How to Protect Yourself From GPS Identity Theft

According to Proofpoints’ Top 10 Privacy Issues Predictions to 2011 Protection, some of their top 10 privacy issues include mobile GPS location information, social media and breach notification laws. There are currently 46 states that have some sort of breach notification law either passed or before lawmaking bodies.

According to Proofpoint there will be an increase in attacks on social media sites like Facebook and MySpace. Approximately ¼ of all time online is spent on social networks. Social network sites appeal to identity thieves because it takes advantage of our natural disposition to be nice by clicking on link, accepting friend requests from people we don’t know, clicking on advertisements, etc.

Law enforcement officials have warned against leaving valuables in parked cars due to GPS location information breaches. A wallet left in a car glove compartment can lead to identity theft. Thieves break into vehicles to steal a few credit cards but leave the other cards to hide their crime.

A garage-opening remote control can give car thieves easy access to your home. Thieves can get your address from your car registration and/or insurance documents in your glove compartment or from the GPS device itself. Then drive your car to your house and use the remote to open the garage door to enter your house or steal items in your garage. Thieves take your information and buy social security numbers on the internet to open credit card accounts in your name. Several agencies sell personal information to those who do background checks such as private investigators or credit card companies which in some cases gets into the hands of thieves.

Thieves break into cars and use dashboard-mounted GPS devices to learn the owner’s home address to burglarize the home while the owner is inside a restaurant, store or other building. Thieves can also use the GPS to rob your home while you are not there. GPS devices are stolen and sold online or in pawn shops.

GPS devices allow others to track your location without your knowledge including when using GPS on smartphones such as the Blackberry and iPhone. When you take a picture and post it on your social media profile data is linked to it. GPS devices provide location information or data called geotagging which are embedded in file formats such as .jpg, .mov, pictures, videos, etc. The data is not visible to users.

Browser plug-ins or certain software programs such as Twittervision can reveal the location information to anyone who wants to see it. If you load pictures on your computer this information is also stored on your computer. The location information can review your: home address, who created the file, when, where, work address, places you visit often, the time you visited a place, how often you visit, how far away you are from your home, etc. It can also reveal information about appointments with doctors, salons, etc.

Here are 8 ways to protect yourself from GPS identity theft
1. Labels. Users of GPS devices should label their home address as something unfamiliar instead of using “home”.
2. Announcements. Avoid telling everyone on your Facebook status that you are out of town, at a show, at a restaurant, checking in to a place or are not home. Avoid responding to event invites on social media profiles selecting “I’m attending”. Instead select “Maybe”.
3. Detach GPS. Detach your GPS device from the dashboard with the cord and holder when you park your car and carry it with you or hide it in the car but not the glove compartment. It the GPS device leaves a suction mark wipe it before leaving the car.
4. Hide car documentation. A glove compartment is the first place car thieves look for documents with your address. Hide the somewhere else in the car or carry them with you until you get back in the car.
5. Report Thief. If your car is broken into report the theft to your local police station.
6. Assistance. Ask your neighbors to watch your home for any suspicious activity while you’re gone and to contact police immediately if they notice your car or any other car in your driveway when they know you’re not at home.
7. Use Caution when Uploading. Disable geotagging information or applications before uploading pictures. Check your smart phone manual for instructions or do a search on the internet for your type of smart phone.
8. Privacy Settings. Update your privacy settings on your social media profiles by turning off location sharing features. Adjust

More Identity Theft Tips

Identity thieves are always thinking of new ways to steal your personal information. Some people become victims of identity theft even though their credit card and debit card is still in their possession. This happened to me twice. There are sites that let thieves buy hundreds of stolen credit card numbers at a time. Here are 16 tips to prevent becoming a victim of identity theft:

1. Buy a sleeve: Purchase a credit card sleeve that blocks RFID transmission (skimming) so there is a lesser chance of having your credit card read while walking down the street. Beware of people who stand close to you or who lean against you on the side where your wallet or purse is held.
2. Aluminum foil: Wrap your credit cards and debit cards in aluminum foil blocks RFID transmissions and it is less expensive than buying a credit card sleeve.
3. Safety: Don’t reveal your credit card in public which increases the risk for skimming. Take the credit card out of the credit card sleeve or remove the foil when making transactions. You can also put your credit card in your front pocket or sock instead of your wallet. Women can put money and credit cards in your bra or sock. Wrap the credit card in aluminum foil and put in a zip lock bag to prevent moisture from deactivating the magnetic strip. Beware of camera phones.
4. Don’t trust caller id. Computers can scramble telephones numbers to make them look legitimate. Skip giving out personal information over the phone unless it is someone you do business with. Ask for their direct number and call back to give your information to ensure it is a real company.
5. Virus Protection. Install virus protection on your computer and smartphone that you pay for. Some popular ones for pc’s are Symantec, Norton Utilities and McAfee. Popular ones for smartphones are Symantec, Kaspersky and F-secure. Also use email protection to minimize spoof emails such as Spam Assassin, Barracuda or Mailwasher.
6. Cash. Pay for items with cash and use credit cards for emergencies only.
7. Debt. Pay down debt and keep the balance at 20% or less of the credit limit. If you notice an unauthorized charge it is easier to detect if you have a few charges on your card. Keep track of your credit card balances at least weekly. Pay balances in full each month.
8. GPS. Reduce using GPS on your cell phone. If satellite can track your location so can thieves.
9. Online. Only shop at well-known website such as Amazon, eBay or Yahoo.com. Don’t purchase items from third party sellers. Shop online at secure websites that use https or shttp.
10. Smartphones. Don’t store personal information on your cell phone or make transactions because you don’t know if you information is secure.
11. Downloading. Avoid downloading from your smartphone and your computer. Download only from trusted websites. Avoid using free software or shareware.
12. Wallet. Skip carrying your SSN or birth certificate in your wallet. Carry only the credit card you know you will use on a specific day.
13. Mail. Leave mail and other personal papers at home and store in a safe place. Check your mailbox regularly, hold mail during vacations.
14. Trash. Shred personal information and mix in with other trash.
15. Bank. Don’t use an ATM in a secluded area. Create PINs that cannot easily be guessed. Verify all monthly statements with your receipts.
16. Credit. Order your credit report at least once a year and verify all information is correct.

Prepaid Cards: A Remedy Against Identity Theft

Over 8 million people were victims of identity theft in 2010 including credit card and debit card holders. One way to protect yourself from identity theft is to purchase a prepaid credit card or prepaid debit card. American Express recently began offering a prepaid debit card. I am very careful about where I use my credit card and debit card, online shopping and general protection of my personal information. Unfortunately I still became a victim of identity theft due to a Netflix scam that charged my checkcard $7.99 for a movie I never purchased.

I didn’t notice the unauthorized transaction until I got my bank statement because I have used the checkcard in over 3 months. I immediately had the account closed. This further reinforces my decision to pay for everything with cash. However, some merchants prefer customers pay with a credit card so in those instance I will have to use my credit card. There are several benefits of using a prepaid credit card or debit card. The benefits of using a prepaid credit card are:

1. Can be purchased online or at a retail location.
2. Load cash online, from another card, direct deposit or at a retail location.
3. Zero liability.
4. Accepted everywhere.
5. No maintenance fees.
1. Helps manage your money. Can’t spend more than you have.
6. Good for those with bad credit.
7. No interest rates.
8. Can be used overseas.
9. Can be used at ATMs.
10. Provides payment history to the major credit reporting agencies.
11. Some companies are used codes to prevent credit card skimming such as American Express, Discover and MasterCard.
12. Can’t go into debt.
13. Must be 18.
14. Can reload money as many times as you want.
15. Can make purchases online.

The benefits of using a prepaid debit card are:
2. Can be purchased online or at a retail location.
3. Load cash online, from another card, direct deposit or at a retail location.
4. Accepted everywhere.
5. Zero liability.
6. No maintenance fees.
7. Helps manage your money. Can’t spend more than you have.
8. Can’t go over the limit.
9. Can be used overseas.
10. Can be used at ATMs.
11. Some companies are used codes to prevent credit card skimming such as American Express, Discover and MasterCard.
12. Must be 18.
13. Can reload money as many times as you want.
14. Can make purchases online.
15. No late fees.

Beware of the Netflix Scam

I have a traditional business checking account and a regular checking account with my credit union. Within 3 months fraudulent charges have been made on both accounts. I closed the traditional business checking account and opened a new account with another bank. The charges were less than $10 each. Most people would have overlooked the charges and assumed they were correct. Since I am a financial planner, I always check my statements and know how much money I spend and have in my account down to the penny.

I knew immediately the charges were fraudulent because I don’t have a Netflix account. I considered canceling my cable to save money and open a Netflix account. I am glad I didn’t because it would have been harder to prove that the charges were not mine.

This example is a good reason why you should verify charges on all of your bank accounts at least weekly and reconcile all purchases, withdrawals, deposits, and payments made on your bank accounts. This will help you if you became a victim of identity theft.

If fraudulent charges are made on your account you only have a short period of time to report the charges without any liability. I did an internet search and the Netflix scam has been victimizing bank account holders and email users since 2009. According to Symantec over 95 billion phishing e-mails were sent in 2010. Here are 13 tips to recover from email or bank account scams:

1. Beware of emails, links and logos that look suspicious even if part of the link looks valid. If you are not sure if link is valid, cut and paste the link into your browser.
2. Businesses do not contact you by email to use pop-ups to ask for your personal information, account number. Call the company and ask them to verify if they sent you an email.
3. Use caution when downloading files.
4. Know the status of your account including: personal information you provided to the company, status of your account (open, closed, etc.), balances and outstanding charges.
5. Go with your instincts, if you feel like something is wrong and you should not access the link then don’t. It is better to be safe than sorry.
6. Use spam filters on your email accounts. If you click a link by accident close the browser immediately and go to the valid website to access your account. Change your password and notify the company that you received a phishing scam email. Create PINs and passwords that cannot easily be guessed.
7. File a fraud claim with you bank and ask for signature verification (quicker way to resolve the issue) or affidavit form.
8. Place a fraud and/or security alert on your Equifax, Experian and TransUnion credit reports if the fraud happened within the past 12 months. Request an extended alert after the initial 90-day alert has expired. Review your credit reports for the next 12 months to verify no additional fraudulent charges have been made on your account.
9. File an identity theft complaint with the Federal Trade Commission, Better Business Bureau and your state's Attorney General or Consumer Affairs Office. Also file a police report.
10. Order your checks from your local bank and have the checks sent directly to your bank. When ordering checks don't put your SSN, DOB or phone number on your checks. Don't write your account number on the back of your checks.
11. Check your mailbox regularly and hold mail during vacations.
12. Shred personal information and mix in with other trash.
13. Beware of camera phones that can take pictures of your credit card or check card.

What to Do If Your Credit Card is Hijacked

I bank with a credit union and got a call yesterday evening from the Security Department. The representative stated that it looks like some unusual charges were on my account. He verified with me that the charges were not mine. Someone had gotten my credit card number and had a field day. My credit card is still in my possession and the last purchase I made was two ½ weeks ago.

I never shop at unknown websites and don’t make a lot of online purchases. I always shop at well-known sites such as department stores, Amazon, etc. I was shocked that someone compromised my card because I only use my card to make occasional online purchases, pay for hotel reservations or airfare. I prefer to use my credit card to make these purchases in the event that my check card is compromised I won’t lose cash. Protect your personal information as you would your life. If you are a victim of identity theft here are 8 tips to minimize damage.

1. Report identity theft immediately. You only have a limited amount of time to report the incident, usually a few days.
2. Contact Equifax, Experian and TransUnion and tell them you were a victim of identity theft. They will provide you with a free copy of your credit reports. Dispute any accounts that are not yours. Place a fraud alert on your credit reports if the fraud happened within the past 12 months. You will get an initial alert placed for 90 days then call back to ask for an extended alert which can last for up to 7 years.
3. File a police report within a few days of becoming aware of the identity theft. This will be helpful when contacting Experian, Equifax and TransUnion as proof of your claim of identity theft.
4. File a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, your state's Consumer Affairs or Attorney General's Office and Postal Service.
5. File a postal alert with the post office which can be filed online at usps.com.
6. Request a copy of the investigation findings from the police department and the company where the fraud occurred. Ask the company to send you a letter stating you were a victim of identity theft and send a copy send to Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.
7. File a fraud claim with the loss mitigation department where the fraud occurred (ask for signature verification which is a quicker way to resolve the issue). You can also contact the Customer Service department and have them put a flag on your account. Sometimes different departments do not exchange information.
8. File an identity theft complaint with the Federal Trade Commission online at ftc.gov.

Here are 6 tips to prevent identity theft.

1. Reduce usage of online banking, pay for more items with cash and use your debit/check card less often. It is easier to get money credited back to your account when using a credit card than when using a debit/check card.
2. Don't enter or store your personal information on your cell phones, blackberry, or in an unsecure place such as work, your purse or wallet. Don’t text your credit card, financial account numbers or SSN. Don't enter your personal information in contests or on the internet. Don’t make purchases using your blackberry or cell phone.
3. If you become a victim of identity theft due to a company security breach, consider closing your account and take your business to another company.
4. Check your bank statements and accounts online or over the phone at least once a week to make sure your account has not compromised.
5. Shred all financial statements and documents that contain your personal information.
6. Create a password on your bank checking and savings account when performing transactions in a branch and when calling the automated number or when calling customer service to verify your identity to prevent others from accessing your account.

Beware of Credit and Debit Card Scams

I was a victim of identity theft on my business debit card. Two fraudulent charges were made on my business account - both were under $10. How often have you seen charges that range from $2-$10 and for a second you wondered what the charge was but ignored it. Well I did just that.

The first charge I saw I assumed it was correct but I saw a similar charge two months later around the same amount of the first charge. I never bought anything from the company. I looked at all my receipts and bank statements. I researched the company. I called and let a voicemail message and never got a call back. The automated message stated they were busy helping other customers and to leave a message. I further researched the company phone number and other customers had been victims of fraud by the same company. It was a bogus company. I had been scammed.

I contacted my bank and told them of the fraud. They immediately placed an alert on my account and after 2 business days the charges were credited back to my account which totaled $18.98. If I never investigated these charges, the charges could have continued for years. My business account is with one of the largest banks in the country. I am going to open a new business account with another bank tomorrow.

The FTC has been cracking down on debit card scams. The FTC is investigating an international micropayment scam that stole almost $10 million from customers' credit and debit cards. Over 1 million credit cards were used to make fraudulent charges. Most of the charges were not disputed. The FTC closed down phony merchant accounts used by the scammers.

The charges were not detected by bank antifraud software. Some customers didn't bother to dispute the low charges. The identity thieves charges approximately $9.5 million over a 4-year period of four year starting in 2006. Here are 6 ways to protect your personal and business credit and debit cards from fraud.

1. Go with your gut feeling. Don't doubt yourself.

2. Don't give out your checking account number, tax id, personal or business credit card number over the phone unless you know the company and understand why the information is necessary.

3. If someone says they are taping your call, ask why. Don't be afraid to ask questions.

4. Companies do not ask for your bank account information unless you have expressly agreed to this payment method.

5. Do business with reputable companies. Be sure the company website has a physical address that is verifiable and a phone number that is answered by a live person. Verify the company phone number in the Verizon online yellow pages or do an internet search on the phone number.

6. Report the fraud to the FTC at ftc.gov by filling out an identity theft complaint form.