Identity Theft Radio: Debut Show for 2009

Welcome to our debut show for 2009! Identity Theft Radio has returned after a several month hiatus. Our new show format will be only for 10 minutes. This will allow us to send the video version of this show to YouTube for syndication immediately following the end of the show each week. We will simulcast on video at http://www.newmediapro.tv and the recordings will be available there as well.

Tonight, we will cover the different types of Identity Theft and a breaking news story that just came about today! Let’s get started…

There are 6 different types of identity theft:
1. Credit/Financial
2. Medical
3. Driver’s License
4. Social Security Number
5. Character
6. Synthetic

We will go into more details over the next few weeks as we delve further into each type of identity theft.

First though, a breaking news story that hit the social media world today. Twitter, the popular microblogging platform, had a phishing scam hit many of it’s users today in the form of a direct message. If you aren’t familiar with Twitter, it allows you to send friends and followers an “instant message” in under 140 characters.

Chris Pirillo, best known from uStream.TV, reported this phishing scam via Twitter to alert his followers that this was happening. Many of his followers resent this message out to their followers, thus spreading the message very quickly to avert potential identity theft from happening.

Many received a direct message from one of their twitter followers:

hey! check out this funny blog about you… jannawalitax . blogspot . com

DO NOT VISIT the URL in question. It will redirect you immediately to a suspicious domain: twitter . access-logins . com - notice the subdomain?

This is NOT the Twitter login page, even though it looks like the real Twitter page, however the domain name gives way to believe it is a phishing site. Suggestion: do NOT log in to your Twitter account through any site other than Twitter.com. That may go without saying, but consider how many third-party Twitter services you use? Seems it’s about time for some kind of verification / validation for applications using the Twitter API - so you can be sure you’re passing your credentials to the right people. Many people have setup phony Twitter services sites promising all kinds of stats and status and will ask you for your username and password for your Twitter account.

This phishing domain appears to be registered in China:

Organization : zhang xiaohu
Name : zhang xiaohu
Address : changningzhonghuainanlu192hao
City : changning
Province/State : Hunan
Country : CN
Postal Code : 421500

Please, tell your Twitter followers to NOT VISIT or LOGIN THROUGH that site! Watch out for these direct messages. If you did happen to visit one of the offending URLs, you should be safe so long as you didn’t try to log into your Twitter account there.

Phishing is where someone is attempting to gain your information by using a phony site that looks like a real site, for example, your bank’s main site. Always look at the domain address that will show up in your address bar and make sure it is the actual site that you are visiting. Never take ANY e-mail at face value and when in doubt, DON’T click on ANY links without checking out the source of the message first!

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New eBook: Credit Repair Strategies Revealed

I announced earlier that Identity Theft Radio will be returning coming in January, so in celebration of it’s return, I am offering a brand new eBook, hot off the presses, at a discounted price to all of my loyal listeners and readers.

Here is an excerpt from the book, Credit Repair Strategies Revealed:
Credit Repair is defined as a method of disputing or rectifying discrepancies presented on credit bureau reports in order to obtain the highest and most exact ratings for consumers.

Among the most crucial matters to think back is regarding credit problems and this also means you’re not the only one who is suffering from bad credit. On the other side, there are millions of honorable, hard-working people from all around the country who are presently experiencing or have suffered troubles with their credit too. However, your awareness of the importance of having good credit has put you one step closer to actually achieving a good credit rating and improving your quality of living.

Even though your credit rating may seem like an intangible asset, it is one of the most valuable and important assets that you have. Without a good credit rating your financial, occupational, and personal goals are at risk of being severely limited. In order to obtain the privilege of using a credit card, your credit rating is checked.

If a company determines your credit to be unsatisfactory, you will be denied. From the moment you are denied, your quality of living is impeded. If you can’t get a credit card, you can’t rent a car, order tickets, or even rent a video. Because your credit rating was determined to be unsatisfactory, most companies will not let you use their money.

Today more than ever, many businesses perform routine background checks during the hiring process. Once again, if your credit rating reveals something of concern to them, you can be turned away for employment. Since maintaining a good credit rating is important in today’s society, a poor credit rating can have a negative snowball effect toward your personal goals.

Good, string credit allows you to live with financial security and enables you to purchase items without depleting your life savings.
Repairing your credit can seem like a monumental task; however, it can also be as easy as wiring a letter or making a phone call. Your decision to repair your credit rating will benefit you for the rest of your life.

The more time you invest now toward strengthening your credit rating, the better your quality of life will be. This guide is intended to support and help individuals and families find the answers to the most commonly asked questions of credit repair, as well as informing them of the dangers that lurk the marketplace.

After reading our guide, you will have the basic knowledge to getting out of debt, as well as information that will guide you to resources that will help you repairing your credit, get loans, and so forth.

This is a must read guide for anyone that has bad credit, no credit, or trying to establish a good credit.

Popularity: 25% [?]

Why Do I Feel Like Somebody’s Watching Me?

Spyware is one of the fastest-growing internet threats. According to the National Cyber Security Alliance, spyware infects more than 90% of all PCs today. These unobtrusive, malicious programs are designed to silently bypass firewalls and anti-virus software without the user’s knowledge. Once embedded in a computer, it can wreak havoc on the system’s performance while gathering your personal information. Fortunately, unlike viruses and worms, spyware programs do not usually self-replicate.

Where does it come from?

Typically, spyware originates in three ways. The first and most common way is when the user installs it. In this scenario, spyware is embedded, attached, or bundled with a freeware or shareware program without the user’s knowledge. The user downloads the program to their computer. Once downloaded, the spyware program goes to work collecting data for the spyware author’s personal use or to sell to a third-party. Beware of many P2P file-sharing programs. They are notorious for downloads that posses spyware programs.

The user of a downloadable program should pay extra attention to the accompanying licensing agreement. Often the software publisher will warn the user that a spyware program will be installed along with the requested program. Unfortunately, we do not always take the time to read the fine print. Some agreements may provide special “opt-out” boxes that the user can click to stop the spyware from being included in the download. Be sure to review the document before signing off on the download.

Another way that spyware can access your computer is by tricking you into manipulating the security features designed to prevent any unwanted installations. The Internet Explorer Web browser was designed not to allow websites to start any unwanted downloads. That is why the user has to initiate a download by clicking on a link. These links can prove deceptive. For example, a pop-up modeled after a standard Windows dialog box, may appear on your screen. The message may ask you if you would like to optimize your internet access. It provides yes or no answer buttons, but, no matter which button you push, a download containing the spyware program will commence. Newer versions of Internet Explorer are now making this spyware pathway a little more difficult.

Finally, some spyware applications infect a system by attacking security holes in the Web browser or other software. When the user navigates a webpage controlled by a spyware author, the page contains code designed to attack the browser, and force the installation of the spyware program.

What can spyware programs do?

Spyware programs can accomplish a multitude of malicious tasks. Some of their deeds are simply annoying for the user; others can become downright aggressive in nature.

Spyware can:
1. Monitor your keystrokes for reporting purposes.
2. Scan files located on your hard drive.
3. Snoop through applications on our desktop.
4. Install other spyware programs into your computer.
5. Read your cookies.
6. Steal credit card numbers, passwords, and other personal information.
7. Change the default settings on your home page web browser.
8. Mutate into a second generation of spyware thus making it more difficult to eradicate.
9. Cause your computer to run slower.
10. Deliver annoying pop up advertisements.
11. Add advertising links to web pages for which the author does not get paid. Instead, payment is directed to the spyware programmer that changed the original affiliate’s settings.
12. Provide the user with no uninstall option and places itself in unexpected or hidden places within your computer making it difficult to remove.

Spyware Examples
Here are a few examples of commonly seen spyware programs. Please note that while researchers will often give names to spyware programs, they may not match the names the spyware-writers use.

CoolWebSearch, a group of programs, that install through “holes” found in Internet Explorer. These programs direct traffic to advertisements on Web sites including coolwebsearch.com. This spyware nuisance displays pop-up ads, rewrites search engine results, and alters the computer host file to direct the Domain Name System (DNS) to lookup preselected sites.
Internet Optimizer (a/k/a DyFuCa), likes to redirect Internet Explorer error pages to advertisements. When the user follows the broken link or enters an erroneous URL, a page of advertisements pop up.
180 Solutions reports extensive information to advertisers about the Web sites which you visit. It also alters HTTP requests for affiliate advertisements linked from a Web site. Therefore the 180 Solutions Company makes an unearned profit off of the click through advertisements they’ve altered.
HuntBar (a/k/a WinTools) or Adware.Websearch, is distributed by Traffic Syndicate and is installed by ActiveX drive-by downloading at affiliate websites or by advertisements displayed by other spyware programs. It’s a prime example of how spyware can install more spyware. These programs will add toolbars to Internet Explorer, track Web browsing behavior, and display advertisements.

How can I prevent spyware?

There are a couple things you can do to prevent spyware from infecting your computer system. First, invest in a reliable commercial anti-spyware program. There are several currently on the market including stand alone software packages such as Lavasoft’s Ad-Aware or Windows Antispyware. Other options provide the anti-spyware software as part of an anti-virus package. This type of option is offered by companies such as Sophos, Symantec, and McAfee. Anti-spyware programs can combat spyware by providing real-time protection, scanning, and removal of any found spyware software. As with most programs, update your anti virus software frequently.

As discussed, the Internet Explorer (IE) is often a contributor to the spyware problem because spyware programs like to attach themselves to its functionality. Spyware enjoys penetrating the IE’s weaknesses. Because of this, many users have switched to non-IE browsers. However, if you prefer to stick with Internet Explorer, be sure to update the security patches regularly, and only download programs from reputable sources. This will help reduce your chances of a spyware infiltration.

And, when all else fails?

Finally, if your computer has been infected with a large number of spyware programs, the only solution you may have is backing up your data, and performing a complete reinstall of the operating system.

Popularity: 21% [?]

Identity Theft Radio Returns In January

Identity Theft Radio began more than two years ago as a pilot project and went for nearly 75 episodes before going into hiatus. Due to the large number of shows that The NMP Network was producing at the time, some had to go because there wasn’t enough time to produce shows on a daily basis.

Now, after nearly a year in hiatus, Identity Theft Radio will make it’s return debut in January 2009 as a weekly series. An exact date has not been announced yet, but will be closer to the debut date.

Rob White, a Certified Identity Theft Risk Management Specialist, will host the show and the premiere episode will start off the series again, from the beginning so that everyone will have a chance to catch up and at the same time, find out what’s new in Identity Theft!

Also, since The NMP Network also produces videos for their current shows, Identity Theft Radio will not be an exception to the rule! A simulcasted video will be produced for every episode and can be seen on our live page at http://www.newmediapro.tv

Watch for notices regarding the new day and time for Identity Theft Radio, coming in January 2009!

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Name, Rank and Social Security Number

Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in the U.S. The U.S. Secret Service has estimated that consumers nationwide lose $745 million to identity theft each year. According to the Identity Theft Resource Center, the average victim spends 607 hours and averages $1,000 just to clear their credit records.

Identity thieves employ a variety of methods to gain access to your personal information. They may get information from businesses or other institutions by stealing it; by bribing an employee who has access to records; hacking into records; or conning information out of employees. Once identity thieves have your personal information, they may use it to commit a fraud or theft in your name.

How can you tell if you have become a victim of identity theft? Some signs include unexplained charges or withdrawals from your financial accounts; bills or other mail stop arriving (the thief may have submitted a change of address); a credit application is denied for no apparent reason, or debt collectors begin calling about merchandise or services you didn’t buy.

Your computer can be a goldmine of personal information to an identity thief. To protect yourself and your computer against identity theft consider:

• Updating virus protection software frequently. Consider setting your virus protection software to update automatically. The Windows XP operating system also can be set to check for patches automatically and download them to your computer.
• Not opening files sent to you by strangers, clicking on hyperlinks, or downloading programs from people or companies you don’t know.
• Using a firewall program, especially if you use a high speed Internet connection like cable or DSL that leaves your computer connected to the Internet 24 hours a day.
• Providing your personal or financial information through an organization’s secured website only. While not fool proof, a lock icon on the browser’s status bar or a URL for a website that begins “https:” (the “s” stands for secure), may provide additional security.
• Not storing your financial information on your laptop, unless absolutely necessary.
• Deleting all the personal information stored on a computer before disposing of it. A wipe” utility program to overwrite the entire hard drive is recommended.
• Checking with an anti-fraud education organization such as CardCops (www.cardcops.com). Card Cops runs a web site designed to help consumers determine whether their credit card numbers may have been stolen. They monitor Internet “chat rooms” where identity thieves illicitly trade and sell stolen credit card numbers. CardCops turns the information over to law enforcement authorities, but also allows consumers to access their database to see whether individual card numbers may have been stolen. In the first two months of operation, the site identified more than 100,000 stolen credit cards.

As with any crime, you can not completely control whether you will become a victim, but you can take steps to minimize your risk by remaining diligent and by minimizing outside access to your personal information.

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Ways to prevent identity theft

When it comes to identity theft, you will need to first understand that this is a problem that is growing concern. You will need to think about shows like Dateline and how they show the emotional abuse that you take during this difficult time. You will need to keep in mind that identity theft is a very serious subject that will cause you emotional and financial pains.

It is very important that you protect yourself from fraud through social security numbers, checks, credit cards, driver’s licenses and more. You never want to throw away anything that has any of personal information on. You will want to follow some of the tips listed throughout this article in order to keep yourself safe from identity theft.

First, you will want to make sure that you keep your bank statements, medical bills, and mail safe from those who are preying on your neighborhood. You will also want to protect yourself from computer fraud by taking the appropriate measures. You will find that shredding all of your personal and private mail is a good way for you to protect yourself. Keep in mind that you can use this paper for several tasks around the house, like for the bedding of your hamster or small pets. You will also want to consider burning some of your papers and mail after you have shredded it in order for you to keep yourself protected. You really should never carry your checkbook, birth certificate, or even your social security card in your wallet or purse. This is just one way of losing it all. Keep in mind that there are alternatives to using checks.

Make sure that you keep all your personal information, personal. You will want to make sure that you protect yourself from fraud by not having your social security number written on your checks or anything else. It is only common sense in some cases, but you will find that common sense is one of the best ways of protecting yourself from identity theft.

Popularity: 32% [?]

Victims of Identity theft

For those who have heard about identity theft, you know exactly what happens to the victims. You will want to keep in mind that this could happen to anyone at any time. A lot of people assume that it could never happen to them, but it could be happening right now and you would never even know.

You have to consider that everyone is at risk for identity theft.

When it comes to the thief, you will find that it is mostly for them to gain social status or just obtain a lot of nice things. You will also find that it could be someone who is skilled and well educated or it could be someone who is just trying to get by. You will find that anyone could run a scam like this.

Most of the time these criminals are caught, but this is because they are simply not good at it or because they learned the trade from another criminal.

As for the use of credit cards and so on, you will notice that there is some protection now from identity theft, however, you will still need to prove who purchased what. You will fraud is often done for the simplest purchases, because no one would ever suspect it to be fraud.

How, could you know if you a victim? A lot of thieves will look for the easiest targets. You will also find that these victims are also targets that take little to no effort. Often, thieves will have a real, day job.

Thieves often look for those who wouldn’t expect identity theft. It is mostly the elderly that become prime targets.

You will want to keep in mind that you should never talk to those over the phone about your personal information. It could be a scam. Often they will pretend to be working for a charity or they will ask you to pay for something that you apparently have won. You will want to use your head in situations like these.

Keep in mind that it is not just the elderly who become victims, but it could simply be someone who you know that is trying to pull a fast one. You will need to educate yourself on identity theft more so that you can keep yourself safe.

Popularity: 35% [?]

Identity Theft by check fraud

There are a lot of people who dislike taking good care of their checkbook; however, you will want to keep in mind that there are some alternatives to having checks. Really, checks are unnecessary in today’s world but people continue to use keep their paper trail.

Keep in mind that when you use a lot of checks you are putting yourself at risk for ruin. You may think that this is a little bit too dramatic, but it is possible to have identity theft through check fraud.

You may think that checks are convenient or you may be too scared to switch to a debit card, but you will want to change your view on things for the sake of your future.

You will find that that checks tend to be very damaging because you are giving out a lot of personal information. With each and every check you will find that you’ll be given them your account number and the routing numbers as well.

With a check, others can get into your check account and switch money into their account and have it all withdrawn and gone before you even notice. You will want to keep in mind that it will pop up on your statement, but by then, the damage is done.

Don’t forget that you are also giving out your personal information when it comes to address and name. You may even have your spouses name on the checks as well. Now they are able to steal two identities at once. You will find that others will place things like their social security or phone number on the checks as well. There is really no reason for you to place either bit of information on a check. If you are asked for it, then you can write it in yourself.

With information like your social security number, you will find that strangers can get into your home, your bank accounts, your credit cards, and even some of your utility bills.

You need to protect yourself against this and you will want to be very careful about any and all information that you give out on checks. Sometimes you need to use checks, but it is best that you get into the habit of using a debit card, because it is harder to steal someone’s identity, and you don’t leave such a personal impression on others either.

Popularity: 31% [?]

Identify theft by Driver’s license

For those who have never had identity theft happen, then you probably just think that its someone using credit cards that are in someone else’s name. But, it really doesn’t work like that too often. You will want to keep in mind that there are a million ways someone can steal your personal information and id, however, you will want to keep in mind that it may just be as simple as your driver’s license.

Driver’s licenses are a very common way you can have your identity stolen and your life ruined. Usually, someone will take the driver’s license and have it altered so that it looks like them.

If someone is willing to go through all of that, then you will want to consider that this is a person who is running from authorities. You will notice that these types of criminals are looking for a fast way out. Often, they will disappear and relocate under your name.

This is, obviously, the last thing that you want is to end up in jail for a crime that you never committed.

It is very hard for you to prove who you are and who the other person isn’t. You will want to keep in mind that this could take days to clear up. In the mean time, you may have to spend some time in jail until your name is cleared.

Popularity: 31% [?]

Identity theft by computer

It has now become a serious issue. You will find that your computer is one of the newer ways that identity theft occurs. You will need to understand that this can happen to you if you end up using online services that are not secure.

You will want to keep in mind that intelligent identity theft is one of the easiest ways for others to destroy your life. Imagine someone hacking into your computer and having it reveal all of your information and possible secrets. You will want to make sure that you never donate or throw anything any that has to deal with your computer or computer files. This is one of the easiest ways for others to get your information.

You will also time that a lot of people will dispose of their old computer without giving it a second thought, but you need to make sure that your computer is completely disabled before you allow it to leave the comfort of your home. It is important that your realize that your computer has cookies and bookmarks, as well as, saved files and emails that could give away a lot of important, private information.

For those who are at high risk, you have to consider the internet use. A lot of collect students will put themselves at risk from constant online transactions. Everything can be found online when it comes to student records and even grades. It is very important that you learn how to protect yourself while online.

As for your online passwords, you will want to make sure that it is just a random password. You really don’t want to make it easy for others to figure out.

Popularity: 32% [?]

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