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Added for You - Keeping Your Soul Safe: How to Prevent Identity Theft
Credit cards for people with bad credit are a form of borrowing that often involves charges. So it's wise to compare terms and fees before you agree to open a credit or charge card account. Try looking for a credit card with a low APR. Find out the APR because this is the amount charged to you on monthly balances.Are you overwhelmed with credit card offers and don’t know which one is right for you? Tired of looking for a credit card? Chances are you have received your share of credit card solicitations. Not sure which credit cards you should apply for? Shop around because not all credit cards for people with bad credit are created equal.The following are some important things to consider that generally must be disclosed in credit card applications or with credit cards that require no application. Annual Percentage Rate Periodic Rate Variable Rate and Grace periodThe card issuer must disclose the "periodic rate" - the rate applied to your outstanding balance to figure the finance charge for each billing period. Some credit cards for people with bad credit allow the issuer to change your APR when interest rates or other economic indicators - called indexes - change. Because the rate change is linked to the index's performance, these plans are called "variable rate" programs.By making on-time payments you could be on the road to repairing your bad credit.
- Give your social security number only when absolutely necessary. Use other ID if possible.
- Try to limit the number of cards and personal identifiers you carry with you regularly.
- Get a copy of your credit report from all three agencies (listed below) and check for unauthorized activity. Be familiar with what is on your account, and see if there are any errors to be corrected.
- Keep items with personal information in a locked file or safe and in an unusual spot (not the desk drawer), especially if you share your living accommodations. Shred them if you don't need them anymore.
- Ensure that charge receipts, copies of insurance forms, credit applications, bank checks, statements, and credit offers are shredded.
- Many people have credit cards they don't use regularly and therefore don't receive a statement. Check these cards for activity online, or use them at least once a month, in case someone has changed the address and is using it.
- If you are an online retailer, use AVS (Address Verification Service). It will reject any card that has a shipping address different from the mailing address.
- Teller Positive Pay (Bank of America) - you tell the bank what checks you have written, they will refuse any not listed.
- Try online banking - paper checks get handled by an average of 13 people each, while online checks go through 2 people. It is also cheaper transaction, and eliminates paper records to be stolen. The bank can send you a CD with the copies of the fronts and backs of checks.
- If you have been refused credit unfairly, or refused employment due to credit problems, it may be a sign of identity theft.
- Watch out for 'repair your credit' scams. They prey on the conscientious but gullible. M
Debts can mount up out of control quickly, to the point that you may even be considering bankruptcy. With the new bankruptcy laws making the filing of bankruptcy so much more complicated and expensive, you may be wondering what your options are. For those with good credit and stable income, consolidating revolving debt with 125% home equity loans, also known as 125 percent loans or simply 125 loans, can make sound financial sense. Rather than let your credit card debt spin out of control, consider refinancing that compounding interest into a 125% home equity loan.125% loans are typically fixed rate equity loans, which save you money over variable rate loans over the long term. The rates are also typically quite a bit less than those of credit cards, especially if you are paying universal default rates. Universal default rates are provisions typically buried deep within the fine print of your credit card agreement where you can get charged exorbitant rates if you are more than 30 days late on any ONE payment to any credit card. These rates can also apply if you go over the credit limit on any ONE card. Consumer Affairs found default rates as high as 35% (Merrick Bank) and many others running close to 30%.125% loans are second mortgage loans that allow you to borrow more than what your home is worth. E-Loan gives this example of how it works: if your home is worth $100,000 and your first mortgage is $95,000, you can borrow $30,000, for a total of $125,000. Thus, there is no equity needed to get a 125% loan. If you are planning to stay in your home for three years or more, the 125% second mortgage loan is a great way to refinance high rate credit cards, lower monthly payments and save money.While it generally requires good credit to get a 125% equity loan, there are also loans available for those with bruised credit. With 125% loans, there generally are no lender fees or appraisal required. The purchase price of your house minus all mortgages and liens is generally used to determine how much equity you have. And, because lenders know how busy people are, they generally send a mobile notary to you to sign the loan papers. How convenient is that?Rather than g
Facts and Statistics:
-Up to 700,000 people in the United States may be victimized by identity bandits each year, according to the Justice Dept (during press release 2002 FTC Study)
-Over 500,000,000 fraudulent checks are written each year
-The Secret Service estimates that in 1997, consumers lost more than $745 million due to identity theft
-A recent report on identity theft warned that there is likely to be "mass victimization" of consumers within the next several years.
-Every 79 seconds, a thief steals someone's identity, opens accounts in the victim's name, and goes on a buying spree. (CBSnews.com, 1/24/01)
- Florida is the number 4 top state for identity theft (CA, NY, TX, FL, IL) in number of victims.
-Types of Identity Theft:
-- Financial Fraud
--- Debit & ATM fraud
--- Checking account fraud
--- Savings account fraud
--- Store credit account fraud
--- Loan account fraud
--- Mortgage account fraud
-- Identity Cloning (uses your credit rating to live a separate life
-- Other crimes
--- Drug trafficking
--- Smuggling
--- Illegal entry into other countrie
--- Terrorism
--- Money laundering
--- Computer crimes
--- Shoplifting
--- Burglary
How your ID gets stolen:
- Credit cards: Every time you use your credit card, in person, on the phone, or on the Internet, there is a risk that an unscrupulous person may make off with your card details. Locations where staff turnover is high, such as restaurants, bars, and telemarketing companies, are especially high risk. Some thieves sell servers a small 'skimmer' that attaches to the inside of a jacket or coat, and will read a credit card when swiped. The server can then sell this 'skimmer' for $2000 after he's swiped 20 cards.
- Don't Trash It: Unshredded bank statements, credit card solicitations, account statements and other discarded mail is a target.
- Beware of the Workplace: Many times fellow employees steal sensitive information from unsecured personnel files, desks, or trash cans.
- Help Desk Impersonators: Sometimes an innocent call from your phone company, bank, insurance company or broker can be a cover for ID theft. Beware of anyone who needs to verify your address or SSN by YOU supplying the information.
- Check alteration: A recent case involved a man going to each 'flagged' mailbox and taking out checks being mailed to GTE. He changed the Payee to G.T. Edwards, opened an account with a fake ID, and cashed the checks. IRS can easily be changed to 'MRS. XXXX'
- Fraudulent Check Printing: Whether by making color copies of an existing check and altering it or printing fake checks on purchased or stolen check stock, this crime is rising rapidly. There is check-printing software available, and many businesses and individuals now print their own checks.
- Checks Stolen: There are several ways a thief can obtain what he needs to create his own checks with your information:
-- Stealing bank statements with cancelled checks from your home or mailbox
-- Making a copy of a check you've sent out
-- If you own a business, a scanned copy of your incorporation papers may be available online at www.myflorida.com. If so, it may have your signature on it, available for anyone to copy.
- Friends and Family: Many cases of ID theft and fraud are committed by family members, friends and roommates
- The Media: Your ID can even be stolen by someone who learned about you from a news story, or your company's brochure.
- Unlike most crimes, it's up to YOU to prove yourself innocent and restore your good name and credit. This process can take years and a lot of your own money. In the case of check fraud, you have 60 days to discover something wrong on your bank statements. After that, the bank assumes no liability. The person who is "in the best position to prevent the fraud" is held liable.
- While financial and commercial organizations must exonerate you if their debts were incurred by an impersonator, it is imperative that you act quickly to clear the responsibility for these debts from your name.
- One of the biggest victim complaints is that law enforcement sometimes refuses to take a crime report in identity theft cases. Without a police report, credit issuers simply do not believe that someone else is at fault. Further complicating the process is the fact that identity theft crimes committed in your name may often span several jurisdictions.
Things to do NOW
- Whenever you order checks, do the following:
- NEVER print your social security number on the check - even if asked to by a store clerk. They cannot require it.
- Don't print your phone number (you can get driving directions to your house with just your phone number)
- Print only your first initial, keeping thieves from knowing either your full name or how you sign your checks
- Use a PO Box address, or a work address.
- Do not write your entire account number on the check when paying credit card bills. Instead, attach a payment coupon and only write the last four numbers on the check. This way, anyone handling your check does not have access to the whole card number.
- Never keep passwords or PIN numbers in your wallet. Even if you don't indicate which card it is, all a thief has to do is keep trying each card.
- Sign up for the Telemarketer Do Not Call list at www.donotcall.gov
- Sign up for blocking your personal information from being released by the driver's license department. For Florida, the website is www.hsmv.state.fl.us and click on "The Driver Privacy Protection Act"
- Copy both sides of everything in your wallet. In case it is lost or stolen, you need the card numbers AND the phone numbers to call in that they are lost. Obtaining a new drivers license or social security card are also much easier if you have a copy.
-- Driver's license
-- Credit cards
-- Social Security card
-- Student ID
-- Military ID
-- Insurance cards
-- Membership cards
-- Voter's registration
-- Passport
-- AAA card
- Call or write your three credit bureaus and tell them you want to 'opt out' of your information being shared. Whenever you receive a credit card offer, it is because a bureau shared your basic data with them.
- Before revealing personal ID information to anyone who calls you, make absolutely sure you're dealing with the company you think you are. Arrange to call them back after you've found their number from your own sources. If they say they're from a 'separate call center', refuse to deal with them.
- Any time you are required to give personal information, find out how it will be used and if it will be shared with others. Ask if you can choose to keep it confidential.
- Keep track of your billing cycles. If the bills don't arrive on time, check your address on record with the creditor. If the address is correct, check your mailbox security, and perhaps get a Post Office box.
- Give your social security number only when absolutely necessary. Use other ID if possible.
- Try to limit the number of cards and personal identifiers you carry with you regularly.
- Get a copy of your credit report from all three agencies (listed below) and check for unauthorized activity. Be familiar with what is on your account, and see if there are any errors to be corrected.
- Keep items with personal information in a locked file or safe and in an unusual spot (not the desk drawer), especially if you share your living accommodations. Shred them if you don't need them anymore.
- Ensure that charge receipts, copies of insurance forms, credit applications, bank checks, statements, and credit offers are shredded.
- Many people have credit cards they don't use regularly and therefore don't receive a statement. Check these cards for activity online, or use them at least once a month, in case someone has changed the address and is using it.
- If you are an online retailer, use AVS (Address Verification Service). It will reject any card that has a shipping address different from the mailing address.
- Teller Positive Pay (Bank of America) - you tell the bank what checks you have written, they will refuse any not listed.
- Try online banking - paper checks get handled by an average of 13 people each, while online checks go through 2 people. It is also cheaper transaction, and eliminates paper records to be stolen. The bank can send you a CD with the copies of the fronts and backs of checks.
- If you have been refused credit unfairly, or refused employment due to credit problems, it may be a sign of identity theft.
- Watch out for 'repair your credit' scams. They prey on the conscientious but gullible. M
Getting a credit report is a good idea if you are not sure what your credit score may be. If you are planning on applying for a loan, buying a car, putting a down payment on a house, or simply applying for a credit card, you are going to want to know what kind of credit you have beforehand, and a credit report that includes your credit score is the only sure way of knowing.The median US credit score is 725. That means half the population with a credit score has a score higher than 725, and half has a score lower than 725. The US average credit score is about 675. If you've been rejected for a loan or credit card, your credit score is probably below the national average. A credit report will help you figure out why.The good news is getting a credit report doesn't have to be such a hassle anymore. You don't need to make any appointments, fill out any paper work, or even leave your house so long as you have an internet connection. There are a number of different sites that offer you a credit report upon signing up. Prior to applying for a new credit card several years ago I did an internet search. Right off the bat I noticed a number of sites that claimed that they will give a credit report for free, so I tried one of these sites just for the heck of it.The first site I tried was indeed free, however I still have yet to receive a credit report from them. They required a credit card number, which I gave them, and a bunch of other personal information, and then said that I would receive my credit report in the mail. Well, its several years later and I have not received that credit report yet. Fortunately, they did not charge my account for anything, but nevertheless I regret ever signing up with them, and still have some concern about what they are doing with my credit card information.Your best bet, I soon learned, in getting a credit report is to use one of the well known credit reporting services such as Experian, or Equifax. They will charge you a small fee, usually around $30-$35 USD, if you want a report with your credit score. Getting an accurate credit report and knowing your credit score is well worth the fee, however.Overall, my advic
- Don't Trash It: Unshredded bank statements, credit card solicitations, account statements and other discarded mail is a target.
- Beware of the Workplace: Many times fellow employees steal sensitive information from unsecured personnel files, desks, or trash cans.
- Help Desk Impersonators: Sometimes an innocent call from your phone company, bank, insurance company or broker can be a cover for ID theft. Beware of anyone who needs to verify your address or SSN by YOU supplying the information.
- Check alteration: A recent case involved a man going to each 'flagged' mailbox and taking out checks being mailed to GTE. He changed the Payee to G.T. Edwards, opened an account with a fake ID, and cashed the checks. IRS can easily be changed to 'MRS. XXXX'
- Fraudulent Check Printing: Whether by making color copies of an existing check and altering it or printing fake checks on purchased or stolen check stock, this crime is rising rapidly. There is check-printing software available, and many businesses and individuals now print their own checks.
- Checks Stolen: There are several ways a thief can obtain what he needs to create his own checks with your information:
-- Stealing bank statements with cancelled checks from your home or mailbox
-- Making a copy of a check you've sent out
-- If you own a business, a scanned copy of your incorporation papers may be available online at www.myflorida.com. If so, it may have your signature on it, available for anyone to copy.
- Friends and Family: Many cases of ID theft and fraud are committed by family members, friends and roommates
- The Media: Your ID can even be stolen by someone who learned about you from a news story, or your company's brochure.
- Unlike most crimes, it's up to YOU to prove yourself innocent and restore your good name and credit. This process can take years and a lot of your own money. In the case of check fraud, you have 60 days to discover something wrong on your bank statements. After that, the bank assumes no liability. The person who is "in the best position to prevent the fraud" is held liable.
- While financial and commercial organizations must exonerate you if their debts were incurred by an impersonator, it is imperative that you act quickly to clear the responsibility for these debts from your name.
- One of the biggest victim complaints is that law enforcement sometimes refuses to take a crime report in identity theft cases. Without a police report, credit issuers simply do not believe that someone else is at fault. Further complicating the process is the fact that identity theft crimes committed in your name may often span several jurisdictions.
Things to do NOW
- Whenever you order checks, do the following:
- NEVER print your social security number on the check - even if asked to by a store clerk. They cannot require it.
- Don't print your phone number (you can get driving directions to your house with just your phone number)
- Print only your first initial, keeping thieves from knowing either your full name or how you sign your checks
- Use a PO Box address, or a work address.
- Do not write your entire account number on the check when paying credit card bills. Instead, attach a payment coupon and only write the last four numbers on the check. This way, anyone handling your check does not have access to the whole card number.
- Never keep passwords or PIN numbers in your wallet. Even if you don't indicate which card it is, all a thief has to do is keep trying each card.
- Sign up for the Telemarketer Do Not Call list at www.donotcall.gov
- Sign up for blocking your personal information from being released by the driver's license department. For Florida, the website is www.hsmv.state.fl.us and click on "The Driver Privacy Protection Act"
- Copy both sides of everything in your wallet. In case it is lost or stolen, you need the card numbers AND the phone numbers to call in that they are lost. Obtaining a new drivers license or social security card are also much easier if you have a copy.
-- Driver's license
-- Credit cards
-- Social Security card
-- Student ID
-- Military ID
-- Insurance cards
-- Membership cards
-- Voter's registration
-- Passport
-- AAA card
- Call or write your three credit bureaus and tell them you want to 'opt out' of your information being shared. Whenever you receive a credit card offer, it is because a bureau shared your basic data with them.
- Before revealing personal ID information to anyone who calls you, make absolutely sure you're dealing with the company you think you are. Arrange to call them back after you've found their number from your own sources. If they say they're from a 'separate call center', refuse to deal with them.
- Any time you are required to give personal information, find out how it will be used and if it will be shared with others. Ask if you can choose to keep it confidential.
- Keep track of your billing cycles. If the bills don't arrive on time, check your address on record with the creditor. If the address is correct, check your mailbox security, and perhaps get a Post Office box.
- Give your social security number only when absolutely necessary. Use other ID if possible.
- Try to limit the number of cards and personal identifiers you carry with you regularly.
- Get a copy of your credit report from all three agencies (listed below) and check for unauthorized activity. Be familiar with what is on your account, and see if there are any errors to be corrected.
- Keep items with personal information in a locked file or safe and in an unusual spot (not the desk drawer), especially if you share your living accommodations. Shred them if you don't need them anymore.
- Ensure that charge receipts, copies of insurance forms, credit applications, bank checks, statements, and credit offers are shredded.
- Many people have credit cards they don't use regularly and therefore don't receive a statement. Check these cards for activity online, or use them at least once a month, in case someone has changed the address and is using it.
- If you are an online retailer, use AVS (Address Verification Service). It will reject any card that has a shipping address different from the mailing address.
- Teller Positive Pay (Bank of America) - you tell the bank what checks you have written, they will refuse any not listed.
- Try online banking - paper checks get handled by an average of 13 people each, while online checks go through 2 people. It is also cheaper transaction, and eliminates paper records to be stolen. The bank can send you a CD with the copies of the fronts and backs of checks.
- If you have been refused credit unfairly, or refused employment due to credit problems, it may be a sign of identity theft.
- Watch out for 'repair your credit' scams. They prey on the conscientious but gullible. M
Friends buy from friends. Why? Because people trust that their friends will go above and beyond the duties of a typical salesperson. They know that their friends will give them friendly, honest help and provide them with the product that is perfect for their needs. In return, these people develop into loyal customers who are happy to support their friend’s business with continued sales and referrals.So how do you take advantage of this wonderful sales cycle? You must change the focus of the sales experience on making a friend rather than making a sale. When you focus on making a friend at all costs, you will find ways to serve your customers beyond the scope of what you do in your business.This type of exceptional service is what will get your customers talking positively about you after the fact. They will enthusiastically tell everybody they know about you, your company and your excellent service. These testimonials are the most effective form of advertising you could ever have for your company. By making one friend, you will create customer loyalty that will boost your sales as they continue to buy from you and recommend you to others.In order to be friends with your customers, you must take the time to revaluate several key aspects of how you interact with them.Do you value your customers?Your customers do you a great service by contacting you. Think about it. If a customer contacts you or stops into your place of business, they have already paid you a wonderful compliment. They likely have heard that you do good business or that you have the solution to their problem.Return that compliment by respecting your customers and letting them know that you are honored that they have given you the opportunity to earn their business. Recognizing the important value of each customer will establish the loyalty that will keep your friendships and sales numbers growing.Do you truly care about your customers?The only way to become friends with your customers is by caring about them as a friend would. You must listen to your customer’s concerns and understand t
- The Media: Your ID can even be stolen by someone who learned about you from a news story, or your company's brochure.
- Unlike most crimes, it's up to YOU to prove yourself innocent and restore your good name and credit. This process can take years and a lot of your own money. In the case of check fraud, you have 60 days to discover something wrong on your bank statements. After that, the bank assumes no liability. The person who is "in the best position to prevent the fraud" is held liable.
- While financial and commercial organizations must exonerate you if their debts were incurred by an impersonator, it is imperative that you act quickly to clear the responsibility for these debts from your name.
- One of the biggest victim complaints is that law enforcement sometimes refuses to take a crime report in identity theft cases. Without a police report, credit issuers simply do not believe that someone else is at fault. Further complicating the process is the fact that identity theft crimes committed in your name may often span several jurisdictions.
Things to do NOW
- Whenever you order checks, do the following:
- NEVER print your social security number on the check - even if asked to by a store clerk. They cannot require it.
- Don't print your phone number (you can get driving directions to your house with just your phone number)
- Print only your first initial, keeping thieves from knowing either your full name or how you sign your checks
- Use a PO Box address, or a work address.
- Do not write your entire account number on the check when paying credit card bills. Instead, attach a payment coupon and only write the last four numbers on the check. This way, anyone handling your check does not have access to the whole card number.
- Never keep passwords or PIN numbers in your wallet. Even if you don't indicate which card it is, all a thief has to do is keep trying each card.
- Sign up for the Telemarketer Do Not Call list at www.donotcall.gov
- Sign up for blocking your personal information from being released by the driver's license department. For Florida, the website is www.hsmv.state.fl.us and click on "The Driver Privacy Protection Act"
- Copy both sides of everything in your wallet. In case it is lost or stolen, you need the card numbers AND the phone numbers to call in that they are lost. Obtaining a new drivers license or social security card are also much easier if you have a copy.
-- Driver's license
-- Credit cards
-- Social Security card
-- Student ID
-- Military ID
-- Insurance cards
-- Membership cards
-- Voter's registration
-- Passport
-- AAA card
- Call or write your three credit bureaus and tell them you want to 'opt out' of your information being shared. Whenever you receive a credit card offer, it is because a bureau shared your basic data with them.
- Before revealing personal ID information to anyone who calls you, make absolutely sure you're dealing with the company you think you are. Arrange to call them back after you've found their number from your own sources. If they say they're from a 'separate call center', refuse to deal with them.
- Any time you are required to give personal information, find out how it will be used and if it will be shared with others. Ask if you can choose to keep it confidential.
- Keep track of your billing cycles. If the bills don't arrive on time, check your address on record with the creditor. If the address is correct, check your mailbox security, and perhaps get a Post Office box.
- Give your social security number only when absolutely necessary. Use other ID if possible.
- Try to limit the number of cards and personal identifiers you carry with you regularly.
- Get a copy of your credit report from all three agencies (listed below) and check for unauthorized activity. Be familiar with what is on your account, and see if there are any errors to be corrected.
- Keep items with personal information in a locked file or safe and in an unusual spot (not the desk drawer), especially if you share your living accommodations. Shred them if you don't need them anymore.
- Ensure that charge receipts, copies of insurance forms, credit applications, bank checks, statements, and credit offers are shredded.
- Many people have credit cards they don't use regularly and therefore don't receive a statement. Check these cards for activity online, or use them at least once a month, in case someone has changed the address and is using it.
- If you are an online retailer, use AVS (Address Verification Service). It will reject any card that has a shipping address different from the mailing address.
- Teller Positive Pay (Bank of America) - you tell the bank what checks you have written, they will refuse any not listed.
- Try online banking - paper checks get handled by an average of 13 people each, while online checks go through 2 people. It is also cheaper transaction, and eliminates paper records to be stolen. The bank can send you a CD with the copies of the fronts and backs of checks.
- If you have been refused credit unfairly, or refused employment due to credit problems, it may be a sign of identity theft.
- Watch out for 'repair your credit' scams. They prey on the conscientious but gullible. M
To clarify and best describe the 3 kinds of marketing, it is necessary to lay out how customers are found, and why they respond to various approaches.There are three markets:1) "I've decided to buy something, and I'm actively looking."2) "I've been thinking of buying something but have been putting it off."3) "I didn't realize your product/service could do that for me - affordably."Scenario #1 is usually for commodities - products and services with known cost and benefit. These are price-sensitive sales, and how to add value is thoroughly documented elsewhere. This market is ready, willing and able. The vast majority of business transactions are done this way because there is a built up demand with market share being the goal - a piece of the pie.Scenario #2 is where they are willing and able, but they just haven't bothered to pull the trigger yet; they aren't "ready." This is a market where good ads inspire them to act because of "special offers." They may need an offer along the lines of, "Buy today and we'll throw in a_____ ." This market does not have to be as price sensitive as the ones who "call you" if you structure it. Get them to come to you, or, go to them and you've solved 75% of the sales effort and eliminated 75% of the chance of them shopping for price. Helpful seminars work well - as opposed to pure selling sessions. Both scenarios 1 and 2 are for mature markets where the heavier margins have been leveled out by competitive bidding.Scenario #3 offers a whole new ballgame. You get new values that they weren't aware of. There are a lot of people who are both open-minded to believing the claims of legitimate and verifiable benefits, and, like to be frontrunners who try 'What's new;" it has a tonic effect on boredom.Depending upon both the margin per sale and if it has inherent repeat business, you need to choose which marketing effort is best. Direct mail, radio and telemarketing can be used to these ends - a combination of all 3, if ifs affordable, is best. One thing about telemarketing: not only is it two-way communication - which demands an immedia
- Never keep passwords or PIN numbers in your wallet. Even if you don't indicate which card it is, all a thief has to do is keep trying each card.
- Sign up for the Telemarketer Do Not Call list at www.donotcall.gov
- Sign up for blocking your personal information from being released by the driver's license department. For Florida, the website is www.hsmv.state.fl.us and click on "The Driver Privacy Protection Act"
- Copy both sides of everything in your wallet. In case it is lost or stolen, you need the card numbers AND the phone numbers to call in that they are lost. Obtaining a new drivers license or social security card are also much easier if you have a copy.
-- Driver's license
-- Credit cards
-- Social Security card
-- Student ID
-- Military ID
-- Insurance cards
-- Membership cards
-- Voter's registration
-- Passport
-- AAA card
- Call or write your three credit bureaus and tell them you want to 'opt out' of your information being shared. Whenever you receive a credit card offer, it is because a bureau shared your basic data with them.
- Before revealing personal ID information to anyone who calls you, make absolutely sure you're dealing with the company you think you are. Arrange to call them back after you've found their number from your own sources. If they say they're from a 'separate call center', refuse to deal with them.
- Any time you are required to give personal information, find out how it will be used and if it will be shared with others. Ask if you can choose to keep it confidential.
- Keep track of your billing cycles. If the bills don't arrive on time, check your address on record with the creditor. If the address is correct, check your mailbox security, and perhaps get a Post Office box.
- Give your social security number only when absolutely necessary. Use other ID if possible.
- Try to limit the number of cards and personal identifiers you carry with you regularly.
- Get a copy of your credit report from all three agencies (listed below) and check for unauthorized activity. Be familiar with what is on your account, and see if there are any errors to be corrected.
- Keep items with personal information in a locked file or safe and in an unusual spot (not the desk drawer), especially if you share your living accommodations. Shred them if you don't need them anymore.
- Ensure that charge receipts, copies of insurance forms, credit applications, bank checks, statements, and credit offers are shredded.
- Many people have credit cards they don't use regularly and therefore don't receive a statement. Check these cards for activity online, or use them at least once a month, in case someone has changed the address and is using it.
- If you are an online retailer, use AVS (Address Verification Service). It will reject any card that has a shipping address different from the mailing address.
- Teller Positive Pay (Bank of America) - you tell the bank what checks you have written, they will refuse any not listed.
- Try online banking - paper checks get handled by an average of 13 people each, while online checks go through 2 people. It is also cheaper transaction, and eliminates paper records to be stolen. The bank can send you a CD with the copies of the fronts and backs of checks.
- If you have been refused credit unfairly, or refused employment due to credit problems, it may be a sign of identity theft.
- Watch out for 'repair your credit' scams. They prey on the conscientious but gullible. M
It is often said by both Federal and State regulatory bodies, which monitor and enforce franchising that they are there to protect the consumer and Franchise Buyers. But, is what the Federal and State regulatory bodies doing really helping consumers?Over disclosure and over regulation in franchising is costly to Franchisors and therefore these costs are passed on to the franchisees or consumers and thus it hurts them, rather than helping them. Higher costs, the mean lower sales for the Franchisor as well.This takes away the economies of scale that franchising companies are known for which makes the business model so great in the first place. You see, nothing the government does helps the consumer, it never has it is a farce. Granted we have the greatest nation and the best government; OUR government, but really this is the year 2006, surely we can do better than this! Could I do better? Sure of course, I have studied the flows of civilization and the basic needs of systematic control, it is not good enough yet, we can do better, indeed, yet we argue over the means. Why?We all want the same ends, or you at least agreed in the onset of your franchise right?> But these Franchise rules exist only to help the competition, curtail upstarts and fast movers, which shake the core of civilization and economies due to disruptive exploits of current markets. Two things happen, one it hurts the forward progression and expansion of the over all economic pie, two it gives the larger bigger fish more time to adapt or die, as change is the only constant in business, sports, war, politics or life. It is universal. Consider this in 2006.
- Give your social security number only when absolutely necessary. Use other ID if possible.
- Try to limit the number of cards and personal identifiers you carry with you regularly.
- Get a copy of your credit report from all three agencies (listed below) and check for unauthorized activity. Be familiar with what is on your account, and see if there are any errors to be corrected.
- Keep items with personal information in a locked file or safe and in an unusual spot (not the desk drawer), especially if you share your living accommodations. Shred them if you don't need them anymore.
- Ensure that charge receipts, copies of insurance forms, credit applications, bank checks, statements, and credit offers are shredded.
- Many people have credit cards they don't use regularly and therefore don't receive a statement. Check these cards for activity online, or use them at least once a month, in case someone has changed the address and is using it.
- If you are an online retailer, use AVS (Address Verification Service). It will reject any card that has a shipping address different from the mailing address.
- Teller Positive Pay (Bank of America) - you tell the bank what checks you have written, they will refuse any not listed.
- Try online banking - paper checks get handled by an average of 13 people each, while online checks go through 2 people. It is also cheaper transaction, and eliminates paper records to be stolen. The bank can send you a CD with the copies of the fronts and backs of checks.
- If you have been refused credit unfairly, or refused employment due to credit problems, it may be a sign of identity theft.
- Watch out for 'repair your credit' scams. They prey on the conscientious but gullible. Most real credit errors can be taken care of yourself, for no cost.
- For passwords, use a series of letters and numbers. Don't use personal information such as your birthdate, parts of your SSN, or mother's maiden name. Genealogical data is available in the libraries and over the internet, and can be used to access your accounts. Make it something different, like T5XQ8. Do not store these passwords in your purse or wallet!
- Make sure to have some sort of virus protection software on your computer, and update it regularly.
- Visit ID THEFT for more information on the subject.
Internet Security
- If purchasing from the Internet, check the privacy clause on each company to make sure they don't hand your information over to 'partners'.
- Use secure sites on the Internet. If the URL doesn't start with https://, the data is not encrypted before transmission. (the S stands for secure).
- Some sites list fake security icons to fool the gullible. Click on them to discover if they really are authentic and reliable security companies.
- Print and keep receipts of online transactions. Check your credit card statements to make sure these are the only transactions that clear.
- Keep your PC software up to date with upgrades and security enhancements.
- Beware of installing programs from sites you can't trust or opening emails with attachments from people you don't know. Even if it is from someone you know, email them first to ask if they sent it
- it could be a virus on THEIR computer that they are not aware of, sending emails to everyone on their list. Some programs can hide in your PC and communicate your information when you connect to the Web.
- Verify your information: a recent scam involved members of eBay receiving messages requesting them to click on a link to update their personal information. The link took them to a site that appeared exactly like eBay's secure customer area, but was in fact a bogus site designed to hijack personal ID and credit card information. This is called Phishing, and many companies have had this done to them, including banks, credit unions, AOL, MSN, Earthlink, etc.
- Free credit report emails - most of these are scams, though the three credit reports DO now allow you a free credit report, every 12 months, to monitor your credit. Take advantage of this offer, and do so!
- You have won a free gift or lottery - usually an email or phone call about a free gift or prize - just provide your credit card information for shipping costs.
- Some Nigerian prince who is reaching out to 'a good person' in the US who will help him recovery his $10 million from his country. All he needs is a little investment
- Email chain letters and pyramid schemes - There are many of these. They are for the most part illegal and are just variations on the old postal chain letters.
- Emails offering a service to "Find out everything on everyone" - usually just a scam to get your credit card information
- Job Advertisement Scams - there have also been scams involving Internet Job Websites. Never hand out your SSN or birth date on a resume or application until you are certain the company and position is legitimate.
- Charity Scams - we anticipate that consumers will get calls from 'charities' asking for donations. Do not provide credit card information over the telephone. Get the mailing address, verify it, and send a check instead.
- CLARK HOWARD, a consumer advocate recommends that you use one card for all internet transactions, one with a relatively low limit. This will limit the damage if there is a security breach. He also has a lot of good information on his website.
Things to do when traveling:
- Copy your passport, itinerary, and plane tickets and keep a copy with you, and one with a trusted relative.
- Stop deliveries to the house to avoid advertising that you are gone, or have a friend pick them (and the mail) up periodically. You can also have the Post Office hold your mail until you get back.
- On your luggage tags, put your work address. This keeps anyone who handles your bags from knowing which house will be vacant for a while.
- Keep your parking ticket from the airport with you, in a safe place. If it is left in the car, that's all a thief needs to exit the parking garage safely.
- In idle conversation, don't tell people seemingly innocent details, such as where you keep your parking ticket, how long you will be gone, or if you are traveling alone.
- Call your credit cards before hand and tell them you are traveling. Many now have fraud detection policies that will freeze the card if used out of town, and this can be very inconvenient when in Bangkok.
- Always have a second, or even third, cash source available in case one is stolen or frozen.
- Some thieves have doctored ATMs where it will seemingly not work, and will keep your card. They insert a plastic sleeve, and when you walk away frustrated, they come up and take the card, having seen you enter your PIN number from afar. To avoid this, run your finger along the card slot before you insert your card. The sleeve is rigid and has a couple of tiny prongs the thieves use to get it out of the slot, and you will be able to feel them. Also shield the keyboard with your body when you enter your code.
- Another ATM scam involves a touch-sensitive film, similar to the ones used to protect the keys from damage. This film records your PIN number. Most banks no longer use this film due to this reason.
- Passports and credit cards are easy targets for identity theft. When traveling, either keep these in a hotel safe (not the room safe) or on a money belt hidden under your clothes. In crowded areas, all it takes is a razor blade and quick hands to empty your back pocket, purse, or backpack.
- Keep in mind that 1-800 numbers do NOT work in other countries for the most part, and most credit cards will not accept collect calls. If your wallet is stolen while traveling, make sure to have other contact numbers for them, or get them off their website.
- Some hotels ask for a copy of your driver's license, credit card, or passport for your stay - some even ask to hold the passport. If this is the case, first verify that this is indeed the policy, with the hotel manager. Then request that a copy be made instead of the original, and ask what is done with the copy later. If that is still not sufficient, request that they be held in the hotel safe. At least then only cleared personnel will have access to it (and make sure YOU have a copy on hand as well)
- Current TSA regulations allow unwitnessed searches of checked luggage. To deter unauthorized people from searching your luggage, lock them with plastic cable ties. This allows the TSA to open the luggage and relock it with their own ties, and you know they're the only ones that have been in the luggage.
Things to do if your wallet is stolen:
- File a police report immediately, which shows the credit card companies you were diligent.
- Cancel your credit cards immediately. This is why it is so important to have the copies of everything in your wallet. You will need the toll-free numbers on the backs to call the companies. If you are not in the country, toll-free numbers won't work,
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