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How do thieves steal your private information?

Information security has always been important, but the amount of information we store on our computers and the ever growing number of permanently connected Internet connections there has never been a time when your information has been more at risk. Below you will find general information relating to security of your personal details, however we would strongly advise that you seek professional advice on ensuring that your computer and information is properly protected and your data securely backed up.

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Online:

• You receive an email (usually Spam) and open it by accident. The email contains hidden Spyware which then installs itself without your permission. This Spyware tracks all of your online activity including instant messages, email communications, sites you visit and files you download. This can be extremely dangerous if you access your bank account information online.
• You visit a Web site which pops up a dialog box and asks you to download a required application. It tells you that it's necessary to download the application before proceeding to view the site. Once you download this application, Spyware is planted on your PC.
• You download a screensaver or a file from the web and after you install it, Spyware is installed in the background without your permission.
• A hacker breaks into your employer's computer and steals your personal information.

Offline:

• Thieves get your information from businesses or other institutions by stealing records from their employer or bribing an employee who has access to these records, or hacking into the organization's computers.
• Thieves rummage through your trash, or the trash of businesses or dumps in a practice known as “dumpster diving.”
• They steal credit and debit card numbers as your card is processed by using a special information storage device in a practice known as “skimming.”
• They steal mail, including bank and credit card statements, pre-approved credit offers, new checks, or tax information.
• They complete a “change of address form” to divert your mail to another location.
• They scam information from you by posing as a legitimate business person or government official.
   

How do you know if you are a victim of Identity Theft?

Online:

• Whenever you use your PC and you get more pop-ads than normal
• Your PC seems to be working slow or your Internet access is slower than normal.
• You start to get more Spam.
• You experience constant computer crashes.
• You start to get more viruses.

Offline:

• You stop receiving bills or other mail.
• You start receiving credit cards for which you did not apply.
• You get denial of credit for no apparent reason.
• You start receiving calls from debt collectors or companies about merchandise or services you didn't buy.
   

How to protect against these threats

Online:

• Get software to guard against Spyware/Adware, Spam and Pop-Ups.
• Do not fill out any web forms which ask for your social security information, drivers' license, email passwords, bank account information or mother's maiden name. We recommend that you call the Web site operator directly and provide this information, if it is necessary to do business (i.e. applying for a credit card)
• Do not download or install any software unless you know and trust the vendor 100%.
• Try not to give out your email address to anyone who you do not know.
• Do not post your email address on any chat room or web site.
• Clear out cookies and other tracking data on your PC.
• Try using disposable email accounts when filling out forms on the Web. There are many companies offering free email accounts (i.e. hotmail).
• Don't enter into any sweepstakes or contests (online or offline). Most are designed to capture your personal information and sell it to 3 rd parties.
• Invest in the services of a computer specialist to ensure you are adequately protected.

Offline:

• Check your credit report often and look for unusual activity. Subscribe to a credit monitoring service.
• Be cautious with your personal information. Avoid giving out your social security number, even if people/companies ask for it. Keep in mind that most business transactions do not require your social security number.
• Secure personal information in your home, especially if you have roommates, employ outside help, or are having service work done in your home.
• If you get a call from a telemarketer, do not give out your information for any reason. If you really want the product, get their contact information and call them back.
• Shred any personal documents BEFORE throwing them out with the trash.
• Keep your purse or wallet in a safe place at work.
• Close any credit card accounts or bank accounts which have been opened fraudulently.