How Internet Identity Fraud Happens
Identity fraud used to establish new accounts could take months to surface. NEVER leave mail for pickup in your mailbox and try to avoid drive by mail boxes. How You Can Protect Yourself You can hardly read a publication or listen to the news these days without hearing something about the rise in identity fraud. Often the first time victims become aware of these new accounts is when they get collection notices, often for thousands upon thousands of dollars. . Big companies like eBay and Paypal actively pursue these scam artists. Finally, always make sure you know what your identity theft protection is with your credit card companies and bank. The average dollar loss per victim doubled over that of the year 2005. By following these simple guidelines and making yourself aware of the many scams being used, you can help keep yourself from becoming one of the growing number of victims of identity fraud. There are steps you can take is to guard your Social Security Number, the universal doorway to all of your information. If you receive an e-mail from a company with whom you do business, do not respond using any links embedded in the message. It's worth a trip to the post office or UPS store to insure that your checks go to the right place and are not intercepted by thieves. Take advantage of the free yearly credit report offered by the big three credit reporting agencies; Experian, Equifax and Trans Union. Instead, keep it in a safe location at home. Then send the suspected email to the company.Identity Fraud: How It Happens. Do not carry your Social Security card in your wallet. Most experts agree that the highest percentage of identity fraud is still a person-to-person theft, such as an unscrupulous store clerk taking account information from a check or a credit card number from a store receipt, rather than from the rising use of the Internet as a means of transacting business. Never give your social security number to anyone unless it is for a transaction at your request and you trust the institution
