| Indians wake up to identity thefts, still reluctant to react
As the cyber world unveils websites that let you live a 'second life', fake identities and identity thefts are fast emerging a menace giving spurt to hate mails and even serious crimes. Identity theft remains unrecognised by many Indians, but many may already be becoming targets even without realising it, experts say. One of the fastest growing crimes in the developed nations like United States, it is spreading in developing economies too. According to a website that monitors cyber crimes, in 2006, identity theft complaints made up thirty seven per cent (37 per cent) of all fraud complaints. With extensive use of social networking sites in India, the young population chatting for hours, however is unaware of the risks involved. Sharing personal information on social networking sites like Orkut, Tagged, hi5, etc.
Bring Identifying Documents if Forced to Evacuate Due to Fire, Urges ...
WASHINGTON, Oct. 25 /PRNewswire-USNewswire / -- The Identity Theft Assistance Center (ITAC) is urging Southern California residents forced by fire to evacuate their homes to bring along identifying documents, such as social security cards, birth certificates, and passports, if possible. "In a disaster, the first concern is personal safety, but if you have time to make an evacuation plan, protecting your important documents should be part of that plan," said Anne Wallace, executive director of ITAC. "It will be much easier to prove you are who you say you are in the event you need to open new financial accounts, apply for government benefits, or make insurance claims." Individuals who are forced to evacuate high-risk areas often leave behind critical documents used to establish identity, such as social security cards, birth certificates and passports.
GCSO warns residents of possible identity theft operation via phone
Gray County Sheriff's Office is warning residents about a possible identity theft operation in which the person is asked for information concerning their bank account.At least one local resident has reported receiving a call from someone claiming to be a representative of the Internal Revenue Service, said Sheriff Don Copeland. The caller claimed that the IRS had a refund to send to the person, and asked for the person's bank routing number and bank account number in order to deposit the refund in their account.This information may be used by the caller to remove money from the account and may also lead to identity theft, Copeland said.
The IRS warns all citizens not to give personal information over the phone, through the mail or on the Internet unless they have initialed the contact or they are sure they know who they are dealing with.
CNRSW FFSC gives support for identity theft victims
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) estimates that as many as nine million Americans have their identities stolen each year. Some identity theft victims repair their problems quickly, while others may take years and hundreds of dollars to repair their good name and credit record.
The CNRSW Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) offers an identity theft brief year-round to help service members and their families combat id theft. "Families must be constantly vigilant," said Deborah Johnston, FFSC, financial educator.
There are several ways to prevent id theft. Don't give out personal information over the phone, through the mail or over the internet unless you are sure who you are dealing with. Johnston feels that giving out personal information freely is where a lot of people get in trouble.
Aussies lose ID in trash
AUSTRALIANS should lock their mailboxes and shred their mail to avoid identity theft, federal Attorney-General Philip Ruddock has told a conference on identity fraud. Mr Ruddock told the Sydney meeting the problem of identity fraud had grown exponentially because of modern communications. But snail mail and hardcopy documents still presented a problem, he said, and Australians should think of investing in a shredder, and perhaps a lock on their letterbox. ''Identity theft occurred predominantly when crooks got access to an individual's financial records, making protection of hardcopy documents essential,'' Mr Ruddock said. "It's very important to look at how you handle your personal paperwork, what you put in your waste bins," he said.
Anchorage man charged with identity theft
An Anchorage man has been charged with computer fraud and identity theft. According to prosecutors, Vern Coyner, 52, accessed a desktop computer he shared with a former roommate. In doing so, he obtained her personal passwords. He then allegedly used the passwords to examine the woman's online accounts, including bank accounts, credit accounts and investment records. Prosecutors say Coyner accessed a computer operated by The Vanguard Group and transferred the assets of his roommate's retirement account into an account he had created. If found guilty, Coyner could face 15 years in prison and a half-million dollar fine. He was arraigned Tuesday. .
Brown faces Commons with 'profound' regret
GORDON Brown has "profoundly" apologised for the loss of personal details of almost half the population as it transpired that teenagers could be left vulnerable to identity theft for years. The Prime Minister said he regretted the "inconvenience" that has left 25 million people exposed to potential fraud after an HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) official copied the sensitive details to computer discs which were then lost in transit. .
|
