Don't Become A Victim!
In the technology age that we live in it can be very easy to become a victim of fraud. Whether it's mail fraud, identity fraud, or Internet fraud, it can be very detrimental to you. It is important that you are award of the warning signs and you know how to protect yourself.
October 17-23 is National Protect Your Idendtity Week.
Warning Signs of a Possible Scam
- Don't Ignore That Gut Feeling! Your basic instinct about a situation is usually correct. If you don't have a good feeling about a person or a gimmick, walk away.
- That sounds to good to be true! Well, it probably is! Someone has inevitably told you that if it, "Sounds to good to be true" then it is! Well, you will no doubt be made offers via the mail, email or by telephone that sound amazing. Be careful. Do some research, ask questions, be safe.
- You Must Act Now! There are those offers that require you to act fast! Don't give in to the pressure, I am sure the offer will come again!
- Don't click there! Be careful of links in emails. I know that you have received an email that has a link to take you to some great website offer. Or the one that says that your account needs some updating. Don't ever click on those email links. If you suspect that there is a problem with one of your accounts go directly to the website and check it out. Many times if you mouse over the link and look at the bottom left hand corner of the screen it will tell you where the site is that you are being directed to. Try it, I bet it isn't where you think you are going to! If you get an email that has a link, it is always better to type the address into your website browser instead of clicking on the link.
- Don't Pay For That! Be careful of offers that require you to pay upfront fees.
What can you do to help protect your identity?
- Shred all items that have any personal information on them including bills, and credit card statements.
- Never carry your social security card with you.
- Run a credit check periodically to be sure no one is opening credit in your name. Many times there can also be errors reported by agencies in error. Especially if you have a common name where it would be easy to report something incorrectly.There are some websites where you can get a free credit report.
- Use ATM's Carefully - Be sure that no one can see you entering your pin. Be leery of sketchy ATM's, there have been some set up that can copy your account number.
- Don't put outgoing bills in your mailbox, drop them into a secure postal service box.
- Make sure your computer has anti-virus software installed and is up to date.
- Change your passwords often and never give them to anyone.
- Don't save passwords or login's on public or workplace computers.
- Never provide your social security number, bank account number or credit card numbers to someone who calls you through telephone solicitation.
- Shred, don't throw away receipts with credit card numbers or expiration dates.
- Protect yourself on social networking sites. Don't tell people that you are going on vacation! That can be an open door for criminals! You can tell your friends how good it was when you get back!
Here is a video that shows just what havoc identity theft can cause to your life. http://www.protectyouridnow.org/videos.html
Comments (2)Subscribe to CommentsComment