other law enforcement agency that is located in a jurisdiction in which a violation of this section occurred.

D. If a defendant is alleged to have committed multiple violations of this section within the same county, the prosecutor may file a complaint charging all of the violations and any related charges under other sections that have not been previously filed in any precinct in which a violation is alleged to have occurred. If a defendant is alleged to have committed multiple violations of this section within the state, the prosecutor may file a complaint charging all of the violations and any related charges under other sections that have not been previously filed in any county in which a violation is alleged to have occurred.

E. This section does not apply to a violation of section 4-241 by a person who is under twenty-one years of age.

F. Taking the identity of another person or entity or knowingly accepting the identity of another person is a class 4 felony.

As if Transport Security (TSA) didn’t have enough to worry about lately, now they are dealing with identity theft! At Boston’s Logan International Airport, there has been more to monitor then just potential terror threats and underwear bombs. Two suspects from Lynn, Massachusetts were recently arrested for identity theft of TSA employees.

The stolen identities, including names, Social Security numbers and dates of birth, were sold for $40 each and were then used to purchase utility, telephone and television services, according to Massachusetts newspapers. – The Washington Post

It’s tough when you’re trying to protect the millions that travel everyday through the air, keep an eye on terror threats, while someone else is stealing your identity. This is just more proof that no matter where you work, in what industry or department, and no matter how protected you think you are, identity theft can still reach you.

Dan DeFelippi, a former identity theft criminal, told a local NY news station that stealing someone’s identity is one of the easiest things that anyone can do.

 ”I would actually buy the card numbers,” DeFelippi said. “You can buy credit card numbers for a dollar, two dollars, three dollars.”

Shady underground websites also provided the tricks.

“People actively write information and actively write tutorials,” DeFelippi said. “You can just get these lists, and it’s right there, spelled out.”

“If you can plug a camera into a computer and plug a VCR into a TV, you can do ATM skimming,” he said. “That’s as simple as it is.  You can buy the hardware–all you have to do is plug it in.”

 

• One way to know if a skimmer is attached is if you don’t see the flashing LED light where you insert the card, it could be covered by a skimmer. 
• Be wary of attached brochure containers which can easily hide cameras to record your PIN number.
• Pick an ATM close to home and use it regularly so you become familiar with how it operates and can better note changes.
• Drive-through ATM’s are good targets for thieves because drivers feel rushed by people behind them and don’t always pay attention.
• The safest ATMs are inside a bank or store where people are around. 

You can protect your identity on your own with the help of idSafeUSA.com. Visit our website for more information.

As the 2010 census approaches, idSafeUSA.com wants to remind everyone to be weary of identity theft. Every 10 years the census comes around, and every ten years there is a bit of a spike in the amount if identity thefts. In protecting your own identity and preventing identity theft, you need to be aware of what to expect come census time.

Here are some tips brought to you from a public information officer about the 2010 census:

Census forms are first being mailed to each household in March 2010. The best way to avoid a personal visit from a census worker is to complete the census form and return it by the April 1, 2010 deadline. Census workers are required to visit addresses that have not completed the census form and mailed it back by the deadline. Those who return the form by the deadline will most likely NOT receive a visit from a census worker, although census workers are visiting some households to perform quality checks. These checks require that some households be visited more than once. Additionally, if you returned your form late, your response might not be logged before a census worker is sent out. The Census Bureau assures that before your household receives a mailed form, a phone call or a visit from their representative, you will be given a few days notice with a letter from the Census Bureau Director.

The following is a list of tips to remember when talking with census workers or completing the census form.

* Any request for census information from the Census Bureau
will be clearly marked as coming from the U.S. Census Bureau and as OFFICIAL BUSINESS of the United States.
* All census workers carry official government badges marked
with their name. You can also ask for a second identification to compare to the government badge. Never answer questions until you have seen the ID badge.
* Currently census workers are only knocking on doors to
verify address information. No other information should be asked of you until March 2010 when the census forms are mailed.
* The Census Bureau will never ask for your Social Security
number, bank account numbers, or credit card numbers.
* Census workers will never under any circumstances ask to
enter your home.
* Census workers will never ask for any information to be
submitted online or through email.

For more information on how to prevent identity theft and do it yourself, jump over to our main site at http://www.idSafeUSA.com.

Do-It-Yourself identity theft protection is the single greatest thing that you can do for yourself and your family this New Year. (Well, maybe besides staying healthy.) But, when the fastest growing crime in the world is identity theft, preventing it should be one of your top priorities. The great part is that you can literally do it yourself and keep your family safe!

Since identity theft is the fastest growing crime in the entire world, it stands to reason that identity theft protection agencies are popping up all over the place. Even your standard credit reporting firms have gotten in on the action, offering identity theft protection on top of credit reporting for some outrageous fees. The problem isn’t who is protecting your identity; the problem is how well they are doing it for the cost.

Everything that a protection agency can do for you, you can do for yourself with a little information. Preventing identity theft before it happens is step number one, the most important thing that you can do. If you fail to prevent identity theft, you will spend hours upon hours trying to clean up the mess, and it’s just plain avoidable.

Do mull over the simple steps to keep your identity protected, visit our member library. Everything that you ever wanted to know about identity theft protection can be found here, and it’s all easy to follow information that makes DIY identity protection simple. Little things like never giving out your confidential information over social networks, writing ‘See ID’ on the back of your credit and debit cards, paying with cash, monitoring your credit score, and being aware of your finances at all times will help you prevent identity theft.

In the unfortunate event that your credit card is stolen, or your computer has been hacked into, there are steps that you must take immediately to prevent any more damage to your identity. For example, place an immediate fraud alert on your accounts. This can be done through our website, and will let all the credit bureaus know that something isn’t right and should be looked at. During the fraud alert, carefully monitor your credit for any suspicious activity, as well as your bank accounts.

Basically, a fraud alert will notify the credit bureaus that there has been suspicious activity and that steps should be taken to verify every single change to your credit score, usage of your credit cards, and attempts to pull or open your confidential information. The fraud alert will place the credit bureaus on high alert.

You should also put a credit freeze onto your account if the suspicious activity continues. This can also be done through idSafeUSA.com. It’s another DIY step that must be taken to avoid damaging your credit score. A credit freeze will let the three credit bureaus know that absolutely no one is allowed to access your account besides you. It freezes all activity and access, and protects your credit from identity thieves.

For more information on DIY identity theft protection that’s easy, affordable and secure, jump over to our main page at http://www.idsafeusa.com.

Happy New Year from idSafeUSA.com!! We just wanted to send out some warm wishes to everyone out there who is concerned about protecting their identity. If we’ve said it once, we’ve said it a million times; identity theft is the fastest growing crime around, and it is up to you to keep your identity protected. Preventing identity theft is in your hands, and with idSafeUSA.com, we give you the tools that you need to affordably and securely prevent identity theft.

So, as the new year rolls over the horizon, your identity prevention plan should also be just behind it. There is no better time then now to begin the identity protection process. Make your New Year’s Resolution to prevent identity theft!

Preventing identity theft in 2010 will be more difficult than ever, as the fastest growing crime in the nation will only grow faster. idSafeUSA’s prediction for identity theft in 2010; it will get far worse then we probably even realize. Recessions and tough economic times are goldmines for identity thieves, and while unemployment numbers will continue to drop in 2010, our financial woes will last, meaning desperate consumers and happy identity thieves.

Have you ever used Craigslist? Perhaps in your job search you’ve come across a posting that seemed just like all the rest. But, after applying, sending your resume and your personal information, you are hit with a request for banking services rather than an interview. We predict these ‘job opportunity’ scams will run wild in 2010. Do not give these scammers your banking information! They will ask you to deposit half of a specific amount, for your services, and then ask you to send the remaining amount to the next ‘employee.’ It’s an identity theft scam! They will clean out your bank account and ruin you.

Financial strain can lead even the most sincere, trustworthy individual to a life of crime. Small, petty crimes online will rise in 2010, as the most desperate of American workers will look for alternative sources of income to keep food on the table and a roof over their heads. Identity theft was the fastest growing crime in the nation in 2009, and it’s no surprise when you consider the amount of desperation out there.

Family members may become your worst enemy in the fight against identity theft in 2010. Unfortunately, the desperation and financial woes will only get worse before they get better, and while good things are going to happen in 2010, we are still going through a very long financial recovery process. Family members might not think twice about using some confidential information to secure themselves a new home, a new credit card, or a new car. Never underestimate the power of money.

As we’ve said time and time again, social media identity theft will shoot through the roof in 2010. We have absolutely no doubt that the amount if identity scams and phishing scams on social networks such as Twitter and Facebook will rise by record rates. This year, social networks grew by as much as 200% to 300%, and next year will be no different. This was the ‘trial’ year for social identity thieves; next year will be brutal.

No matter how you look at it, preventing identity theft and keeping yourself protected should be one of your top priorities in 2010. Look to idSafeUSA for the keys to preventing identity theft in 2010.

Making sure you monitor your credit throughout the holidays, and consistently after the holidays, is a great way to prevent identity theft. This is the time of year that you as the consumer must be diligent about protecting your identity, and monitoring your credit is just one way to be sure that nothing fishy is happening to your identity.

If you haven’t checked your credit score yet this holiday season, now is the time. Check it now, and then check it again after the holidays. Be sure to also monitor your bank statements as well from now until the holidays have passed.

How do you monitor your credit through the holidays? Well, with idSafeUSA.com you can set up fraud alerts, freeze your credit after any suspicious activity, and keep an eye on things. With idSafeUSA.com, you can keep an eye on your credit and monitor your identity. During the holiday season, you can never be too careful.

Unlike other credit monitoring services, idSafeUSA.com does not have those hidden fees that many other identity theft protection companies have. With idSafeUSA.com, you pay your monthly fee, or your one-time yearly fee, and that’s it. There is no time frame, no unexpected fees that creep up on you.

Monitoring your credit is difficult to do on your own, though it can be done. With some services, you will undoubtedly sign up for some free monitoring service that will inevitably charge you an arm and a leg without you knowing about it, much like the identity thieves themselves. You’ll sign up for your free credit score, and it will come with a ‘free’ credit monitoring service. That’s where they hit you with the hidden costs for the ‘free’ credit monitoring. With idSafeUSA.com, there are no hidden costs.

According to a California research company, over 24 million Americans signed up for some kind of credit monitoring service in the past year. That’s millions who are more than likely paying way too much for these services. Monitoring your credit is crucial during the holidays, but so are things like fraud alerts and free credit freeze services. With idSafeUSA.com, you’ll get all of these benefits at much less than many others.

For more information on how to keep your identity protected during the holidays and monitor your credit score, visit http://www.idSafeUSA.com.

It’s your last weekend of holiday shopping before Christmas, and it’s an identity thieves dream come true. You’re rushing, you’re not paying attention, and your identity becomes stolen. It happens every second around this nation, but if you can keep yourself educated then you might be able to keep your identity protected.

Holiday shopping during this last weekend before Christmas usually involves a lot of hustle and bustle. Things can get a little hectic, and other things can get misplaced easily. Things like your credit card or debit card could slip from your purse or pocket without you even realizing it.

So, how can you keep your identity protected during this busy weekend before Christmas? Follow these simple steps:

Keep your wallet in your front pocket. It might seem like an old-school way of stealing your identity, but pick-pockets are still alive and well and just waiting to grab your credit cards. While you’re waiting in those long lines, move your wallet to your front pocket to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft.

Use a shorter handbag or purse. If you can find a handbag that has a short leash, or one that is actually held in your hands, it’s probably a better bet to go with that one during this last weekend before Christmas. Purses that hang lower from your shoulder leave so much room for identity thieves to quickly grab your wallet and run without you even knowing it.

Write ‘please see ID’ on the back of all credit and debit cards. This is how you will avoid any mistaken identity. During the holidays, customer service employees should be more inclined to check credit and debit cards for signatures. If they see the ‘please see ID’ written on the back, they are more inclined to check your ID and make sure you are the rightful owner of the credit or debit card.

Look out for discount scams. Not so often these days you’ll still see those survey takers walking around the mall getting your personal information. They do still exist, and they are offering more discounts and deals than ever. We’ve written once before that a during recessions identity theft numbers shoot through the roof. This last weekend before Christmas is prime season for identity thieves who are preying on those looking for the best deals. Don’t be fooled, and don’t give out your personal information.

It can be a scary weekend for those who are rushing around, trying to get those last second gifts and cash in on those last second deals. You can prevent identity theft this weekend and keep you and your family safe by constantly being aware of your surroundings.

Have a safe and happy holiday shopping weekend! Visit our main site at http://www.idsafeusa.com for more identity theft information.

Prevent identity theft this holiday season by simply being smarter than your assailants. There is no better identity theft protection than education on the subject, and knowledge of the ways to keep you protected. Whether you’re cruising Facebook or Twitter, or doing some holiday shopping online, it’s always important to be aware of how to prevent identity theft.

Here are a few little tips to help you prevent identity theft during this busy holiday shopping season:

Watch out for that keen eye that is just waiting to catch a glimpse of your pin number. Whether you are purchasing something with your debit card and entering your pin, or taking out cash to be a more responsible shopper, always be aware of your surroundings. This is the time of year when identity theft occurs nearly every minute around the nation, and if you can stay aware of your surroundings you will be one step ahead of the game.

Problem: Identity thieves glancing over your shoulder to see your pin.

Solution: Always cover or attempt to hide your pin number when entering it. It might look a little silly to some, and feel a little silly to others, but if you are in a sea of holiday shoppers waiting in line to take out cash or make a payment, you can never be too careful.

If you are using your debit and credit cards this holiday season, don’t sign the back of the card. Yep, you heard me, don’t sign the back of your card. To prevent identity theft you should write “please see ID” on the back of all of your cards. This will insure, hopefully, that as you checkout you will be asked for your driver’s license. If they don’t ask for your ID, be sure to tell management that there is sure to be an identity theft issue at their store.

Problem: Using debit and credit cards.

Solution: Always write ‘please see ID’ on the back of all of your cards.

Many of us take for granted the system of garbage pick-up that occurs throughout the nation. To prevent identity theft, it is crucial that you are aware of what you are throwing away, or recycling. Sure, it might make you feel wonderful to be helping out the environment by recycling all of your paperwork, invoices, and receipts. You should feel that way, however, you should also be shredding it all first. Many local areas will have shred-a-thons to help you get rid of all of that confidential information that absolutely anyone can see by digging through your trash. It may seem like a dirty job, but it is one of the most common ways that identity thieves will steal your information.

Problem: Tossing out receipts.

Solution: Use a shredder…always!

Everything is done over the internet these days. We’d rather talk to each other on Facebook and Twitter than meet face-to-face for some coffee. Complete strangers know more about us through our social updates than our own families do. Times certainly have changed, which is why you have to change your habits online. While we’ve talked about protecting your identity on social networks many times here, we also need to point out that it’s imperative that you don’t store absolutely everything on your computer.

If your computer is infected with a virus that was created by hackers and identity thieves, they can easily read your confidential information and use it to their advantage. In order to prevent identity theft on your computer, back up all of your personal information onto another hard drive that you can unplug. You can either purchase another small hard drive to use, or you may use a flash drive.

Problem: Computer viruses that can read your confidential information.

Solution: Store your personal information on another drive.

Lastly, and most importantly, check your bank statements and your credit reports frequently, especially during and just after the holiday season. This is prime time for identity thieves, and to prevent identity theft it’s always best to stay on top of it. Know where you’ve spent your money, and know exactly how much you’ve spent. If there is something that doesn’t look right or match up on your bank statement, don’t hesitate to call them and discuss the problem. In most cases, they will be willing to work with you to figure out how that charge on your account came to be.

Problem: Reckless spending.

Solution: Always stay on top of your bank statements, and keep all receipts until the statement and charge has cleared.

While these are just a few was to prevent identity theft, I hope that we’ve brought to attention the multitude of ways that identity thieves attempt to steal your personal information. This list could go on and on, and the only way to stay protected is to stay informed. If you want more information on how to prevent identity theft, visit http://www.idsafeusa.com for more information.