Don’t Be Fooled by Convenience, Protect Your Identity All the Time

Online shopping provided us with maximum convenience as we can do it virtually anywhere. By simply entering credit card information, the items that we want can be easily delivered to the doorstep.

Indeed, everything seems to happen in just a split of a second these days. You click on a pair of shoes today, and you can be wearing it tomorrow. How sleek is that? But the ease of doing transactions online also paved the way for high tech crimes. Reports show that identity theft and other related crimes continue to increase each year, in the US alone.

So with these advancements of technologies, you also have to upgrade the protection of your identity and reputation online. You can hire the services of an identity theft protection provider as early as now to avoid regrets later. You need to be meticulous though, because you will be entrusting all your information to them.

This is more crucial when you have investments online; it should be well-guarded by a reliable identity fraud protection service. This will ensure the safety of your hard earned money and you will be quickly alerted if there are imminent problems in the future. Although identity protection may seem costly, it can actually save you tons of money in the long run, not to mention the peace of mind that it can offer.

Guaranteeing that you are safe from identity fraud is only one of the many benefits from hiring a reliable provider. In addition, your free credit score will be saved from thieves and will be well preserved. With the proper monitoring and documentation of the activities in your account, you will be provided with the proper identity fraud detection that you need. 

Learn the Ropes to Get Free Credit Reports the Right and Safe Way

All these times, you've been hearing about the importance of a free credit score in battling the crime of ID theft and in reinforcing your identity protection efforts. But the crucial questions are – Do you have a clear understanding of what a credit report really is? Are you well informed of the do’s and don’ts of requesting for one?

If you are not a 100% certain, then be sure to go over the following details:

What should a credit report include?

It should cover vital information which are as follows: your place of residence; your mode of bill payment; possible cases where you may have been sued; and your bankruptcy claims if there are. 

How should you go about in ordering your free report?

You may use the official website, the toll-free phone number, or the mailing address of nationwide credit reporting companies such as Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. 

What should you be warned about?

Legally speaking, there is only one official website that is authorized to fill orders for free annual credit reports. And that is the annualcreditreport.com. Other sources may be fraudulent in nature.

What data should you provide to get the free credit report?

You are mandated to provide your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and address. In the case where you have moved in the past two years, you may need to give your previous address. 

Why do you need to have a copy of your credit report?

A copy would help you ensure that the information on the report is complete, accurate, and recent. And, such copy would also aid you in protecting yourself against ID fraud. 

Speaking of ID theft, another smart move would be to take advantage of an identity fraud protection service. With experienced and knowledgeable experts, a trustworthy identity fraud detection program should come handy. 

Lovin' Public WiFi? Be Cautious! Your Identity Might Just Also Go Public

For sure, the attraction of it all is what draws you. Through it you can do banking transactions, shopping sprees, and private messaging while going out and about. But did you know that with the enjoyment that it brings also comes a serious risk?

The Shocking News...

Reports have been coming out identifying public Wi-Fi hotspots as rich playing grounds of identity thieves. Evidences of the said crime have so far been found in cafes, hotels, and even U.S. airports.

The Sneaky Tactic...

What basically happens is hackers set up a connection on their laptops on these public Wi-Fi hotspots and virtually “listen” to people's laptops.

So you may ask – How does this happen? You have to understand that whenever you connect to a public Wi-Fi in a hotel or cafe for instance, your computer is basically “talking out loud” to the router to gain Internet connection.

Thus, any other computer that is also using the same Wi-Fi connection can virtually “listen” to your PC. Such computers can then find out about your own surfing activity which means others getting access to details about what websites you visit, your email addresses, and your passwords.

The Urgent Action Plan...

If you are someone who just can't resist using a public Wi-Fi, you may want to keep the following precautionary pointers in mind:

1. Avoid doing online activities that may expose your personal information. These may include filing tax returns, doing online banking, or checking email accounts.

2. If you travel often, you may wan to consider setting up your personal VPN or Virtual Private Network.

3. Do not choose other wireless networks that suddenly show up while you are accessing a public Wi-Fi connection. These connections can be from hackers.

Now that you know the dangers that a public Wi-Fi poses, an identity fraud protection service could really come handy. With an efficient identity fraud detection mechanism, you can be at ease knowing that your personal data are secured.

Moreover, you may also want to regularly request for a free credit score to monitor your credit transactions and immediately spot irregularities.

So, what's with the second thoughts? Invest in identity protection today! 

Identity Thieves Targeting ATMs? Do Something Now!

Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are probably among the most widely used means when accessing bank accounts nowadays. And with millions of Americans relying on these machines for their immediate financial transaction needs, ATMs have also now become identity theft hot spots. 

So, how do you safeguard yourself from this imminent threat? Below are some bits of advice to arm yourself of:

• Carefully choose the ATM to transact with. As much as possible, find teller machines that are situated in well secured areas. Some smart choices are those in high-traffic or hugely populated places or those in bank lobbies whose premises are closely guarded. Thieves will most likely find it harder to play their tricks in these locations.

• Check for possible signs of tampering prior to using a teller machine. One commonly reported tactic that identity thieves use is attaching some kind of device to ATMs to steal information from your card. Watch out for damaged, loose, or odd-looking card slots or keypads which may indicate traces of tampering.

• Be watchful of the people who are around you when transacting on an ATM. Someone who stands too close next to you or who attempts to peer over your shoulders while you are transacting is definitely suspicious. If you notice people who behave like these, opt not to pursue your transaction and transfer to another ATM instead.

Also, you may want to initiate a request for a free credit score to be able to keep track of your credit reports. In most cases, this is where primary evidences of identity theft would initially show up.

Most importantly, the best way to safeguard your identity is to employ an identity fraud detection service. This way, you will be assisted by knowing and experienced experts in fighting identity theft.

And to ensure that you seek help from people who can really deliver reliable results, make it a point to hire a qualified and well-referred identity fraud protection company.

At the end of the day, you should learn how to take charge when plagued by matters threatening your very own identity. So, investing in an identity protection program is the smartest action that you can take. 

Your Identity is Not a Commodity: Entrust Your Protection to the Right Company

Identity theft is no longer new but why do a lot of people still end up getting caught?

The truth is, one of the reasons why many still end up victims of this huge trickery is that the tricks and maneuvers that are used by thieves are also continuously evolving. While a lot of experts are doing their best to combat such attempts, such fraudulent techniques are also becoming fiercer.

So what then? Would you just sit by as you wait for these thieves to make you their next target?

Your answer would normally be a big ‘NO’. Thus, you need to do something to ensure your security. And, if you are a man gifted with the right discernment, a wise decision would be to invest in an identity fraud detection service.

But the crucial question is – How do you choose the right identity fraud protection company? Here is a simple formula:

Reputation Always Matters

Make it your commitment to go for a firm that has already established a good name in this specific line of industry. Given how crucial the matter of safeguarding your identity is, you could not leave it to chances. Thus, you have to favor the establishment that is already proven and trusted.

Customer Feedback Should be Treated with Value

What the other customers have to say would give you a good idea about the company. Try to ask around from previous customers and simply get their comments or feedback regarding the quality of service that they have received.

The Features of the Service Are Most Valuable

What are the kinds of protection that are offered by their particular identity protection program? What sorts of alerts, notices, or mechanisms are in place? How does their process exactly proceed when dealing with identity theft cases? The specifics are of most critical importance.

So, are you now ready to make a choice? 

Let’s Get Serious: Identity Theft Trends to be Cautious About this 2013

If there is one thing that a modern consumer should be particularly careful about nowadays, it is none other than getting his identity stolen.

Identity theft is indeed one of the most long standing problems that have been spreading throughout the globe. In fact, thousands of people may have already turned out to be poor victims of this crime over the past years.

And this year is no exception. With the positive vibe that 2013 brings also comes some forecasts on the newest tactics that may be used to commit this illegal activity.

Here are some identity theft trends predicted to surface this year that you better take note of:

Social Media Identity Theft

With the soaring popularity of social networking sites also comes the heightening interest of cyber criminals to steal people’s identity through them. These intruders particularly know that you really trust your friends so they can easily use their profiles to possibly mislead or cause you harm.

Search Engine Poisoning

Identity thieves are also targeting search engines this year. They create rogue web pages and get them ranked on search engines. Once you click on these sites, you will then be automatically directed to a malware infested page that can infect your PC and possibly steal valuable info.

Mobile Payments

With payment processing already made possible through the use of smartphones, opportunities for thieves and scammers are also increasing. Given that these phones can store huge amounts of personal data, the information they contain can easily get exploited when they get stolen or lost.

These only make the importance of an identity fraud protection service more compelling. This will enable you to set up an identityfraud detection mechanism to efficiently spot such deceptive attempts.

One good way of also shielding yourself from the danger of identity theft is by requesting for freecredit scores. This way, you can keep track of your credit and ensure that you do not incur credits for purchases that are not even made by you.

Knowing all these, there is no reason why you should not consider investing in identity protection. Have one up as soon as possible.

Tips for Protecting Yourself against Online Scams

The internet has undeniably made the lives of many people more convenient nowadays. It allows them access information fast and easy as well as get the products and services that they need conveniently. However, the internet can also be used by other people who want to exploit others for their own gain, especially in the financial aspect.

If you are planning to get a loan, you might need to access websites that can let you check your free credit score (FCS). The FCS analyzes your creditworthiness to help financial institutions determine if you are qualified for a loan or not.

Although these websites are very helpful, they can also be risky. This is due to the fact that you will be required to provide personal and financial information in the site to get your FCS. When you do this, you must ensure that you know some steps for identity protection. This will let you avoid the chance of your identity being stolen by scammers.

This identity fraud protection will also allow you to avoid different kinds of scams. It is essential for you so you will not be tricked into handing over your money. This will let you avoid scams that might rob you of your money in the form of car or apartment sales, online dating, and charity. Through this, you can also avoid phishing or the act of fraudsters using your account information to purchase things and commit financial crimes.

Protecting yourself against all these scams is essential and this can be done easily with the right information in your hands.

Protection Against Identity Theft When Travelling

Crime is everywhere; we are at a higher risk anywhere we go. Although technology has offered us convenient ways to pay and travel, it also becomes an opportunity for criminals to exploit their targets. Every time we go from one place to another, we carry credit cards and other personal identification documents to pass through immigration, security, and ports. Hence, we are more likely to fall victims of identity theft. To make sure you avoid such situations, here are some tips to make your travels safer against identity fraud protection.

-       As much as possible leave any cards that you will not need during your travel, such as debit cards or a checkbook. Instead, bring traveller’s checks or cash to pay fares and other fees.

-       The reason why you should leave your debit cards is that thieves can easily access through Automated Teller Machines. And, they usually go to places where tourists come to visit. However, if you need to bring your ATM cards, make sure to use the ones inside the bank facility for identity protection and security.

-       Always carry your cards and other personal belongings with you wherever you go. Do not leave them in the hotel or in your back pack to avoid pickpockets stealing your license card, security numbers, and others. Use a pocket case, the ones with a strap, so your stuff stays safe under your guard.

These are just some of the things that you must remember while travelling. Also, bring a list of emergency numbers like the police before you leave so you would whom to call just in case. Or, you may look for companies that offer identity fraud detection and Free Credit Score monitoring.

The Importance of Internet Security in Identity Protection

Internet security is what will protect files and the internet accounts of computers from getting accessed by potentially unwanted and unknown users. It also plays a significant role both in identity fraud protection and identity fraud detection.

Every time computers connect to networks and communicate with other computers, users tend to place themselves at risk. Only in adopting certain security measures will they be able to minimize risks, which can take two forms. These may be viral infections or malicious programs and identity theft, which can progress to monetary theft.

There are many malicious software programs designed to monitor or spy other computers. These can potentially gather private data, which will then be used in spamming mailboxes. Other programs come in the form of bots, Trojans and viruses, which affect how computers run.

Identity theft is a crime that is becoming more and more common. This refers to stealing of personal information, whether social security, credit card or bank account numbers. Others even suffer from alterations in their free credit score. Computer users who shrug off identity protection precautions against virtual criminals can end up losing all their savings.

Fortunately, there are security measures that can be resorted to for countering these online threats. Installing anti-spyware and antivirus programs will lessen exposure to spying and all other malicious software. Firewall software is the best option against viruses and identity theft as well. But perhaps, the best way to stay safe is to avoid clicking shady links to websites users may not be very familiar of.

Being Wary of Scam Websites

Getting what you need is as easy as 1-2-3 because of the Internet. Shopping, for instance, has been completely revolutionized by the World Wide Web; gone are the days when you have to go on long drives to stores for purchases. Nowadays, all you have to do is connect to cyberspace, find a merchant website, and order whatever it is you want.

Unfortunately, this convenience has its downsides, the biggest of which is probably the increasing number of fake websites made to trick unknowing consumers into giving up their personal information and bank account details. This is why identity fraud protection is crucial these days. However, identity protection is also about awareness on how scammers operate.

What you should be most wary of are sites that make unbelievable claims. For instance, most fake online shops offer unreasonably low prices for great products. Or they make sweeping claims to have stocks of goods that are in supposedly very short supply. So check reviews for these sites before buying, as previous victims often let others know to steer clear. Having an identity fraud detection software will also help, as these applications often have features that block suspicious sites.

In case you do manage to provide sensitive financial information for a site that you only realized later on to be fake, give your bank a heads up right away. Your available are usually to wait for the transaction to clear before disputing it or have your financial institution close the account immediately before any money gets taken. Also, use your free credit score reports and bank statements to constantly monitor your account. 

Protecting Yourself from Identity Fraud When Filing Tax Refunds Online

With the proliferation of hackers and fraudulent scams both online and offline, you need identity fraud protection more than ever. This is especially crucial when it is time to file for a tax refund. There is a growing problem of stolen personal information from health records, schools, insurance companies, and nursing homes, among others. As tax season is now in full swing there is a possibility that your Social Security Number may be used to file a tax refund.

To avoid such problems, one should consider setting up identity fraud detection alerts. In the case of tax refund identity theft, however, you may have to do more such as checking with the IRS to find out if there is more than one tax refund filed under your name. And if you have unpaid dues that you are unaware of, this also indicates that someone else is taking advantage of your vulnerability.

If you want to minimize the possibility of being victimized, make it a point to ask for a copy of your free credit score regularly. Also, don’t carry around your Social Security card, and keep your computer inaccessible from malicious attacks by installing a firewall or anti-spam software. The last step is the most important, especially if you plan to file your tax refund online.

As you can see, identity protection is a must if you want to enjoy secure online transactions. Why wait for anything bad to happen to you before you start protecting yourself? Get Smarter ID today by checking out what they can offer for your identity theft protection.

Considerations in Choosing an Identity Protection Service

According to the 2012 Identity Fraud Report that was released by Javelin Strategy & Research, incidents of identity fraud have gone up by 13 percent in 2011. In the United States, more than 11.6 million adults were reported to be victims of such a crime.

With these alarming figures it is important that you set up measures that will ensure identity fraud protection for you and your loved ones. While there are some things that you can do yourself (i.e. getting a free credit score report), it’s best if you seek out assistance from qualified experts.

By definition, identity protection services are intended to protect each of their members from the disastrous effects of fraudulent activities. This is so they can be assured that information about them or their families is kept safe.

ID Theft Protection Services don’t just do identity fraud detection but seals off channels by which fraudsters can access personal data.

Provided below are some factors that you might want to consider when choosing the kind that’s right for your needs.

Site and Data Security

There’s absolutely no point in handing over private information to an ID Theft Protection Service that is lax about security. Pick a company that employs a data security firm to check their systems every day of the week and uses the latest technology available out there.

Cost and Fee Inclusions

Ask about the specific inclusions that come with a particular service. This is important since some of the features you want to have may be an add-on to the protection package that is being offered to you.

Having a system in place to secure private data will ensure that you do not fall prey to schemes and ploys that are aimed at using your identity for illegal means.

Taking Charge When Identity Fraud Happens To You

Identity fraud is when someone else takes your personal information and uses it to his own advantage without permission. There are several ways to provide yourself with identity theft prevention. Here are the top tips we recommend:

Make sure you check your credit account for any unusual activity such as unexplained withdrawals or payments and purchases you didn’t make.

If something unusual is found, immediately place an initial fraud alert. Inform your credit card companies of the situation. You may need to provide additional verification of your identity. This way, it prevents anyone from making any credit issues without your express permission.

If the identity thief persists in using your personal information to obtain credit, you also have the right to “freeze” your account. Make sure to ask whether there might be a fee for doing this. After you have done this, the credit reporting company will tell you how to get a copy of your credit report, which you may need later on.

If you are aware which businesses have been tampered with, contact and inform those companies of your situation.

File a report at your local police station. Provide them with as much information as you can and what steps you have already taken. Make sure to take a copy of the police report with you as this may come in handy when you want to create an extended fraud alert.

Last of all, do not give in. Never pay any bills or cover any checks that were a result of fraud and most important of all is to get an identity theft protection that helps you with restoration. You can learn more about this by visiting IDSmarter solutions right away.

Get Yourself Protected with Identity Theft Protection 24/7

Even if the thief who stole another person’s identity may be arrested, recovering the damage of identity theft is still very difficult, expensive, and not to mention time-consuming. Here are some tips to prevent you from undergoing that ordeal and get your identity highly protected 24/7.

• Regular checking of your credit report should be undertaken on a consistent basis. See if there is any incorrect information or accounts that you don’t know about.

• Get a cross-cut shredder and start shredding any sensitive personal document you come across instead of throwing them away. Identity thieves are usually on the prowl at your garbage, looking for any piece of information they can get.

• Don’t entertain solicitors who ask about your financial and personal information over the phone, on the premise of ‘verifying your identity.’ A lot of scams happened this way; someone will pose as a solicitor out to verify your bank or credit card details and that he is solving a particular problem with your account. If you are not aware of any issues with your bank and credit card company, call them directly and ask to talk to somebody you know to be a genuine employee from these companies. Should this happen to you, hang up and make a call yourself to the security department of your bank or credit card provider.

Lastly, get an identity theft protection provider that has ample experience within the industry. ID Smarter is one such service provider where you can get your identity protected at all times. Not only that, they also offer restoration services should the unfortunate incident of losing your identity to thieves happen. Find out more about their identity protection program solutions by checking out https://www.idsmartsite.com. 

Online Financial Security

All of us want to be secure especially when it comes to finances. Proper management of our finances can help us have some form of security in case of unplanned events and emergencies. Due to the advanced technology at present like the internet, we are becoming less and less secure from total strangers who may gain access to our personal and confidential information with the use of their tech savvy and scheming ways. More incidents of identity theft and fraud are being reported. The rising number of cases is alarming and serves as a warning to us to be more careful and vigilant.

There are a lot of consequences of identity fraud but losing our money may be the most common and usual effect. Identity thieves use our identities to their advantage, paying their bills and purchases, loans, insurance and other things with our hard-earned money while we are totally unaware of what is happening. We lose money without even knowing. This is one of the biggest problems with identity fraud, our oblivion of what is happening due to the absence of any warning or alarm.

To ensure that we do not become one of the victims, it is best if we avail of an identity fraud protection services that will help us in monitoring our finances through keeping an eye out for any suspicious activity and reporting it immediately. Early detection same as prevention is the key to stopping identity fraud. Investing in identity protection will ensure your hard-earned money is safe. You can never be too safe and nipping identity fraud in the bud is the key to preventing all its terrible effects. 

How to Prevent Identity Fraud as a Growing Menace

Countless individuals have fallen victims to identity theft resulting in financial and legal woes. It is more widespread than most people believe. As our technology becomes more advanced with a shift from paper-based to paperless transactions, these crooks have more access to our personal and confidential information which they can take advantage of.

Identity fraud is basically the act of using the identity of another person to obtain loans, credits and enter into various unauthorized transactions ranging from renting an apartment to obtaining a job. These thieves can also steal money from your existing accounts. Aside from your finances, you might also be held legally liable as they use your identity in making all kinds of illegal transactions and crimes. You would also incur a lot of hassle in trying to get your state of affairs back to normal from the disruption caused by the identity thief. The bottom line is they gain, you lose.

Because of all these harsh effects of identity theft, it would be wise to invest in identity protection measures to prevent it from happening to you. Getting a reliable identity theft protection would not only prevent identity thieves from hacking and getting access to your personal information, it can also detect suspicious activities giving you an early warning in case of any unauthorized transactions. In addition, they also have a restoration function wherein they re-establish your pre-theft status. You need a great ally when facing a formidable enemy so you might as well avail of identity theft protection services from ID Smarter. 

Protect Yourself from Identity Theft with ID Smarter

As the use of the Internet continues to rule our daily lives, the threat of identity theft is also increasing. In fact, it can now be considered as the fastest growing crime in the US and other Western nations. The casualties are now reaching almost 10 million every year in the US alone, as reported by the Federal Trade Commission. Other important statistics that you have to know about identity theft includes:

• 1 identity is stolen every 4 seconds in America
• 1 in 8 Americans fall victims to identity theft
• Victims spend roughly 600-700 hours in an attempt to restore their good standing
• A stolen identity can cost $8000-$9000 in average, excluding attorney’s fees
• The average time that victims can notice that their identity has been stolen is 12 months
• Perpetrators of this kind of crime has become very organized that they may choose not to use the stolen information until later years

These facts are so alarming that you must start guarding yourself with an identity theft protection program at this very minute. If you are not familiar how an identity fraud protection works, you can take a look at the identity protection program. They have online software in place to protect you against possible fraud even before it is committed. It monitors any suspicious activity and the changes in the risk level while instantly informing you of such changes. It will also report identity vulnerabilities and send you reminders how to keep your identity better protected.

There are many other ways to strengthen your guard against identity fraud, find them all at ID Smarter Identity Protection Program.