Protecting your Identity......Zema

I was reading this article and thought I would post it as a gentle reminder that we cannot afford to be slack when it comes to our private information, it's how criminals get your details and how you can protect yourself.

BIN - RAIDING:

Everyday rubbish can offer a wealth of information. The details on credit card receipts, for example, may provide enough information to a fraudster to make a purchase over the internet or telephone. Police recommend householders shred receipts, credit card statements and anything else with personal financial details. Some local authorities have even found homeless people being offered money to scavenge for such documents.

SHOULDER SURFING:

Be wary of anyone looking over your shoulder when you're keying your PIN at ATMs.

SKIMMING:

Try not to let your credit card out of sight, especially in petrol stations and shops you don't use regularly. In restaurants, accompany the waiter to the register. Skimming machines are quick to use and can be half the size of a readers digest magazine. At ATMs, cover the key pad with your spare hand while keying in your PIN.

PHONING AND PHISHING (yes thats how its spelt):

Financial instituations will never cold-call you (or send an unsolicited fax or e-mail)to ask for personal credit card or bank account security details. If in doubt, ask to call them back, using the number printed on your bank statement or credit card. If you get a request by email, don't click on any link included, but go directly to a web address. Fraudsters are now so adept that, when you log on to a bank's real website, they can make it appear as if the bank sent you a personal message directing you to another (fake) window in which account details are requested.

SPOOF LETTERS OR CANVASSERS:

You receive a letter claiming you're the sole benefactor of a recently deceased, wealthy relative. Or you may be told you've won the lottery. The message goes on to request bank and other personal details so the cash can be transferred to you. A more recent spin is the bogus street canvasser asking for donations, subscriptions or membership for a charity requiring bank details or a direct-debit mandate. All this information can be pieced together to impersonate you. If you want to donate, check ID carefully and never give account details on the spot.



FOOTNOTE:

We must be diligent at all times regarding any of our personal banking details. People are duped every day of the week due to a lapse in the safety procedures of such information.



Luv and Peace....Zema

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