With news of the recent IRS data breach and reports that the agency paid out $4 billion dollars in fraudulent tax refunds in 2012, it’s no wonder people are shaking their heads when it comes to tax refund fraud and identity theft. But this type of fraud is a concern year-round, not just something to think about at tax time.
To be sure, preventing this kind of fraud is especially...
Read MoreSummer is a time for sun, fun, exploration and relaxation. Unfortunately, as we unwind there are those who gear up to take advantage of our moments of diversion and distraction. Scammers love summer, too.
Here are a few summer scams that can turn a much-needed break from work into a break-the-bank moment or make for a truly unhappy holiday, and some simple tips to avoid getting got.
1. The Front Desk Scam... Read MoreThe debate over facial recognition software—which can involve identifying someone in a public place without his consent or knowledge—is intensifying. But stopping it might be as futile as trying to slow technological innovation itself.
A new report this week from the tech-research firm Tractica predicts that by...
Read MoreBy Gerri Detweiler
Some students worry about whether they’ll get the financial aid they need to pay for the next semester of college. Others wonder why there is a record of them taking out student loans when they didn’t apply — and now they can’t get the loans they need. Consider these scary scenarios readers have told us about recently:
Trey: I just checked my credit score and [someone] has taking a... Read MoreIf you’re on Facebook, you probably love the convenience of connecting with friends and relatives. But did you know that identity thieves also love the convenience of Facebook for finding personally identifiable information (PII) about you?
Fortunately, you can control who can find and contact you and see your posts on Facebook. That’s why it’s important that you understand your privacy options and actively manage them according to your personal...
Read MoreAs cybercriminals become more skilled, the privacy practices at many organizations have not kept apace. In the State Compendium of Unclaimed Property Practices that I’ve compiled, I found this to be the case at many state treasuries where the data exposed provides fraudsters with a crime exacta: claiming money that no one will ever miss and gathering various nuggets of personal data that...
Read MoreData breaches are happening with greater frequency, impacting businesses of all sizes. No company is immune, with data loss and attacks reported in the financial, healthcare, retail, and education industries, as well as the public sector. While Congress debates pending federal legislation, state legislatures are taking steps to pass laws that protect citizens' personally identifiable information. Connecticut is the most recent state to pass a data breach notification law. For an overview of...
Read MoreAs prospects of passing consumer-privacy legislation in Congress remain bleak, state lawmakers are picking up the ball and running with it.
At least 32 states have data breach notification laws on the...
Read MoreIdentity theft can wreak havoc on victims’ personal and financial well-being. But the crime is never more insidious—or painful—than when victims know their perpetrators.
Familiar fraud strikes when a relative, friend or acquaintance uses stolen personally identifiable information to open new accounts and credit, or to activate utilities. Often the damage goes beyond basic financial problems; it can destroy personal...
Read MoreWith summer upon us, it's a good time to review how identity theft happens and what consumers can do to protect themselves.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, the axiom goes. Following some basic best practices when it comes to protecting personaly identifiable information can help circumevent identity-related crimes that can harm your credit and good name.
Check out this infographic from Security Degree Hub...
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