Thursday, May 30, 2013

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.

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

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.

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

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.