Terms of Use Fraudulent E-Mails and Phishing There is a rapidly growing Internet fraud called “phishing.” Phishing (pronounced fishing ) is a slang IT term which refers to fishing for personal information such as account numbers, passwords, PINs, credit card account or Social Security numbers online. Phishing is fast becoming one of the most insidious online identity theft scams where fraudulent email messages (spam) are sent to unsuspecting victims' email addresses requesti  More...

Terms of Use: Your computer probably contains a significant amount of sensitive information about you that if used by the wrong person could cost you a lot of time and money. Follow the 10 steps below to protect yourself: Update your system's operating system and Web Browser (IE, Firefox, Chrome, etc.) frequently . Keeping this system software updated with all the latest patches will dramatically reduce the potential that your computer can be accessed by an unauthorized user, also called hac  More...

Terms of Use: During this difficult time, it is important to keep in mind the following tips: 1. It's a business: Remember that individuals in this industry make their money by selling products and services. Some are more aggressive and pushy than others, but they all have a vested interest in selling you as much as they can. When arranging services for your lost loved one, it is important that you treat individuals in this industry like any other sales people. Ask lots of questions an  More...

Terms of Use: Fraudulent Text Messages and Smishing A rapidly growing fraud called “smishing” is hitting cell phone and other mobile device users. Think of it as mobile spam that is attempting to trick you into revealing personal information. Smishing is a slang IT term which refers to phishing via mobile phone SMS messaging (the protocol used to transmit text messages via cellular devices). Like phishing, criminals are seeking your personal information such as account numbers, pa  More...

Terms of Use: All that a thief needs to steal an identity is your name, address, social security number, and date of birth . This information is easily obtained from driver's licenses and/or checking accounts. To protect your identity, follow these tips: Minimize information in phone books: A great deal of personal information is listed in telephone or organization directories. Consider an unlisted phone number. If you list, give only your name and phone number. Do not list your addre  More...

Terms of Use: Related to phishing , another type of fraud called “vishing” has emerged that uses Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP). Instead of being directed by e-mail to a Web site, a fraudulent e-mail message (spam) asks the user to make a telephone call. The unsuspecting caller dials into a voice response system that asks for the user's credit card number. The system is disguised to appear like a legitimate financial institution or credit card company. In addition to emai  More...

Terms of Use: Con artists are out to get you and your home by promising to save you from foreclosure. Here's how to avoid getting caught up in their empty promises. First and foremost, ignore the posters nailed to telephone poles, at bus stops, and in median strips that offer foreclosure help. Ignore fliers that appear on your doorstep or in your mailbox, especially handwritten notes that suggest help is on the way from someone you know or who has your best interests in mind. While fac  More...

Terms of Use Did you know that the Federal Trade Commission estimates that 20 BILLION dollars in automotive repairs each year are unnecessary? Here are some tips to minimize the chances of paying more than you should when you're car's in the shop: 1. Always try to get a recommendation. If at all possible, do not look in the Yellow Pages for a mechanic. Following the recommendation of a tow truck driver might not be a good idea either: the possibility exists that the tow truck dri  More...

Terms of Use The Facts on Identity Theft Identity theft occurs when someone uses your bank account number, Social Security number, credit card, or other personal information for his or her own purposes like opening an account, making purchases, applying for a loan, or getting a tax refund. It can be months before the theft has been discovered. How does it happens? They steal your wallet and purse containing your identification and credit and bank cards. They steal your mail, including your bank  More...

Terms of Use What to do if you fear you've fallen victim to identity theft: Assume that you will become a victim of credit card fraud, bank fraud, or identity theft if you've given up personal financial information in response to a phishing email or on a phishing website. Depending on the information you provided, follow these steps: If you've given out your credit, debit or ATM card info: Report the theft of your personal information to the card issuer as quickly as possible.   More...