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The Risk Of Electronic Fraud & Identity Theft
Electronic Fraud and Identity Theft It's The Little Things We Tend To Overlook Making Assumptions vs. Staying Vigilant The purpose of this article is to share with you my thoughts and position on some of the basic things you can do to protect yourself from several types of threats. Particularly those that involve electronic fraud and Internet fraud. Although some of these items are not directly related to the Internet, the moment someone has your private or financial information (identity theft), the Internet will be one of the first places they visit. (Protect Yourself Against Electronic Fraud) Automated Teller Machines (ATM) & Skimmers Links Did you know the cost to a bank or ATM vendor is minimal if their machine is compromised, but to you it may be severe? The company that owns the ATM only has to worry about the cost to replace the machine, plus the amount of money inside. You, on the other hand, stand to loose not only your bank account funds, but possibly your identity. Phishing and Web Site Redirection If you receive an e-mail from your bank, credit card company, or other online merchant like, Ebay.com or Amazon.com, requesting information such as passwords and financial info, delete it and report it immediately. Many of these e-mails link you to web sites that look exactly like that of the real company but are in fact fakes. Take a look at Ebay's Online Security and Protection section to get an idea of what you need to do in order to identify scams like these. Links If you receive an e-mail from someone promising you millions of dollars if you assist them with their finances, delete it immediately!. Some of these scams have been running for years and new ones surface frequently. I recently saw one supposedly from the wife of the late Yasser Arafat, promising millions of dollars if someone would help her establish a trust fund in the US. The reasons these types of e-mail scams are so wide spread is because they are highly effective and relatively easy to do. Thousands of people get ripped off by these scams every day. To see examples of several recent scams, take a look at the following Phishing Scams page. Links Another good source of information on these types of scams can be found at the State of NY Banking Department. Links Credit Card Fraud When paying for something, particularly at a restaurant, check to see if the full or partial credit card number is on the merchant receipt. In most cases, only the partial number is visible. However, when the full number is there, I cross out all but the last four digits with a pen. The merchant has already scanned the card at this point, they should not need a paper backup of the number. If your credit card is stolen, lost, or used fraudulently, you can call your card company and speak with the fraud department. However, I recommend you contact your card company's credit line department first. This is the department that can extend your credit almost instantaneously. They can also decrease it within seconds as well. If you have a limit of $5,000, they can reduce it to $100 immediately, then pass you to the fraud department. Call your card company and request the direct number to this department and make a record of it. If you notice someone swiping your card more than once when paying for an item, ask them why. Regardless of how sensible the answer is, call your card company and request a list of the last few transactions, you might be surprised what you find. If your card company sends you checks to use for cash advancements and you don't plan on using them, don't keep them around, shred them immediately. We get these all the time in the mail. As far as shredders go, everyone should have one. You can pick up a small one for under $30 and it is well worth the investment. Any statements or correspondence you have regarding your credit cards should be in a secure place or shredded. Credit Reporting & Monitoring Links If you find something strange on your credit report, contact the credit reporting agency immediately. In addition to calling them (if possible), send them a certified letter describing what you have found. It's very important to document any and all correspondence on these matters. Conclusion One of the best ways to protect yourself from electronic fraud and identity theft is to ask questions. Primarily, ask yourself whether or not the particular situation you are faced with makes sense? Why would your bank request information from you via e-mail? Why would someone in another country be willing to give you millions of dollars to assist them with their banking woes? There is a certain percentage of our population who has absolutely no morality when it comes to the acquisition of wealth. These people know the risk of getting caught is minimal. In many cases, even if they do get caught, they are willing to deal with the consequences given the potential monetary payoff. Stay vigilant and educate yourself on these matters. It really is the best way to protect yourself against the myriad of threats and risks we are presented with everyday. About The Author If someone you know has sent youthis article, please take a moment to visit our site andregister for the free newsletter at http://www.defendingthenet.com/subscribe.htm
MORE RESOURCES: Officials detail increased D.C. security for certification, inauguration The Washington Post Homeland Security Department to Release New A.I. Guidance The New York Times Nuclear power for military bases will increase our national security Breaking Defense New 'spectral fingerprint' atlas of satellites aims to improve space security University of Arizona News Opinion | Trump’s national security wrecking crew The Washington Post ‘Never trust, always verify’: The zero trust approach to network security United States Army Brief altercation between fans mars France-Israel soccer match despite heavy security The Associated Press St. Francis Seraph hires security guards for Christmas, Nativity display visitors as crowds still plague area WCPO 9 Cincinnati Trump’s National Security Team Keeps Getting More Extreme The New Republic The Fastest Airport Security Line You Don’t Know About The Wall Street Journal Video: How The Fortinet Security Fabric Is Combatting Cybersecurity Threats And Talent Shortage Channel Insider AI’s impact on the future of web application security Help Net Security The campus will be closed to anyone who is not a student, faculty or staff member. WVTM13 Birmingham Tuskegee president releases security updates following shooting WIAT - CBS42.com Do Titans QB, Coach Have Job Security? Sports Illustrated U.S. ambassador bashes Mexico’s security efforts. Mexico’s president pushes back - Los Angeles Times Inside The 2024 Security Benchmark Report Security Magazine The UN cybercrime convention threatens security research. The US should do something about it CyberScoop Homeland Security Department releases framework for using AI in critical infrastructure The Associated Press Your favorite security leadership podcasts Security Magazine 3rd Annual U.S.-Mexico Defense and Security Roundtable smallwarsjournal Tuskegee University Shifts Security, Facilities Leadership Tuskegee University France draws with Israel in high-security operation to reach Nations League quarterfinals with Italy The Associated Press Endpoint Security from BlackBerry BlackBerry Trump names Florida’s Rep. Mike Waltz as national security adviser Nebraska Examiner Mexican Officials Arrest Top Security Official in Mayor’s Beheading The New York Times Akamai: 84% of security professionals experienced an API security incident in the past year SecurityInfoWatch ESA opens registration for 2024 Town Hall Broadcast SecurityInfoWatch ‘We’re just a target’: Pickleball players call for more security Camas Washougal Post Record New infosec products of the week: November 15, 2024 Help Net Security After student allegedly threatens classmate with gun, Ambridge Area School District makes security changes CBS Pittsburgh Linn County’s Food for Health pilot program aims to improve food security, support local economy KEZI TV South Florida campus security officer arrested after attempting to meet minor for sex WPBF West Palm Beach Microsoft Patch Tuesday, November 2024 Edition Krebs on Security Trump Picks Kristi Noem for Homeland Security Secretary The New York Times Tom Homan, Trump’s ‘Border Czar,’ on Border Security The New York Times Silverfort Buys Rezonate to Fortify Identity Security Muscle BankInfoSecurity.com Rand Paul Will Continue His COVID-19 Investigations From Atop the Senate Homeland Security Committee Reason An Interview With the Target & Home Depot Hacker Krebs on Security NIST report on hardware security risks reveals 98 failure scenarios Help Net Security Who Is Michael Waltz, Trump’s Pick to Be National Security Adviser? The New York Times |
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