ID Theft

• The financial gains are high, yet the penaties if caught are relatively low
• We're all a bit careless with our information making us all potential (and sometimes easy) victims
• There are so many channels into our lives, it's hard to be vigilant against all of them all of the time
• This is a crime which is easily committed across international boundaries, making it difficult to stop

 

Shred personal information such as credit card statements, payslips, utlity bills etc. In fact ANY letters addressed to you, as even an apparently useless letter can be used as a basis on which to "build" the stolen identity up and aquire more useful documents.  If you don't have one - go out and buy a good cross-cut shredder NOW.

 

 

Be wary of any free software you install. That nice screensaver or handy utlility may contain "trojan" code designed to eavesdrop on your every keystroke. That is why anti-virus and anti-spyware utilities are SO important, but they are no substitute for vigilence and common sense.  If you must use free software, try to use reputable download sites. Better still, open your piggy bank and pay for properly distributed and supported software.

 

If you use a wireless network, make ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN with your product vendor that your connection is encrypted to protect against electronic eavesdropping. This Microsoft article explains some of the issues. Talking of encryption, try Cypherics Cryptainer LE or PE to create encrypted vaults in which you can store any sensitive files you have on your PC/Laptop.

Check any online retailer you're considering using has credible contact details and a "real" presence before buying from them. If in doubt, shop elsewhere.

 

ATM fraud is on the increase as this BBC report advises. Check ATM machines for any suspicious attachments around the card slot which could be skimming details off your card and/or cameras above the keypad. DON'T input your PIN like this!  Learn to shield the keypad with your other hand whilst inputting it, to make it difficult for anyone close by, or any hidden camera, to read what you are inputting.

 

Never let your credit card out of your sight at retailers. They could be "skimming" details off it using a tiny card reader to create a copy of it. Learn to shield the keypad with your other hand when inputting your PIN so people can't see over your shoulder.

Be wary of anyone contacting you by phone asking for personal information. No reputable company or financial institution will ever do this.

 

Protect your PINs and passwords - change them regularly and don't write them down.

Be wary of ANY e-mail asking for personal details to be verified.  "Phishing" e-mails are endemic and if you don't know what they are, find out here so you'll know not to take the bate. Better still, install a whitelist product and rid yourself of undesirable e-mail for good.

Install a good anti-virus and anti-spyware product on your PC, and keep it up to date WITHOUT FAIL. Mess up here, and your machine will easily be compromised and your identity stolen. While you're at it, make sure you keep your operating system up to date with the latest security patches, and install an electronic "file shredder" and windows history cleaner such as Webroot's Window Washer so anything you erase can never be recovered if you ever sell on your PC.