| |
Exposing Identity Theft Prevention
Identity theft prevention has been a very real issue in our society
for some time now. There are plenty of cases of online identity
theft and fraud, but not all the scams are online. Not all thieves
are working through computers to steal your identity and take you
for a financial ride. Some of the most dangerous possible identity
theft scenarios don't involve computers at all, but they can still
clean out the unaware consumer.
One of the oldest and most devastating scams involves the ATM
machine. Thieves can install equipment on otherwise legitimate
machines that steal ATM card and PIN numbers. An attachment fits
over the original slot and is used to capture the information from
the card as the ATM is used. The thieves usually hide nearby and
receive the wireless transmissions from the doctored ATMs. With the
stolen information, they can commit identity theft and fraud worth
thousands by withdrawing from the accounts. Theft prevention relies
on consumer awareness.
You should always be wary of ATM machines that look abnormal. It's
quite possible identity theft is the motive when you see cracks
around the slot holder where it is fastened to the machine. Always
second guess a machine that asks you to enter your PIN number two or
three times. Use a hand to cover the keyboard as you punch your PIN
into the machine. Theft prevention at the ATM is, in large part, a
question of common sense.
The telephone is another area where possible identity theft and
fraud are committed. It works this way: the would-be thief phones to
tell you he or she is investigating fraudulent charges on your card,
often regarding a credit company that you've never heard of. The
thief then tries to convince you to give out your card number, your
name as it appears on the card, and the card's expiration date.
Theft prevention entails that you hang up and call the number on
your credit card to ask about any possible identity theft
investigation.
Beware of people calling you asking for personal account
information. Most often, these individuals claim to be from a credit
card company or financial institution. Sometimes they pretend that
your credit card has been compromised and need to verify your
identity to confirm you're the person you say you are. Credit card
companies already have this information -- they shouldn't be asking
you this over the phone. Identity theft and fraud has become a cruel
reality, but you can strengthen identity theft prevention by being
aware.
|
|
