When a child is born, a parent may apply for a Social Security number for that child.  A child’s Social Security number is very much sought after by identity thieves.  The child identity thief could be a family member (uncle, aunt cousin), another adult who has access and is allowed in your home, someone who has stolen your mail or hacked into your computer.  We think we know who the child identity thief could be, but we don’t.

Most parents apply for the baby’s SSN so that they can claim the child on their taxes and you must submit the SSN on the official tax forms, so now, anybody who has the means to see that tax form can copy the child’s information.  The child’s identity could be stolen at the hospital or at a health professionals’ office.  What about the dishonest legal professional who sells the child’s identity to an unscrupulous client.  It does not matter what profession a person is in, they have the potential to be dishonest.

The thief could be anybody.  Typically, your not going to check your child’s credit rating (why would you), so your not going to know their identity has been stolen.  Now the identity thief has more than a decade to create a new identity for him and gain credit cards, loans, cell phones, utilities, bank accounts, drivers license etc. etc.  The crime is not discovered until your child has grown and applies for her first education loan, apartment, credit card or job!  By now, the trail has become ice cold and your child’s credit record has been cut to ribbons.  In all likelihood all of the accounts opened in her name have been purchased by a collection agency.

It would be very difficult for your child to repair what has happened because of the difficulty in tracking down the original loan applications and transaction records if the original account has been through several hands because of companies merging and being bought-up.  Our children need to be taught about the dangers of providing their personal information and your personal information when they are logged onto the net.  Today’s kids have a burning desire to log into the many chat rooms and social networking sites and they may be asked for personal information on a registration screen or by an identity thief.

The preventative identity theft company, LifeLock, has already launched the first-of-its-kind Children’s ID Theft Prevention Program.  Now, LifeLock’s subscribers can add the children’s ID theft program to their existing full suite of ID theft preventative services.  The children’s theft prevention program is for minors 16 years and younger.  A recent study in the state of Utah revealed that 1,800 Social Security numbers assigned to children 12 years of age and younger had been forged, according to the state’s Identity Theft Task Force.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has advised that between 5% and 7% of identity theft victims are under the age of 18 and if you include college-aged individuals, it is almost 20%.

“Due to the extreme increase in ID theft among minors, we have taken the initiative to develop a first-of-its-kind program to protect children,” said Todd Davis, CEO of LifeLock.  Tracking credit bureau activity and monitoring depository accounts are considered standard when dealing with identity theft.  But Davis insists that working with the Social Security Administration and identifying work activity from unusually young minors is a red flag that warrants further investigation. “LifeLock is in the process of working with local and federal agencies, as well as leaders in Washington D.C. to lead the efforts in protecting our children from identity theft. This is a critical aspect of our overall service,” continued Davis. “As the Utah investigation demonstrated, sadly, there are numerous victims yet to be discovered.”  LifeLock subscribers can pay $10 per year for the Children’s ID Theft Prevention Program through which LifeLock will regularly audit the credit bureau, monitor depository banking accounts, and track any unusual “work activity” with the Social Security Administration on behalf of LifeLock’s youth customers. All minors enrolled in the program will also benefit by LifeLock’s standard $1 million guarantee.

 

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By: Randy Vezina

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Mike was like millions of Americans. He worked hard, was cautious with his spending and even paid off his credit card each month. He thought he was doing everything right. Then, something unexpected happened. He started getting calls from collection agencies. They were collecting on credit cards and other lines of credit Mike never opened. Mike had been the victim of ID theft.

Things went down hill fast for Mike’s credit. He quickly realized that there were several credit cards opened in his name fraudulently, and each one had overdue balances of thousands of dollars. Those balances had been festering on Mike’s credit report for months without his knowledge causing Mike’s credit rating to plummet to an abysmal 530.

This low credit rating affected Mike in numerous ways. He needed a new car, but was unable to get approval for a car loan. His oldest son was heading to college, but the school loans Mike applied for were rejected. Even Mike’s insurance premiums went up as a result of his low credit score. Mike knew he needed to do something fast.

Mike quickly discovered that the task of restoring his credit and good name was not as simple as he thought it would be. He would have to contact all of the credit agencies, place fraud alerts on his credit and investigate where else his identity had been compromised among other things. Where was Mike going to find the time to do all of these things? He worked full time and had a family to think about. Mike felt like he was caught in an impossible situation. In the end, it took Mike hundreds of hours to restore his credit rating and correct the errors on his credit report.

Once his credit was back to normal, Mike was determined never to allow such a thing to happen to him again. Mike had a friend who had gone through a similar experience just a year before. He recommended ID TheftSmart to Mike. ID TheftSmart is an Identity Theft Prevention and restoration service offered by Comodo, an innovative identity and trust assurance company. If Mike had already had ID TheftSmart program when he was victimized, his pre-theft credit status would have been restored without having to sacrifice hundreds of hours of his time.

To Mike’s surprise, he found that the licensed investigators at Comodo were prepared to do the lion’s share of the work to restore their client’s damaged credit. They work with the credit agencies to correct the issues on a credit report, place fraud alerts and investigate other issues related to ID Theft like criminal records, fraudulent check activity and other fraudulent uses of a social security number. Some of these issues Mike had not even considered when working to restore his damaged credit.

Mike decided to use the ID TheftSmart program to protect himself from future assaults on his credit, and you can do the same. The ID TheftSmart program monitors your credit on an ongoing basis so that you don’t have to go through the same ordeal Mike did. ID TheftSmart will alert you whenever someone tries to open a line of credit in your name. If your credit is compromised, the Identity Fraud Restoration services do most of the work to resolve your identity theft issues.



By: Vijayanand

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It’s that time of year.

This is when we all start getting those emails that want to steal our secret codes and passwords. You know the ones: “Your Account Is About To Be Closed,” “There’s A Block On Your Account,”, “Congratulations You’ve Won The Lottery (that you never entered).”and my favorite “Could You Help Me Claim My Funds?”.

This is also the time of year when we start shopping for gifts and the last thing you need is for your bank or credit card accounts to be stolen by “cyber grifters”. They are counting on some of us to follow the instructions in the email.

First and foremost, DON’T FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE EMAIL! If you think there might be a problem, access the account in question as you normally do on your PC and not with the link supplied in the phony email.

I’ve had some very authentic looking email supposedly from banks, that even went so far as to copy the colors of the bank logo and stationery style. But, don’t fall for the scam. In fact, don’t even open the email, because many are just set to loose a virus program on your computer by being opened. Simply forward the suspicious email to the “spoof email” address supplied by your bank, or credit card company.

Identity Theft is a worldwide epidemic. According to the Better Business Bureau and Javelin Research, almost 9 million Americans fell prey to identity theft this year with fraud costing businesses and individuals over $56 billion dollars.

There are ways to reduce your chances of identity theft:

1. Understand debit card dangers: When it comes to fraud, debit cards carry much greater personal liability than credit cards, depending on how quickly you report the loss of the card. If you fail to report unauthorized use within 60 days of receiving your bank statements, you could lose all the money in the account and be held responsible for the amount of money that has been tapped from your line of credit.

2. Rethink check writing: That little slip of paper has way too much information. Some experts advise against check writing because it gives away your address, bank account number, signature and license number to complete strangers. On top of that, there’s no federal legislation to limit your liability for forged checks (each state has its own set of rules). Experts advise that you look into automating your bill paying.

3. Secure your mail: Your mailbox is a goldmine of information. Between bank statement, bills, and all those pre-approved credit card offers, your mailbox is loaded with personal data which identity thieves can use to easily apply for a credit card in your name. Unless you diligently check your credit report, you may never even know about it. One way to avoid this is to have your mailbox under lock and key, but most of us in Santa Clarita have our mailboxes at the curb in front of our house and the postman frowns on carrying dozens and dozens of keys around. The other solution is to have a rented mailbox, or to foil “dumpster-diving” thieves by buying a shredder and destroy documents before discarding.

4. Go virtual: For shopping online, there are “virtual” card numbers. These are randomly generated credit card numbers that are disposable and that on-line shoppers use once and throw away. It’s linked directly to your real credit card account so purchases show up on your monthly bill. The service is easy to use and it’s FREE! All you need to do is register with companies offering the virtual card, and they are MBNA, Discover, and Citigroup.

5. Create an emergency identity kit: Would you know how to contact your credit card company in an emergency? Create an emergency kit that contains: your account number, expiration date, issuing company name, and emergency contact number for each card you own. While you’re at it, make copies of your driver’s license, social security card, birth certificate and passport and store them in a locked box or file cabinet, or a safe deposit box. I like the safe deposit box best, because this gives you protection in the event of a catastrophe such as fire, earthquake, etc.

This may all seem like a lot of unnecessary work, but if you’re ever the victim of identity theft even just once you’ll realize that it’s well worth the effort.

Many of us forget that were it not for what we carry in our wallets or in our purses, we’re all John and Jane Doe’s if we can’t speak due to injury or are unaccompanied by someone who knows us. How much less stressful is it to know that in a bank box, no matter where you are, there are items that can verify your identity. Better to be safe, than sorry!



By: Daryl Campbell

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First thing we want to point out is that the airline pilots, stewardesses, maintenance staff, restaurant staff, baggage handlers, ticket agents and all other airport employees show up every morning to begin their work day so that they can earn a paycheck.

Well, so do the pickpockets, luggage thieves and other identity theft criminals. After arriving, you may decide to give your bags to one of the skycaps. Don’t assume your bags are going to end up at the ticket counter, follow behind him and keep an eye on the bags.  When you get to the ticket counter place your luggage between you and the counter, and if your kids are with you, assign them the important task of watching the luggage while you’re busy with ticket agent.  Follow your carry-on luggage or briefcase as it goes through the x-ray machine because this is where some of the thieves carry out their distraction thefts.  A distraction theft happens very quickly and is well rehearsed.

A thief will be ahead of you (sometimes a beautiful woman), and cause a short distraction and your briefcase disappears. After finishing at the ticket counter try and imagine how many authorized and un-authorized persons will have opportunity to access your luggage, so keep your wallet, credit cards and other identifying information on your person.  The pickpockets and luggage thieves are looking for someone who is in a hurry and distracted and if your hurrying for a flight, you will be distracted.

Get to the airport early.  If your at a bar or restaurant, place your luggage in-front of you with your foot through the straps.  When using a washroom stall, don’t place your bags in-front of you, because the identity thieves are waiting for this and will simply grab your bags and hurry to a pre-determined exit.  Place your bags beside you with your foot through the strap and try and use a corner stall if you can.  Ladies, put your purse strap around your neck when in the stall.  Remember, the thieves are waiting for what best works for them and they will grab your coat, purse or jacket from the hook on the stall door and they know that you are not in a position to give immediate chase.

Don’t be the last person to board the aircraft.  If you are one of the first to board you will be able to place your carry-on bag in an overhead locker directly across the aisle from your seat, where it will always be in clear site.  You won’t have clear site if it is directly above your head or 4 rows behind you.  Pickpockets may board the plane with you, so ladies, don’t store your purse under your seat where the thief behind you may quietly remove a credit card or driver’s license.

After arrival, go to the baggage carousel right away and stand where you can retrieve your luggage as soon as it comes down the Shute. Thieves will sometimes wait at the luggage carousel and watch for a suitcase that is making full circles and steal it. Some of the thieves have engineered and constructed harmless looking baggage theft devices by converting an original, large suitcase.  The suitcase bottom is equipped with a series of hinges and springs, and the thief looks for a victim seated at a restaurant, bar or waiting area who is busy talking or sleeping etc. and simply walks over and places his suitcase over your smaller bag or suitcase, your bag is swallowed up by the larger suitcase and the theft is complete.  This form of baggage theft may even be accompanied by some sort of distraction that is long enough for you to become distracted so that they can commit the theft.

The distraction is almost always something that is not uncommon for the surroundings, e.g. a man and a woman quarrelling, one person greeting another in a loud, excited manner or something real simple , like someone dropping a handful of change.  These pickpockets and other thieves are intelligent, they know how to dress, how to blend in, they know who is a good victim and they practice, practice, and practice before arriving for work.

 

Do you want to learn about Identity Theft Prevention & Identity Theft Protection. Stop Identity Theft with LifeLock. LifeLock can guarantee identity theft never happens to you. To see how lifelock identity theft protection works



By: Randy Vezina

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To protect against identity theft, it is best not to carry your Social Security number in your wallet or write your Social Security number on a check.  Before disclosing your Social Security number (SSN) to anyone, first make sure that it is absolutely necessary that they have it.  You are allowed to ask pointed questions, don’t be shy.  Ask the person if some other form of identification will suffice.  An identity thief is well on his way in stealing your identity when he has your Social Security number. 

 

 

Your state driver’s license may use your SSN as your driver’s license number and if this is so, ask to have it replaced with another number.  Your health insurance company may also use your SSN as your policy number, so ask to have it changed.  Your bank, credit union etc and the company that employs you need your SSN for wage and tax reporting purposes.  There will be times when a company will want to do a credit check on you when you apply for a credit card, loan, apartment, hydro, phone or other utility and they will want your SSN. 

 

 

Sometimes they just want your Social Security number for ordinary record keeping, so you should ask these questions:

 

 

1. Why do you need my Social Security number.

2. Precisely how will my Social Security number be used?

3. How will you protect my social Security number from being stolen or otherwise compromised?

4. What will happen if I don’t give you my social Security number?

 

 

Some company’s will not be able to provide you with a service or benefit that you desire without having your Social Security number.  If the company provides answers to these questions that are satisfactory to you, then you may be able to make a decision to share your SSN.  Ultimately, the decision is yours. 



By: Randy Vezina

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We have written this article for all the Teenagers, and your moms and dads. 

 

 

Millions upon millions of teenagers are using the Social Networking Sites to chat with friends and meet new friends.  The majority of people online are probably ok, but the law of averages demands that some are not.  Some people are, quite frankly, stalkers and identity thieves.  Those of you looking for a relationship may be the most vulnerable for a stalker.  The identity thief and the person who wants to do you physical harm intentionally hunts for people who are open, trusting and looking for a relationship.  They will put the time and effort into gaining your trust and finding out everything about your identity.  Protect your identity.  You must think before posting something on your blog. 

 

 

If you post photo’s that show adult content and text about engaging in mature conduct you may very well be inviting people who want to harm you and identity thieves.  Please be discreet and use good judgment.  If you wouldn’t want your mom or dad to see it, then don’t post it.  Never make your full name public and even your first name is may be a mistake.  Instead, you could use a nickname.  By doing this, no one will know who you really are, unless you want them to.  Identity thieves are also online when you are, looking for those who post their address, phone number, driver license number, Social Security number, student ID number, and date of birth and the town you live in. 

 

 

The identity thieves have the knowledge and skill to figure out a Social Security number when they have your year of birth and town you were born in.  It would be fine to post the year you were born or your age, but when the thief or stalker combines this info with where you were born, they have the ability to figure out your SSN.

 

When meeting new people online you must never give your personal information to anybody.  Just know that 15% of all identity theft is committed by a family member or real good friend who the victim thought they could trust.  As far as I can tell, most teenagers join the social sites so they can meet someone new.  Most of the time the new people you meet, are fun and decent.  But the problem is that the identity thieves and stalkers have joined the same site as you and they are hunting. 

 

 If you do decide to meet someone in person, meet them somewhere public, like a mall or a restaurant with good parking and lots of lighting.  A coffee shop is a good place to meet.  Why not ask one your friends to go with you so you’re not alone?  Protect your identity and don’t tell the new person where you live and meet somewhere that is at least ten miles from your home.  When it is time to leave, walk to your car by yourself because they may write down your license number or follow you home when they see the kind of car you drive.  Don’t go to their house until you really know them and when meeting someone new let your parents know where you are going and when you’re coming home. 

 

Don’t worry about hurting anybody’s feelings if you don’t want to meet, just politely tell them your not interested and remember that these identity thieves and stalkers are quite good at their trade and they know how to sound sincere.  If you are having a party please be careful about inviting new people.  Your new friend may be ok but he may bring friends who are creeps and they are coming over only to steal items or look around the house for items and entry points so they can break in later.  Always meet new people somewhere other than your place and trust your inner feelings (gut).



By: Randy Vezina

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Why Insurance Agents Should Offer Identity Theft Protection Service

Statistics in print, online and other media show that identity theft has become a major topic of discussion over the past few years. In fact, the figures regarding the costs and time involved in identity theft - both for businesses and individuals is almost staggering. With this in mind, a new type of insurance has been established as a result. And it’s known as personal identity theft insurance.

Personal Identity Theft Insurance Coverage

Here are some of the main points covered by personal identity theft insurance. Check with insurance agents in our area for more details and to see what’s covered in your area.

1) At this point in time, personal identity theft insurance basically averages between $25 and $50 per year. It mainly covers up to around a sum total of $15,000 through $25,000 worth of expenses, including some lost wages that may result from time taken off work to handle the identity theft-related fraud issues. However, coverage incurred for this benefit most often will not surpass $500 in a week’s time plus it is more often than not limited to four weeks in full of total coverage.

2) Some attorney fees may also be included in this coverage, so check accordingly with insurance agents / providers. They’ll also have limits, if this is covered.

3) Some insurance coverage for personal identity theft may also extend to long distance fees, notary fees and certified postal mailing costs for the competing and delivering of fraud affidavits so that they go to the right parties involved.

4) Some additional fees that may be required when reapplying for new installment and other loans plus new credit cards, even for accounts that were possibly turned down earlier because of the fraudulent credit information may also be covered, at least to a certain extent with identity theft insurance.

Note that while personal identity theft coverage is in itself not an actual ‘fix’ for your credit record, history or criminal record, it does help pay for many expenses associated with the fix for you in time, help, money and reaching out to clear things up. Overall, the insurance for identity theft will most often cover expenses totaling up to and not exceeding $1,000. But every little bit helps! And to many, $1,000 can represent a huge chunk of time and money, especially when your know upfront that the chips will be down: i.e. that you’ll be bummed, busy trying to juggle your regular daily activities while being right smack in the middle of chaotic theft.

Take steps to safeguard your private and personal information.

Help reach out to others you know to alert them to this info for their safety. Print out helpful articles like this and share copies with others, even emailing them as well to help others stay safe online and off.

Also bookmark helpful sites and blogs and subscribe to them. This will help you stay advised of alerts and updates regarding identity theft issues and topics are also great ideas.

So know you know why insurance agents should offer Identity Theft Protection Service. Spread the word!



By: Bernard Pragides

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