Biggest Identity Theft Ever!!!

It happens folks. TJ Max reported the largest identity theft ever. If you are a customer keep a very close eye on any account or credit card that may be exploited.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Identity-Theft-Problems-for-TJ-Max-and-Marshalls-Customers&id=431633

A new HIGH for LOWS for Internet Crime

One of the first reported extortion attemps for the internet in 2007 involves sending life threatening emails and demanding money. Another reason to give thanks for IC3.gov. BTW I am not associated with IC3 in anyway, but it seems all significant fraud related information seems to have them as a source or a stop point. My hats are off to these folks.

http://www.ic3.gov/media/2007/070109.htm

UCLA Fraud Alert

Internet based fraud is alive and well. If you are affiliated with, or have provided any financial information to the University of California Los Angeles, you need to take a look at the following URL. Hackers were able to gain access and steal financial information of up to 20,000 individuals. If you think you may be victim of this fraud you should contact http://www.identityalert.ucla.edu/

Huge kudos go out to UCLA for making this breach public and making people aware that their information may have been stolen.

Internet Fraud Is a Crime - Report It!!!

It seems to be human nature that if we are defrauded in some way or another and the damage incurred by the fraud is not extensive, we just tend to let it go. I completely understand this and have to admit that I have been guilty of it from time to time. But after speaking with authorities, such as law enforcement agencies, and Internet Fraud Attorneys that enforce Internet fraud laws, I have completely changed my mind set.

There are thousands of people that are committing fraud of one sort or another on the Internet. Every year hundreds of these people walk because of technicalities or evidence against them that is insufficient. If there were more reports and more evidence against these criminals, many of them would not be walking free to victimized other people such as yourself. It's up to all of us to protect our families financial security from these individuals.

If you believe you are a victim of Internet fraud or any Internet crime, contact your local law enforcement agency to see how they recommend moving forward with a complaint. At the very least use the Web services of the FBI and the Internet Crime Complaint Center.

http://www.ic3.gov/

How common is Internet Fraud?

It's always hard to sort through FUD and reality when it comes to Internet Fraud and Internet Security issues. The following article at CBS News seems like a preety realistic source since the information comes from the FBI and directly quotes losses and different fraudlent activity.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/05/16/national/main554237.shtml

Bottom, line is Internet fraud is real and that you as a a consumer need to be smart. It's not difficult to check something out on the web before you buy it. Take the following steps before you purchase anything from the web. And remember, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is...Yep I'm quoting my dad again.

This and more advice can be found on the www.fraud.org website.

-Don’t shop online while using an unencrypted or open wireless network. Hackers and thieves can use your open/unencrypted or a store’s wireless network to break into your computer and capture your financial information.
-Secure your computer before shopping online. Before connecting to the Internet or shopping online, take the following three core protections: 1) Install anti-virus and anti-spyware programs and keep them up to date; 2) Install a firewall; 3) Regularly update operating software.
-Know who you’re dealing with. Before shopping online with an unknown e-store, check out the seller and be sure to get the name and physical address of the seller in case something goes wrong. If you’re buying gifts on an online auction site, check the track record of the seller before you bid.
-Don’t give away your financial information to unsecured websites. Make sure when providing payment information, the beginning of the Web site URL address changes from http to shttp or https, indicating that the purchase is encrypted or secured.
Protect personal information with common sense and technology. Be suspicious if someone unexpectedly asks for personal information. Identity thieves send out bogus emails about problems with consumers’ accounts to lure them into divulging personal information. Consider using multi-factor authentication services when offered by online retailers as a way to secure your information.