As banks step up their efforts at securing unattended ATMs, identity thieves bent on credit card theft are moving to a new technique: Gas station credit card skimming. Although identity thieves might obtain fewer debit card numbers and PINs at a gas station than at an ATM, gas pump skimming is still profitable for enterprising thieves. Using a credit card skimmer, a device … [Read more...] about Gas Pump Skimming – A Daily Threat?
Identity Theft
Identity Theft and Technology – Threats to Your Financial Health
According to the consumer advocacy group CALPIRG, 63% of identity theft cases start online via fraudulent emails or a website. Identity theft and technology now go hand in hand, making it more difficult for consumers to avoid becoming identity theft victims. It isn’t simply online technology making it easier for identity thieves to steal your information, either. Many … [Read more...] about Identity Theft and Technology – Threats to Your Financial Health
The 10 Latest Medical Identity Theft Statistics
Medical identity theft statistics show that the crime of medical identity theft is on the rise. Medical identity theft is a unique form of identity theft, in which people impersonate another person when receiving medical care. Because so few of us regularly check our full medical records, this type of crime can go undetected for years, even if you’re regularly checking your … [Read more...] about The 10 Latest Medical Identity Theft Statistics
Credit Card Fraud – 6 Ways to Potentially Avoid It
With millions upon millions of Americans carrying around a credit card, many often don’t think twice when they swipe that piece of plastic. Sure, while most credit card companies won’t hold you liable for purchases you didn’t make, that doesn’t mean the scam artists can’t take advantage of you. What you have to understand is that when a bad charge shows up on your … [Read more...] about Credit Card Fraud – 6 Ways to Potentially Avoid It
Identity Theft in America – What States Carry The Highest Risk
Thanks to several recent data breaches by highly respected companies, identity theft in America is once again making headlines. While it’s of benefit to consumers to see how and why identity theft occurs in the news, the real problem goes much deeper; most cases of identity theft are never reported to the public at large because taken individually, they aren’t newsworthy. It’s … [Read more...] about Identity Theft in America – What States Carry The Highest Risk
Common Utility Scams – And How to Fight Back
Over the summer, you might have heard that President Obama was offering to pay individual’s utility bills through a new federal relief program. Unfortunately, the offer was a hoax and one of the latest utility scams; after obtaining interested bill payers’ social security numbers and bank information, the criminals provided fake bank routing numbers that led to nowhere – as did … [Read more...] about Common Utility Scams – And How to Fight Back
How A Notary Can Protect You From Identity Theft
If you haven’t experienced having your identity stolen by someone, it doesn’t mean you don’t have to be concerned at all or learn a thing or two on how to prevent being a victim of identity theft. With technology advancing more and more each day, criminals are now equipped with a lot of tools to choose from, in order to commit fraudulent acts like stealing the identity of any … [Read more...] about How A Notary Can Protect You From Identity Theft
How Safe is Online Banking? Tips You Need to Know
Online banking has made performing many tasks simpler and quicker; what used to take a drive to the bank and a wait in line can now be done in just a few clicks. However, like other online activities, online banking does have security pitfalls, so that convenience comes at a price. How safe is online banking? That depends in large part on the way we conduct ourselves … [Read more...] about How Safe is Online Banking? Tips You Need to Know
The 4 Groups Most At Risk of Becoming Identity Theft Targets
Who is a target for identity theft? Actually, all individuals with a social security number are considered identity theft targets. However, based on age, income, and financial activity, some identity theft targets are more at risk than others – and it isn’t just strangers who might be after your information. Statistics compiled by the National Institute of Justice show that … [Read more...] about The 4 Groups Most At Risk of Becoming Identity Theft Targets
What Is Wifi Sniffing and Are You at Risk?
Over the past few years, wifi networks have been popping up everywhere so that people can use their laptops to surf the internet and get work done in coffee shops, restaurants, hotel lobbies, and even truck stops. With the explosion of internet enabled mobile devices, wifi networks are even being set up in bars and other places that want to encourage people to stay longer, … [Read more...] about What Is Wifi Sniffing and Are You at Risk?