| SupportSoft Helps Protect TalkTalk Customers Against Wireless Fraud
Households with unsecured wireless Internet make up around half of total wireless broadband users in the UK(1). Those without proper security on their network are vulnerable not only to piggy-backing, but to hackers who can access bank details, passwords and personal information. Consequences of these actions include identity theft as well as unauthorised spending on credit and debit cards. SupportSoft's SmartAccess(TM) software is rescuing wireless Internet users by automatically setting up their home security configurations, thereby minimising their exposure to fraud. .
Scam targets Central Bank clients
Central Bank is warning customers to be wary of the latest identity theft scam that urges people to give up their bank account information over the telephone. The phone calls were made between Tuesday and Wednesday, and several counties in central Missouri were affected, said Dan Westhues, senior vice president of Central Bank, in Jefferson City. "We know that 60,000 phone calls went out over a period of two days, and all the phone calls are automated," he said. "We've encountered three scenarios. One message tells you that your account has been deactivated and it directs you to a Web site. Another message asks you to punch in your 15-digit debit card number, and the other message asks you to call an 800 number asking you for your 15-digit card number." Bank account information has not been compromised on the part of the bank, Westhues said.
In fraud fight, banks play priceless role
When it comes to protecting you against identity theft and fraud, banks occupy a unique position of influence. They're the central depository for consumers' money and sensitive personal information. Get hold of someone's monthly bank statement and you've got a ton of valuable data. As heavily regulated as banks are, consumers should expect that their financial institution does more than any other business to guard their personal data. An annual study by Javelin Strategy and Research finds that although banks are doing a fairly good job at helping customers resolve identity theft and fraud cases, they need to make the customer more of a partner in a joint battle against crooks. "Banks and credit unions do a great job behind the scenes – total fraud dropped last year from $55.7 billion to $49.3 billion – but this report shows where they can enlist a willing customer base to do even better," said this month's report by Pleasanton, Calif.-based Javelin, which provides research on financial services topics.
Guardian Analytics Delivers Real-Time Online Fraud Prevention With ...
LOS ALTOS, Calif., Dec. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Guardian Analytics, Inc. today announced the release of FraudMAP(TM), its fraud prevention solution for protecting online accounts from fraud and identity theft. Providing comprehensive online channel risk management, FraudMAP delivers fraud detection, forensics and ongoing risk monitoring based on strong analytics and rich, predictive models of individual behavior. The unique solution was built from the ground up to automatically detect new online fraud threats without requiring fraud rules development or algorithm training. "Online accounts continue to be under attack from constantly evolving threats designed to steal account holder assets and information. These threats put the integrity of the online channel at risk and jeopardize the growth of online business," said Tom Miltonberger, president and CEO, Guardian Analytics.
Credit Card Dangers
In consumer news today, tis the season, as the saying goes, to hit the mall or the online shopping outlets, now that the Christmas shopping season is underway. If you're planning to pull out that trusty credit card to pay for your purchases, beware. These days, thieves are more willing, and more able, than ever to separate you from your hard earned money, and in many cases, your identity. It can happen to anyone. It's the Christmas season, but Christmas is also the season for thieves, who will use any means possible, either in person, or online, to steal your money, and when it comes to identity theft, your good name, as well. Credit card thieves target busy shoppers is by taking advantage of the holiday crowds, and engaging in what's called shoulder surfing, to size up your credit card info while you're distracted by your transaction.
Consumers warned about holiday ID theft
Attorney General Bill McCollum today advised Floridians to be careful when using credit and debit cards to pay for gifts during this holiday shopping season in order to avoid becoming victims of identity theft. He also cautioned consumers about a "phishing" scam that has surfaced recently, threatening to expose consumers� personal financial information. McCollum noted that occurrences of identity theft often increase during the holiday season and encouraged residents and guests to be extra vigilant to protect themselves. "Identity theft can be devastating any time it occurs, but it is especially destructive during the holiday season when it could threaten personal financial information, travel plans and other seasonal aspects of our consumers� personal lives," said McCollum.
Buyer, Beware - Especially Online
As you make a list and check it twice, check yourself for safety against identity theft. It's a big problem this time of year, with more people shopping with their credit cards, and shopping online. Stealing your ID is not that difficult anymore. Consumer advocates say you protect yourself by being aware of your surroundings while using your card. Also, keep an eye on the clerk while the transaction is being processed. "There are different devices called skimmers," said Chad Reiflin of the Credit Education Bureau. "Folks can use to skim our cards and steal and store information. So just as being street smart, you need to be credit smart - and smart about what's going with your information and what is happening with your card." While shopping online, make sure the site is secure.
Keep Grinch at Bay During Holidays With 12 ID Theft Tips of Christmas
With the holiday shopping season in full swing, and with the growing threat of ID theft looming, consumers may not know their identities could also be for sale. The intersection of commerce and cyber-crime could be a bumpy road for shoppers over the next month, so don't let the ID theft grinches steal your holiday cheer this year. "Wherever there's information about a person, whether it's retained by a retailer, bank, credit bureau or database, there's someone out there who has the ability to steal it," said Dan Clements, spokesman for ID Secure, a sophisticated new tool that uses leading-edge public records, Social Security number and credit card monitoring technology to fight identity theft. "The more difficult you make it for someone to rip you off, the less chance you have of becoming a victim of identity theft.
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