ID Assist E-News April 2008
Lately the media has been reporting often about
identity theft and its causes. For the most part, they have reported on stories
of theft in relation to computer hackers only. But is that really the only way
identity thieves get their stolen information? Hardly. Skilled identity thieves
use a variety of methods to steal your personal information. Below is a list of
the five most popular.
- Dumpster Diving. They rummage through your
trash looking for bills or other paper with your personal information on it.
- Skimming. Thieves steal credit/debit card
numbers by using a special storage devise when processing your credit card.
- Phishing. By pretending to be financial
institutions or companies and sending spam or pop-up messages, they get you
to reveal your personal information.
- Changing your address. By completing a
"change of address" form, they divert your billing statements to another
location.
- Old fashioned stealing. Identity thieves
steal wallets and purses; mail, including bank and credit card statements;
pre-approved credit offers; and new checks or tax information. They steal
personnel records from their employers or bride employees who have access.
Each of these methods makes us all vulnerable to
identity theft. Don't be fooled that it can't or won't happen to you. Just look
at how easy it is for your personal information to get into the wrong hands.
MOST RECENT COMPROMISES
March 3, 2008- Kraft Foods- Northfield, IL
A company-owned laptop computer was stolen from an employee of Kraft Foods
traveling on company business. The laptop contained the names and may have
contained Social Security numbers.
March 10, 2008- Blue-Cross Blue-Shield of Western New York- Buffalo, NY
A laptop hard-drive containing vital information about 40,000 members has
gone missing. Blue-Cross Blue-Shield of Western New York says it is notifying
its members about identity theft concerns after one of its company laptops went
missing.
March 17, 2008- Hannaford- Portland, ME
The security breach affects all of its 165 stores in the Northeast, 106
Sweetbay stores in Florida and a smaller number of independent groceries that
sell Hannaford products. The company is currently aware of about 1,800 cases of
reported fraud related to the security breach. Credit and debit card numbers
were stolen during the card authorization transmission process.
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Don't wait for the theft of your ID! Order identity
theft protection services for the protection of your
identity and to save yourself from resulting emotional
turmoil.
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