Don’t Be A Victim!

November 21, 2008 by Debbie
Filed under: Identity Theft 

(This post was originally posted on Ms Sparky on May 31, 2008. I moved it to Blue Behind Bars when I separated my personal blog from my political blog.)

If you read my “I Got Mugged In Istanbul” blog you remember that my bank accounts were seriously compromised because I used a public computer in Istanbul to check my account status after being mugged.

Here is an excerpt from an article I just read on this very subject entitled: “7 Surefire Ways To Become and ID Theft Victim” by Sheyna Steiner (to read this article click the link above)

For maximum risk, commit the computing equivalent of licking a handrail in a New York City subway station and do some online banking on a public computer — like the one at the library or a public cafe. Bonus points are added if your Social Security number is your user ID for any transactions.

Evidently, I did the equivalent of licking a handrail in a New York City subway station. That analogy just makes me want to gag!!!!

This is an informative and well written article with some humor thrown in. You may be amazed at how often you put yourself at risk. Can you answer yes to any of the following questions:

1. Do you use a wireless network in your house?
2. Do you mail out checks for bills from your mailbox?
3. Do you carry your Social Security card in your wallet or purse?
4. Do you ever give personal information via email?

If you answered yes to any of these question, do yourself a huge favor and read the article. I thought I was totally educated on protecting myself from identity theft and I learned a lot.

For every defense we take to protect ourselves, identity thieves are counter attacking. It’s a freakin’ war!!!

Ms Sparky

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