One You Blog

Your Pin Number

The pin number of your ATM or debit card may not be something that you think about often, and that is a shame. Every time you use that pin you are potentially exposing it to the prying eyes of those around you. Which means that there are a few do’s and don’ts when picking one.

1. Do try to keep your hand in the way of other view.
2. Do not lip or say number aloud. (it sounds silly, but you would be amazed how many people do this subconsciously.)
3. Do not get the cashier to put it in for you. (Again, some people, usually ones who expect extremely high levels of customer service, or who are very bad with technology, sometime ask.)
4. Do not pick an easy to guess pin. (I’m talking to you Mr. Last four digits of my SSN as a pin)
5. Do be wary of any machine that looks like it has been tampered with.

Now, you can shop safely.

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Can Your Social Security Number be Predicted

Can someone make an educated social security number?

Well, yes actually. With some basic information like where you live and when you were born, to give you an idea.

Your first three digits are based on your filing zip code. The next two are issues non-sequentially and your third set in numerical order.

You still don’t believe that it is true, well researchers at Carnegie Mellon have already done it, in 10 guesses or less.

That means it is more important than ever to keep your basic data safe.

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When to Report ID Theft

Reporting identity theft is not something that should be done lightly.  If more than one person is on an account it can be hard to be sure that you have been taken.  It can also get trickier with multiple cards to keep track of.  So, when should you report identity theft?

1. When you are sure that no one made that mysterious charge.
2. When you have consulted any other card holders to check.

Once you’ve got that down go ahead and report.  The sooner the better!

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Do More Cardholders Mean More Risk?

There are very few people who will put other users on their credit card with one glaring exception.  That exception is their children.  If they go on a vacation out of the country or off to college you may give them an emergency card.  If your child is responsible, and does not blow it all on kegs, this can actually be a great way to achieve some peace of mind.

The question is, does this extra card put you at extra risk?  Sadly, the answer is yes.  Let’s look at the away to college scenario again.

1. Your credit card is in a place with thousands of cash strapped 19 years old.
2. Large crowds are common in this location, where it is easy to be pick pocketed.
3. It is unlikely that your child sleeps with their wallet.  They do, sleep with a roommate.

Even if none of that was a factor, more cards still means more chances.  Teach your cardholder to be on guard.

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Should You Get A Temporary Credit Card Number

In some circumstances your credit card company can issue you a temporary number that will work for other only 1 purchase or for a limited amount of money.  They are a great way to protect your number.  Since a fee is usually associated with this privilege, it is good to know when to get one.  Here are some good times.

• When you are buying on a questionable site (not recommended)
• When you are booking vacations in another country
• When you are dealing with a company that usually makes repetitive charges, but you have negotiated a one time deal.

Essentially, any time that you do not feel safe.

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How Much Should You Trust Your Banks IT Security

A lack of trust in financial institutions has become common.  The question is, should you trust them with your data?  Sadly, financial institutions are a prime target for crackers.  They are also breached with some regularity.  Not that those breaches are always to a core system, mind you.  Not that this is really a pleasant thought.  Bank breaches are a lot like fireworks.  One in the wrong spot is one tied many.  There are somethings that you can do to minimize the risks of having your information taken during a breach.

1. Don’t give your bank any more information than you need to.  Most people do this naturally, but be cautious.
2. Opt out of all mailing lists and affiliation/information sharing programs to reduce the number of places your bank is strong your data.
3. Beware of any suspicious calls from “Your bank” in search of (or “verifying”) account information.
4. Shred receipts and statements once you are done with them.

Best luck.

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What is Card Skimming?

Skimming a credit card can be surprisingly simple.  If it has happened to you then the odds are you thanked the person who did it to you.  Skimming occurs when you hand over your card, like you would at a restaurant.  It is then passed through a magnetic swipe device.  This fools your card into giving up its information, the same way that it would for a valid transaction.  Then your card is returned to you.  Since it does not take out any money, you will not even see an extra transaction on the receipt.

Now can you reduce your chances of being a victim?

Pay cash, or at the counter when possible.

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New York ID Theft Case Effects Hundreds

Identity theft is a worldwide problem that can affect anybody at anytime. Prosecutors in the state of New York recently released details of an identity theft scam operated by 18 people and included the cashing of more than 1,000 counterfeit checks.

The most interesting part of the story is how the criminals got away with this for nearly two years. They gathered information on the victims from bank employees who were a part of the large operation. From there, they used this information to write fake checks and make off with more than $1.4 million. As you can imagine, the victims of this scam had no idea what was going on due to the fact that bank employees were working against them from the inside.

Reuters.com put together a great piece on this story. You can visit it at: Eighteen charged in NY bank fraud, ID theft scheme.

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Don’t Carry It Unless You Need It

We all tend to have this habit of carrying everything around in our wallets or purses all the time.  It it amazing when you consider how risky this behavior is. Wallets and purses are stolen quite regularly, and the more that you have in their, the more the thief just got.

The things we keep in our wallets are an identity theft buffet. In the average wallet you may be able to find:

• Drivers License
• Bank or ATM Card
• Credit Cards (usually more than one)
• Discount Cards
• Professional Association Cards, Certifications and Licenses (depending on your professions)
• Health Insurance Cards
• Employee ID’s

This means that if your wallet falls into the wrong hands they have access to information on your:

• Bank and Credit Accounts (to spend your money)
• Your Place of work and Profession  ( to open new lines of credit with)
• A List of Handy Places You Shop (so that they don’t get flagged by your company right away)

You can see the danger here. The best way to minimize the risk is to not carry around things you don’t need. Limit the amount of information someone might get if they stole your wallet.  Do you really have to carry around 3 credit cards? Could you stow your employee ID in the car when you aren’t using it?

(Image Credit)

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Online Banking: Keep Your Information Safe

Wooden Piggy bank

You do not have to look far to find the benefits of online banking. At the same time, the potential drawbacks, including identity theft, are right in front of your face as well. You shouldn’t shy away from online banking because of what could happen. Instead, knowing what is lurking and how to avoid potential issues should be in the front of your mind.

With online banking you can access all of your information via the internet. This includes everything from your bank account number to your routing number to your credit card account and much more. This is quite convenient for you, but unfortunately, criminals are well aware of this as well.

To avoid identity theft through your online banking account is important to do two things: 1. Keep all of your login information in a safe place. Never share these details with anybody. 2. Only access your account from a trusted computer. A computer with spyware could lead to your identity (and money) being stolen in no time at all.

You don’t want to avoid online banking because of the many criminals who are lurking and hoping to take advantage of a weak point. Use online banking when need be, but make sure you always keep your financial and personal information 100 percent safe at all times.

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