One You Blog

Report ID Theft to your Local Police

Should I report ID theft to my local police? This is one of the first questions that people ask themselves after their identity is stolen. There is only one answer that should be on your mind: yes! Once you realize that you have become a victim of ID theft you need to contact your local police department to file a report.

The main reason for doing this is so that you have verification of your case. This will come in handy when speaking with banks and credit card companies that may ask you to verify the crime.

Of course, reporting ID theft can also stop it from happening to somebody else in the future. This may not do you much good, but at least you can attempt to shutdown the person who has caused you so much trouble.

The police may not be able to hunt down the person who stole your identity. But at the very least you will end up with the report your need, while also helping to put an end to this serious crime.

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Do You Need a Laptop Security Program?

Sadly, your laptop is a prime target for theft.  It has two of the most tempting aspects: It’s valuable and it is portable.  The question is, do you need an anti-theft program?  Well do you…

• Take your laptop out of the house?
• Use it in public places?
• Ever walk away from it for a second to throw something out or get a drink?
• Take it through a crowded place (like on a bus/subway) on a regular basis?

If you can answer yes to any of those then you need a device.

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How Do You Keep Your Password Safe?

It seems that many people just cannot seem to keep all of their passwords straight.  That was why password management software was invented.  The question is how do you make sure that your software manager is safe.  Well, just answer these questions:

1.  Is it lock with it’s own password?  Anything without a password will be an open door to anyone who turns on your computer.

2.  Is it encrypted?  If your manager will put in passwords automatically then it needs to be encrypted.

Keep safe and sane.

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Identity Theft News

Here are some more identity theft news stories. Although some of them may not pertain to you, there is something you can take from each one. Remember, just because you have never been a victim of identity theft does not mean that you are safe into the future.

1. Hacker admits world’s biggest identity theft

2. Identity theft growing, getting harder to stop

3. Man Arrested For Identity Theft

Take a few minutes out of your day to see what these stories can do for you.

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Rules for Using Public Computers

If you are using a public computer, like the ones found at local libraries and college campuses, then you should know the rules for keeping your identity safe while using them.

1. Stay off of banking sites and Paypal unless you have a dire need.  The system could have key logging software installed and you will have just given your log on and password away.
2. Never click (or uncheck) the “remember me” button.  If you don’t anyone can get access to your mail.
3. Always log out.  If you have to sign in the station always log out.  Just in case.

Now you can public browse safely.

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Are You Leaving a Digital Foot Print?

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As you go about your daily routine, running the circle from email to your RSS reader and Facebook to Twiiter you are leaving behind a digital foot print.  Just like an escapee must be careful not to lead the Bloodhounds to their front door, you need to obscure your trail to ensure that you do not have your identity stolen.  How do you do that?  With some careful preparation try out these tips:

1. Don’t re use your passwords.
2. Create truly hard to crack passwords.
3. Don’t sign into a password protected site on a public computer if you help it.
4. Rotate your password at regular intervals.
5. Vary your routine when possible.
6. Be sure not to post too much personal information on any site.

Now you can be incognito!

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Are you making yourself a Target for Identity Theft?

Believe it or not, you may be making yourself a victim for identity theft. Thieves love people like you. You don’t pay attention and think that nothing bad can happen. If you feel like this, now is the time for a change. Putting yourself in position to become a victim of identity theft is the last thing you should want to do.

Do you give out your personal information, such as your social security number, to anybody who asks? If so, it is only a matter of time until your identity is stolen. You have to protect this information at all times, and only share it when 100 percent necessary.

The same holds true for where you use your credit cards. There is nothing wrong with paying with plastic, but only if you know that the store is reputable. When shopping online, make sure you are on a secure computer that nobody else, somebody you don’t know, is going to be using.

Your identity can be stolen even if you are careful. If you are making yourself a target, you are going to be in trouble sooner rather than later.

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More Identity Theft News

No matter what day of the week it is, there are always fresh identity theft news stories coming out. Even though they can be scary at times, the more you read the better chance you have of staying safe.

Here are four recent identity theft news stories that you definitely want to check out:

1. Identity theft victim meets the thief

2. How To Prevent Card-Skimming Identity Theft

3. More digitization will make it easy for criminals to make off with your identity

4. Mobile phone ID fraud increases

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Another Tip for Creating Hard to Crack Passwords

If you are in need of a way to pick another totally random password here is an option.

1. Evaluate the site you are on and choose 2 to 3 related memorable words.  Ex- for a pet site choose Dog, Gerbil and Iguana.
2. Count the number of letters in each word.  Then add these at the beginning of each word.  Ex- 3Dog, 6Gerbil, 6Iguana
3. If you want one more layer of difficulty add the final count of all the letters to the end.  Ex- 3Dog, 6Gerbil, 6Iguana, 15

No one will guess that one!  Just be sure to capitalize the 1st (or last, or 2nd- just keep in consistent) of each word.  Good luck.

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Audiophile

If you participate in any kind of an audio program, like a podcast or a live show for a site like Blog Talk Radio then you may get comfortable.  Over time your loyal listeners begin to feel like friends.  You want to share with them.  Before you share, you should think twice.  Maybe it’s your birthday, or you just had a baby.  Either way consider your safety.

Odds are that your listeners have your name, and maybe even your location.  How much more should you add to that equation?  Not much.  Name and date of birth one common question on financial forms.  Children’s names are common passwords.

Remember, anyone can hear you think twice.

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