Online Credit Applications Ripe For Fraud

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with IDTheftSecurity.com Inc

We currently rely on easily counterfeited identification, and we transmit credit card applications using the phone, fax, Internet, or snail mail, all of which are relatively anonymous methods.

Fraudulent credit card applications are the most lucrative form of credit card fraud. Identity thieves love credit cards because they are the easiest accounts to open, and they allow thieves to quickly turn data into cash. Meanwhile, consumers don’t find out that credit cards have been opened in their names until they are denied credit or bill collectors start calling.

Identity thieves use any number of tricks to fool banks, retailers, and creditors into approving their online credit applications, extending credit that leaves the creditor on the line for losses.

It doesn’t need to be this way.

Instead of simply verifying the identification provided by fraudulent applicants, newer technologies allow creditors to verify the reputation of the computer or smartphone being used to submit the application. By instantly evaluating a device’s history for criminal activity, creditors can prevent fraudulent transactions.

“In addition to telling businesses that a single device has been involved in fraud, iovation can also determine if that device is associated with bad activity through its associations,” said, Jon Karl, VP of Corporate Development for iovation. ”Beyond fingerprinting and reputation, we provide our clients with early warnings about devices visiting their website in real-time, based on the behavior of devices and accounts associated with that device.”

Device fingerprinting and device reputation analysis help identify bad guys during the application process, allowing creditors to avoid more expensive solutions.

Robert Siciliano, personal security and identity theft expert contributor to iovation, discusses identity theft in front of the National Speakers Association. (Disclosure)

Comments (4)

Steven Pahl
Keller Williams Tampa Properties - Tampa, FL
Real Estate Consultant Tampa, FL 813-319-6423

Interesting concept, thanks for the information.  Unfortunately, the bad guys are already figuring out ways to mask their device id's so it will be a continuous cycle of catch and deceive.  Keep on trying please.

Feb 16, 2011 06:04 AM
Susan Neal
RE/MAX Gold, Fair Oaks - Fair Oaks, CA
Fair Oaks CA & Sacramento Area Real Estate Broker

Hi Robert - We all have to learn to be more vigilant these days.  I have recently received collection letters from a department store and a credit card, but I have no accounts with either one.  I have returned those letters with notations that I have no account with them and owe them no money, and have asked them to send me an accounting of what they allege that I owe.  I don't know whether the letters themselves are scams or whether someone has opened accounts in my name, but I intend to find out.

Feb 16, 2011 06:13 AM
Gabe Sanders
Real Estate of Florida specializing in Martin County Residential Homes, Condos and Land Sales - Stuart, FL
Stuart Florida Real Estate

Robert, thanks for the info.  We all need to think twice before placing personal information on line or even into a phone.

Feb 16, 2011 11:32 PM
Anonymous
Robert Siciliano

Thanks everyone! Great feedback!

Feb 16, 2011 11:37 PM
#4

What's the reason you're reporting this blog entry?

Are you sure you want to report this blog entry as spam?