By Dan Samaria

When I receive ideals or stories from our readers I always enjoy bringing it to you.

Even if you hate attorneys this is a very important message that needs to be passed around to everyone you know. During tough times ID Theft goes sky high. The following information must be read to the end.

This is not a joke!

These safety tips were sent by a corporate attorney to all his employees of his company.

After reading this and make a copy for your files in case you need to refer to it someday.

1. Do not sign the back of your credit cards. Instead, put ‘PHOTO ID REQUIRED.’ 

2. When you are writing checks to pay on your credit card accounts,  DO  NOT put the complete  account number on the ‘For’ line.

Instead, just put the last four numbers. The credit card company knows the rest of the number, and anyone who might be handling your check as it passes through all the check processing channels won’t have access to it.

3. Put your work phone # on your checks instead of your home phone. If you have a PO Box uses that instead of your home address. If you do not have a PO Box, use your work address.

Never have your SS# printed on your checks. (DUH!) You can add it if it is necessary. But if you have it printed, anyone can get it.

4. Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine. Do both sides of each license, credit card, etc.

You will know what you had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel…… Keep the photocopy in a safe place. 

I also carry a photocopy of my passport when I travel either here or abroad. We’ve all heard horror stories about fraud that’s committed on us in stealing a Name, address, Social Security number, credit cards.

Unfortunately, I, an attorney, have firsthand knowledge because my wallet was stolen last month…. Within a week, the thieves ordered an expensive monthly cell phone package, applied for a VISA credit card, had a credit line approved to buy a Gateway computer, received a PIN number from DMV to change my driving record information online, and more. 

But here’s some critical information to limit the damage in case this happens to you or someone you know:

5. We have been told we should cancel our credit cards immediately. But the key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call. Keep those where you can find them.

6.  File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where your credit cards, etc., were stolen. This proves to credit providers you were diligent, and this is a first step toward an investigation (if there ever is one).

But here’s what is perhaps most important of all: (I never even thought to do this.) 

7. Call  the  3 national credit reporting organizations  immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and also call the Social Security fraud line number.

I had never heard of doing that until advised by a bank that called to tell me an application for credit was made over the internet in my name. 

The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen, and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit.

By the time I was advised to do this, almost two weeks after the theft, all the damage had been done. There are records of all the credit checks initiated by the thieves’ purchases, none of which I knew about before placing the alert.

Since then, no additional damage has been done, and the thieves threw my wallet away this weekend (someone turned it in). It seems to have stopped them dead in their tracks.

Now, here are the numbers you always need to contact about your wallet, if it has been stolen:

1.) Equifax:  1-800-525-6285    

2.) Experian (formerly TRW):  1-888-397-3742   

3.) Trans Union:  1-800-680 7289 

4.) Social Security Administration (fraud line):  1-800-269-0271 

You will thank us in the future for this information, in case you are a victim.

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By Sabah Karimi

Being an active job seeker can be stressful, and you’re probably already in a vulnerable position as you make important career decisions and find the right position.

Employment agencies on the internet are ready and waiting with dozens of marketing ploys as you continue with your job search.

From placement fees to promises of the ‘perfect job,’ these companies rely on people who are seeking help from a professional, but turn out to be a scam when they encourage you to pay fees for their services.

Here’s how to avoid employment agency scams both online and offline:

Look for company background information. Whenever a company discloses their website and e-mail addresses, take the steps to consult the Better Business Bureau, or just run a simple ‘WhoIs?’ search for the domain.

Legitimate companies will post their track record and provide real testimonials.

Scam artists are much more likely to hide this information and make it very difficult to run a company background search.

Keep an eye out for unsolicited e-mails. Many employment agencies suddenly ‘find’ you after you submit your résumé to sites such as Monster.com and CareerBuilder.com.

Both offer legitimate job placement opportunities when you post your resume online, but this can also be picked up by hundreds of scam artists.

Be cautious about anyone who has suddenly ‘found’ the perfect job for you; in most cases, they are acting as a recruiter who will try to convince you to pay for services later in the process.

Ask for a written agreement. Unless the agency can provide proof of an employment offer and substantial evidence that you got the position, you cannot assume anything.

Always ask for a written agreement, as well as a telephone number of your future employer (the HR department can help you verify your status), and any other key contacts.

There should never be any gray areas during the hiring process, so take a proactive approach whenever possible.

Never pay a fee for services. Legitimate employment agencies make money when you are offered a position and work with the company for a certain period of time.

Employment agency scams usually require you to pay a fee in order to ‘get’ your position; this is a big red flag, and should make you turn far, far away.

Don’t pay to take a test. One marketing tactic to encourage job seekers to pay money is to offer them a position only after they pass a test.

This ‘test’ usually requires some form of administration fee, and is another red flag for you. Unless you are becoming certified for a particular credential (and even then, you should be able to sit for the examination on your own), you should not have to pay a fee.

Be cautious about in-person interviews. Offline employment agency scams operate a little differently than online versions, simply because they are more personal (a real ‘office’, telephone number, fax number, etc.).

In-person interviews that require you to return for testing that is unrelated to your industry, tests that require a fee, or special training and seminars you need to attend (with a high fee involved) are usually scams that are a complete waste of time.

A legitimate placement agency will only require you to take one aptitude/skills test to build your profile free of charge, and will have a system in place to find a job on your behalf. Ask as many questions that you need to in order to find out what this system truly is.

Employment agency scams are on the rise, and many target a variety of people in a vulnerable situation. Take the time to investigate and learn about the company on your own, and conduct your job search independently whenever possible.

Source: Yahoo News

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By Dan Samaria

I have an urgent message to our readers this article must be read and pass on to everyone that you know.

If you use Internet mail such as Yahoo, Hotmail, AOL and others, this information arrived this morning.

Direct from both Microsoft and Norton, please send it to everybody you know who has Access to the Internet.

You may receive an apparently harmless e-mail titled Here you have it.

If you open the file, a message will appear on your screen saying: ‘It is too late now, your life is no longer beautiful….’
 
Subsequently you will LOSE EVERYTHING IN YOUR PC, And the person who sent it to you will gain access to your Name, e-mail and password.

This is a new virus, which started to circulate on Saturday afternoon. AOL has already confirmed the severity, and the anti virus software’s are not capable of destroying it.
                               
A hacker who calls himself ‘life owner’ has created the virus.

This has been confirmed by Snopes.

Please pass this article and link around to everyone you know.

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By Dan Samaria

If you are a parent and have children here is something that you must pay attention to.

Your children are at risk to haven’t their Identification stolen. There are people that are using your kid’s s/s to get cars, credit, etc.

Please past this article and link around to everyone you know.

Here is that study:

The Debix Identity Protection Network gave Javelin data on 500 children who were enrolled in their service from July 18, 2008 through September 12, 2008 to research and analyze for their child identity theft study.

The study found that 5% of children, aged 17 and under, had a credit report with their Social Security number. Children should not have credit reports.

At 1 in 20 that is one child in every classroom in the United States that has their credit messed up in some way.

Statistically, 3.8 million children may already be affected by identity theft. Other highlights of the study are:

• Among the 5%, the average amount of debt was $12,779.
• 12% of those with credit problems were aged 5 and under.
• 25% of these victims had bills or lines of credit in collections or foreclosure. 66% of these children had fake or wrong names listed under their SSN.
• 42% of those children with erroneous credit reports only had credit files at one credit bureau, meaning their fraud could have gone unnoticed without checking all three bureaus.

Debix has also released the story of some of these children, with the parent’s permission of course, and they are very interesting.

Gregg White enrolled his 17-year-old daughter along with himself and found she owed $325,000 and that her Social Security number was in use by a criminal for 25 years.

That’s right 25 years; it was being used for 8 years before she was born.

Another child had seven identities under his SSN. One fourteen year old had a credit history spanning 10 years and included credit cards and a foreclosed mortgage.

This point to an important issue regarding child identity theft that the crime can often go undetected resulting in larger losses and a far more difficult time restoring your credit and identity.

Debix helped all these victims restore their identity but many young adults are left to fend for themselves unaware that they were saddled with debt and fraudulent credit activity until they are turned down for their first job or refused their first credit application or student loan.

So what can you do to protect your child from identity theft?

First, you have to realize that they are just as vulnerable as you so you have to be vigilant in your protection of their personally identifying information.

Just a few weeks back a former PTA president in California was convicted of identity theft and sentenced to three years in prison.

Her victims, 57 people, included her neighbors, her dead mother and a 6-year-old girl. Trust no one, not even family. Question those who require your child’s SSN. Do they really need it? How do they protect it?

Talk to your child about keeping their personal information private especially online. Shred any identifying information.

Second, write to the credit bureaus using certified mail to see if your child has a credit report or if there are any public records using your child’s SSN.

If your child has a credit report you know their is a problem and will unfortunately spend many hours researching, filing paperwork, and making phone calls to restore your child’s identity.

Third, your family’s private information at home, both physical and electronic, should be locked up.

This means password protecting your computer and using a safe or locking file cabinet. Someone known to the victim often commits Child identity theft.

The other option, and a much better one in our opinion, is to use an identity theft protection service such as Debix to protect their identities.

Debix will monitor your child’s SSN to make sure it isn’t used fraudulently.

They routinely search thousands of available public databases, including all three national credit bureaus, criminal and bankruptcy records, utility service records and others, to determine if someone is using your child’s SSN.

They will also include identity theft insurance and restoration services in the event they do become a victim.

With Debix you can even sign up your child even though you are not enrolled. Debix costs $24 per year per adult and $20 per year per child.

Get the peace of mind you deserve, protect yourself and your children today.

Source: Identity Theft Labs

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By Mitchell S. Glansberg

In these hard times crime are going up and thieves are out there trying to steal your personal information.

And filing  false tax returns in order to receive a fraudulent refund.

Below is some advice to help avoid becoming the victim of identity theft.

The IRS does not send taxpayers unsolicited e-mails about their tax accounts, tax situations or personal tax issues.

If you receive such e-mail, most likely it’s a scam.

IRS impersonation schemes flourish during filing season. These schemes may take place via phone, fax, Internet sites, social networking sites and particularly e-mail. 

Many impersonations are identity theft scams that try to trick victims into revealing personal and financial information that can be used to access their financial accounts.

Some e-mail scams contain attachments or links that, when clicked, download malicious code (virus) that infects your computer or direct you to a bogus form or site posing as a genuine IRS form or Web site. 

Some impersonations may be commercial Internet sites that consumers unknowingly visit, thinking they’re accessing the genuine IRS Web site, IRS.gov.

However, such sites have no connection to the IRS.

For more information on scams and what to do if you’re subject to one, see our Problem Alerts page, Online Scams that Impersonate the IRS, Suspicious e-Mails and Identity Theft and How to Report and Identify Phishing, E-mail Scams and Bogus IRS Web Sites. 

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By Kim Komando
Apr. 9, 2011

In times like these, people are desperate for work. And scammers are only too happy to take advantage of job hunters.

Learn about an online job scam that can cost you a lot of money—and land you in prison.

You can’t afford to miss this video!

Source:  Kim Komando

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By Caroline Knorr

How to Fight Cyber bullying? Maybe it was a joke — with a little too much of an edge. Or maybe it was an outright attack.

When it comes to cyber bullying, you know it when you see it.

And if your kid is the target, you’ll want to do everything in your power to make it better. But as parents, teachers, school administrators, and even law enforcement official’s wrestle with how to deal with cyber bullying, it’s been hard to get concrete advice on what to do if it happens to your kid.

Everyone can agree that you don’t want to make it worse. And while your kid may want to defend himself, it’s best not to engage.

The steps below can help kids defuse the situation, protect themselves, and hopefully put a stop to cyber bullying. 

Stay-Safe Tips

Sign off the computer. It’s best to ignore attacks and walk away from the cyber bully.

Don’t respond or retaliate. If you’re angry and reply, then you might say nasty things. Cyber bullies often just want to get a reaction out of you, so don’t let them know that there plan has worked.

Block the bully. If you get mean messages through IM or a social networking site, take the person off your buddy or friends list. You can also delete messages from bullies without reading them.

Save and print out bullying messages. If the harassment continues, save the evidence. This could be important proof to show parents or teachers if the bullying doesn’t stop.

Talk to a friend. When someone makes you feel bad, sometimes it can help to talk the situation over with a friend.

Tell a trusted adult. A trusted adult is someone you believe will listen and who has the skills, desire, and authority to help you.

Telling someone who fits that descriptions what’s going on isn’t tattling — it’s standing up for you. And even if the bullying occurs at home, your school probably has rules against it.

Source: Common Sense Media

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By Kim Boatman

You might be behind the wheel, but increasingly, computers control your car’s every function.

Microprocessors direct braking, acceleration and even the horn these days. “Because they are hidden, people don’t often understand that there can be anywhere from 30 to 40 microprocessors in most cars and even up to 100 different ones running different functions in some vehicles,” says Stephan A. Tarnutzer, chief operating officer for DGE Inc., which provides electronic designs and consulting for auto manufacturers and suppliers.

But could a hacker compromise these systems?

Recently, several news reports have raised the issue of car-hacking risks, including:

Vehicle disablement. After a disgruntled former employee took over a Web-based vehicle-immobilization system at an Austin, Texas, car sales center, more than 100 drivers found their vehicles had been disabled or their horns were honking out of control.

Tire pressure system hacking. Researchers from the University of South Carolina and Rutgers University were able to hack into tire pressure monitoring systems. Using readily available equipment and free software, the researchers triggered warning lights and remotely tracked a vehicle through its unique monitoring system.

Disabling brakes. Researchers at the University of Washington and University of San Diego created a program that would hack into onboard computers to disable brakes and stop the engine. The researchers connected to onboard computers through ports for the cars’ diagnostic system.

Is your car at risk?

 
The potential for car hacking is real, although there may not be a financial incentive for hackers to focus on autos just yet, say the experts.

“All the malware attacks consumers are faced with every day have financial motives behind them,” says Ryan Smith, a principal researcher with Accuvant Labs who finds vulnerabilities in computer systems.

Most of the danger right now may come from hackers who want to demonstrate their prowess and enhance their reputations, says Tarnutzer.

And the increased reliance on wireless systems — such as the tire pressure monitoring system — makes your car more vulnerable to these attacks, says John Bambene, a security researcher with the Internet Storm Center, the global cooperative community that monitors cyber threats.

Protect your car from hacking

Security is largely in the hands of auto manufacturers, who are working to address concerns. In the meantime, you can take these steps to protect your vehicle:

Ask about wireless systems. Familiarize yourself with the wireless systems if you’re purchasing a new car, advises Bambenek. For a car you already own, you can review your manual or check online. Find out if any of the systems can be operated remotely.

Ask about remote shutdown. If you’re financing through the company from which you purchased the vehicle, ask about remote shutdown related to repossession. Make sure the seller has security measures in place that control access to the system.

Go to reputable dealers and repair shops. It’s possible for unscrupulous garages to manipulate your car’s computer systems, making it appear you need repairs that aren’t actually warranted. Don’t cut corners when it comes to choosing a dealer or repair shop.

Protect your information. Of course, locking your car is always wise. And if you use On Star — the GM-owned auto security and information service — make sure you don’t leave On Star-related documents or your password in the car, says John Luludis, president and co-founder of Superior Tech Solutions, an IT provider, and a former car industry tech executive. Since On Star can remotely shut off your engine if you report the vehicle stolen, there’s the potential for mischief if your password falls in the wrong hands.

Be cautious about after-market devices. After-market car systems may not be as rigorously tested or designed, opening you to vulnerabilities, says Tarnutzer.

Lulu is compares the use of computers in cars to the development in our use of personal computers. Hacking exploded when the Internet evolved, making it easy to access computers via networks. Wireless connections mean your car is no longer a closed system.

“Once you have connection to vehicles, you have an entry point for people to try to access,” says Lulu is. “The only thing standing in their way now is a standardized piece of software. It’s a concern we need to address.”

Copyright (c) 2010 Studio One Networks. All rights reserved.

Source: Norton

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By Jenny Everett

Bedbugs are all over the news — and apparently, they’re all over these 15 cities. Number one on the list? New York City – SELF’s home base! They’ve been found in office buildings (thankfully not ours!), hospitals, hotels, theaters and even the Empire State Building.

And the bloodsuckers hide in mattresses, furniture, clothing … bleach. Is anyone else suddenly itchy? But it’s not just NYC that’s being bitten — bedbugs are a growing problem nationwide. According to the National Pest Management Association, bedbug-related calls to exterminators have jumped by 81 percent in the last 10 years and 57 percent over the last five years.

The good news is that unless you have serious underlying health issues, the critters aren’t likely to make you sick. Still, they gross us out.

So we asked Missy Henriksen, Vice President of Public Affairs for the National Pest Management Association, where bedbugs hide and what we can do to steer clear.

The top spots:

IN HOTEL ROOMS…How to avoid the suckers: If you are traveling, thoroughly inspect the entire hotel room before unpacking, including pulling back the sheets, inspecting mattress seams, checking behind the headboard and examining sofas and chairs.

If any pests — or potential evidence of pests — are spotted, change rooms or hotels, pronto. If you do change rooms, DO not move to an adjacent room or one directly above or below the infestation.

Bedbugs are hitchhikers and can move via housekeeping carts, luggage carts, and luggage and even through wall sockets.

IN DRESSING ROOMS…How to avoid the suckers: Bedbugs have proven to have fabulous fashion sense — recently, they’ve been found in several popular retail stores.

When trying on potential new items, be sure to hang your clothing on hooks rather than lay them then across the cushioned seats in the dressing room or on the carpeted floors.

As much as you want to wear that adorable new top immediately, resist the urge and wash or dry clean it first (bedbugs can’t withstand temperatures higher than 113 degrees).

This minimizes the potential that you’ll bring a bedbug home with you.

ON CRAIGSLIST...How to avoid the suckers: Do not buy used furniture, especially bedding or upholstered items.

If you absolutely MUST have a vintage something or other in your home, find a bug expert who can inspect it for bedbugs or eggs (shudder).

 How to avoid the suckers: Several prominent New York City offices have been shut down in recent weeks thanks to bedbug infestations.

AT THE OFFICE…

To keep your workspace pest-free, keep clutter to a minimum, vacuum frequently (keep a hand-vac in your cube, if possible) and inspect any packages or deliveries that come your way.

If you do suspect you’ve been bed bugged, contact a licensed pest professional to ID and treat the problem.

As the National Pest Management Association says, this is not a DIY pest.

Have you dealt with bedbugs?

Know anyone who has?

Source: SELF magazine

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By NCMEC

As families take to the highways and airways this summer, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) wants to remind parents and guardians about some tips to help make the traveling experience more enjoyable and minimize some of the potential risks. 

Whether traveling solo or with family, parents and guardians need to talk with children about safety before boarding a plane, train, or bus this summer season.

Crowds are greater this time of year and children may easily become separated from their parents and guardians.

If that should happen, parents and guardians need a plan and children should be taught what to do.

And remember: child safety is a year-round priority. Parents and guardians need to look out for kids and keep communication lines open 365 days a year!

If your child is flying or riding a train or bus this summer, NCMEC urges parents and guardians to remember the following travel safety tips:

• When you make reservations for your child, specify whether your child will be traveling alone.

• Whenever possible, book a non-stop flight or direct route. Avoid booking the last flight of the day.

• Plan to visit the airport, train or bus terminal prior to departure. Let your child know what to expect, so the experience will not be so intimidating.

• In case of delay or cancellation, remain at the station or gate until the train, plane or bus departs.

• Make sure children travel with proper identification and parents or guardian contact information.

• Always have a back-up plan for the person or people meeting the plane at the destination, in case they are delayed.

• Encourage children not to become too friendly with other passengers or to reveal any personal information.

• Remind them that the flight attendant is the adult to go to if they are uncomfortable or need assistance.

Editor’s Note: Safety Tips adapted from Know the Rules…When Your Child is Flying Unaccompanied, and Know the Rules…When Your Child is traveling unaccompanied by Bus or Train.

Copyright © respectively 2000 and 2000 National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC). All rights reserved.

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