There's lots of email messages floating around out there - how we can make money or how we can save our life. Dio you have the 411 on the cell phone *112 email message that claims to save your life from an fake unmarked police car? Know before you dial what's true and what's false.

- - - - - - - Does Yahoo! Finance Make You Yell Yahoo?

Yahoo! Finance Review: Is Yahoo! Finance Helpful?

- - - - - - - American Express-Delta Airlines SkyMiles Review: Will you be flying high with these credit card rewards?

For people who desire to travel for whatever reason, frequent flyers can be a big bonus. So how does American Express-Delta Airlines SkyMiles rate?

- - - - - - - Are Amazon.com Rewards Cards "Rewarding?"

What are the perks and pitfalls of the Amazon.com Reward Card?

- - - - - - - TD Ameritrade Review: Is TD Ameritrade Right for You?

Anyone with a computer and an internet connection has the potential to be an investor. If you have what it takes to be an online investor, is TD Ameritrade a good online discount broker?

- - - - - - - Avoid spam and scams: Donations to Haiti Relief and Recovery efforts

Do you homework before you turn in your donation for the Haiti earthquake relief and recovery efforts.

- - - - - - - Kohl's: Customer Love the Store, How Does the Credit Card Rate?

Kohl's Department stores are a popular shopping venue. For our family it is a major stop for back to school clothes, Christmas shopping, winter coats, Easter dresses, toys and more. Kohl's offers up to date styles and very competitive prices.

- - - - - - - JP Morgan Chase Bank Review: Is Bigger Better?

JP Morgan Chase is a relatively new bank as two financial giants, JP Morgan and Chase Manhattan, merged. Even more recently JP Morgan Chase absorbed Bank One, Washington Mutual and other smaller banks.Does this make them bigger AND better?

- - - - - - - 7 Sexy Ideas for Saving Your Romance and Saving Your Money

Whether you're married, dating or beginning a new relationship, you know doubt want to keep the romance alive without killing your wallet. In these challenging economic times we all need some tips for romantic gestures or evenings that won't blow our monthly budget. When the romantic feelings are there but the extra money isn't, use these 7 sexy ideas for saving your romance.

- - - - - - - The 411 on the J.C. Penny Credit Card: A Store Credit Card Worth Checking Out

The J.C. Penney credit card is a store-specific card created for use at J.C. Penney retail stores and at the online J.C. Penney store. Many consumers don't realize that you can also use your J.C. Penny credit card at CVS Pharmacy and Eckerd Pharmacy. These options are fairly new. Find out what else you may not know about the J.C. Penny credit card.

- - - - - - - Check Cashing Fraud Scams and Mystery Shopping Jobs

Have you received a letter or email asking you to be a "mystery shopper?" Maybe you are a legitmiate mystery shopper and have received this "assignment." An assignment or job that appears too good to be true and that involves check cashing may just be a scam. Find our more about this particular scam, how to identify it and what to do if you have been a victim.

- - - - - - - Saving Money Each Month: Money Saving Tips That Work

Our holiday shopping spree is rapidly coming to an end with just days left before Christmas arrives. New Year's Eve is right around the corner and with it all our debts and bills from the holiday season will be coming home to "nest" and you need to find ways to save money to pay money. Or maybe you just want to make saving money each month your New Year's Eve resolution. Whatever the reason, these monthly money saving tips will help!

- - - - - - - Paying Off Credit Card Debt: Minimum Payments Maximize Debt

If nothing else, the recent financial crisis has opened our eyes to the dangers of excessive credit card debt. Many consumers have long considered credit card debt part of life but when unemployment rises and foreclosures are festering, credit card debt seems like a nasty and preventable sore. Now many of us are wondering how we can quickly pay off our debt and save for our future. Try these paying off credit card debt tips.

- - - - - - - 7 Tips for Talking About Money as a Couple

What is the biggest issue that causes arguments between couples? You guessed it, money. Couples may argue over sex, kids and chores but money is the most divisive issue for married couples. Consider these 7 tips to make talking about money easier, more friendly and less argumentative.

- - - - - - - SSL Certificates:Safe shopping online

This holiday season we are all hoping to find the best deals online, those deals that can save us money. But how can we know a good deal while Christmas shopping is also a safe website to purchase from? Find out what certificate you need to look for before you make that purchase online.

- - - - - - - AFLAC: The 411 on the "Quack"

The AFLAC duck has quacked through major league sports broadcasts and seems to be everywhere. It would be hard to find someone in America who hasn't heard the name AFLAC and can associate it with the duck and the words "supplemental insurance." But what does supplemental insurance mean and just what products does AFLAC offer?

- - - - - - - Creating a Family Budget 101

Creating a family budget may seem overwhelming at first, but with these suggestions and helpful hints hopefully families will see how and where their money is spent and what they can do about it.

- - - - - - - Winning Tips for Saving Money & Stretching Your Paycheck That Can Work for You

Most people are doing all they can to bring in as much money as possible, and with these 5ive tips to help you get more "bang" for your buck you can find ways to make your paycheck go just a little bit further and pay off debt.

- - - - - - - Taking Out a Mortgage Loan? Think about Lifestyle verses House with Mortgage Loan Debt

A bank or mortgage lender will help you determine a number for your loan affordability. Many are hoping for that number to as high as possible. But really, is this number a safe and comfortable amount of mortgage loan debt for you?

- - - - - - - Considering the Coverdell Education Savings Account?

While the economy is in a downturn, college tuitions and fees continue to grow. So what are your college savings options? Are Coverdell Education Savings Accounts a good one?

- - - - - - - Does Upromise Keeps its Promise Helping You Save Money for College?

Upromise participation is unlikely to pay for four years of college but many consumers want to know, is it worth my time at all? How much will it help me save? How hard is it to do?

- - - - - - - Five Tips for Knowing that the "Forward this to your friends and get a free (fill in the blank)" E-mail is a Fake

If your email message offering a free laptop or any other product seems too good to be true, it probably is. Find out how you can tell the fakes from the real thing in emails and giveaways.

- - - - - - - Consumer Financial Protection Agency: House Financial Services Committee Approves, Do You?

We're now bringing you Consumer Protection information and news and wanted to let you know the status of a newly pending federal agency, the Consumer Financial Protection Agency or the CFPA.

- - - - - - - Consumers: Stay on top of Product Recalls with these websites

We hear about product recalls that either scare us to death or simply annoy us. But how can we know about recalls that aren't so "famous" but that do affect us? Find out the best ways to be an informed consumer, one that knows what products are being recalled and are unsafe to use.

- - - - - - - Something Old, Something New in Identity Theft Secrets.com

You may have noticed our new and improved page look, but it's more than just a new look that is coming to IdentityTheftSecrets.com. Find out what is new around here and how we plan on bringing you even more important protection information than ever before!

- - - - - - - E-mails Accounts Closed due to Phishing Scam and What You Can Do

Right on the heels of the FBI fraudulent e-mail scam, has comes a huge wave of e-mail attacks that have resulted in some e-mail customers being denied access to their e-mail accounts.

- - - - - - - Don't Open Emails Claiming to be from the FBI: 3 New E-mail Hoaxes

Phishing e-mails and e-mails scams aren't new. Unfortunately, they are getting even more sophisticated and successful. Why? Despite the growing awareness of phishing scams and computer viruses from e-mails that link to malware, scammers are becoming even better salesmen.

- - - - - - - The U.S. Census & Your Rights

The year 2010 is just around the corner and will soon be knocking on our doors. Also in 2010, some U.S. residents can expect U.S. Census workers to be knocking on their doors as well. What are your rights and what are some common identity thefts scams that you may encounter as the census takes place?

- - - - - - - Identity Theft Victims: One's a Catcher and One Caught Her Own Identity Thief

Last year over 8 million people in the United States had their identities stolen. Just how many were pitchers for the Florida Marlins? Better yet, how many had a "hands on" role in catching their identity thief? This has been an interesting week in identity theft news.

- - - - - - - Personal Antivirus a Scary Scam and Software

Have you seen "Personal Antivirus" software on your computer? This is definitely not an antivirus program you want to use. What is it and where does it come from? It's actually a rogue software that uses fear to scam you and then continues to cause you problems for a long time to come. Find out about this antivirus program that does nothing to protect your computer and a whole lot to harm it.

- - - - - - - Did you get your "cash back" when you made your debit card purchase?

Email urban myth or truth in fiction? Cash back debit cards scams and stores. Is it possible to have cash back charged to your debit card, but the money goes into the cashiers pocket? Absolutely, find out how a Target cashier was caught scamming, how my friend found out about her cash back purchase and what you can do to protect yourself.

- - - - - - - Jessica Biel Web Searches are Dangerous, says McAffee

Watching the stars can be an interesting hobby, but let's make sure some of the brightest stars in Hollywood don't blind us through identity theft.

- - - - - - - The New Credit Cards Laws Go Into Effect

Were you aware of some of the more questionable practices by credit card issuers? I was surprised to find out what every credit card holder should know and even more surprised to find out what the new laws regarding credit cards do to protect consumers.

- - - - - - - Medical Identity Theft Affects 250,000 Americans a Year including Brandon Sharp of Texas

Medical identity theft can be one of the hardest to find you have been a victim of, especially for those that rarely have to go to the doctor. It can also be one of the hardest crimes to correct, a situation that could be made even worse by national health care that requires electronic medical records and certain HIPPA rules.

- - - - - - - 7 Tips to Protect College Students from Identity Theft

It's Back to School time, and not just for the young ones. Many of us have children going to college this fall, learning new life skills and having the time of their life. With these 7 tips you can help them make sure that it's "their life" having all the fun and not just their identity.

- - - - - - - Don't let Your Identity be "Temporary"

Be careful who you hire and who you fire - from regular employees to temps, who you let have access to data can turn into an identity theft nightmare for your customers and clients.

- - - - - - - The Naked Truth about the Erin Andrews Video

Before you download or view your next video about Erin Andrews, find out what it can do to your computer.

- - - - - - - David Briggs, FOX & Friends Weekend Co-Host, Email Hacked: How easy would it be to hack your email account?

How easy would it be to have your password or "secret" question answered? Find out how we often give away password clues and didn't even know it.

- - - - - - - Small Businesses and Identity Theft

How can small businesses be affected by identity theft? You might be surprised! Find out how to handle "identity theft" of your small business.

- - - - - - - Researchers Figured Out How to Guess Social Security Numbers

Continue reading "Researchers Figured Out How to Guess Social Security Numbers" »

- - - - - - - Vontae Davis, NFL Dolphins Player & Other Pro Athletes Are Victims of Identity Theft

Continue reading "Vontae Davis, NFL Dolphins Player & Other Pro Athletes Are Victims of Identity Theft" »

- - - - - - - What do "experts" say about cyber attacks and the United States security and safety?

Continue reading "What do "experts" say about cyber attacks and the United States security and safety? " »

- - - - - - - Cyber Terrorists Attack while American's Mourn the Passing of Icons

In the past week Americans have been shocked by the deaths of many pop culture icons. The passing of Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett, Billie Mays and Micheal Jackson stunned not only the U.S. but in some cases people all over the world. But maybe in the mourning or shock of the deaths of these celebrities, global news, especially about North Korea and cyber crimes may have been lost in the "shuffle."

- - - - - - - 15 Tips to Protect Senior Citizens from Elder Abuse Identity Theft

It's unfortunate, but we first brought you True Crime Stories of Elder Abuse and Identity Theft. Now we can share with you tips on what you can do to protect yourself and what several states have started doing to protect their senior citizens.

- - - - - - - True Crime Stories of Elder Abuse and Identity Theft

Identity theft is a form of elderly abuse and the saddest part of all is that family members, caregivers and strangers may take advantage of the elderly in an effort to gain their hard earned money and credit report.

- - - - - - - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: Applicable to identity theft victims? Psychologist says Yes.

The American Psychiatric Association has not formally recognized the symptoms of being a victim of identity theft as meeting the standards for a PTSD diagnosis, but some psychiatrists believe that the symptoms are quite similar. The Identity Theft Recovery Center, the first organization to study the emotional impact of identity theft on victims, found that victims of identity theft suffer from symptoms resembling the symptoms of PTSD.

- - - - - - - Golden Cash Network Uses Bots and Zombies to Steal Data

Many of us have heard of the terms "cash cow," "Midas touch," and there is also the mythical goose that laid the golden eggs, but have you heard of a "Golden Cash Network?" You may think this is a new form of ATM machine but it is really a shopping mall for those looking for a quick and easy way to steal information, data and expand their spamming efforts through the use of bots and Trojans that make their way onto just about anyone's computer.

- - - - - - - My Purse was Stolen. Is My Identity Next?

Ten steps everyone should know to protect themselves from identity theft, credit card fraud, medical identity theft and additional crimes after their wallet or purse is stolen.

- - - - - - - CivilRecords.org Provides More

Finding information about an individual's personal life and wheareabouts used to be next to impossible. Even something as simple as verification of birthdates required a special visit to a government office or a trip to the hospital where the birth occurred. There were few other avenues available, and the necessary work to confirm these records led many to abandon the goal alltogether.

- - - - - - - Identity Theft Victims: Who's Your Daddy?

Sometimes the identity thief isn't just hacked into your computer but is actually hooked into your family circle. Sometimes it's even dear old Dad, or Grandpa. Find out about this father who will be winning no awards this Father's Day.

- - - - - - - Getting Pumped by ATM Fraud at Your Gas Station

The latest and greatest round of ATM fraud in the United States and abroad. Find out how ATM fraud happens and what you can do to about it.

- - - - - - - In Identity Theft News This Week: Verizon Phishing Scams and Supreme Court Decisions

Continue reading "In Identity Theft News This Week: Verizon Phishing Scams and Supreme Court Decisions" »

- - - - - - - GPS Tracking without a Warrant? A Court of Appeals Judge says Yes.

Do you use a GPS system? Have you activated it on your cell phone in case of emergencies? Maybe you use OnStar or other navigation systems for your car. Well, guess what, the police are using GPS too, and the next time they use it, it could be on you.

- - - - - - - Facebook, Twitter and Me: Under Attack by Scams and Phishing

It's been a busy week for me, between work, home, two sick children and the upcoming summer break from school for my older children. But what made it even more busy was the need for more vigilance as my Facebook, Twitter and email accounts came under attack of phishing schemes and scams. Find out how my week went and scams you should know about if you use these social networking sites.

- - - - - - - Get Court Records Fast and Easy

CourtRecords.org is used and endorsed by private investigators. You can do your own private investigation today right at your own computer.

- - - - - - - Cell Phone Tapping: The Scary Truth about this Techno Crime

It sounds like some kind of high-tech cyber stuff right out of Ocean's Eleven except it's very real. Tracking, eavesdropping, viewing text messages are all possible with versions of cell phone spy ware that make identity theft as well as cyber stalking possible.

- - - - - - - $20 Million Settlement for Identity Theft Risk

If you can't trust your government who can you trust? Find out about this settlement and if you or someone you know is entitled to any part of it.

- - - - - - - Arrested and Charged with Identity Theft Mistakes

We first brought you Former Wells Fargo Employee Arrested: An identity theft ring leader or Victim -- a few weeks ago. Find out what has happened since then to this grandmother and former Vice President for Wells Fargo.

- - - - - - - Instant Background Report Available - Instantly

Need to do a background check? Need it now? InstantBackgroundReport.com is the answer.

- - - - - - - Identity Theft Pays for Tummy Tuck

Medical identity theft normally occurs so that people can obtain medical care that is needed or prescription drugs but what about these women so desperate for plastic surgery they resort to credit card fraud and identity theft?

- - - - - - - Who's in your Zip Code?

Continue reading "Who's in your Zip Code?" »

- - - - - - - Red Flag Rules to Protect Against Identity Theft Go in Effect May 1st

Find out the who, what, when, where and how Red Flag rules work to protect you from identity theft.

- - - - - - - Spend a Few Minutes at Government Registry.org, Not Hours at the Courthouse

A day at the courthouse is nobody's idea of fun. There is an alternative that is a lot less painful and time consuming. Go to GovernmentRegistry.org.

- - - - - - - "Who's calling, please?" ReverseMobile.com has Answers

Have been barraged by a number of missed calls with no message? Have you received annoying or even obscene phone calls? When your phone is ringing and you don't know who is calling, it can quickly escalate from irritating to down-right scary. ReverseMobile can help you answer your questions.

- - - - - - - Medical Identity Theft is Up as Job Loss Means Loss of Insurance Benefits

Identity thieves traditionally target a victim's bank accounts or credit cards or else use a victim's information to establish credit for credit cards, loans or even utilities in a victim's name. Savvy citizens know to protect their bank and credit card numbers, social security numbers and passwords but did you know that you need to be just as vigilant with your insurance card numbers?

- - - - - - - April Fools Month: Easter and Tax Day Scams and Hoaxes

There is more to April than Showers, Fool's Day, Easter and Tax Day. Find out what you should avoid this April to protect yourself from identity theft.

- - - - - - - CourtRegistry.org: What You Don't Know Could Hurt You

CourtRegistry.org is a comprehensive collection of both private and public data all organized for an easy to use and friendly search process.

- - - - - - - Where is Your Passport? Is it a Free Pass for Identity Theft?

While trained security check points may be able to locate a passport imposter, don't ever forget that passport books can still be used to steal your identity. Identity thieves aren't interested in traveling the world with your passport, yet they may very well do so after they have accessed your bank accounts, credit cards or established new credit in your name.

- - - - - - - April Fool's Day Virus Conficker: It's Not Really a Computer Virus

In grocery store lines and on tread mills around the country people are chatting about Conficker, often called the Conficker computer virus or the April 1st computer virus. What is it and how can you protect yourself?

- - - - - - - Former Wells Fargo Employee Arrested: An identity theft ring leader or Victim

Identity theft victim or ringleader? What happened to this former Wells Fargo employee to cause her to be arrested for identity theft and could it happen to you?

- - - - - - - The One Stop Online Shop for Records and People Searches: StateRegistry.org

Would you really want to go to a kitchen store, a florist, an electronics store, a clothing store, a computer shop and a grocery store in one day or would you rather swing into a super store and find everything you needed? With Stateregistry.org you don't have to

- - - - - - - Not Kiss and Tell but Clickatell: An Effective Tool in Preventing Identity Theft?

If identity theft crimes are happening faster and faster then, checking hard copy statements that arrive in the mail once a month is clearly not enough to stop identity theft. Maybe we need to check on our finances more frequently - and Clickatell SMS thinks so too.

- - - - - - - No more guessing is a real blessing! Find Answers with ReverseGenie.com

Prank callers believed that they couldn't be identified with an unknown number. ReverseGenie.com helped to prove them wrong. ReverseGenie.com offers access to a large database of information from both public and private sources. In the past, only law enforcement or licensed private investigators would have had access to such vast resources.

- - - - - - - Investigate with Webstigate.com

If you've had a burning desire to investigate someone but don't want private investigator fees to burn a hole in your pocket, then you need to know about webstigate.com. Guess what? It's a tool used and recommended by private investigators!

- - - - - - - Supreme Court Takes Another Look at Federal Identity Theft Law

A federal identity theft law meant to protect individuals from the devastating consequences of identity theft by toughening consequences for criminals using another person's identity in connection with another crime is getting another look by the Supreme Court.

- - - - - - - Criminal Registry Access, Information and Answers

Have a few suspicions about whether or not someone you know is a criminal? Criminalregistry.org has over a billion answers.

Today's world is a very transient society. We're just not likely to have known all of the people that enter our own world for all of our lives. We're not likely to know everyone going back three generations. When it comes to people entering our neighborhoods, our children's activities, our aging parents circles, our businesses or even on a real personal level, sometimes our inner voices whisper concerns in our ears. Many of us have learned to listen to those little nagging feelings. But what can you do that will be confidential and not cost a fortune or take up a lot of time? When you have lingering questions, criminalregistry.org has answers.

- - - - - - - My Week of Crime Fighting Identity Theft

It's been a busy week for identity theft criminals. And for some reason they seem to have targeted this identity theft secrets writer. And the thieves have pulled out many of the common threats we warn you about.

- - - - - - - Starbucks Sued After Data Breach

If you own a company and haven't yet put together a comprehensive identity theft plan for your company, please contact us for more information (at no cost to you).

For those of you who are CITRMS certified, or are benefits specialists speaking to companies about their need to pprotect themselves against data breach lawsuits, here's an article from NetworkWorld.com that you may want to print to take with you on appointments.

- - - - - - - SPAM From the FBI?

Here's a new take on the Nigerian fraud scheme I got this week.

I wanted to post it here to say that if you get this email, IGNORE IT! It goes in the trash.

Anti-Terrorist and Monetary Crimes Division
Fbi Headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Federal Bureau of Investigation
J. Edgar Hoover Building
935 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20535-0001
Date: 22/02/2009

- - - - - - - Sleep Better with FindPublicRecords.com

Whether someone wants to rent your house, date your son or daughter, mow your lawn, supervise a youth group or just meet for a drink, FindPublicRecords.com can arm you with the knowledge you've been wondering or worrying over.

- - - - - - - Reverse Phone Directories Can Help You Avoid Identity Theft

Utilize Reverse Phone Directories to Dodge Identity Theft Phone Scams
Although online identity theft scams get far more attention these days, phone based scams have interrupted even more lives over the past few decades. These calls start off innocently enough. A person on the other end tells you that you've won a great prize or that you are pre qualified for a great new credit card and all they need is some basic information in order to send you your amazing gift through the mail right away. Of course, there is no prize or credit card, only a series of events leading to your identity being stolen by a phone scammer.

- - - - - - - Synthetic Identity Theft: "Fake" Identity Theft has "Unreal" Consequences

You know the difference between synthetic turf and real grass, so what's the difference between identity theft and synthetic identity theft?

- - - - - - - New Malware Everyday: What Can You Do to Protect Yourself

Spam is not the only threat to your computer on the rise. Malware

- - - - - - - Do You Have the 411 on Email?

Did you know there is a 411 lookup service for e-mail addresses? Finding someone by simply using their email address is relatively simple, if you have the right tools.

- - - - - - - Check you out at CourtRecords.org

How can you go about finding out information on whether or not someone has been arrested or has a warrant out for their arrest? How do you know how many times they have been in court, or if they have ever filed for bankruptcy? No matter if it is a new significant other or a prospective business partner, sometimes you just need to know what their court records are.

There's a site that can help.

- - - - - - - Sometimes it is Just Criminal Not to Know

Have you ever needed or wanted to know if someone had a criminal record? Now consumers can use a tool private investigators have been using, right from the comfort and privacy of their own home and for a fraction of the cost.

- - - - - - - College Life Can Be Risky Business

College students make up the largest single demographic of all identity theft victims, well over 30%. Do you know a college student or high school senior who needs to know why they are at high risk for identity theft and what they can do about it?

- - - - - - - Word Association: Financial Expert-Suze Orman, Identity Theft: Trusted ID

And the winner IS ....... Financial Expert Suze Orman and Identity Theft Protection Service team up to knock out identity theft. Find out more about their identity theft kit, how it works and how it can protect you.

- - - - - - - More is Not Always Better: Spam Email Increases in 2009

Have you noticed a change in your spam box on your email? Or on your computers spam blocker system? Take a look the next time you log in to your email, you may be surprised by the increase in spam messages, but you are not the only one. Find out about the increase in spam and how it affects us all.

- - - - - - - StateRecords.org: Website/Product Review

Find out how much a search costs using Inteligator's StateRecords.org, where they search for information from and how it may help you find the person you are searching for. It also provides help with information to protect or fight back from identity theft, fraud and other crimes.

- - - - - - - Staying Safe while Sharing Content Online

AARP and Google have joined together to provide help, hints and tips for staying safer online. In this video, "Sharing Content Online Safely, AARP and Google expert Maile Ohye discusses the most important tool to keep you safe when sharing pictures, images, and videos online

- - - - - - - Grieving Families Suffer Further as Identity Thieves Target the Recently Deceased

There is much to deal with after the passing of a family member, the last thing you think you would have to do is deal with credit applications. But that is just what this family had to do, as their deceased family member's identity was stolen and used to apply for AMEX and BestBuy among other credit cards.

- - - - - - - CIS Nationwide: Be Your Own Private Investigator

Find out how anyone can find out about you -- and more importantly -- how you can find out about anyone. CIS Nationwide used by private investigators on a variety of tasks and reasons offers services to consumers. Save yourself some time and money and do your public records search yourself.

- - - - - - - LendingTree.com Review: Does LendingTree.com deliver?

Can LendingTree.com help you get the loan you need - maybe. But is it the loan you deserve?

- - - - - - - USB Drives Easily Store Information and are Easily Stolen

It's Amazing How Much a USB Drive Can Hold...Until it is Stolen (And Then It's Just Scary). Instances of information being lost or stolen while companies were using USB drives. How do you keep your USB just for your use?

- - - - - - - Your Identity Theft Protection New Year's Resolutions

Seven new years resolutions that are easy to do, cost very little money (or are even free!) to protect your identity from identity theft crimes.

- - - - - - - Lost Numbers? Prank Calls? Scams? Try Cell Phone Registry

Cell Phone Registry.com is a service that assists consumers with locating a cell phone or landline number, tracing calls, and to protect themselves from phone call scams. Read more about what cell phone registry can do to help you.

There are so many reasons why consumers may want to look up a cell phone number. Let's start with a simple but common reason like when you find a cell phone number you or someone else has written down and you can't for the life of you remember whom the number belongs to. Calling the number to see who answers is risky.

But there are many more serious reasons to know who is calling you. From prank calls, to stalkers to scammers, there are times when you need to know who is calling you. As identity theft continues to claim the title of the fastest growing crime, consumers need tools to protect themselves.

- - - - - - - Password Safety Hints: From Google and AARP

During this time of the year people are busy shopping and banking on line. How can you protect your passwords and user names effectively while making the most of online shopping, travel and even news services? Find out what tips AARP and Google Privacy have teamed up to offer.

- - - - - - - Identity Theft and Thieves: A Year in Review

The year in review dealing with Identity Theft, and a few you may have missed. Find out about identity theft crimes and criminals and the important lessons we can learn from them.

- - - - - - - The Good, Bad and Ugly about Symantec Norton Internet Security 2009

Find out about features, pricing, customer support, effectiveness and use of the latest Synmantec Norton Security System 2009

- - - - - - - Millions Stolen through Home-Equity Scams- Identity Thieves Arrested

Find out how the good guys won and lost in this current home equity identity theft scam. Good guys lost money and their identity, but many thieves in the ring were caught and prosecuted. Read more how this happened.

- - - - - - - Old Scam has New Victims and New Tricks

The Nigerian E-mail scam, the 419 scam, the Advanced Fee scam...whatever it is called, this old scam has new victims.

- - - - - - - The Survey Says... Identity Theft

A recent survey regarding identity theft, fraud and other financial crimes show what institutions are doing . . . now that we have heard from the "experts" let's hear from our experts at home . . . what are you doing to protect yourself from identity theft?

- - - - - - - Safer Shopping On Line-Tips Just in Time for Our Holiday Shopping

The holidays are approaching and with it the busiest time of the year for families, people and businesses. How can you get all your shopping done in time for the holidays? By shopping on-line! But how can you stay save while getting more accomplished faster? Check out these tips and ask these questions before you buy.

- - - - - - - Even the Dead Aren't Safe from this Crime: The UK Tries to Crack Down on Identity Theft

Identity Theft is the fastest growing crime worldwide and recently the UK identified Impersonation of the Dead or IOD as the fastest growing form of identity theft. It is estimated that over 100,000 cases of IOD fraud have occurred and that identity theft costs UK citizens over 1.5 billion pounds per year. What is being done about it and does it happen in the United States?

- - - - - - - Virtual You-Virtual Me: Holograms

CNN used a hologram to "wisk" correspondent Jessice Yelin from Chicago to New York during election night reporting. What is in store for the future of holograms? And how could it affect your identity?

- - - - - - - Identity Theft Awareness Month in New York

New York designates November 2008 as "Identity Theft Awareness Month in New York." What does this month offer consumers regarding protection and information from identity theft.

- - - - - - - AARP & Google Team Up to Offer Identity Theft Tips

AARP and Google have teamed up to create 6 videos to help consumers protect themselves from identity theft risks on line. And, you don't even have to be an AARP member to take advantage of these tips!

- - - - - - - Don't Go Surfing, If You Haven't Checked the Tank First

Don't let the phish in your email "tank" become sharks. Find out what you can do about them and about this important service that stops phishing scams.

- - - - - - - How To Control Who Has Access? Authentication and Access Control Services and Solutions

Two Factor Authentication
What is it, how does it work, and why is two factor authenticaion better than just one factor authentication?

In this interview with Paul Herbka from South Seas Corporation (services and solutions based out of Colorado), we go in depth in a discussion of two-factor authentication, and why it's important for any individual or business to seriously consider two factor authentication for any sensitive data.

You can listen to the interview, and/or read the transcript below

Download the two-factor authentication Interview in MP3 Format"

- - - - - - - LoJackForLaptops: The Low Down on LoJack

I have heard of Lo Jack for my dog, it is an implant that helps to locate him if lost or stolen. I've heard of LoJack for my car, which helps locate my car when it is stolen. But what about Lo Jack for my computer (A.K.A. LoJack for Laptops)? Will it protect my laptop and me?

- - - - - - - Don't Play Games with Your Identity

Small, seemingly innocent pieces of information can add up to identity theft. But how do identity theives find these little pieces of information? Read more, you might be surprised!

- - - - - - - ID Watchdog Review: A Ratings and Interview Review of IDWatchdog

(A Transcription of this Interview with IDWatchdog will be available shortly.)

In this interview with Erik Hansen, VP of Marketing for IDWatchdog, a Colorado based company which markets itself as a watchdog for your identity, we discuss many topics, including:

The current state of Identity Theft
Problems customers have had with IDWatchdog (concerns about ID Watchdog charging customers' cards when they didn't know they were being charged)
What makes IDWatchdog's services different
Background and database monitoring
and much more.

Click below to listen to the Identity Theft Secrets Interview with IDWatchdog

IDWatchdog Review: Download the MP3

- - - - - - - Texas Takes Steps to Protect Consumers from Identity Theft

The state of Texas has recently passed new legislation to help victims of identity theft overcome at least one of the hurdles that were previously blocking them from making it to the finish line of healing from this horrific ordeal. On March 1, 2008 the Closed Account Notification System, or CANS, was adopted by the Texas Department of Banking. What is CANS and how can it help Texas consumers? Will other states follow?

- - - - - - - Are Your Investments Protected by the Securities Investor Protection Program?

Most consumers are familiar with the FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) that insures bank accounts and offers blanket protection for any deposits made to member banks. You may be less familiar with the SIPC (Securities Investor Protection Program) but every investor or potential investor at any level should be aware of the protection services that the SPIC offers.

- - - - - - - Identity Theft Lands Pregnant Woman In Jail: An Identity Theft Tragedy

Christie Scalzo, mother of two and resident of Nevada, has experienced, what I would consider to be, a true Identity Theft Tragedy.

Christie Scalzo's information was stolen in 2002, from her car, while she shopped at a 99 cent store.

Something that could happen to pretty much anyone.

Fast forward to 2008, when she was pulled over by a police officer, who was just doing his job.

From Identity Theft Victim Locked Up

She was driving with her kids when the 2002 incident would suddenly come back to haunt her..."It was right past the signal when he pulled me over. He said 'Can I see your license?' and I said 'Yeah, what's the matter?' Because I know nothing is wrong, I know I don't have any problems. And he said, 'Well, I just ran your plates and you have a warrant out of Henderson.' And, I said, 'What?'"... Despite Scalzo's explanations of identity theft to arresting officers, she was taken to the Henderson Detention Center. She was locked up. But the fingerprints from the 2002 arrest were not compared to hers. Neither was the mug shot. Scalzo was booked on burglary , drugs and weapon charges... Scalzo thought if law enforcement would not compare the fingerprints and mug shots, she would have to do that herself. "I went to Henderson courts, police station. I needed mug shots, fingerprints, discovery, all my files, and they all said I have to have an attorney here to subpoena the records." After spending $3,500 on legal fees and months of litigation, Scalzo would finally get her day in court. It took only seconds. "They dismissed the case. That was it," Scalzo explains...."I hope this isn't the end of the case," Perry (Scalzo's attorney) said. "They ought to be finding this woman. That woman is still out there somewhere. Still has Christie's information."...

Although this mix up is now solved for Scalzo, the story does not end on a happy note. Hours after she was released from the Henderson Detention Center, she miscarried.

- - - - - - - Will You Get Your Tax Rebate (Economic Stimulus) Check?

Economic Stimulus Checks and Tax Rebates: How can we be sure to get our check safely? Among the many phishing emails (that attempt to lure you to a website to gain personal or financial information) and schemes on the Internet, one of the newest is an email message that appears to be from the Internal Revenue Service, talking about economic stimulus checks, and what you should do in order to get your tax rebate check. How can you protect yourself and what should you do if you get this message? Read more about this phishing scam and how to protect your income tax rebate check.

- - - - - - - Roboform Keeps Passwords and More Protected

WIth technology comes convenience, but also threats to security. Each time a consumer accesses their bank or shops online their keystrokes may be recorded, hackers may obtain their financial information and personal information may be released. There is a software to protect Internet users, while they are doing any number of tasks from registering for travel to playing games online.

- - - - - - - Free Keyloggers: Is downloading A Free Keylogger A Good Idea for Home and Small Business Protection

A keylogger is a program that monitors and records computer activity, specifically the keystrokes used while using your computer. There are some keyloggers available to download for free, while others cost some money to download. Find out what are the best keylogger programs available and how you can download and use a keylogger to protect yourself and/or your loved ones.

In this article, we recommend three keylogger programs you can download.

The quick links for downloading thesekeyloggers are here:

Web Watcher Keylogger - download
Spector Pro 6.0 Keylogger - Download
Spy Agent Keylogger - Download

- - - - - - - Intelius People Search and Intelius Review: Is Your Information Being Used Inteliusly?

What is Intelius People Search? It is a data gathering information service available for individuals and businesses. With Intelius' search capability, individuals may complete a search based on name, address, telephone number, cellphone number (in some cases), and email address. But how does Intelius get all this information? Who can use the results, and is there someone out there trying to crack Intelius' people search?

- - - - - - - Virtual Credit Cards Protect Your Real Credit Card Information

On-line shopping is easy, convenient, saves gas and time. But how can we, as consumers, shop safely when so many instances of credit card theft occur as a result of using our credit cards on-line, especially with those sites that "store" your credit card information. Since we are shopping in the virtual world, why not use virtual credit cards?

As millions of people have become victims of identity theft, consumers have become savvy and cautious about how they use and protect their personal information, including their credit card numbers. Many people want to enjoy the convenience of shopping on-line and saving time and money, especially with today's gas prices, but are fearful of using their actual credit card numbers on line.

- - - - - - - A Watch Dog to Protect Your Identity: ID Watchdog

ID Watchdog Discount/Promotional Code
Get a free trial (and save money) on ID Watchdog here
(Opens in new Window)

ID Watchdog provides identity theft protection, prevention and resolution services, not only in the event of credit card fraud, but even in cases of other types of fraud, mis-use of your identity to obtain employment or medical treatment and a great deal more.

- - - - - - - Does Your Personal Computer Need a Second Opinion?

What are the chances your computer has a bug? If you've used it for more than 30 days, the chances are high. In fact, 94% of personal computers have files that are corrupt and potentially damaging. It's not uncommon for personal computers to have up to 200 errors. Just as human walk around and catch bugs from all kinds of different contact from shaking hands to pushing shopping carts or getting money from the ATM, your personal computer picks up "bugs" from wherever you may visit or download.

- - - - - - - Comprehensive Anti Spyware Protection with Outstanding Customer Service

STOPzilla offers superior, all-around protections with a completely rebuilt Anti-Spyware engine. If you are looking for new ways of identity theft protection, especially protection from all the ways your personal computer can be attacked or even used to invade your privacy, then this software may be for you.

- - - - - - - Free Spybot: Search and Destroy the Spies Trying to Get to Your Information

Can you get a free copy of Spybot Search and Destroy?

We aim to answer that in this IdentityTheftSecrets article.

Are you being spied on? Is your privacy being invaded? Is someone keeping track of your internet habits? Or possibly, even worse, are you being sold out?

Spyware threats are silent stalkers. Spyware keeps track of your internet browsing habits and creates a profile on you and your habits. It is then sold to advertising companies so that they can market products to you.

This isn't just invasive and annoying. It can also cause your browser to crash or allow your home page to be altered or even hijacked.

What's worse? Your computer may be infected even if you have not experienced any symptoms or problems.

- - - - - - - IdentityTruth vs Lifelock: Which Identity Theft Protection Works for You?

Do you know your options for complete protection from identity theft? Take a look at this comparision and you decide which identity theft protection program is best for you and your family, IdentityTruth vs. Lifelock.

- - - - - - - Announcing IdentityTheftPress.com

Recently I found myself spending way too much time searching and scanning a bunch of different identity theft and information security news sites to get ideas for what to talk about on IdentityTheftSecrets.com, and as well as keep up to date myself on what's going on.

Every few days, I would find myself spending 1-2 hours reading news sites to get great information about identity theft and information security, which isn't a problem. But once I was on a major news site, I would end up reading everything from the horrors that happen on a regular basis to the offbeat news.

Not the best use of my time.

So I set out to find a way to get all the identity theft and information security news that I scan daily into one place.

- - - - - - - Does Your Personal Computer Get a "F" in Antivirus Protection?

What grade does your personal computer get for antivirus protection? Do you have antivirus and anti spyware protection with easy to use features, regularly scheduled updates and even comes with a free trial? If not read more about F-Secure Internet Security 2008.

- - - - - - - IdentityTruth: Is Your Identity the "Truth" and Nothing but the Truth?

----------
Save money on your purchase of Identitytruth through this link below
Clicking on IdentityTruth coupon, you can save money through IdentityTruth's Online Store
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For about 33 cents or less a day, IdentityTruth can offer you 12 points of protection from identity theft. IdentityTruth's protection is show to be so comprehensive that they back it with a guarantee. Read more to find out what protections Identity Truth offers and what IdentityTruth says about how it can protect you from identity theft.

The majority of people think their identity is safe, but studies reveal that 85% of consumers are victims of identity theft. Most people believe that they are taking the appropriate steps necessary to protect their identities; for example using practices like shredding pre-approved credit card offers and installing antivirus or spyware protection on their computer however these practices may not be enough. Last year 13 million consumer identities were compromised. A 2006 report from the FTC shows that out of $5 billion in identity fraud, only 25% involved credit card fraud and only 12% involved new account credit card fraud. That still leaves several other ways that your identity can be used illegally, such as obtaining a job, being charged with a crime, mortgage fraud and many other types of identity theft.

- - - - - - - AVG Antivirus Free Download: Anti Virus Software That Saves Money and Your Computer by AVG

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Get AVG for free through this link below
Get AVG's Anti virus programs for free:
(HINT: Click the link in hte upper left on the page that loads)
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If you are interested in free, dependable, security to protect your home computer and want to download it immediately as well as get it for free then AVG Free offers one of the most popular free security solution available to home users.

- - - - - - - Alwil Avast: 50 Million Users Choose this Free Antivirus Protection from avast!

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Alwil's Avast
Get Alwil's Avast
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Avast! 4.7 Home Edition from ALWIL Software is a full-featured antivirus package designed just for home users and non-commercial use free of charge. But how good is it and why do they offer it for free? Read more to learn why 50 million people are taking advantage of this free and award winning antivirus software.

- - - - - - - Avira Antivir: Award Winning Antivirus Protection Everyone Can Afford

When it comes to protecting your computer, your work, your finances and your identity, you want to
know you are dealing with an established, award winning company that can provide you with the protection you need, at a price you can afford and technical support. Avira, and Avira's AntiVir Software, can do all that and more?

- - - - - - - McAfee Antivirus Your Information Safe and Offers a Guarantee

----------
Well, McAfee Antivirus is not free, but you can get a free trial download and you can save money $20 off through this McAfee Antivirus discount code.
Clicking on this McAfee coupon, you can save $20 on through the McAfee Security Center and Online Store
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If you are looking for one of the latest Antivirus and security protection software programs, you may prefer McAfee. Their online security center is one of the oldest and most trusted security providers. Definitely explore McAfee Virus Scan Plus with Site Advisor, and use this coupon to save $20 off on McAfee Total Protection and Internet Security Suite.

- - - - - - - Bots: Friend or Foe to Your Personal Computer? Norton's AntiBot Protects You

Symantec Norton's AntiBot is a software product designed to prevent the hijacking of one's personal computer by bots: which can be a type of malware that allows a hacker to take control of several computers at a time, effectively turning them into "robots" that accept commands from the computer hacker and work to spread bots to more and more computers. This type of computer virus can then be used to spread spam and commit various types of identity theft and other online fraud.

Several tools exist to protect against the threat posed by bots and some of them are already part of most personal computers. However, with increased use of the internet for online shopping, ticket purchases, travel and other "high risk" activities setting the security protection level at medium high or high, although one easy step to take in the war against bots, may not be the most effective.

- - - - - - - GreenDimes: Go Green One Piece of Junk Mail at a Time

Do you hate "junk mail?" We have software to stop 'pop ups" and we even have a junk mail/spam box on our email programs -- so why not a program that stops junk mail from arriving at our homes? GreenDimes can do just that -- stop junk mail from arriving saving you time as well as eliminating chances of identity theft through the use of your unwanted credit card offers.

- - - - - - - LoudSiren Identity Theft Warning System Provides Emergency Services

LoudSiren Identity Theft Warning System promotes as a full service solution to identity theft. This service, by Debix, does many things for you, including; contacting credit agencies and setting up fraud alerts, acting as a middle man between your credit information and personal information, making it more difficult to obtain and misuse it ,as well as giving you, as a member of their system, $1 million dollars in identity theft insurance coverage. Read more to find out how LoudSiren can protect you, your friends and family from identity theft.

- - - - - - - Let's Meet: Free Trial of GoToMeeting and Using GoToMeeting.com

--------------------------------------
Try GoToMeeting Completely Free for 30 Days (and if you decide to purchase, get $10 off)
Opens in New window
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GoToMeeting is an online resource for large or small businesses and individuals to use to safely and cost effectively share information. You can connect with clients, customers, employers, employees and coworkers to collaborate, train, present and share information. Seminars may be conducted for up to 1000 participants. Find out why meeting online is safe and effective.

- - - - - - - Lifelock Sued By Experian - Lifelock's Promotional Efforts and Response

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Lifelock promotional code: IDENTITY
(Saves you $21 and gives you 30 days free of Lifelock's service)
------------------

Experian has sued Lifelock, a company that done a LOT in the promotion of their Identity Theft protection products.

Experian's basis for this lawsuit is that LifeLock's advertising is misleading and that Lifelock is breaking federal law in the way it uses fraud alerts to protect the information of consumers.

Experian has said that because LifeLock's chief ID theft prevention tool -- the placing of fraud alerts on individuals' credit files - is being done by a company, rather than through the individual consumer or through someone acting on behalf of the consumer, that Lifelock is in violation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act. The Fair Credit Reporting Act uses some ubiqutios language in stating whether or not fraud alerts can be placed by a company.

Experian's lawsuit says:
"The FCRA does not permit the placement of an initial fraud alert by corporations such as LifeLock. Despite this prohibition, LifeLock has surreptitiously placed hundreds of thousands of fraud alerts on Experian's files by posing as the consumer."

What's funny about this lawsuit is that Experian and the other credit bureaus have been required by the federal government to allow these fraud alerts to be placed... before the laws were passed, consumers in most states didn't really have much recourse against the credit bureaus without hiring an attorney.

Fraud alerts last for 90 days. These alerts tell any company which requests a consumer's credit that they need to be aware that imposters could be using this person's credit. Fraud alerts are only supposed to be placed in the case that there is "suspicion of imminent fraud."

Says Experian.

But with over 150 million records reported as compromised in the past 2 years alone (and who knows how many went unreported), isn't there now always a reason for all of us to be concerned that there could be a situation for "imminent fraud?"

All it takes is one weirdo or other unwholesome character at any of the companies where I have insurance, any of the institutions where I do banking, any location where I use a credit card to buy something, at the DMV, at the post office, etc., and I can become an Identity Theft victim. I would say that makes the likelihood pretty high (perhaps even imminent?) that I could become a victim.

Experian says that placement of fraud alerts or really any promotion by LifeLock on behalf of any consumer who requests one also runs counter to federal law.

The service offered by LifeLock does include automated requests for new fraud alerts every 90 days. Lifelock actually renews these every 70 days, as Robert Prusinski told us in Lifelock's Promotional Interview with Identity Theft Secrets. Renewing this every 70 days effectively creates a fraud alert which goes on indefinitely. Experian calls these "illegal fraud alerts."

- - - - - - - The Evolution of Computer Viruses and Anti Virus Protection

The first case diagnosed as a computer "bug" occurred in 1945 when a Naval computer was not working due to a moth caught between the relays of the computer. Computer bugs, viruses and threats have come a long way since then as has the development of antivirus software and protection. Read more to find out just how it has all come about.

- - - - - - - National Identity Cards With Biometric Identification Will Fix The Social Security Administration's Problems?

While something must be done about the ridiculousness of our current flimsy paper social security cards (I'm not even sure most people know where their cards are), it's also scary to some people to think of a "national Identity card." (For some biblical scholars, a national Identity Card would be a confirmation of things forecasted in the book of Revelations in the bible.)

There's no question that the social security administration's system is, at best, outdated, and that it poses a large threat to the future welfare of our great country.

But the solution must be bigger than requiring better Identity cards.

Read below to see the legislation put forward by Mark Steven Kirk, a representative from Illinois.

- - - - - - - Lavasoft Product Review: Ad Aware Plus by Lavasoft

Lavasoft Ad Aware Plus is a very economical (and can be downloaded for free) alternative when searching for antivirus and antispyware software support for your personal computer. Lavasoft antivirus software includes many key features, not available when you download many other software programs.

Ad Aware Plus download is an expanded and economical alternative for providing your personal computer with antivirus, anti spyware and other threatening software protection. Ad Aware Plus is one of several antivirus software protection programs created and maintained by Lavasoft, a private company. Lavasoft was begun in 1999 and is headquartered in Sweden. Lavasoft was one of the first software companies to detect and create antivirus software programming. Lavasfot also has small business, enterprise, academic and non-profit antivirus software and systems support available. Their success can be rated by the over 250 million Ad Aware antivirus downloads world-wide, providing anti virus, anti spyware and other protective services to computers all over the world.

- - - - - - - Is Trend Micro PC Cillin Internet Security the Best Medicine for Your PC?

Trend Micro PC Cillin Internet Security is a full service personal computer protection software system. Once installed on your computer it provides antivirus, anti-spyware, anti-spam, anti-phishing, identity theft protection, two way firewalls, and parental controls.

PC Cillin antivirus software is updated regularly and not only detects known but unrecognized virus software that is not yet identified or named. PC Cillin does contain programming that lets it scan for programs consistent with a virus, thus protecting your computer from worms, Trojans and viruses. Safety scans are performed on all incoming emails, and is sends out instant messages with notification. You can also set PC Cillin for auto removal of any virus detected. The anti spyware and anti phishing software protect your identity as well as personal and financial information making shopping and searching online safer.

- - - - - - - Identity Theft Around the World

Identity theft (otherwise known in many countries as identity fraud) is prevalent in many other countries. US citizens are not the only ones affected. Read more to find out information on how identity theft occurs in other countries, including the United Kingdom, Singapore, Hong Kong, Canada and Australia.

- - - - - - - Perfect PC Protection: Coupon/Promo Code from Panda Antivirus Software Internet Security 2008

Panda Antivirus Software provides one stop shopping for all your antivirus, software and hardware protection needs as well as scanning for current threats that may exist on your computer and parental controls. Read more to find out how Panda Antivirus Software's Internet Security 2008 software can protect your identity and personal information.

- - - - - - - Employment, Social Security & Identity Theft

What happens when your social security number is stolen and used to obtain employment? Can you get a new one? What happens to the money paid into the Social Security Administration? And why doesn't the government report to you duplicate payments? Read more to learn about social security and identity theft.

- - - - - - - What You Can Get Besides a Job by Posting Your Resume On Line

Internet use is rapidly becoming a necessity when searching for that perfect job or career - but how much information is too much and how can you keep your information safe from identity theft while getting that dream job? In this article read about the do's and don'ts for posting your resume online.

- - - - - - - Drive By Pharming: Symantec Free Video Shows You What Drive By Pharming is

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Symantec passed along this coupon code for IdentityTheftSecrets
Click here to save 10% on anything through the Symantec Home & Home Office Store
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They also gave another coupon for saving 10% on Norton AntiBot
Click here to save 10% on Norton AntiBot
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There's (yet again) another threat you should really be aware of.

It's called drive-by pharming.

Symantec has put together a great video on drive-by pharming, which I've posted below, so you don't really need me to explain to you how drive-by pharming works.

But, what you might want to know is how to protect yourself from this new type of drive-by.

The simplest thing you can do to protect yourself is change the default password on your home wireless router. A quick Google search yielded the following pages for changing this password on three of the more popular home wireless routers:

D-Link

Linksys

NETGEAR

If you aren't using one of these routers, just do a Google search for how to change the password on your router at home.

Also, just do the stuff we generally talk to you about here at IdentityTheftSecrets. Basically, work only with Web sites that you know to be at least reasonably trustworthy. (And definitely only click links in emails from people you know, and even then, stay away from any link that looks sort of funny... You may or may not end up installing something simply by clicking on a link. In many cases, as in the case of drive-by pharming, that is all it takes for this attack to do its damage.)

Watch Symantec's video below.

- - - - - - - Veterans: What You Should Know to Prevent and Recover from Identity Theft

Veteran's are at high risk for identity theft, and have more to lose. It is important for veteran's to carefully monitor their credit report, social security benefits and veterans benefit information to determine if their identity is being used in any manner, from illegally obtaining credit or medical care to attending a college.

- - - - - - - Sweep your PC Clean of Spyware with Webroot Spyware Sweeper

Webroot Spyware Sweeper is a seven time award winning Best Buy by PC Magazine and PC World. Find out why this spyware protection, detection and removal system is considered so highly.

Spyware has become more advanced and different versions of it appear regularly on too many computers without detection. Spyware is a computer software system that "sneaks" onto your computer, typically through internet browsing, email or instant messages, and does one or a combination of the following: collects personal information from your hard drive, interfere with your use of your computer (causing it to behave badly), redirect your internet browser activity by sending the page you addressed to another site and allowing harmful "pop ups."

- - - - - - - SpoofCard Becomes "Untraceable": SpoofCard and "Caller ID Spoofing" explained

The Good, Bad and Ugly about Spoofcard, a software system that makes not only caller id obsolete, but also makes all your phone calls suspect to pranks and identity theft. Untraceable, a movie starring Diane Lane, shows exactly how far this system may go in adding the commission of crimes and protecting criminals from prosecution from identity theft -- and in the movie's case, from murder. It may not be all bad, read more to see why and make your own judgment call.

- - - - - - - Defender Pro Computer Protection Software and Defender Pro Antivirus: Product Review

Defender Pro, whose corporate headquarters is in New York, NY, is an antivirus software which offers two products for the home or small business computer, Defender Pro 15-1 and 5-1. Each product is good for up to three computers without any additional charge. Each product's antivirus software updates automatically on the hour, as long as you are connected to the Internet.

Read more about the cost, features, benefits and technical support for Defender Pro 15-1 and 5-1 Antivirus Protection Service.

- - - - - - - What is Mortgage Fraud through Identity Theft?

This begins a two part series on what is mortgage fraud; how it occurs and what can be done about it: such as how to protect yourself and what to do if you are a victim of identity theft and mortgage fraud.

- - - - - - - Paper Shredders Will NOT Protect Your Identity

I just read (skimmed) this article from the head of a company called MyBinding. While he offers some useful advice in his article, he implies that purchasing a paper shredder will protect you from Identity Theft.

Is it time to beat this dead horse again?

Okay.

Here's the deal.

Identity Theft is so easily committed because all of our information is so easily accessible, and also so easy to falsify. (The real issue is that our social security numbers are so valuable, and until we get that changed, Identity Theft will continue to be a problem.)

It's not that shredding your stuff isn't a good idea, but to suggest that having a paper shredder will somehow protect you is not only misleading, it's just wrong.

(Aside: I'm not talking about corporations here. Corporations which have any personal information on customers or employees, and don't have some sort of shredding plan in place, are just asking for trouble. It's a lot of information collected in one place, which identity thieves thrive on. Why steal one identity and use it once when you can steal 10,000 identities and resell them over and over again? So companies, whether you're small, medium, or large, you must put together a plan that encompasses not only shredding, but information security as well.)

On a personal level, however, the only studies I've ever seen that suggest that (personal, at-home) shredding reduces Identity Theft, were ultimately financed by people who own or are tied to companies that sell personal paper shredders.

Conflict of interest much?

So, shred if you want. It's a good idea.

But realistically, it's not going to reduce your chances of becoming a victim of Identity Theft very much, if at all.

Anyone who tells you otherwise is probably trying to sell you a paper shredder.

- - - - - - - Product Review: PC Security Shield 2008

Every internet user should protect themself from identity theft utilizing an antivirus software program, but with so many to choose from, how does a consumer know which product to buy? With this product review, consumers can gain knowledge about a new version of PC Security Shield, 2008 and all the features it provides including standard antivirus and spyware protection as well as not so standard features.

Read more for information on PC Security Shield, it's anti-virus software system, features, special products and services, cost, and how to purchase and use PC Security Shield 2008.

- - - - - - - When Permission Marketing Doesn't Get Your Permission First

In his book, Permission Marketing, Seth Godin, former vice president of direct marketing at Yahoo, talks about how large companies exchange your information. I thought this quote would be relevant for readers of identity theft secrets.

From Permission Marketing (1999) Page 131 and 132 "In traditional marketing, it is totally okay to rent or sell or transfer data. It gets done, secretly, every single day. In fact, it's a multibillion dollar industry. It's scary, but it's true: you can rent the name and address of every one in New York City who has a permit to carry a gun. Then you can filter this data further to produce a list of those women who have a child in private school. Or who live in the building with a high likelihood of tenants who stay in first-class hotels when they travel. Want a list of dental floss users? Not a problem. You can even buy them by brand!"

- - - - - - - Do You Have "TrustedID" Service? TrustedID Review And Promo Code

TrustedID is a credit monitoring service that does online and TV/Radio promotions around their guarantee to provide one million dollars of identity theft insurance, the ability to limit who sees your credit report, review who has seen your credit report (i.e. is it being reviewed by people you trust), and it also gives you free search engine searches, to determine if your social security number has been compromised. If you would like to have these protections, you may want to take a look at TrustedID, which markets themselves as a different kind of consumer credit protection service.

TrustedID is one of many credit monitoring, identity theft protection companies available to consumers that is available independently and not through one of the three major credit reporting agencies of TransUnion, Experian, or Equifax. It is located in Redwood City, CA and you may visit their website or call 1.888.548.7878 for additional information regarding their company.

TrustedID's credit monitoring service has been featured in such publications as Time, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Newsweek. Its services have also been featured online at CNNMoney.com and CNBC. It is recognized by the Identity Theft Resource Center.

- - - - - - - Equifax: What You Should Know About Equifax And 3-in-1 Credit Monitoring Services

Equifax Inc. is most often recognized as being one of the top three consumer credit reporting agencies, including Experian and TransUnion.

Equifax was founded in 1899 as Retail Credit Company and is the oldest of the three agencies. By 1920 it had offices in the United States and Canada and by the 1960's protected millions of credit histories. It has now been in business for 107 years providing consumer and business services. In 1975 it changed its name to Equifax. It is traded on the New York Stock Exchange as EFX, and is a Standard and Poor's (S&P) 500 company. Although its corporate headquarters is Atlanta, Georgia, it employs 4,600 people worldwide in 13 countries and reports $1.4 billion in revenue.

During the 1960's and 1970's, Equifax came under criticism for the extensive nature of information that it was obtaining about consumers. This included information about an individual and other private parts of a person's life like marital status, employment, sex life and political affiliation. Much of the criticism was due to not only the extensive nature of the information, but the methods by which it was obtained, and their willingness to "sell" the information.

- - - - - - - Identity Theft Insurance: What is It? and Do YOU Need It?

What is Identity Theft Insurance? What does it cover? How can I get it? Do I need it? And how much does it cost?

Your questions regarding identity theft insurance are answered in this post.

- - - - - - - How Serious is Identity Theft?

Identity theft is a serious crime-- not only to you and your family, but to your finances, your emotional well being and your future. Find out just how far-reaching the damages are to individuals and businesses.

- - - - - - - BitDefender Total Security and BitDefender Antivirus

Another European program making inroads into the North American market, BitDefender is headquartered in Bucharest, Romania and is ranked as one of the top 100 private companies in Europe. Its antivirus and computer security programs are currently installed on more than 41 million computers in over 200 countries around the world.

- - - - - - - Is it a crime to get a job using someone else's SSN?

Lora and Jamey Costner of Newport, Tennessee, have joined the ranks of identity theft victims after two illegal immigrants, Douglas Valdez and Elizabeth Velasco Bautista, allegedly used the Costner's Social Security numbers to obtain employment at the Koch Foods plant in nearby Morristown.

- - - - - - - What You Need to Know about Credit Monitoring

Credit monitoring can be one of the easiest, most efficient and cost effective manners for preventing and detecing mistakes on your credit report.

Read more to learn to learn how easy it is to monitor your credit and how monitoring my credit enabled me to quickly detect credit blemishes and unauthorized use of my credit information-- as well as how the monitoring system helped me to make corrections to my credit report.

- - - - - - - Is Your Child's Identity Safe?

Children are the perfect targets for identity theft, as it may go undiscovered for years. Most often this crime is committed by a friend or family member, but more and more often it is a result of online information.

Read more to discover how your child's identity may be stolen and what you can do to prevent it.

- - - - - - - Is it REALLY MySpace?

MySpace, Facebook and other social networking sites are some of the fastest growing uses of the internet for the promotion of bands, businesses, people and just staying in touch. However, there are some pitfalls with so much personal information in one place that is so easily accessible.

Read more to learn how MySpace and other social networking sites can put you at risk for identity theft and how you can avoid it.

- - - - - - - An Overview of The Fair Credit Reporting Act: What it Does and How it Can Help You

The Fair Credit Reporting Act is basically the who, what, when, where, why, and how of an individual's credit rights. It is an American; federal law which was most recently (2006) revised to include new methods of reporting and collection of information to keep up to date with new methods and technology.

Read more for how this important law protects you.

- - - - - - - Kaspersky anti virus and Internet Security Suite: A Review

Kaspersky Labs

Kapersky germinated in 1989, when Russian computer technician Eugene Kaspersky found the Cascade virus on his PC. He developed his own anti-virus program and purged the little monster, and released his program to the public in 1993.

Since then, Moscow-based Kaspersky Lab has developed into a multi-national company with offices in Europe, Asia, and North America, and with Eugene Kaspersky still in R&D. Although the company's software is currently better known in Eastern Europe and Asia, it's growing in popularity elsewhere, particularly after Kaspersky Anti-Virus 6 won the PC World Editor's Choice award for Antivirus programs in 2007.

Kaspersky Lab offers three consumer products: Anti-Virus 7, Internet Security 7, and new Mobile Security.

Kapersky Antivirus (pricey at $59.95 per year) detects all the usual suspects, including Trojans, viruses, and worms, and it also scans for spyware, adware, and keyloggers at the same time. The program gives strong and prompt detection, with the malware database automatically updating every hour and the signatures of new virus and spam attacks added to the database within one to two hours of the outbreak's first report.

- - - - - - - But Officer, I'm A Victim of Identity Theft

Here's an identity theft story you likely won't read or see in the big news any time soon... but it's one to consider.

Imagine this: You're driving along, with your two kids, ages 18 and 14,
and suddenly you see blue and red lights reflecting off the front dash. You realize that you missed a stop sign, and that this must be a stop to give you a warning to not miss that stop sign again.

You turn on your flashers, pull to the side of the road, and wait for the officer to come to your window.

But no officer comes. Instead, after five minutes of waiting, two more squad cars pull up behind the one which initially pulled you over. As this happens, you hear the following words through a megaphone from the first car.

- - - - - - - UK Government Data Breach in The Postal Service

A massive data breach in the United Kingdom demonstrates how easy it is for sensitive data to be compromised.

Two CDs containing the personal information of almost every child under the age of 16 and their parents in the U.K. have gone missing. (That's 25 million people who belong to 7.25 million families.)

The data, compiled for the payment of certain social benefits, includes each child's name, address, date of birth, sex, and National Insurance number, the parents' and any partners' information, and in some cases, the family's bank account details.

- - - - - - - How to Report Identity Theft and Where to Find Template Letters

Here's a question that Identity Theft Secrets received recently.

"I'm looking for a general template letter to send to different people and agencies to report being a victim of identity theft. Someone stole my Social Security # and name from a lost wallet and has been working in various areas/states using my information, reporting that I'm there. The Social Security Administration does nothing and the IRS is keeping refunds due saying that the income (I never received) was not reported to the IRS. Need help to get a generic letter to send to credit reporting agencies, IRS, police dept, etc. This was reported in the past but NO ONE even acknowledged receipt. Maybe a handwritten note was not taken seriously. This is for my son who does not have a computer and I offered to try to help, but I am not that knowledgeable with computers so said I would look for assistance. Thank You."

- - - - - - - Sticky Security: Smart Cards Versus Magnetic Stripe Credit Cards

In this video, MSNBC does a great job detaining some of the problems with Smart Cards.

(VIDEO COMING SOON)

It's likely that you have seen a smart card, either using a smart card yourself or via watching someone else use one.

- - - - - - - To Catch An Identity Thief - Dateline NBC

To catch an identity thief is a dateline NBC special that ran about a week ago. Dateline went out using Dan Clements' (from Card Cops) help, the help of a few credit card companies, and the use of their programmers, to create an entire world in order to ensnare an identity thief.

What they show in these videos is a lot of what we show you here on IdentityTheftSecrets.com, so it's good that they're contributing to educating people. We've taked a lot on IdentityTheftSecrets about phishing and we've even shown you Cardersmarket.com, where people's information is actually being bought and sold, still to this day.

What's so amazing and scary about this series of videos (that Dateline did such an excellent job with) is that these people are being duped into thinking that what they're doing is actually a good thing. They believe that they actually have some sort of business, and that the person they're working with is actually a real legitimate person.

In fact, what's actually happening is that they're committing a crime. They don't even know that they're committing a crime, but when it comes down to it they could be charged for being an accessory. Ignorance of laws is never a defense.

The other thing that could happen to these people who have been duped. Is that they can actually be sued by the people whose credit card numbers were used to purchase this merchandise. The credit card companies could also sue these people. Even though they aren't the ones using the credit card. They are the ones accepting the merchandise.

One of the things that is really sad about an identity thief preying on this sort of a person. Is it that what they're preying on is these people's insecurities about themselves.

You'll see here in these videos that these are people who are looking for a husband or a wife, or that they are lacking something in their current relationships. And what this identity thief (or identity Theft Ring) is providing, in addition to a source of income, is a boost to these people's egos. The thief is also providing for these people a sense of companionship that these individuals have likely not had in their lives, (at least from the looks of things not recently in their lives).

- - - - - - - Lifelock Transcript and Lifelock Promotion Code - IDENTITY

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About a month and a half ago, I did an Interview with Lifelock. Since that interview, a lot of people have asked me for my opinions about Lifelock. They have also wanted to know about Lifelock promotion codes and how to get a discount code for purchasing Life Lock service.