Credit Report Monitoring: Why Do You Need It?

By Benedict Perez

One of the most popular ways to shop nowadays is through online. Ecommerce has truly brought the consumer's shopping experience to the next level. One can enjoy buying and canvassing products or avail services at the comfort of their homes. But as more and more people transact in the Internet, it has resulted to increased number of Internet fraud cases and identity theft. Personal data and information are being stolen so they can gain access to personal accounts. Such crimes can greatly affect your life and your future. That is why it is very important to have credit report monitoring as absolute protection against identity thieves.

What is credit report monitoring?

Credit report monitoring is the controlling and checking of credit history in order to detect and expose suspicious activities or changes that might be due to identity theft crimes. Using this kind of monitoring enables consumers to stay on track with their credits. It helps one realize the direction of their credits whether they are heading downwards or upwards.

What are the advantages of credit report monitoring?

It keeps you on the track. Whether you are a consumer who uses credit cards for purchasing goods or a business owner who is seeking more credit, it is critical that you monitor your credits. Also, most lending companies and employers are more careful when doing business with potential clients and employees, respectively. The credit report speaks the kind of character and of course, the credit situation an individual has. It tells whether one makes timely payments or if you have a bad credit history. The report even shows if one had suffered from bankruptcy before or already on the edge of bankruptcy.

Lets you know if there are any incorrect credit reports. A lot have already suffered from inaccurate reports and this is one good reason why you need to regularly monitor your credits. This erroneous information can bring negative on your part as it may affect your overall credit score.

It protects you from identity theft. Ecommerce and online shopping is quite popular these days as it makes shopping a lot easier and less hassle. But at the same time, it enables identity thieves to gain access to more victims. The task of monitoring programs is to thoroughly investigate any suspicious activities in your account. This may include changes in your credit limit, account information, address, inquiries and current account and public records.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Credit Report Monitoring Company

The first thing you need to know is where a particular credit monitoring provider receives information. Data from any of the 3 major credit card agencies is always the preferred choice. Second, you also need to know how frequent they monitor. This is important because frequent monitoring increases the odds of catching an identity theft. Third, you need to determine if there are other services offered by the company like frequency of the released reports and updates. Some may include identity theft insurance if in case they made a mistake or overlooked a thief. - 32534

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Beware That Government Identity Theft Is Increasing

By Josh Dawson

Theft is something that we have all had to deal with at some point in our lives. But now, we are dealing with a new form of theft which involves the identity of an innocent person. Also, beware that Government identity theft is increasing rapidly. In this case, criminals steal your private information and use it in very harmful ways.

In recent years, we have been told to supply our social security number to pretty much anyone who "needs" it. Of course, this practice that must be halted immediately. If you don't protect your private information, someone can destroy your life as you know it.

Whoever comes across your personal information has the capacity to apply for loans, all of which are in your name and you are responsible for. In order to stay on top of the game, it is imperative that you thoroughly review your credit report every three or four months. This way, you'll be able to spot any strange occurrences, and ensure that they are cleared up or stopped before the damages become insurmountable.

Of course, Congress is to blame for a lot of these goings on. They made everyone's Social Security number and national identifier. That means, any time you need to open a bank account, apply for a license, or any other ridiculous reason, you would have to supply your Social Security number. The government is trying to take some action, thankfully.

Identity fraud and theft has become so popular because Congress made giving out your Social Security number or a regular practice. But, the problems that can arise are truly frightening. In fact, many Americans became victims, losing all their life savings and financial assets, and finally ended up with destroyed credit, too!

It is imperative that you take the proper action to protect yourself and your loved ones from any type of fraud that may occur at any given time. Learn to keep your personal information private and keep a close eye on all your assets and your credit report. - 32534

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What Are Some Identity Theft Examples

By Josh Dawson

Many people think that they are exempt from identity theft. They think it can't happen to them because they know what it is. Yet, there are some people out there that know the common principle of it all, but they don't know how this happens or what it looks like. Therefore, to help those people, we have identity theft examples.

Some have their credit card information stolen. This person claims to be the cardholder and then goes to rack up a bill. They buy some crazy crap. You might find that your credit card is maxed out. Then you are left to pay the bill. This is one example of identity theft.

Another example would be people get a hold of your Social Security number. They then order a credit card in your name. They don't make the payments. They take out loans. You might never know until collections come after you or when you go to apply for loan or something of that nature.

Yet, how does this happen? Many times, it's scams in which they get this information. They might hack into your computer and obtain the information this way. That is one example.

Some will tell you that they are going around and getting a donation. They will try getting you to give them a check or they will say that they need certain information that they should not have. What you need to is report these if they happen and then stay updated about the scams that are going on.

These are all identity theft examples as how they get their information. Don't be a victim. There are ways that they are educating people. Be aware and make sure you protect yourself. Get a shredder and more. Let's put an end to this. - 32534

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How To Avoid Becoming A Victim Of Identity Theft Privacy

By Josh Dawson

Theft of your personal identity is rising rapidly partly because more people are using the convenience of the internet and ATM machines to conduct financial transactions. Identity theft privacy can make just about anyone a victim.

With people doing more and more with their financial accounts on line, the stealing of social security numbers, credit card numbers, bank account numbers, and addresses are on the rise.

It is such a quickly growing crime that the Attorney General has seen fit to issue some suggestions to slow its growth. He wants consumers and business owners to be thoroughly educated on preventive measures. He suggests more legislation on the matter, with harsh legal actions for people convicted of this crime.

Some other general tips can also be useful in preventing your own identity from being stolen. You should never give account numbers, social security numbers, or any other personal information to someone you have not personally contacted. On your internet accounts, put stronger passwords that will be harder to hack into. Do not carry personal identification numbers for accounts, social security cards, or other types of identification with you unless it is absolutely necessary.

Shred those documents with sensitive account information before trashing them. Keep a close eye on your mail, and stop your mail if you know you will be away. Ask that your name be removed from any preapproved credit or unsolicited mailing lists. Check your banking and credit card statements as soon as they arrive, and do a periodic check of your credit reports.

There are also many companies available today that offer identity theft services. They usually charge a small monthly fee to keep a close eye on your accounts. Be sure to check to make sure that they are a legitimate company with a positive reputation.

Identity theft privacy should always be in the back of your mind. Being careful and following some guidelines can prevent future problems. - 32534

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Maintaining Credit Card

By Landon McGehee

A woman purchased a set of furniture in a large store. She gave the salesperson cash but never received the goods: The "salesperson", it appeared, was a bogus one, not an identifiable employee of the store at all. Even though the customer never got a receipt for her money, even though the records of the store showed no entry for her deposit, the court ruled that the store was entirely responsible:

"Certainly the proprietor's duty of care and precaution for the safety and security of the customer encompasses more than the diligent observation and removal of banana peels from the aisles...the duty of the proprietor also encircles the exercise of reasonable care and vigilance to protect the customer from losses occasioned by the deception of an apparent salesman."

The principle involved here should interest you. A crook who preys upon customers from your premises is your responsibility: Suppose he's an employee of yours? Obviously you are in trouble then. Suppose he is an employee preying not only on customers but upon your other employees, as well as upon you. The ramifications are endless. One thing is clear, It is you who will pay, whether it be damages, losses, court costs, or what not. You simply cannot afford to be so careless as to allow a thief to operate on your premises in any way. Now, that should make you think of the many different.

Ways in which you can lose through the depredations of a crook in your midst, aside from the supposedly easy calculation of what he has taken. There are numerous other side-losses which can occur, such as the expense of investigating and proving the loss, the loss or destruction of records (How that can cost you time and money and snarl things up), the loss of at least the one key employee and possibly others in the ensuing recriminations.

Other losses: the possible straying of other honest employees by example, the cost of hiring and training replacements, the loss of business by time lost on customers plus possible customer involvement in unpleasantness, bad publicity and prestige loss, general lowering of morale among the whole staff, particularly dangerous when unwarranted suspicion is forced upon honest employees, possible bankruptcy or at least loss of necessary funds which in turn can lead to a whole list of losses.

When hiring employees many companies now pull a credit report. Do you know what is in yours? If you do not manage your finances well, how does reflect on your potential employment? Pulling your credit report yearly and managing your personal finances play a big part in the way people view your personal character. - 32534

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Learn About Identity Theft Red Flag

By Josh Dawson

Some people can use your identity to take your money or to do illegal acts. It's very easy to protect your name and personal info. Follow some easy methods and stay safe. Learn how to discover the identity theft red flag in time. By doing this you will not lose any money or get in troubles.

Usually there are a lot of cases of identity theft online. This is why before you buy something from a website using your credit card you should check the company's reputation. If the feedback you find is mostly positive you can purchase products. You just have to invest a few minutes from your time to do a little research online.

If someday you will see that your money are disappearing from your bank account you should call your bank. Ask them to help you recuperate your money. All you have to do is to check what purchases you made.

Be very careful with your online passwords. The biggest mistake is to use the same password for everything. Avoid simple passwords and change them from time to time. Another way someone can use your identity is by stilling your mail and using your signature. You can avoid this by emptying your mail box whenever it's possible.

Always protect your computer with an efficient anti virus. Keep in mind that you should keep your bank passwords in a note book. This way nobody will be able to find them in your computer.

If you are not very careful you will risk to be the victim of identity theft. Keep in mind that you are the only person who can do something to avoid this situation. If you are well informed you can take all the measures to protect your identity. From time to time try to discover new ways to do this. - 32534

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I.D. Theft - Four Suggestions

By Shawne M. Patrick

Many individuals think that identity theft isn't going to happen to them. Sadly, it is very probable that it will happen to you at least once in your lifetime. In this era with so many forms of identification available, there are pretty much as many forms of identity theft that may leave you a victim.

While you can't fully prevent ID theft, here are 4 ways in which you can help stop it from happening to you, as well as protect yourself from credit fraud.

First, keeping a tight watch on your bank records can help you stop ID theft. When you maintain a record of the statements you receive in the mail every month, you can be sure they are not being nicked in transit. Plus, you will be able to check to be certain that no irregular spending has been charged to your account.

2nd, you should also limit the quantity of information that is written on your checks. And, when you pay your debts, be certain you don't leave your checks in an unlocked mailbox that would be raided by burglars. Instead, wait until your postal carrier comes to supply and pick up your mail, then hand your mail to him/her immediately. Even better take it to the post office - or pay the corporations you conduct business with in person, or online thru their websites. You may make your payments online thru your bank if it offers online checking and bill payment.

3rd, always destroy anything you propose to dump that includes any personal information. Even though your youngster drew a pretty picture on the back of an important scrap of paper, you must rip it up before you lose it. Or, even better get in the practice of shredding everything you throw away - including digital data. Otherwise, you run the chance of people digging thru your trash, or other dumpsters, simply to get personal information they can use to commit ID theft.

Ultimately, always be conscious of the people around you. It's not relevant if you are at the office or in your local grocery. People may be glancing over your shoulder to have a look at your PIN and Visa card numbers. - 32534

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Trading Old Cars Can Be Costly

By Michael Benifez

The car is probably one of the biggest money drains people waste their hard earned sweat on. Suppose there is a new car you want and an old one you want to get rid of. The dealer offers you the new one for $22,500 less $6000 for your old one in trade. You figure you can't do much better, but you may be wrong.

In the first place, it's very little trouble to put a three line ad in your local paper offering your old car for $8500. You might sell it for that yourself. In the second place you might get that new car for $20,000 cash if you try. If you trade you will lay out $16,500 and have anew car. If you sell and buy you will lay out only $14,000 and have the same new car.

How did you make that $2500 extra? By going to a little trouble. The dealer, you see, has to make an investment in that old jalopy of yours and take a chance on selling it. If you do it yourself he doesn't mind. You might very well scare up more cash for it and he doesn't mind getting cash instead of the trade-in. Try it. Cash is powerful!

The same thing applies to other items, particularly small boats, The dealer will take your old one in a trade, but if you sell it yourself at the beginning of the season you might very well get more for it. Just remember that when you accept the dealer's offer of a trade-in, he is only using that as a sales device. He rarely makes money on the used item.

He has to make an investment in it; to store and repair it; then to sell it in a separate transaction requiring more bookkeeping. He has to consider all that in the deal he makes you. Remember this also: no experienced dealer will ever pay you more than something is worth. A less knowledgeable buyer just might.

Incidentally, if you do trade in your old car for a new one be sure that the contract states exactly what the trade-in price is AND THAT IT WILL REMAIN THE SAME between the time of making the deal and the delivery of the new car.

What's more, don't turn your old car over to the dealer, not even the registration, until you have the new car in hand and it belongs to you. - 32534

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Are Vacationers At More Risk Of Identity Theft When They Travel?

By Dorothy Yamich

Over seven million people in the United States last year alone were victims of identity theft resulting in almost fifty billion dollars of fraudulent credit card, bank, and other financial charges. A significant number of these victims were business travelers, tourists, and people on their holidays. Here is some valuable information that may save you a ton of grief when you travel.

It's very easy when people travel on their vacation to let their guard down. They have a lot of things on their minds trying to remember everything they need to take care of before they go and what they need to take with them on vacation. Not only that, they want to unwind, relax, and have fun. Isn't that what vacations should be all about? When they travel they don't want to have to be on guard all time and constantly concerned about getting ripped off every minute of their holidays.

There are three major sources of identity theft that you should be aware of when you travel. They are your wallet, your laptop or PDA, and internet cafes.

Research shows that most identity thefts occur when people's wallets are stolen, usually by professional pick pockets. Whether you travel on vacation or business you must guard your wallet at all times because you are at more risk than in familiar surroundings. You should never carry your wallet in your back pocket - it's not called the "sucker pocket" for nothing. It's best to carry your wallet in a fanny pack. Some travelers prefer a fanny pack with a Velcro closure instead of a zippered one because you can hear it being opened. The usual places you find pickpockets are in crowded areas such as airports, train and bus stations, hotel lobbies, restaurants, and sporting events.

Almost everyone carries more personal information in their wallets then they need. What you should do before you travel is to go through your wallet and take out any personal information that you don't need when traveling such as bank checks and check books, credit card receipts, bills, and memberships cards such as library cards. Also, you do not need to take your social security card as you probably already have that number memorized by heart.

Debit cards are a convenient way to take small amounts of cash out of ATM's when traveling, but are also a great way for thieves to clean out your bank account if they ever get a hold of them. A good way to reduce this risk is to open up a separate account at your bank before you go and only put as much day-to-day cash in it as you think you may need for your holidays. Take only that one debit card with you.

Credit cards, because they are protected by Federal law are a much better choice to take with you as you are generally covered for any fraudulent charges incurred. And if you are over-charged or find an error on any of your credit card transactions when traveling, it's easier to get the charges corrected or reversed from the credit card companies. It is advisable to take two credit cards in case one is compromised, or lost. You can obtain smaller, limited amount prepaid cash cards from American Express, Visa, and MasterCard that are perfect for daily use. You can get cash cards in any denomination. It is probably best to get a couple of cards with low limits of five hundred dollars or less each. If they are stolen or lost, the credit card companies will replace the funds. Leave your major cards and passport in the hotel's safe or your room safe along with any other personal information that you don't need from day to day.

Before you travel, be sure and check that your credit cards do not expire while you are on vacation. And remember to call your credit card issuers and let them know when and where you plan to holiday so they don't have a seizure or conniption fit and cancel your card when they see a credit charge appearing from some place like Timbuktu. Be sure and make a note of these phone numbers and take them with you when traveling on vacation.

Another major source of identity theft starts with stolen laptops. More than six hundred thousand laptops are pilfered or lost in the U.S. alone, frequently from inattentive travelers in airports, restaurants, and hotel lobbies.

Before you travel on vacation, back up your laptop and put the backup disc in a safe place at home or in the safety deposit box at your bank just in case your laptop is lost or stolen. Stick a small strip of colored tape on the top and bottom of your laptop and laptop case as most laptops and their cases look similar in appearance. Write your name, destination address, and contact information at your destination on a piece of paper and tape it to your laptop just in case it is lost at the airport. You shouldn't use your home address on this piece of paper. It's better to use your work or business address and phone number. There are so many laptops left behind at airports unintentionally. The lost and found airport personnel do not have time to try and gain access to all the laptops which are more than likely password protected anyway.

The third major source of identity theft that can happen is at any public computer or internet cafe. Your personal information could be at risk even if you are just sending or accessing e-mails. A key stroke logger could be installed which secretly keeps a record of all passwords, user names, and personal information that is entered on the computer. Even if public computers are not compromised they will still store the information you input in the temporary internet files and history. Never access any bank or credit card account, or pay bills from these computers. Computers located in the business centers of hotels and on cruise ships are generally safer to use than other public computers.

The bottom line is to always be vigilant whenever you travel. Have a safe and fun filled vacation! - 32534

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TV Program Dramatized The Threat Of Business Embezzlement

By Eric Jilson

In a recent television program, the show dramatized the threat of business embezzlement revolving around the trusted employee, one particular episode portrayed an erring accountant finally put in his place by the company purchase of an unbeatable machine. The dishonest human bilked by automation. There are undoubtedly some applications of automation which would have such a result. As yet we have little information on that subject, though we have treated with the general subject of automation in small business elsewhere.

At this time, however, we have our reservations. These machines do not work by themselves. Given a dishonest "programmer" or "feeder" it seems to us that the machine might possibly compound the felony, hiding it still deeper from sight. Crooks are invariably ingenious enough to master such situations, overcome the obstacles involved, and capitalize on any new opportunities presented.

That, as a matter of fact is the heart of the problem: crooks are ingenious and there are plenty of them. The most perfect sucker for an able embezzler is the businessman who insists on believing that most people are honest. They are, but the unwavering application of that fine belief to daily business situations can only result in certain loss, sooner or later, discovered or undiscovered. How many businessmen who fail ever really know whether or not they were victimized by trusted employees?

There is another attitude, just as ethical, more efficacious too. Do not place temptation in the path of the weak. If you wish to be highly moral about it, consider the possibility of giving to a good charity whatever you might save by judicious caution. Most of the money tapped from tills does not go for an extra bottle of baby's milk at all. Rather it can be found making its way to the race track and eventually into the government's take there. If you wish to contribute to the public welfare in that fashion, go ahead, but don't fool yourself. Most crooks waste the money they steal on high living. They are not to be pitied, just stopped.

Continued ostrich-like thinking on the part of the owner of business leads to petrified ignorance of the continually developing new ways of criminals. You had best start paying some attention to the matter now. If the future brings a crook into your life you might be able to recognize him ahead of time. - 32534

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Best Five Results Of Credit Monitoring

By Shawne M.J. Patrick

Because your credit can affect such a large amount of different parts of your life - from getting other visa cards and loans, to securing a rental property or perhaps a job - many folks are now making an attempt to discover what theirs is. Credit monitoring can help because gives you access to your credit report and credit scores.

Should you find the information in your report isn't correct, you can work to fix the errors. In fact, many of these services will mechanically update you when certain changes occur, so you can easily keep on top of your report and ensure its precision.

Using a credit monitoring service is also helpful because it can offer a form of identity protection. Why is that important? Because, these days, identity theft has become a common fear - and is beginning to become a typical problem. Knowing someone is keeping an eye out for signs of identity theft can help you to avoid being affected by it. Even by simply monitoring your credit score frequently you can help spot accounts that shouldn't be on it - a hint that somebody else might be using your identity.

Additionally, going over your credit score can help ensure that changes in your basic info, for example your name, are properly passed on to the credit firms. Credit monitoring can also give you confidence. You'll know that you do everything you can to keep your credit protected and your identity safe from others. And, knowing someone is helping you keep a watch on things - someone that might catch the details you miss - can be reassuring and take some of the pressure off you to find out any issues on your own.

Just be sure to do your analysis prior to signing up with a credit monitoring service. Some offer more benefits than others, and the pricetag can alter seriously. To get the maximum for your money, check out client reviews about the services you are considering. See which one has the best reviews and reputation. - 32534

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Why You Need An Evidence Eraser

By Amy Cline

The greatest news of the 20th century was the invention of the internet. The internet has ultimately changed most of our lives by making us capable of doing a myriad of things now. Through the internet we can connect with old friends or do other tasks such as shop online. But whenever we do those things, we have to supply personal information which we may find harmless but can be dangerous when the information falls to the wrong hands.

Our computers were made to store information. Every time that we access a website or download a movie, all of the details of that visit gets stored in our computer.

We do not really know about this because the files get stored in folders that aren't in our visible from our desktop or my documents.

Let's say you are drafting an application letter for a loan or what have you, when you are done with the file, you delete it straight up.

We can even go further as to remove them from the recycle bin. But especially when you are sharing the computer with other people, they can still retrieve that file from your hard disk.

I know that these things may be really scary but the solution s quite simple. All that you have to do is to install an evidence eraser software.

In a nutshell, what an evidence eraser foes is to scan your computer for unwanted files that you may have accumulated whether consciously or subconsciously.

When the program finishes the scan, it can then move on to deleting files from their locations. An evidence remover can even go as far as to shred sub folders so that the files have no way of being retained.

Evidence eraser software can also check other internet related folders such as your web history, deleted download history and media history to make sure that information you input while browsing doesn't get used by other people.

With the rise of identity theft cases, there is an imperative need for us to start guarding all the information we release while using the computer and making sure that none of those information reach other people. - 32534

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