http://www.identitytheftmanifesto.com/forum/ Tips, Advice, Suggestions, etc... This is your place to rant. en Sun, 01 Aug 2010 04:38:04 +0000 http://www.identitytheftmanifesto.com/forum/topic/phone-call-scams#post-153 Wed, 13 Jan 2010 21:00:07 +0000 erin46 153@http://www.identitytheftmanifesto.com/forum/ <p>A friend of mine got a call asking for money two days ago from a man calling on behalf of the Native Americans. It was strange though, because her last name was pronounced wrong (and it's something as simple as Smith), the call was blocked, and there was a HUGE lag time where she could hear herself echoing. She said no she wouldn't give money and is pretty sure it was a scam. </p> <p>What do you think? </p> http://www.identitytheftmanifesto.com/forum/topic/social-engineering#post-167 Sun, 31 Jan 2010 01:15:17 +0000 SequenceInitiated 167@http://www.identitytheftmanifesto.com/forum/ <p>Social engineering is the main way a hacker gets any information from their victims. People will talk you into doing/Telling something you may not want to, but may have too.</p> <p>Hackers usually use social engineering because its one of the easiest ways to get information.</p> <p>I personally love social engineering, aslong as you take a realistic approach to it, you also need to know your victim before you even try.</p> <p>For example:<br /> I recently tricked/Socialed a girl into taking her clothes off for me on Webcam (LMFAO), By creating fake programs, and proper wording i befriended her, slipped in a program that stated that she had some viruses on her computer, then said, the only way to remove the viruses, is if she were to take her clothes off (Still LMFAO), Of course the viruses were fake, but it was still a fun experience (In my opinion). </p> http://www.identitytheftmanifesto.com/forum/topic/different-types-of-identity-theft#post-95 Sun, 10 Jan 2010 10:35:27 +0000 gracie 95@http://www.identitytheftmanifesto.com/forum/ <p>I haven't seen any topics talking about the different types of identity theft, so I wanted to start a thread where we could talk about it. </p> <p>I was recently a victim of identity theft, so I felt like we should talk about it here. </p> http://www.identitytheftmanifesto.com/forum/topic/deter-detect-defend-avoid-id-theft#post-163 Fri, 15 Jan 2010 10:17:15 +0000 ellie 163@http://www.identitytheftmanifesto.com/forum/ <p>Has anyone checked out this website? I figure after the ID issue has gotten to the point it now currently is, the gov. felt the need to step in and help educate people. I do like their motto, its snazzy and to the point: Deter. Detect. Defend.</p> <p>You can file complaints and find tons of useful videos, I for one am happy the gov is trying to do something to help stop this.</p> <p><a href="http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft" rel="nofollow">http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft</a> </p> http://www.identitytheftmanifesto.com/forum/topic/gaming-sites#post-164 Sat, 16 Jan 2010 12:40:14 +0000 tomil 164@http://www.identitytheftmanifesto.com/forum/ <p>There are tons of sites out there telling you they can power level you through a game, but did you know most are fakes? Even some that can take your ID, get you ban from the game and take all you have worked for? I think thats just as bad as taking money out of your bank honestly, you still work hard for something and have it robbed from you. </p> http://www.identitytheftmanifesto.com/forum/topic/extended-fraud-alert#post-151 Wed, 13 Jan 2010 20:56:57 +0000 erin46 151@http://www.identitytheftmanifesto.com/forum/ <p>Someone mentioned in another post the phrase 'extended fraud alert'. I haven't heard this term before though and wanted to find out exactly what it means. How is it different from a credit freeze? </p> http://www.identitytheftmanifesto.com/forum/topic/emails#post-26 Mon, 04 Jan 2010 22:43:23 +0000 secureme 26@http://www.identitytheftmanifesto.com/forum/ <p>One of the ways where hackers get our information is through emails. They will send an email that requires our personal information to receive prizes. Sometimes they even use companies or websites where we have accounts and they will pretend to be employees on that company. </p> <p>Let us always beware of these emails and its better to type the domain name of the website than clicking on the link on the email. </p> http://www.identitytheftmanifesto.com/forum/topic/why-hackers-do-what-they-do#post-160 Thu, 14 Jan 2010 23:25:24 +0000 SequenceInitiated 160@http://www.identitytheftmanifesto.com/forum/ <p>I bet you see all hackers like this:<br /> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNO6G4ApJQY" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNO6G4ApJQY</a></p> <p>We are Really:<br /> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooGime1WLbs" rel="nofollow">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooGime1WLbs</a> </p> http://www.identitytheftmanifesto.com/forum/topic/sms-for-every-transaction#post-25 Mon, 04 Jan 2010 22:37:47 +0000 secureme 25@http://www.identitytheftmanifesto.com/forum/ <p>I don't know if this is available in all credit card companies. An SMS will be send to my cellphone whenever I make a transaction. With this feature, I will know if someone is using my credit card because I will receive an SMS telling me that a transaction was made. I think this is one of the best ways to protect ourselves from hackers using our accounts. </p> http://www.identitytheftmanifesto.com/forum/topic/check-with-your-employer#post-86 Sat, 09 Jan 2010 10:34:19 +0000 protectyou 86@http://www.identitytheftmanifesto.com/forum/ <p>It is really important that not only you, but also your employer is making sure they are keeping your personal information safe.<br /> We had a problem about 6 months ago where someone had hacked into our payroll detail. 3 out of 500 people that work for the company I work for had there identity stolen.<br /> Of course the company did all they could do to help out the employees.<br /> It's important you know what the company is doing with your personal information to keep it safe. </p> http://www.identitytheftmanifesto.com/forum/topic/credit-problems#post-10 Thu, 12 Nov 2009 07:37:02 +0000 Adam 10@http://www.identitytheftmanifesto.com/forum/ <p>My friend was a victim of both identity theft and identity fraud. He was living in the US and someone used his information for identity cloning and concealment, so that they could avoid the police in the UK. His information was stolen when he applied for bogus employment. </p> <p>After discovering his identity had been stolen, he worked with a company that helped him restore his credit. He was quite pleased. Have you known anyone else who's worked with a company before? </p> http://www.identitytheftmanifesto.com/forum/topic/what-is-credit-freeze#post-21 Mon, 04 Jan 2010 15:38:40 +0000 BobCat 21@http://www.identitytheftmanifesto.com/forum/ <p>I am hearing that getting a credit freeze is the best protection from Identity theft. Is it true or is it an "urban legend"? Can someone explain to me how it works? </p> http://www.identitytheftmanifesto.com/forum/topic/protection-100#post-154 Thu, 14 Jan 2010 11:51:12 +0000 blance 154@http://www.identitytheftmanifesto.com/forum/ <p>There are records all over that could be released or stolen, is there any sure fire way to completely protect your identity rather than taking a chance? I see places that advertise (for a fee) that they can, but I am iffy on these types of places. </p> http://www.identitytheftmanifesto.com/forum/topic/taking-too-much#post-144 Wed, 13 Jan 2010 10:59:07 +0000 tomil 144@http://www.identitytheftmanifesto.com/forum/ <p>People never notice who might be listening in on their conversation with a friend or even on the phone. I had someone in the store the other day tell about 1/2 the room their password for their email, after telling the person on the phone what their email login was! </p> http://www.identitytheftmanifesto.com/forum/topic/passwords#post-82 Fri, 08 Jan 2010 18:49:10 +0000 gracie 82@http://www.identitytheftmanifesto.com/forum/ <p>One thing that I have learned about identity theft from my recent experiences is that it is very important to regularly change your passwords to things online. You should make them complicated as well. This makes it hard to break into your records. </p> http://www.identitytheftmanifesto.com/forum/topic/never-open-personal-accounts-in-public-computers#post-96 Sun, 10 Jan 2010 12:47:05 +0000 secureme 96@http://www.identitytheftmanifesto.com/forum/ <p>This is what I always advice to my friends who have just opened an online banking account or a payment processor account. I would also like to advice everyone to never open this kind of accounts on public computers like libraries and internet cafes. </p> http://www.identitytheftmanifesto.com/forum/topic/using-debit-as-credit-at-atm-or-pos#post-106 Mon, 11 Jan 2010 05:55:10 +0000 Anna 106@http://www.identitytheftmanifesto.com/forum/ <p>While using your debit card as credit may help protect your pin, it makes it easier for someone who has stolen your card to be able to use it. Most stores do not look at the card. You swipe it yourself, sign and leave. For this reason, I always use my pin. </p> http://www.identitytheftmanifesto.com/forum/topic/is-it-another-fraud#post-32 Wed, 06 Jan 2010 04:30:41 +0000 Griffin 32@http://www.identitytheftmanifesto.com/forum/ <p>I got this email today:</p> <blockquote><p> ATTEN PLEASE</p> <p>We are glad to announce your selection in our Postcode scientific draw<br /> please open the attached file, for details and contact our fiduciary agent<br /> for immediate Claim.</p> <p>Direct +31-(phone number)<br /> E-mail: (email-address)@yahoo.com.hk</p> <p>Congratulations!<br /> (Dr. something)<br /> Public Relation Officer. </p></blockquote> <p>What is it all about? What is a postcode scientific draw? Do you know there is such a draw? Should I respond the email or just disregard it? </p> http://www.identitytheftmanifesto.com/forum/topic/hackers-point-of-view#post-19 Mon, 28 Dec 2009 06:20:50 +0000 SequenceInitiated 19@http://www.identitytheftmanifesto.com/forum/ <p>Assuming you didn't know, i am a hacker</p> <p>Hackers use credit cards and bank info that we take usually goes to a launder, from there, they take half, or what ever you decided on. From there the money is sent by Western union, or paypal, or what ever is desiered.</p> <p>Levels of Hackers:<br /> Skiddie - Script kiddie, uses Pre-made applications that are free on the web to obtain data.<br /> Hacker - Codes his own tools, Defaces a site occasionally.<br /> Elite (1337) - Writes his own exploits, Defaces sites on a daily basis.</p> <p>Examples:<br /> Hacker (Me) - link removed<br /> Elite - link removed</p> <p>Iskorpitx, is a hero (in my eyes) considering he has defaced over 25k sites, and over 5k Gov/Important sites. </p> http://www.identitytheftmanifesto.com/forum/topic/cover-your-password-when-typing-at-stores#post-89 Sun, 10 Jan 2010 07:30:47 +0000 protectyou 89@http://www.identitytheftmanifesto.com/forum/ <p>I don't know how many times I see people typing in their password for their debit cards without paying any attention at all to who is looking.<br /> I think it's important to cover the keypad when typing in your password. This way you know no one can see what you are typing, and this will stop them from getting into your debit card or bank account. </p> http://www.identitytheftmanifesto.com/forum/topic/use-certified-mail#post-139 Wed, 13 Jan 2010 06:31:58 +0000 Anna 139@http://www.identitytheftmanifesto.com/forum/ <p>When you are communicating with credit bureas or anyone else in regards to identity theft be sure you not only call but send written documentation of your complaint. Also, use certified mail. With certified mail the recipient must sign for the letter and you receive a receipt as to when it was received. </p> http://www.identitytheftmanifesto.com/forum/topic/how-to-fix-it#post-5 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:22:22 +0000 gracie 5@http://www.identitytheftmanifesto.com/forum/ <p>I've just discovered that my identity was stolen. I don't even know where to begin with taking care of fixing it. Does anyone know if I should start making phone calls or who to call? </p> http://www.identitytheftmanifesto.com/forum/topic/research-and-double-check#post-34 Wed, 06 Jan 2010 05:31:03 +0000 Doggie Love 34@http://www.identitytheftmanifesto.com/forum/ <p>If a man came to your door and said he worked for the electric company, you should get his information and call the electric company to verify. Even they tell you to do that. Use that same caution anytime you are asked for your personal information, in mail or email or over the phone. Get the information, look up the phone number yourself, and double check. You have to be cautious and protect yourself because scammers are everywhere. When you give out personal information, you are inviting ID theft. </p> http://www.identitytheftmanifesto.com/forum/topic/credit-cards-online#post-3 Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:26:34 +0000 erin46 3@http://www.identitytheftmanifesto.com/forum/ <p>Do you use credit cards online? I'm afraid to, because they seem fairly easy to lift. Is there a way to use a secure browser or something like that? I would hate someone to steal my identity because I bought something online. </p> http://www.identitytheftmanifesto.com/forum/topic/what-to-do-when-your-identity-is-used#post-85 Sat, 09 Jan 2010 05:46:34 +0000 secureme 85@http://www.identitytheftmanifesto.com/forum/ <p>I recommend that everyone watch the movie: "Identity Theft, The Michelle Brown Story". This movie is based on real people and events.</p> <p>After you have watched this movie, you will understand why I made this topic. I myself don't know what to do if someone has stolen my identity and used it for their advantage. I hope this movie will help us understand better on dealing with identity theft. </p> http://www.identitytheftmanifesto.com/forum/topic/zeus-and-why-to-be-afraid#post-49 Thu, 07 Jan 2010 18:50:42 +0000 SequenceInitiated 49@http://www.identitytheftmanifesto.com/forum/ <p>As most of you know, i am a hacker. I have Recently setup my ZeuS which is a banking trojan, And sofar have got a decent ammount of people infected.</p> <p>Here is a picture: REMOVED (You Cannot get infected by a Picture)</p> <p>Summery<br /> ZeuS - software to steal personal user data from remote systems, Windows. On<br /> plain language of "trojan", "backdoor", "virus". But the author does not like these words, therefore, further documentation, He will call this software "Bot". </p> <p>Bot is fully based on the WinAPI Interception in UserMode (Ring3), this means that the bot does not use drivers or treatments in Ring0. This feature makes it possible to run even on Guest Account. Plus, it ensures greater stability and adaptability on next versions of Windows.</p> <p>Ways To Get Infected:<br /> By visiting a legitiment site that has been infected with "Bad code" Thus promping the browser to automaticly download and run (Without telling you) you virus.<br /> And about a million other ways.</p> <p>Black Markets:<br /> Black markets are places where hackers sell there wares, from ZeuS ($10,000+) To keyloggers($5.00+). I Personally have bought zombies/victims many times.</p> <p>Example of Why to be afraid:<br /> xxxxxxxxxxxx8183, Kerry X XXXXXXX</p> <p>-SequenceInitiated </p> http://www.identitytheftmanifesto.com/forum/topic/is-it-all-about-money#post-31 Wed, 06 Jan 2010 04:04:43 +0000 Griffin 31@http://www.identitytheftmanifesto.com/forum/ <p>Do identity thieves steal others' personal details for money reason only? What about the stalkers who steal others' identities on Facebook to stalk the victims? Are they also considered committing identity theft? </p> http://www.identitytheftmanifesto.com/forum/topic/communicate-with-creditors#post-23 Mon, 04 Jan 2010 20:59:33 +0000 Doggie Love 23@http://www.identitytheftmanifesto.com/forum/ <p>I think one of the worst things people do is not stay on top of their credit cards, whether they are actively using them or not. It's vitally important to go online and check your activity on a regular basis, even daily. Trust me, it's worth it. If you do suspect anything is out of whack, talk to those creditors and keep talking to them until you get the situation resolved. </p> http://www.identitytheftmanifesto.com/forum/topic/what-is-identity-theft#post-17 Mon, 16 Nov 2009 15:20:11 +0000 BusyBee 17@http://www.identitytheftmanifesto.com/forum/ <p>What is ID theft? I keep reading about it and it seems that every crime is piled up into one. My understanding of identity theft is when someone takes over somebody else's identity. Can someone clarify it for me? </p> http://www.identitytheftmanifesto.com/forum/topic/some-important-information-about-identity-theft-manifesto-forum#post-2 Thu, 27 Aug 2009 14:16:15 +0000 admin 2@http://www.identitytheftmanifesto.com/forum/ <p>Although I believe rules are meant to be broken, I will watch you like a hawk to enforce some rules on this site. We are all civilized people here. Right? I thought so.</p> <p>Users that do not abide by the rules may be subject to having their posts edited or deleted, their member account permanently banned from further access and/or deleted without notice.</p> <p>Rules and guidelines are subject to change without prior notice, so do check in regularly</p> <p>These rules are here to help you to understand what is expected from you as a member and to make your experience fun, informational, educational and enjoyable.</p> <p>Here is What you are NOT ALLOWED to do: </p> <p>1. No discussion of any illegal activity or threats of violence. (ie. Exchange of fraudulent information, how to commit an identity related theft, illicit drug use or exchange, threats of suicide or self-injury, or threatened or intended physical harm). Discussions of suicide or self-harm that are deemed negative and therefore potentially injurious to others are also not permitted.</p> <p>2. No use of explicit, obscene or vulgar language or images and/or messages, including racist remarks. </p> <p>3. No posts that attack, insult, "flame", defame, or abuse members or non-members. Respect other members of the community and don’t belittle, make fun off, or insult another member or non-member. Please do not attack anyone who has a difference of opinion. "Flaming" and insults, however, will not be tolerated. Agree to disagree. </p> <p>5. No advertising or links to advertising or "Spam" is permitted (including signatures).<br /> • Advertising or Spam is defined as posting a link for the purpose of selling, soliciting or promoting by someone that has ownership or other "vested interest" to the web site involved, including efforts to promote other online forums or web sites by web site owners.<br /> • Posts and links about fundraising (including nonprofit fundraisers) are NOT permitted.<br /> • Only links to personal home pages are allowed in signatures and member profiles. Links must be appropriate and abide by rules #1-4 or they will be removed.<br /> • Links to helpful web sites (commercial or otherwise) are allowed when they are posted by someone without any "vested interest" AND whose purpose is NOT to solicit, advertise, promote, fundraise, etc.<br /> 6. No links to any web site or use of any username that fits into rules # 1-4 above. </p> <p>7. No use of multiple usernames. Please register and use only one username for the forums. Posting under multiple user accounts will result in administrative action (ie. banning).</p> <p>10. No posts of copyrighted material. Information copyrighted or owned by any individual or entity other than the person posting should not be posted on the message boards without the consent of the owner.</p> <p>11. No posts of lengthy articles. Sharing information is allowed, but the forums are not to be used to publish articles. It is an improper use of critical forum resources. </p> <p>12. No posts of an overtly political or religious nature OR posts promoting advocacy of particular personal, medical, legal, religious, political, or non-profit causes. The forums are intended for offering mutual personal support. Debating controversial subjects should be taken elsewhere. Limited religious references are allowed (ie. "my prayers are with you" or a brief quote as part of a larger post), but the forums should not be used to convert others. </p> <p>13. No cryptic posts. Using cryptic messages to "skirt" the rules is not permitted. </p> <p>14. If it shouldn’t be viewed by minors, then it shouldn’t be posted to these forums. This is a public, family-friendly forum. In addition, if something would not be considered “work safe” (to a boss or co-worker), then it shouldn’t be posted. </p> <p>15. Do not disrespect moderators and administrator, i.e. me. Be respectful in both the forums and any private communications with moderators. Moderators are volunteers that donate many, many hours of their own time to help in the forums and chat rooms. Violations of this rule will not be tolerated.</p> <p>16. No SHOUTING. Remember, using ALL CAPITAL LETTERS in posts is considered yelling and rude, plus it is difficult to read. </p> <p>17. Do not post offline personal contact information (ie. your home address, phone numbers etc.) and do not ask for personal information from others. Use of full names (your first and last name) is allowed but strongly discouraged. This is to protect your security and identity.</p> <p>18. No duplicate posts. </p> <p>19. No irrelevant or off-topic posts. Posts which are not relevant to the forum topic may be deleted at the moderator's discretion. </p> <p>20. No lengthy signatures. Limit signatures to 5 lines or less. Moderators will edit and/or remove signatures that are too long.</p> <p>21. Do not use the forum to give professional legal advice. If you are an attorney, please remember the forums are for ID Theft Victim or any Interested Consumer support and not to be used for distributing professional legal advice and/or using the forum to represent your professional services. If you would like to advertize your service, go to the contact page.</p> <p>Here is what you CAN do:</p> <p>1. Check for open topics. Before posting a new topic, please check to see if there is already a topic open on the subject.</p> <p>2. Ignore bothersome members. Report them.</p> <p>3. Report posts that violate the rules and guidelines. Do not reply to the offending post as that typically only encourages the poster.</p> <p>4. Use good judgment. NEVER rely on information or opinions exchanged via the forums to replace necessary, personal consultation(s) with qualified legal professionals to meet your individual needs. Remember that what's right or has worked for one person may not be what's right for you. </p> <p>5. Lend a helping hand. Offer your encouragement; a couple of kind words go a long way.</p> <p>6. Don't be afraid to share. If you're feeling alone or absolutely helpless, don't be afraid to share your fears and tears. If you have some great news with your personal struggles with ID theft, spread the news.</p> <p>7. Welcome new members. When newcomers arrive, say "hi" and welcome them. Help new folks "learn the ropes" about how to find information and resources, save time, and how to get involved. You will also find a lot of help using the forums themselves. </p> <p>8. Use descriptive titles for new posts. Avoid "generic" post subjects like "Help" or "Question". You will receive a better response to your posts by being more descriptive about the content of your post. </p>