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Identity Protection Information
Identity theft scams
Identity theft scams are big business these days. Trying to find personal information in any way possible to access another person’s money and property has become much easier with the advent of the Internet. These days, however, there is much more awareness and security software available to combat this type of theft. But, unfortunately, like other software is invented, most viruses are created to attack and disable even the toughest of the programs.
Protect credit card numbers and bank information over the Internet can be helped by following a few simple rules. Only shop on sites that are familiar. Many people can illegally obtain personal information from credit card transactions for purchases made in a protected site. Identity theft scams occur when a person steals another credit card number, social security number, and any other information that is not theirs.
In addition, you should never send a Social Security number online. Be sure to print the confirmation number after your order. If the office received monthly bill is different, the company warns the purchase was made from as well as the credit card company. Making a mistake or theft early may help avoid costly identity theft scams.
Identity theft scams can also be done by phone. Never answer personal questions about bank accounts, credit card accounts or other information by phone. Legitimate credit cars companies never ask for account numbers over the phone. Hang up the phone and if the person has given a company name, call the Better Business Bureau and the ratio of the company.
Although identity theft scams are difficult to prove, the submission of a complaint can help. The theft of this type is particularly dangerous for older people who volunteer to answer questions on the phone out of habit or politeness.
Identity theft can strike anyone at any time during their life. It ‘important to understand the risks of buying things on the internet and answering questions on the phone who can give another person a chance to steal the money before falling into the trap of an identity theft scam.
The statistics of identity theft in 2005
The following are some shocking statistics compiled by the Identity Theft Federal Trade Commission, annual reports of fraud. For the third consecutive year, identity theft has ranked the highest in terms of fraud. Identity theft “umbrella” that includes Internet fraud, phone fraud, credit card fraud, bank fraud, and fraud utility. Each of these categories results in identity theft of another person and use it to make purchases or steal money.
There were 685,000 complaints last year to identity theft. In total, 680 million were stolen. According to statistics from previous years ‘identity’ theft, this is most of the money stolen during the period of one year.
The theft occurred mainly in urban areas and western parts of the United States. Auction wiring money and have been cited as causes for the increase in identity theft. Money wiring includes sending money to another bank account or cashing in counterfeit money orders. There are online scams that ask people who live in the U.S. to cash a money order and send the money. By the time the money orders are found to be false, the person is gone.
According to statistics from the FTC identity theft, other types of identity theft, including credit card fraud (26%) and bank fraud (17%). These two methods are very popular ways to steal identities because many people use their credit cards online and even on-line bank. While many sites are safe, some sites are not. It is possible to distinguish between the two, trying to lock in the lower right corner of your browser. If the lock is locked, then the site is safe.
Another way thieves get information from others is through “phishing”, which is the term for sending false e-mail to obtain credit card numbers and bank account numbers. Never reply to these e-mail if you receive them. Always call the company directly and see if it actually sent the information. Many companies do not send e-mail asking for personal information. According to the FTC identity theft statistics, this type of theft accounted for most of the 46% of cases of identity theft internet. These statistics are collected annually and published early next year.
