From auction sites to online stores owned by the seller, there are many specific venues for shopping online, many of which attempt to create a positive impression on newcomers through the use of convincing copy and attractive graphics. While these elements may seem to establish a certain feeling of trustworthiness, they shouldn’t be used as the sole means of determining whether or not a seller should be trusted. Looking beyond this layer is important for avoiding online shopping scams, as unscrupulous sellers can put as much effort and money into a one-sided impression as they’d like, and the results can be very deceptive. The first step in digging deeper beyond this facade is establishing some kind of contact with the seller. This can be done through traditional methods such as over the phone, but it’s usually faster and more convenient to simply send the seller an email. If the seller does not offer contact information on their site or page, it’s a serious red flag, and buyers should probably find a different source for their desired purchase.

Once basic communication has been established, a buyer should feel free to ask any questions that they may have about the seller, their operation, or the product or service being considered. Even if no pressing questions immediately come to mind, simply concocting a query about an attribute of the item to be purchased or the background of the seller can be a quick and easy way to determine whether the seller is trustworthy. Responses should be prompt, professional, and should actually answer the question rather than attempting to dodge it with hype or empty promises. Taking a close look at the answers given by sellers and analyzing them accordingly is important, but it’s also wise to listen to one’s instinct about a seller or representative after exchanging a few words. Some responses might make a seller seem reputable and honest, giving the buyer a generally positive feeling, while others might have technically sufficient answers but might fail to instill any sense of reliability. This process of determination is typically performed by buyers in person when talking with sales representatives or making use of a store’s features, and since these tasks aren’t part of the process of online shopping in most cases, creating a similar opportunity for decision making is necessary.

After the work of establishing the trustworthiness of a seller has been done, it’s crucial to stick to a personal policy and either make a purchase or look for a different seller. In some cases, sellers create a strong psychological incentive to work with them whether or not they manage to establish a sense of trust with prospective buyers. From suggesting that there’s a very limited time in which to make the purchase to heavily discounting an item or service and pointing out its savings potential as compared to the prices of other sellers, there are many methods available for unscrupulous sellers to take advantage of a buyer’s desire to get a good deal. Giving in to these kinds of incentives is a reliable way to encounter scams. Rather than allow emotional and psychological drives to determine when and from whom an item is purchased, buyers should insist on making sellers pass their test of establishing rapport, and if the seller fails, the buyer should most certainly move on. With the widespread availability of purchasing options online today, there’s simply no reason to buy from a questionable source. With the right outlook and strategies, enjoying the convenience of online shopping without suffering from its risks is possible.

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How is data protected online?

Confidential data being transmitted online is safeguarded by a technology referred to as encryption. In a layman’s term, encryption is a program that jumbles the data using an undisclosed code, thus making it impossible for other online users to understand it. Once the encrypted data arrives at itsterminus, the same program encodes the data. While logging into a secure site and see an icon of a locked padlock at the bottom right hand corner of the web browser you are using, or adjacent to the address bar if you are using the latest version of your web browser, it means that the information you enter into the site is encrypted during transmission. Hence, no known can successfully hack into your session. This is the main reason why online shoppers are advised to ensure that the e-commerce website they are utilizing is secure.

Hackers worldwide flourish on by outsmarting computer security systems. There are those that regard hacking into LANs and WANs as an innocent hobby. However, there are those that do it with an aim of stealing data. Likelihoods of someone hacking into your computer system while connecting to the internet through a wireless or broadband connections are greater compared to when you access the net via a dial-up account.

Before logging into the net to transact business, it is crucial that you ensure that your desktop or laptop PC has been installed with security applications such as:

-          Antivirus program.

-          Antispyware application.

-          Firewall program.

Safety while shopping online

While transacting business with online traders, the most suitable safety is common sense. Any person can build and host a professionally looking e-commerce site nowadays. Therefore, before making a decision on the online store from which to purchase your goods and services from, make sure that it is reputable. The reputation of an online store can be determined by asking the questions below:

-          Is the e-commerce site owned by an establishedvendor?

-          Is there a physical address listed on the website? A post office box is not enough to prove authenticity.

-          Can you reach the customer service through phone call? While live chat and e-mail address are ways to contact support, you also have to make certain that you can reach the customer care through telephone.

-          Do the online provide a refund policy?

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Shop from reputable online stores

While shopping for goods and services using your credit card online, make sure you are using reputable online stores. Do not rely on links posted on your emails. Majorities of these links will lead you to fake websites (i.e. phishing websites) that will still your credit card details. To begin your online shopping, type the URL of the online store you would like to shop from in the address bar of your web browser. Avoid using public places such as cyber cafes to do your online shopping. Pubic computers as well as networks are not secure. As such, the likelihoods of someone hacking into your session are high. The PC you are using in a public place could be installed with keystrokes coded to steal the data that you type in the site. This is how hundreds of thousands of people worldwide have lost their credit card details.

Safeguard your desktop or laptop from hackers plus viruses

Before accessing the net, you need to make sure that your computer has been installed with security applications such as antiviruses, antispyware and firewalls. These are applications that are designed to filter the data come into and out of your computer. With an antivirus or antispyware application, you will not be able to download malicious files into your PC without knowing. With a firewall, you can be guaranteed that the traffic into and out of your computer will be filtered. These are the basic security applications you need to ensure that your PC has prior to logging into the web.

Verify information with the BBB – Better Business Bureau

Before making a decision to use a particular online store, it is important to first of all browse through the Better Business Bureau so an to verify if there are consumer complaints against the store. If the e-store has numerous complaints against it, it is highly recommended that you do not use your credit card on it.

Use a credit card rather than a debit card while shopping online

Whereas a number of people prefer to use their debit card while shopping online as a way of curbing on overspending, unknown to them is that credit cards provide better security fraudulent transactions. While using a credit card to shop online, your optimum liability for sham transactions is $50.00.  In addition, many of the most popular small business credit cards will not require you to make payments while the charge is being disputed.  This is common with personal accounts too. On the other hand, the liability for sham transaction while using a debit card is $500.00. What’s more is that, in case there is a breach of security while using your debit card while shopping online, you stand to lose all the cash in your bank account.

Make sure that the online store provides a secure platform for transacting business

Make sure that the online store from which you are making your purchase from is secure. You can confirm this by checking if the URL has changed from “http” to “https” or if there is an icon of a padlock at the bottom right corner of the web browser.

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Discussed herein, are tips and guidelines on how to stay safe while transacting business online:

First and foremost, you need to make sure that your desktop or laptop has been installed with reliable security application software,for example,antivirus, antispyware or firewall. Antivirus and antispyware programs are designed to safeguard your PC from threats such as viruses and spyware amongst others whereas firewall is designed to filter inbound and outbound traffic to your PC. This way you can be sure that the information on your PC is safe. Other applications that you can install are file shredders and folder locks. To ensure that your security software is up to date with the latest threats, make sure that it is updated at all times.

Secondly, avoid downloading anything you come across on the web. Some applications are usually designed to look harmless whereas in essence they are spywares or viruses. If you have to download data from the internet, for instance, music and movies make sure that they are from trusted sources.

Thirdly, before opening a website, ensure that you have confirmed the URL. There are numerous phishing websites that pose as real websites thus deceiving you into revealing your personal information. While making your purchase online, ensure that the site offers you a secure platform for revealing your personal data. To confirm whether a website is secure, check if the URL has changed from http to https. The s after http means that your session is secure and cannot be hacked. If you are making a purchase online and the URL has not changed to https, know that the details entered in that site are susceptible to hacking.

In addition, a genuine e-commerce website will not ask you to send your personal data to a different e-mail address. Whenever you receive an email from an e-commerce website that normally uses to make your purchases asking you to send your details to a different site, ignore it.

It is always a good idea to make sure that any online purchase is being protected properly. A advocate for internet safety and protection, Michael Fertik, runs a online business and understands the importance of online security and safety.

Last but not least, avoid leaving your personal data in every site you use to buy goods and services online to avoid being bombarded by spam emails.

While the Internet will provide you with all the convenience you need, safety while online is up to you.

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As a consequence, many have missed their identities, vital data’s and above all their precious money while doing business transactions online. Hence, it is tremendously paramount that the entire online users should take certain protective steps to make sure that they are safe24/7.

This article talks about into feature of some of safety measures which all online users should take before using internet, going online, and logging into a website:

Tips and guiding principle

Secure your system

First of all make sure that the computer is secured perfectly from the online attacks and this can do by these methods:

-         install and update an effective antivirus on your personal computer. An antivirus is a program which protects and safe guards your computer from online attacks and detects the virus on your computer and delete them. Viruses are evolved daily so it is very important that you should keep your antivirus database up to date always.

-       install and update an antispyware on your personal computer. There are many malicious programs which come through mails or as important download. This can break away antivirus security but can be traced down by the antispyware. Luckily all antivirus software is co-upped with some antispyware program. Or you can also install and update an antispyware.

-       install firewall in your computer.  It is a program that is designed to monitor the traffic from and to your computer. This program protects your vital information or files from your computer and to your local area network.

Change the Domain

First of all it should be made sure that the domain used for the transaction of is correct and not defaulter. There are many online criminals who use the domain name which is similar to the common domains to confuse users. These sites are commonly known as phishing sites. For example if your are used to shop at ebay.com the phishing site may create there URL as “ebay.com” and when you click to check out you are being taken away to some other site and there If you enter your personal information or credit card number,  you may suffer money loss. To avoid this take your time to analyze the site you want to go clearly.

Lastly you should avoid transaction on the websites whose domain name and details are hidden. And if it hides the details then you should take care of it.

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I had the distinct privilege of being a bank security director, during these true episodes. Needless to say, this gentleman became quit famous in the banking circles.

So, how is your financial institution currently fixed to detect and prevent one of the most popular frauds against the banks, that being teller fraud.

Teller fraud causes the financial industry mega bucks each year, by deceit, trickery and swindling its customers. It may take on a number of forms such as stolen, forged or altered checks. Upon presentation to the teller, many techniques are used to distract and confuse the teller. Caution should be given when the presenter:

• Tries to divert attention from the transaction.
• Wants to skip the necessary policy and procedure.
• Appears overly sincere and honest.
• Gives a sob story.
• Threatens to make a report unless the teller does what he or she says.

Con artist usually mimic an average customer but use techniques they feel will throw the teller off guard. A person who acts in the ways described is not necessary a forger. However, the teller is usually protected by the proper policy in reporting such suspicious activity. Over time, an experienced teller just develops a “sixth sense” about such fraud attempts.

PROPER IDENTIFICATION

The teller should always be familiar with the banks guidelines to help ensure only authorized people receive bank funds, to ensure the money is given to the proper person. Once the money is given for a forged or stolen check, it is usually impossible to recover the funds. Identification is the most important tool in preventing this loss. Tellers should always:

• Compare signatures on the check with the presented ID.
• Ensure that the ID name, address and telephone number matches the check ID.
• Compare the description or photo on the ID to the presenter.

Remember, it is the teller’s responsibility to determine that signatures and endorsements on a check are authorized and genuine. Here is just s few points to ponder to ensure this:

• Forged signatures will show irregularities such as uneven or shaky handwriting.
• In improper signatures, periods following initials will normally remain in the same place.
• Writing slant is not likely to change.
• Dots over I’s and the T crossing will remain constant.
• Capital letters will remain the same.

If the teller is not sure, or senses the signature may be forged, the teller may insist that the check be endorsed again on the opposite end or examine the entire check for signs of forgery.

So, what is some fraud attempts to guard against.

SPLIT DEPOSITS

A split deposit is just that. One or more forged or worthless checks are deposited with a request to receive a portion back in cash, usually a small amount. The presenter may even use a deposit slip from the lobby and deposit a stolen check into a legitimate customers account, with a request for cash. The success of a split deposit depends on convincing the teller the depositor is a customer in good standing. Always be careful of any new account customer who uses counter deposit slips. (A new account will always have a very low check number).

AUTHORIZED FRAUD

Forgers have devised many schemes for obtaining an official signature. A forger may purchase a cashier’s check or money order for a small amount, only later to claim no use for the check and return it. The forger can then trace the officer’s approval on a worthless document. Any check presented by a customer with approval by the platform or an officer should be verified.

CHECK KITING

Check kiers take illegal advantage of various financial institutions by moving money around, like flying a kite between two or more checking accounts.  They will write checks on money that is not in the account at the time the check is written. Unless a kite is discovered early, losses can be extreme.

ALTERED CURRENCY

It is wise for the teller to be familiar with the president pictures on the various money denominations. This helps the teller recognize the altered bills. A common ploy of counterfeiters is to cut the corners from large denomination bills, then glue them to the corners of small denomination bills. A one dollar bill can be altered in this fashion to resemble a ten or twenty dollar bill.

COUNTERFEIT CURRENCY

The best method of detecting counterfeit currency is to compare the suspect bill with a genuine bill of the same denomination. Be aware of the differences, not the similarities.

TRAVELER CHECKS

Traveler checks are issued by internationally known financial organizations. They are paid for in advance and are guaranteed against loss or theft. The signature of the buyer is written on the face at the time of the purchase and there is a space provided for the purchaser’s counter signature, at the time the check is cashed.

PREFERRED CHECKS

Criminals are well aware of readily negotiable checks such as government checks, state, county, or city payroll checks, cashier’s checks, drafts and money orders. A criminal will routinely open an account with a small amount of cash and later present a preferred check in a split deposit transaction.

PLEASE NOTE:

The before mentioned fraud scheme definitions are brief in nature. For additional precautions, to guard against such schemes, consult your financial institution’s security plan or contact this author.

SUMMARY

Remember, all customer accounts and transactions are confidential, as well as any bank security policies and procedures.

Most people who approach the teller line are honest citizens, who are regular customers or are there for a legitimate purpose, even if they bank somewhere else. It is these people, whose money the teller has been entrusted to safeguard. An alert, caring teller makes the difference between being taken in by a con artist and taking care of the customer’s best interest. So, take good care of your tellers and pay them well.

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     By far the best way to avoid identity theft through phishing is to be aware of any and all transactions that involve the disclosure of personal information. In an age when items such as social security numbers, dates of birth, and home phone numbers are routinely requested, it may seem perfectly normal for a certain business or authority to demand access to this information. In many cases, however, there is no legitimate reason why another party would need such sensitive data. Though refusing to hand over personal details may result in the occasional loss of a membership card or other incentive, keeping private information private is well worth the sacrifice, and can easily prevent phishing attacks.

     How personal data is handled is also a major concern in the field of identity theft. In general, people may believe that the data they disclose to others is kept secure, and that nobody with ill intentions would be able to access it. On the contrary, many existing data storage systems are poorly managed and do not have proper security measures in place for preventing data breaches. As a result, personal information is routinely stolen from company and agency archives, occasionally producing major scandals that highlight the risks of neglecting data security. A great way to fight this common problem is to insist upon reading the privacy policies of any companies or organizations that are joined. If solid security and data integrity aren’t presented as major priorities or a company seems to lack an understanding of how to properly use customer or member data, discussing the issue with a representative or seeking the services of a competitor is best.

     A great deal of modern phishing activity takes place online, where people maybe especially vulnerable to attacks. One of the most common ways in which online phishing attacks are perpetrated is through the sending of professional-looking emails or other communications that prompt people to hand over their personal information or to login to a site, thereby granting the criminals access to their account data. Internet users may be presented with an email, for instance, that looks like it has come from their online banking outlet, with the message that the person should click on a link and login to their account to perform some action. On closer scrutiny, however, the person would find that the link actually directed them to a different, though similar-looking, website, and that their bank account would be seized by the criminals after they had entered their login credentials at the fake site. By taking a very close look at any and all links that are received, and by always paying attention to the URL or web address of the page being viewed, internet users can identify possible phishing scams and can avoid having their information used wrongfully.

     Though it is less common, phishing can also occur in more traditional mediums such as through postal mail or by telephone. Identity thieves may pose as authority figures or trusted persons in an attempt to gain access to personal information. By simply staying aware of small details such as letterheads, addresses, voice and speech patterns, and so on, people may be able to detect instances of offline phishing. More importantly, it’s a good idea to decline any unexpected requests for personal data, or to insist that such information be divulged in person. Though it may seem harmless to hand over basic personal details by mail or over the phone, such actions can make it extraordinarily easy for identity thieves to take advantage of a phishing victim’s accounts, assets, and personal acquaintances.

     The risks of modern identity theft are many, and can have serious consequences when left unchecked. In order to prevent the most common method of perpetrating identity theft, however, all that’s really needed is a careful eye and a mind towards keeping private information away from those who have no business accessing or using personal data.

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     Just as in everyday life, people and businesses on the internet often make false claims and promises about their products and services. A common problem for many consumers online is the widespread presence of guarantees and warranties that do not in fact provide customer protection, but which are simply used as vague terms in emblems and product literature. Sensationalized product information and source-less “facts” are also frequently used in an attempt to lure online consumers into handing over personal information or making a purchase or investment. While it may be easy to find seemingly attractive offers and opportunities online, it’s of great importance to carefully scrutinize the legitimacy of any potential deal before getting involved. Reading the fine print, including company policies or actual legal documents regarding guarantees is a wise idea, as is avoiding working with any company that refuses to furnish such information. As obtaining refunds or taking legal action against online entities is often more difficult than in traditional circumstances, relying on promises and sensational claims is not recommended on the internet.

     One way in which consumers are able to fight back against online scams is through leaving poor reviews and posting reports about their poor experiences. Such actions can help other consumers avoid known scammers and unscrupulous companies, and may eventually cause the activity to cease. When considering an online purchase or investment, people should take advantage of this consumer-built resource. Thoroughly researching any business or individual in question before deals are made can reveal any past complaints or known issues surrounding a product or service. Of course, positive reviews and arguments against negative reports may be posted by an online scammer, so it’s crucial to consider the source of reviews during this process. In general, reviews that give specific details and which are located on sites that encourage open public discussion can be taken as genuine.

     As the number and variety of online services and capabilities grows, the calls for handing over personal information are growing, as well. While there are certainly plenty of legitimate reasons for divulging certain pieces of private data on the internet, doing so without taking a close look at the company or individual asking for the information can easily lead to theft and other problems. In particular, it is common for companies selling a product or service to request credit card information and related data, and though such requests are typically legitimate, it’s a good idea to first perform a bit of research about the business and to be aware of any long-term contracts or automatic re-billing that may be in place. Still more sensitive data such as a social security number and private details about a consumer’s life, work, or family should be treated with extreme caution online. If it seems unreasonable that a given business or person should ask for such data, it’s likely a good idea to simply refuse to purchase or participate.

     Though the internet is sometimes described as being dangerous, the various risks of online scams, identity theft, and related activities can easily be mitigated when smart steps towards the protection of personal information are taken. Ensuring that promises are examined and researched rather than giving into hype and sensation is a great tool for preventing online scams just as it can prevent personal losses in the real world. Likewise, investigating companies and people with something to offer on the internet and considering reputation and past performance are great steps towards separating legitimate online opportunities from those designed to swindle unsuspecting shoppers. As with so many aspects of personal security, simply staying alert and aware while engaging with others can go a long way towards preventing a host of possible problems, including crimes that are difficult to prosecute. With a solid approach towards identifying online scams, consumers can enjoy the many uses and advantages of the internet without having to worry about its many risks.

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     Many people have become accustomed to giving out personal information on a regular basis; from showing identification cards for travel to reporting phone numbers and addresses for savings clubs at stores, it can seem as though getting things done often requires the disclosure of personal data. Unfortunately, such data is often mis-treated by companies that are poorly equipped to keep information secure. Virtual break-ins by hackers and accidental releases of customer information are not unheard of, and when such events occur, they can seriously jeopardize the safety of people whose information has been leaked.  Analyzing any request for personal information is a good idea before details are given out. While some applications are sure to be legitimate, others may have little to no justification for requiring sensitive data. Refusing to give out details may mean having to search for competing companies or services, but staying secure is well worth the price of finding like-minded businesses.

     Personal information that does end up being disclosed should always be stored in a secure way. Most modern companies and services offer privacy policies for review; these can help people understand how their information is used, as well as where and how it is stored. When data is easily accessible by third parties or is sold to other companies for a profit, people can become especially vulnerable to identity theft. Companies aren’t solely responsible for poor storage of information, however; people sometimes keep their private details in badly-chosen locations, making identity theft attempts particularly easy. From computers to mobile devices to address books, many modern items hold a space for personal information, but it’s often not necessary to store that information, and keeping it available can give identity thieves an opportunity to use this data against owners.

     Writing down or entering personal data is rarely an absolute requirement, but there are some documents and items that display such information by their very nature. Passports, drivers’ licenses, birth certificates, social security cards, and other identity-related effects should always be kept well-secured, as they can be quick tickets to identity theft if compromised. Storing these items in a locked safe or other concealed, secure area at home is a wise idea, and items that are carried, such as a license or passport, should be packed or organized conscientiously, as though they were made of money or other valuables.

     Hopefully, these basic tips will help keep identity theft attempts at bay, but sometimes, even diligent prevention efforts fail to fend off an attack. Knowing how to respond to identity theft is equally as important as creating a sound plan for prevention. Some of the most common identity theft incidents involve the theft or loss of credit cards and other items in a wallet. Owners should be well aware of who to call in case such a theft occurs –and should keep information such as the appropriate phone number in a location other than the wallet for fast and easy retrieval. Notifying an embassy of passport compromise while abroad is also necessary, and the faster such a report is made, the less likely it is that a thief will be able to carry out further criminal acts. The more time an identity thief has to work with the information they’ve obtained without interruption from authorities, the more damage they may be able to deal –and the harder it may be to recover.

     Keeping identity theft from becoming a problem in one’s life may not be an especially common concern, but many people are awakening to the very real threat of having their sensitive data compromised and used maliciously. By taking the time to consider this growing problem and practicing a few basic identity security practices, people can limit their exposure to identity theft threats and ensure that any breaches, whether caused by oneself or by another party, are dealt with swiftly and effectively.

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However, all of these gains have been greatly affected by the increase in cyber-crimes. There are organizations and individuals that have lost billions of dollars as a result of cyber-crimes. Identity theft is one of the most common types of cyber-crimes today that is causing a majority of security systems professionals, sleepless nights.

There are several ways through which one can become a victim of identity theft. For example, when you share your personal information online (e.g. address, full names, social security number, credit card numbers and bank account details), chances are that they can fall into the wrong hands. Most people have been deceived into revealing their personal details through e-mails purporting to be from the bank. Other ways through which you can fall victim to identity theft are viruses and phishing websites.

It’s important to safeguard your security every time you are on the web. Discussed herein, are different ways through which you can safeguard yourself from identity theft:

Install an antivirus

Before accessing the web, make sure that your PC has been installed with a reliable antivirus and antispyware. These are applications that have been specially designed to safeguard your PC from internet threats such as viruses, Trojans and backdoors. Other than installing reliable security software, ensure that it’s constantly updated. Remember that there are new internet threats that are being released on a daily basis.

Install a firewall

Other than an antivirus, you also need to safeguard your system using a firewall. In a layman’s term, a firewall is a program that filters incoming and outgoing traffic for threats. There are malicious applications that have been specially designed to mimic certain computer application when in essence they are internet threats. A firewall functions in identifying and eliminating these threats.

Install a shredding application

Did you know that your system stores deleted items in special folder called recycle bin. What’s worse is that even if you empty your recycle bin, with the right program, one can still access your erased files. Therefore, the only way through which you can ensure that deleted files are completely gone is by making use of a shredding application.

Clear your browsing history

Did you know that your OS – Operating System stores browsing history in a special folder so as to load the information as fast as possible the next time you visit the same page? As such, you need to limit the amount of space allotted to temporary internet folder and clear your surfing history regularly.

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As a result, many have lost vital data, their identities and above all money whilst transacting business online. Therefore, it is extremely paramount that every online user takes certain precautionary steps to ensure that they are protected 24/7.

This article discusses into detail some of the precautions which online users need to take before going online or logging into a particular website:

Tips and guidelines

Tip # 1 – Secure your system

Before anything else, you need to make sure that your computer system has been secured from likely online attacks. This can be done by:

-          Installing and updating an effective antivirus. This is a program that safeguards your computer from virus attacks and eliminates viruses that are already in your computer system. Viruses evolve on a daily basis and it is important that your keep your antivirus program database updated at all times.

-          Installing and updating antispyware. There are certain malicious programs that are sent through emails or are disguised as vital downloads and may escape antivirus but are detected by antispyware. Fortunately, most antivirus security applications are incorporated with antispyware. Nonetheless, you can still install and update a separate antispyware.

-          Installing a firewall: A firewall is a security program that monitors and filters traffic to and from your computer. This will prevent malicious codes from sending vital information from your PC and getting into your local area network (LAN).

Tip #2 – Domain change

When transacting business online make certain that you have verified the domain name of the website you are using. There are malicious online criminals who use domain names that are similar to some online stores so as to confuse online users. These are also known as phishing sites. For example if you are used to shopping at Beatstore.net and it the URL changes to Beetstore.net the moment you click on “check out” you are being taken to a different site and you need to immediately cease all activities. If you enter information on that site you are but giving away your personal details. Consequently, take time to analyze the URL. It has to be the exact web address you have been using character by character. What’s more, check that the URL changes from http to https. The latter indicates that you are in a secure environment.

Last but not least, avoid transacting on websites that hide their domain name details. In case the site hides its details, then you need to be aware.

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Listed here are 4 things you should know about identity theft and just how you are able to safeguard yourself against it:

Identity Thieves are extremely ingenious.

Just because it is trash to you does not necessarily mean it wouldn’t be used to steal your identity as well as your financial information. Each time you throw a compensated debit card bill or perhaps a pre-approved debit card offer within the trash, you place yourself in a greater chance of being a victim. Remember that any sheet of paper which has your title and financial info on it is really a weapon at the disposal of thieves who’ll visit any length, including rooting through your garbage, to steal valuable data.

Scam Artists Looks Over Your Shoulder in the ATM, Department or Supermarket. They also have equipment used to capture you card information and PIN number with skimmers. Skimmers are mounted over an ATM slot that read you debit card.

Consumers quite frequently remove their debit cards or open their purses way before their turn to pay for the products they bought. Just because they do not have your actual card does not necessarily mean thieves cannot make use of the number to be able to steal from you. Continually be wary of people that appear to be too close to your area within the cashier line because there’s an opportunity that they’re attempting to have a look at the card information. Take your card out only when it’s time to pay for your products.

Some Companies Accidentally Share Valuable Information with Identity Thieves

In the event you pay, your utilities while using auto debit or credit card, you ought to be worried. Scam experts can call the utility company pretending to become you and also request the client service representative to see back the credit card information for them because “you” have forgotten which particular card you used to cover the balance that month. Although it sounds astounding, it really happens a great deal and also the utility company doesn’t have any idea that it is becoming a partner in a serious crime.

Recurring Online Obligations may be used Against You

Many people sign up for certain services or items on the internet and they pay using their debit card each month. You shouldn’t be too cavalier relating to this since your financial information can be simply stolen particularly if you never look at your computer security setting. Passwords and verification pins. If at all possible, use PayPal or any other online payment processing mediums to prevent getting scammed.

Learn to be dedicated on the details of your transactions and if ever possible it is safe to always consider buying online from reliable online stores and their affiliates. Knowing when to trust a website depends in part on who publishes the website, what information they want, and what you want from the site. If you’re not sure whether to trust a website, consider these questions:

1. A secure or encrypted website address will begin with HTTPS rather than HTTP, and you will see a padlock icon in the browser.
2. An Internet trust organization is a company that verifies that a website has a privacy statement.
3. If you are not comfortable with the terms of the company? Do not use the site.
4. Do they have a phone number that you can call if you have a problem, or that you can use to place an order? Do not use the site.

© Ralph for Security World News, 2011. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
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1. Impersonation – Not every case of identity theft has a motive of financial exploitation behind it. There are several cases where the crime is inspired by some notion of personal gain, or even of vendetta against past deeds. Other motives may include gaining personal advantages such as medical insurances or special favors from the victim’s resources.
2. Social Security Theft – The social security number serves as the principal form of social identity in several countries like the United States. It finds usage in taxation purposes, for obtaining official documents and for employment purposes. In case someone’s social security number is stolen, criminals can obtain false documents on the basis of the stolen security number, get employed illegally and evade proper taxations.
3. Theft of Medical Identity – The main reason behind this type of identity theft is to get free medical and insurance benefits. Miscreants steal details of medical insurances, and end up with a lot of benefits that they do not have to pay for. In several cases, the very agents who are dealing with medical insurances as representatives of common people end up as perpetrators of medical identity theft.
4. Theft of Driving License – Driving licenses have been traditionally accepted as one of the important forms of identification. In case someone steals your driving license, the criminal gains a good chance of using your ID to authorize financial transactions for his or her own benefit. There are a number of cases when driving licenses can act as appropriate identity checks for cashing checks. Similarly, criminals using your driving license for rash driving can attract undue penalties under your name and thus, leave a black mark against your legal records.
5. Theft of credit documents – Criminals may target your personal documents so that they may gain an insight into the personal details of your credit documents. With that, they can charge your credit card with their own expenditure and you end up with a huge credit bill statement.

© Cristiano Ronaldo for Security World News, 2011. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
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Spyware came to the lime light in the last part of 20^st century. Within a span of five to six years nearly ninety percent of the computers were affected by it. Internet Explorer as a browser is frequently the   culprit for installation of spyware from a website, because it accepts some of the components as    benign. Some of the spywares are so designed that they can function even if one part of the link is deleted from the computer registry.

Through various ways a spyware can get into your computer. The very common way is through downloading process. So whenever you install something from the net make sure you read the instructions and license agreement thoroughly.

Spywares usually used for commercial gains by promoting unintended advertisements. They can be used for getting secret personal information through computer like e-mail id, credit card number, PIN numbers etc. They can misdirect the user to advertising sites. There are many advertising soft wares which also function as spywares as they promote advertisement by reading the user’s information secretly. In fact advertising soft wares are also one kind of spyware.

Usually they infect the computer by default and deceiving the user software. They show their intention to potentiate the actions in your computer like accelerate the power of browsing without any financial burden thereby they tempt the user to download it. It can get access to the computer when the user accidentally browses the web controlled by the spyware leader by rooting. This in turn forced the user to download the software making the user a silent observer.

There are several ways to notice the spyware infections in a computer like unwanted activities, irregular network functions, difficulty in booting, crashing off systems etc. They disable the antivirus programs and other protective soft wares. In other words they make the computer prone to attacks.

The best way to get rid of spyware is to frequently back-up your system and sometimes do the re installation of the system in full. Now-a- days antispyware programs are available free of cost by programmers, commercial firms and operating system providers. They function in two different ways. One way is to scan data and information from the network and thereby block the threats. Another way is to periodically scan all the files in the computer to detect and delete the spyware. They do it by taking the consent of the user. So take usual precautions and do not be a prey to spyware.

© Cristiano Ronaldo for Security World News, 2011. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
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1. Financial: In this case, criminals steal the identities of people who have a large amount of balance in their bank accounts or possess credit cards. In this case, the main intention is only to steal money and make use of credit cards of a certain person while not having to pay any bills. This is the most common type of internet theft that is quite difficult to trace and bring to book due to technicalities involved. Most of the information pertaining to finance is obtained through fraudulent e mails, websites and fake offers of purchase.
2. Criminal: In this case, the identity of another person is assumed in order to escape notice of the law. The identity of a person with an unblemished legal record is usually used to travel outside the country or make unscrupulous deals. This can be very dangerous for the person whose identity has been stolen as he/she will be held responsible for any crimes committed in his name.

Some of the ways in which you can steer clear of identity theft have been enumerated below:

1. You should refrain from divulging your social security number to unreliable persons especially if they happen to be strangers over the internet. If anyone asks for it, you should satisfy yourself that it is actually required for some purpose instead of recklessly revealing it. Possessing your social security number is the easiest way for anyone to assume your false identity.
2. You may receive e mails online from your bank stating that they require you to furnish fresh information about all your accounts. The reason can be an innocent one like updating their records. You should never provide this information as reputed banks never ask for confidential information in such a careless manner where it is easy to intercept data. If you receive such a correspondence over the internet, you should make it a point to call up your bank and ask for confirmation about the same. If any information is actually required, you should head over to the nearest branch and give it in person.
3. You should learn to judge fake website selling goods and services online. There are many fraudulent sites set up on the internet these days that do not really provide any deliveries but have only been created with the aim of luring financial information of people. You should learn to distinguish accredited businesses from fake ones.

© Cristiano Ronaldo for Security World News, 2011. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
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