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Monday, August 28, 2006
Almost Accurate Ezinearticle: Identity Theft - Can The Internet Help?
I am an Ezinearticles.com writer, but one thing that bothers me is people writing (or putting their names on PLR (Private Label Rights) articles and posting like they know what they are talking about. This is a common technique used to get their websites promoted and linked to, by offering "expert content" on the web. I doubt Michael actually wrote this article, but I am sure he probably has the right to claim it as his own.
All that aside, there are some real holes in this article, so I thought I would point some of them out.
This is interesting, though not accurate. Statistics are on the rise for online theft. The FTC has a whole section devoted to safety with computers and the internet. So it isn't very accurate to say that the completely opposite is true. The intent of the statement is intended to open your eyes to the fact that online tools can help you identify if you have your identity already stolen.
It's just not proper to take the focus off the risk of online transactions leading to identity theft in order to hilight the value of using online resources as a way to see the results of ID theft in "near real time". If one is protected properly, the risk can be reduced significantly.
Looking at how the author presents his case below, I would hardly say that the Internet is used to "protect you against identity theft" but rather to help you identify when it has happened:
Time for a note about the "padlock." This is most certainly in important part of making sure your connection is secure. You see, the bank has spend millions of dollars making sure their computer systems are secure. The padlock is a small indicator of this. That would make the weakest link in the security chain your own PC, right? So what have you done on your own computer to make it secure? What measures security do you have there to stop hackers on your end? Have you spent as much money and time securing your PC as the bank has? Of course not! But have you spent even a relatively equal amount? I'm guessing not. A free copy of Spybot S&D doesn't cut it.
This is one of the most common ways for hackers to access your private financial information. They piggyback onto your computer using what is called a "keylogger" or a "RAT." A keylogger is a program that secretly runs on your PC and records every keystroke you make. A RAT is a Remote Access Terminal that works like PC Anywhere or Citrix. It allows the hackers to not only track keystrokes but watch you and your PC in real time from a remote location.
More and more every day you need better and better technology running on your PC. You can research the industry regularly for new developments and technologies, or you can just rest your trust with a single software maker...OR, you can hire a team of security experts to keep track of it all for you.
Again, this is "post theft" advice. Yes, you should use the Internet to your advantage here. But you had best be protected on your own end. If you log into your bank account, credit reporting agencies, or another depot of private information, and if there is a keylogger on your system, you have just handed all that info over to a crook!
Sorry Michael. This article just doesn't pass muster. There is some good advice in here about the kinds of things you probably should do if you get your ID stolen. But you might want to hire an attorney to help with all that, since it's likely that by that time you will have to defend yourself against creditors, etc.
INIVSUS Direct offers the best managed security service on the Internet. Free Internet Security Software and a free $25,000 Identity Theft Insurance Policy. Get INVISUS for less than $15 a month.
That's the best advice anyone could give.
All that aside, there are some real holes in this article, so I thought I would point some of them out.
Identity Theft - Can The Internet Help?
By Michael Russell
Identity theft has quickly become a serious issue, not only in America, but around the world as well. Some of the recent cases of stolen personal data are overwhelming in size. LexisNexis, who specializes in the personal and financial data of individuals, had more than 300,000 clients personal data stolen.
In another case, MasterCard had over 400,000 credit card customers' personal files stolen. The list just goes on and on.
With the explosive growth of the Internet over the last 10 years, many people believe that doing online transactions can put them in jeopardy of becoming a victim of identity theft. The truth is completely the opposite. Approximately 10% of all reported identity theft cases involved Internet fraud. The largest percentage of cases occurs from phone scams and documents left in trash cans.
By Michael Russell
Identity theft has quickly become a serious issue, not only in America, but around the world as well. Some of the recent cases of stolen personal data are overwhelming in size. LexisNexis, who specializes in the personal and financial data of individuals, had more than 300,000 clients personal data stolen.
In another case, MasterCard had over 400,000 credit card customers' personal files stolen. The list just goes on and on.
With the explosive growth of the Internet over the last 10 years, many people believe that doing online transactions can put them in jeopardy of becoming a victim of identity theft. The truth is completely the opposite. Approximately 10% of all reported identity theft cases involved Internet fraud. The largest percentage of cases occurs from phone scams and documents left in trash cans.
This is interesting, though not accurate. Statistics are on the rise for online theft. The FTC has a whole section devoted to safety with computers and the internet. So it isn't very accurate to say that the completely opposite is true. The intent of the statement is intended to open your eyes to the fact that online tools can help you identify if you have your identity already stolen.
It's just not proper to take the focus off the risk of online transactions leading to identity theft in order to hilight the value of using online resources as a way to see the results of ID theft in "near real time". If one is protected properly, the risk can be reduced significantly.
The Internet can actually help protect you against identity theft in several different ways.
Looking at how the author presents his case below, I would hardly say that the Internet is used to "protect you against identity theft" but rather to help you identify when it has happened:
• Use online banking and credit card reports whenever possible. Nearly every bank and credit card company utilize secure Internet web sites that gives you access to your statements and accounts online. This allows you to have up to the minute access to your bank accounts and credit cards. If you see anything suspicious you can immediately take action and report it.
Be sure to only use secure sites that have the padlock icon on the screen. Another important point is to never click on a banking or credit card site from a link in any email message you get. Do not fall for the emails that ask you to "verify" your personal information. If you do you will have your identity stolen and your account cleaned out.
Always type in your credit card or bank website address in your browser. By doing this you will never have to worry about this problem happening
Always type in your credit card or bank website address in your browser. By doing this you will never have to worry about this problem happening
Time for a note about the "padlock." This is most certainly in important part of making sure your connection is secure. You see, the bank has spend millions of dollars making sure their computer systems are secure. The padlock is a small indicator of this. That would make the weakest link in the security chain your own PC, right? So what have you done on your own computer to make it secure? What measures security do you have there to stop hackers on your end? Have you spent as much money and time securing your PC as the bank has? Of course not! But have you spent even a relatively equal amount? I'm guessing not. A free copy of Spybot S&D doesn't cut it.
This is one of the most common ways for hackers to access your private financial information. They piggyback onto your computer using what is called a "keylogger" or a "RAT." A keylogger is a program that secretly runs on your PC and records every keystroke you make. A RAT is a Remote Access Terminal that works like PC Anywhere or Citrix. It allows the hackers to not only track keystrokes but watch you and your PC in real time from a remote location.
More and more every day you need better and better technology running on your PC. You can research the industry regularly for new developments and technologies, or you can just rest your trust with a single software maker...OR, you can hire a team of security experts to keep track of it all for you.
• Know what is on your credit report. By keeping a close eye on your credit report you will know if there is any fraudulent activity going on. If someone has stolen your identity you will see new accounts on your report that you didn't know about. You can then take action and report the activity.
There are three main credit reporting companies; Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. You can use the Internet to check your credit history with all three of these agencies at no cost to you. The government has made it a law that everyone can have a free copy of his or her credit report on an annual basis.
There are three main credit reporting companies; Experian, Equifax and TransUnion. You can use the Internet to check your credit history with all three of these agencies at no cost to you. The government has made it a law that everyone can have a free copy of his or her credit report on an annual basis.
Again, this is "post theft" advice. Yes, you should use the Internet to your advantage here. But you had best be protected on your own end. If you log into your bank account, credit reporting agencies, or another depot of private information, and if there is a keylogger on your system, you have just handed all that info over to a crook!
• Consider signing up for a credit monitoring service. You can find a number of these services by doing a simple web search. These companies will monitor your credit activity on a regular basis and report any unusual activity to you immediately. Of course you will also have access to your credit report on a daily basis. Most of these companies will give you a free 30-day trial to try out their service before paying the regular monthly fee. The cost for this service should be under $10 per month. It is a very safe and convenient way to keep track of your credit.
Take your personal credit information seriously. Keep track of your credit report and protect yourself against identity thieves. It can help prevent you becoming the next victim.
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Identity Theft
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell
Take your personal credit information seriously. Keep track of your credit report and protect yourself against identity thieves. It can help prevent you becoming the next victim.
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Identity Theft
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell
Sorry Michael. This article just doesn't pass muster. There is some good advice in here about the kinds of things you probably should do if you get your ID stolen. But you might want to hire an attorney to help with all that, since it's likely that by that time you will have to defend yourself against creditors, etc.
INIVSUS Direct offers the best managed security service on the Internet. Free Internet Security Software and a free $25,000 Identity Theft Insurance Policy. Get INVISUS for less than $15 a month.
That's the best advice anyone could give.
Posted at 7:35 AM on Monday, August 28, 2006
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