• The Biggest Warning Signs of Emails that May Want to Steal Your Identity

    The Biggest Warning Signs of Emails that May Want to Steal Your Identity

      What are the Biggest Warning Signs of Emails that May Want to Steal Your Identity? Internet phishing is a growing threat for billions of email users daily.  It seems like there is always a web scammer trying to access your information every time you read an email. The reality is that it’s incredibly simple [...]

  • Identity Theft Victim’s Rights

    Identity Theft Victim’s Rights

    Identity Theft Victim’s Rights Are you a victim of ID theft?  If you are, then you know that you are guilty until proven innocent.   Every case of ID theft is different and, at times, everyone questions your honesty and integrity. In some cases, all it takes is a few phone calls, a police report and [...]

  • Active Duty Alerts-Identity Theft Prevention Tip

    Active Duty Alerts-Identity Theft Prevention Tip

    Active Duty Alerts Every single day, members of the armed forces risk their lives to protect our liberties and freedom.  But they are not just risking their lives, they are the prime targets for identity theft. The fact that the military personnel might be deployed for extended periods of time, allowing identity theft to go [...]

  • Recent Data Security Failures

    Recent Data Security Failures

    Guest Post by Jason Knapfel You may have heard rumors of data security breaches. However, some of them were very real. That’s why you stay on top of your own digital security. You’re vigilant when it comes to how you store and share your documents. You make sure you take your sensitive documents to a shredding [...]

  • Identity Theft Prevention Tip-Check Financial Statements

    Identity Theft Prevention Tip-Check Financial Statements

    A few weeks ago, my friend told me that her debit card was used on Macys.com without her authorizaton.  My friend is probably one of the most responsible people I know.  She checks her online bank account almost every single day and this is why she was able to notice this unauthorized charge while it [...]

  • Credit Card Fraud

    Is Credit Card Fraud really not Identity Theft?

    While I was browsing the web for the latest Identity Theft news, I came across an article titled Credit Card Fraud Really Isn’t Identity Theft by Robert Siciliano. I would like to say that Robert Siciliano is a very respectable professional. He definitely has my respect and my attention. However, even people who are called experts, [...]

  • New Year Resolutions Don’t Work! But there is something else you can do.

    New Year Resolutions Don’t Work! But there is something else you can do.

    2013 is here! Happy New Year to you and your loved ones! 2012 was a challenging year for me and, I am sure, I am not the only one. But I am very optimistic about this coming year and see 2013 as a new chapter in my life with a lot of possibilities, opportunities and [...]

  • Hacker Baby!

    Hacker Baby!

      My version of a classic “Santa Baby”.  I had fun writing “Hacker Baby”, recording it and then making a “music video”. Trivia: I recorded the audio in my car near the park where it was quiet, because my household was extremely loud.  

  • Should You Purchase Identity Theft Protection?

    Should You Purchase Identity Theft Protection?

    Identity theft is a major problem. And if you live in South Carolina, the chances are very good – 75% in fact – that you may be at risk. In October, 2012, 3.6 million social security numbers of South Carolina residents were hacked, along with 16,000 credit card numbers. That means this cyber-disaster effects three-fourths [...]

  • Forms of Identity Theft Fraud

    Forms of Identity Theft Fraud

    Can you imagine getting pulled over for speeding and finding yourself put in jail for three days because of a case of mistaken identity? That’s exactly what happened to Stancy Nesbit . She got pulled over for speeding, and was arrested for possession of cocaine. Some other woman had been arrested for possession of cocaine, [...]

  • Proposed Legislation Targets Identity Theft Tax Fraud

    Proposed Legislation Targets Identity Theft Tax Fraud

    Identity theft tax fraud – using someone else’s tax ID or social security number to file a fake tax return and get a refund – has overtaken credit card fraud as the leading form of identity theft. The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration issued a report on identity theft tax fraud in July, 2012. [...]

  • What is Keylogger?

    What is Keylogger?

    What is Keylogger? A Keylogger is a software program or a hardware device created to capture every keystroke that the user makes. A Keylogger is a malware, which belongs in the spyware family. A Keylogger logs every single website you visit, every email you send and receive, every document you create, etc. Basically, a Keylogger [...]

  • Safeguarding Workplace Data: Protecting Your Information Goldmine

    Safeguarding Workplace Data: Protecting Your Information Goldmine

    The workplace is a repository of valuable personal information. Social security numbers are linked to names and birth dates: tantalizing data bits for thieves intent on accessing these records for fraudulent use. Identity theft has become so rampant nationwide, victimizing millions of consumers and causing billions in business and personal losses every year. Technology has [...]

  • Top Tips for Protecting Yourself Against Identity Theft

    Top Tips for Protecting Yourself Against Identity Theft

    Guest Post by Brandon Allred   The leading fraud problem in the United States is identity theft. The old methods of fraud involving dumpster diving and mail interception still exist, but with the new technological advancements we have seen over the past 20 years or so have allowed criminals to take things to a whole [...]

  • Close Unused Credit Card Accounts-Identity Theft Prevention Tip

    Close Unused Credit Card Accounts-Identity Theft Prevention Tip

    When it comes to identity theft prevention, there is really no cure-for-all type of prevention strategy.  It is really a combination of various strategies that you have to implement. A lot of Identity Theft Prevention Experts will tell you that Credit Freeze is the cure for all, but it really isn’t.  Yes, Credit Freeze is [...]

  • Identity Theft Prevention Tip: Don’t Share Too Much Information

    Identity Theft Prevention Tip: Don’t Share Too Much Information

    Do you know who Christopher Chaney is? Christopher Chaney is a hacker; a celebrity hacker!  He was arrested in October of 2011 as a part of a yearlong investigation of celebrity hacking, which was named by the authorities “Operation Hackerazzi”. Mr. Chaney hacked into email accounts of more than 50 celebrities including Scarlett Johansson, Christina [...]

  • Identity Theft on the Decline, but Tax Fraud Increasing

    Identity Theft on the Decline, but Tax Fraud Increasing

    Guest Post by Nussin S. Fogel, Esq. Over 250,000 identity theft complaints were filed across the US in 2010. The good news is that overall identity theft is declining: complaints peaked in 2008 with 314,521 cases. This decline may be attributed to greater consumer awareness of scams like “phishing”, in which a criminal sends an [...]

  • Election Scams are on the Rise: What to Do to Protect Yourself

    Election Scams are on the Rise: What to Do to Protect Yourself

    It is that time again!  Elections… This is the time  we get passionate about our beliefs, views and favorite candidates.  Time for the politicians to put on a likable facade and try to convince us that they are the best for the job.  But it is also the perfect opportunity for scammers to take advantage [...]

  • Searching For a New Job Safely-Identity Theft Prevention Tips

    Searching For a New Job Safely-Identity Theft Prevention Tips

    Scams and Identity Theft Crimes targeting job seekers are always lurking around and are definitely on the rise.  There are scams that are there to just get your money and there are those scams that may lead to Identity Theft. At one point or another in our lives, we all look for a new job [...]

  • Protect your Checks-Identity Theft Prevention Tips

    Protect your Checks-Identity Theft Prevention Tips

    Do you still use checks to pay for your bills and/or every day purchases?  I do.  I still pay some of my bills with checks.  My rent, for example. I am certain that many of you still use checks as well.  However, a lot of people are under the wrong impression that paying with traditional [...]

  • What to do if your Debit/ATM Card Gets Lost or Stolen

    What to do if your Debit/ATM Card Gets Lost or Stolen

    I have to tell you: I almost had a heart attack the other day! Okay, I am exaggerating a little.   Didn’t  “almost have a heart attack”, just panicked a little bit. I had a meeting with a potential client, which went well. Do you know how horrible the parking situation in Hollywood?  Limited and very [...]

  • Online Shopping Safety-Identity Theft Prevention Tips

    Online Shopping Safety-Identity Theft Prevention Tips

    There is no secret I love buying books online and all the deals I get.  Some people shop for pretty much everything online. Just like with any online activity, you have to be extremely cautious.  If not careful, you may fall into the fraudsters’ trap and have your information stolen. So here are just a [...]

  • What is Adware?

    What is Adware?

    Adware is a software program created to serve advertisements.  Usually, you get Adware on your computer by downloading some sort of free software, or freeware. It is a little tricky, because the users give their consent to download Adware.  And, since we never read what we are consenting to in the Terms of Use and [...]

  • Credit After ID Theft: Disputing Bogus Items On Your Reports

    Credit After ID Theft: Disputing Bogus Items On Your Reports

    Credit After ID Theft-Guest Post by Chris Holdheide After an identity thief has gotten your information and ruined your credit, you must start down the road of repairing it. Before you can start, however, you need to obtain copies of your credit reports from all three major credit reporting agencies: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. The [...]

  • Scams and Frauds

  • Rental Scams on Craigslist-Part 2

    Rental Scams on Craigslist-Part 2

    When I decided to move, I, of course, thought that Craigslist is the right place.  I must tell you I encountered a lot of Rental Scams there.  Since I am absolutely curious, I decided to investigate some of the more

    Sep 12, 2011 | 3 comments | View Post

  • Rental Scams on Craigslist-Part 1

    Rental Scams on Craigslist-Part 1

    As with any other post I have written, this one is no different.  I draw everything from my own experiences. I did not think of Rental Scams until I actually started looking for a new place.  I went on Craigslist.org-one

    Jul 27, 2011 | 2 comments | View Post

  • ID Theft Basics

  • Identity Theft Victim’s Rights

    Identity Theft Victim’s Rights

    Identity Theft Victim’s Rights Are you a victim of ID theft?  If you are, then you know that you are guilty until proven innocent.   Every case of ID theft is different and, at times, everyone questions your honesty and integrity.

    May 03, 2013 | 0 comments | View Post

  • Credit Card Fraud

    Is Credit Card Fraud really not Identity Theft?

    While I was browsing the web for the latest Identity Theft news, I came across an article titled Credit Card Fraud Really Isn’t Identity Theft by Robert Siciliano. I would like to say that Robert Siciliano is a very respectable professional.

    Jan 04, 2013 | 1 comment | View Post

  • Other Recent Articles

  • Putnam resident arrested for long-term ID theft

    Putnam resident arrested for long-term ID theft

    Ordonez is charged with identity theft and forgery. Allegedly, he has been using the identity of Gilberto Olimarez Jr. of La Villa, Texas, and has been living under that name for about 10 years, says one warrant filed by the trooper. “Defendant … See all stories on this topic »

    May 24, 2013 | 0 comments | View Post

  • Identity theft charges dropped on Godfrey

    Identity theft charges dropped on Godfrey

    A woman charged with identity theft after she allegedly obtained loans in her ex-husband's name has had her charges dropped. Tara Tharpe Godfrey, 36, provided documentation from the Solicitor's office that the charge of financial transaction card fraud … See all stories on this topic »

    May 24, 2013 | 0 comments | View Post

  • Stockton chief indicted

    Stockton chief indicted

    Stockton chief indicted. Police Chief Robert Beeter faces felony charges of identity theft and official misconduct during service with the Elgin department. Story · Image (1). Print: Create a hardcopy of this page; Font Size: Default font size: Larger … See all stories on this topic »

    May 24, 2013 | 0 comments | View Post

  • FTC issues refund for health insurance scam

    FTC issues refund for health insurance scam

    Sadly fraud and identity theft often go hand in hand, so it is extremely important to be aware of the many different scams used to steal not just your money, but your identity. If you are resident of Santa Ana or anywhere else in California, to check … See all stories on this topic »

    May 23, 2013 | 0 comments | View Post

  • Alabama Woman Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Identity Theft, Tax Fraud

    Alabama Woman Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Identity Theft, Tax Fraud

    Rhashema Deramus, 23, of Montgomery, Ala., was sentenced yesterday to 10 years in prison and ordered to pay $1,198,063 in restitution for her involvement in an identity theft and tax refund scam. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Deramus was … See all stories on this topic » eSecurity Planet

    May 23, 2013 | 0 comments | View Post

  • Harrington woman charged with ID theft

    Harrington woman charged with ID theft

    A 38-year-old Harrington woman was arrested today and charged with identity theft , town police said. Tammy Lasher opened one bank account on the internet in the name of a relative and attempted to open a second account in the victim's name, Lt. Earl K. See all stories on this topic »

    May 23, 2013 | 0 comments | View Post

  • Serving time for theft from one motel, clerk pleads guilty to stealing from …

    Serving time for theft from one motel, clerk pleads guilty to stealing from …

    Bryant O'Nell Niles, who ran from the Baymont Inn & Suites when a manager confronted him, pleaded guilty in federal court to wire fraud and aggravated identity theft as part of a deal in which prosecutors will recommend leniency. A preliminary estimate … See all stories on this topic »

    May 23, 2013 | 0 comments | View Post

  • Accused ID thief granted intervention

    Accused ID thief granted intervention

    A Norwalk woman won't have an identity theft conviction on her record if she successfully completes substance abuse counseling. Mollie R. Warner, 20, of 27 Woodlawn Ave., must pay up to $220 in restitution during her three years of intensive probation. See all stories on this topic » Norwalk Reflector

    May 23, 2013 | 0 comments | View Post

  • NebraskaLand National Bank Shred Day

    NebraskaLand National Bank Shred Day

    Paper Dragon Document Destruction offered the service to the bank in order to help the community be able to practice prevention methods involved with identity theft . “This event has just grown every year that we've had it. I know that we've shred over … See all stories on this topic »

    May 23, 2013 | 0 comments | View Post

  • Tax Preparer Who Stole Nearly 300 Identities Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal …

    Tax Preparer Who Stole Nearly 300 Identities Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal …

    Neil A. Thomsen, 65, was convicted in December 2011 of 32 counts of mail fraud, Social Security fraud, passport card fraud and aggravated identity theft . “Mr. Thomsen thought he could outsmart the IRS at every turn, but he got caught,” Assistant U.S … See all stories on this topic »

    May 23, 2013 | 0 comments | View Post

  • Ex-Georgia tax preparer pleads guilty in tax fraud, identity theft scheme

    Ex-Georgia tax preparer pleads guilty in tax fraud, identity theft scheme

    ATLANTA — The owner of a tax preparation business has pleaded guilty to using stolen identities to claim millions in fraudulent tax refunds. U.S. Attorney's spokesman Bob Page says 44-year-old Kevin Sonnier, of Ellenwood, worked with others to … See all stories on this topic »

    May 23, 2013 | 0 comments | View Post

  • Stockton Police Chief Arrested for Identity Theft Stemming from Love Triangle

    Stockton Police Chief Arrested for Identity Theft Stemming from Love Triangle

    STOCKTON – The chief of police is the last person you expect to be arrested, but on Tuesday deputies from the Jo Daviess Sheriff's Department took Stockton Police Chief Robert Beeter into custody. Beeter's charges of 16 counts of identity theft and … See all stories on this topic »

    May 23, 2013 | 0 comments | View Post