[cinseer]

if I read right, why would the phone company be hesitant to release records on what is "your" account? One would think that they'd be bending over backwards to help......and when they don't leads me to believe that their rules aren't stringent enough in applying for their product.....or simply this is a problem thats much bigger than any of us know and they cant or dont have resources to amend it. Do these companies want us to know this? Something else is that these companies share our information - which should be illegal. They can recap the losses of sharing information by making the structure tighter, preventing illegal theft before it occurs. Just a thought ~*~* I am wondering how much of my information floats out there*~*~...(shivers).

[jonasdatum]

Originally Posted by cinseer

if I read right, why would the phone company be hesitant to release records on what is "your" account? One would think that they'd be bending over backwards to help......and when they don't leads me to believe that their rules aren't stringent enough in applying for their product.....or simply this is a problem thats much bigger than any of us know and they cant or dont have resources to amend it. Do these companies want us to know this? Something else is that these companies share our information - which should be illegal. They can recap the losses of sharing information by making the structure tighter, preventing illegal theft before it occurs. Just a thought ~*~* I am wondering how much of my information floats out there*~*~...(shivers).

"Don't ask me?" My guess is because you have some sort of privacy issues. Well then you shouldn't be haning with a criminal who commits criminal acts. If you didn't do anything wrong then you have nothing to fear when the police come knocking on your door.

I am going to write them again and ask in a more detailed explaination. I'll also write a Government offical. If it wasn't for school, I'd do all three during the week, but I've already put other things off to get that done. Yea, I'll write the PC and try to get a more detailed reason why. Those call records are the key to finding out who created those accounts in my name. Without them it is next to impossible. "IF" I can obtain the records, then perhaps I'll be able to go back to the Police and they can get the criminals.

[jonasdatum]

Here is why you don't try not to store personal data on your computer, but heck sometimes you just want to make sure right? Well in that case this is why encrypt that data and make the passcodes very strong. Although like somebody said in thread I am going to link to, "most of the time they are interested in the hardware and not the data." Of course I was paraphrasing.


HelpOnThe.Net > TSG Forums > Internet & Networking > Security
Stolen Desktop!

http://forums.techguy.org/t83489&hig...ity+theft.html

Which reminds me. I should really reinvest in a zip drive or something besides my CD backup. Something that is easily readable and hot swapable. I had a bad experience with a zip drive a long time ago. One day the drive just stoped working. It wasn't even 2 years old.

[cinseer]

i apologize - you must misread my intent here - i do have privacy issues though perhaps not in the manner you seem to imply. My work is human rights. Theft of identity is a violation of human rights, or it is here. Anyhow, got off track with how I view this problem. Good luck with your problem. I hope you get things sorted.

[jonasdatum]

Originally Posted by jonasdatum

Hello fellow members of techguy.org also know as helponthe.net. I have ordered a 3-in-1-credit report along with my FICO credit score. People should do this once or twice a year. According to Cus-Rep I spoke to, I should receive it within the next 10 business days. I wonder what my credit score will be? I've been trying to build my credit history for the past 3 1/2 years. I hope it is good? What about the two debts I have? We'll just wait and see?

Anybody else here get a credit report lately? Maybe I have enough credit to buy a house? LOL!

Hello. I recieved my 3-in-1 credit report. My report is clean and I have a "very high" credit score. Nothing criminal on it from what I can tell. However, I have to check my other records just to make sure.

[jonasdatum]

Hello. An associate of mine told me a friend of his had their identity stolen. The sad part is that he believes it happend via his coworker. Anybody here heard/had/has an experience like this?

[jonasdatum]

Hello. I was listening to a video archive from C-Span. Now this one doesn't really focus on identity theft, but it dose involve travel and fraud aka getting ripped off.

Here is the link and it's data:

javascriptlayClip('rtsp://video.c-span.org/15days/e032905_travel.rm')
2005 Conference on Travel Fraud and Consumer Protection
Speakers Kathryn W. Sudeikis, ASTA President and CEO, Eileen Harrington, Associate Director of Marketing Practices for the Federal Trade Commission, and Keith Bellows, Editor-in-Chief of National Geographic Traveler talk about travel fraud and consumer protection.
3/29/2005: WASHINGTON, DC: 4 hr. 30 min.

If you hold a US passport:
http://www.travel.state.gov/
http://www.state.gov/

[jonasdatum]

Hello. I am watcing another C-Span hearing on ID theft and the like. Some of the stuff they're talking about is encryption of data. Where some company passwords and user IDs were compromised. This is why you encrypt data on your personal computers and the compromising data that is on them.

Also you don't use a "one-size-fits-all" password either. Codes that are at least 7 characters in lenght should be used. The codes should have alpha-numeric combinations. Shouldn't be dictionary words or common phrases either. Also don't use weak encryption for files. For example some people use password protection for their word files. Word isn't that strong so you're better off encrypting the file with a good third party application.

javascriptlayClip('rtsp://video.c-span.org/15days/e041305_data.rm')
Senate Hearing on Electronic Identity Theft Notification
Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA) chairs a Senate Judiciary Cmte. hearing on "Securing Electronic Personal Data: Striking a Balance Between Privacy and Commercial and Governmental Use." The focus of the hearing is proposed legislation that would require consumers to be notified when there is a security breach with their personal data.
4/13/2005: WASHINGTON, DC: 2 hr. 35 min.

Biometric data is worth trying. I personally can't give any recommendations in that area. Just make it strong! Very strong.

It isn't the best idea to have important files on your computer. I suggest that you put that data on some sort of backup media i.e. tape (still popular and cheap ), ZIP, JAZZ, CD/DVD, Flash, etc. I don't sugget floopy unless it is for "short term use." I've learnd that for the most part floopy disk don't last long. Besides it's going the way of the dino.

[jonasdatum]

Hello here is a tidbit from C-Span.org's Washington Journal 4/14/2005. It starts at about 2hr 30mins.

javascriptlayClip('rtsp://video.c-span.org/15days/wj041405_douglas.rm')
Robert Douglas, Co-Founder, PrivacyToday.com
Robert Douglas, Co-Founder of PrivacyToday.com, discusses how the federal government is doing on preventing the theft of private information.
4/14/2005: WASHINGTON, DC: 30 min.

[jonasdatum]

Originally Posted by JohnWill

ATTORNEY'S ADVICE -- NO CHARGE Read this and make a copy for your files in case you need to refer to it someday. Maybe we should all take some of his advice!

A corporate attorney sent the following out to the employees in his company.

1. The next time you order checks have only your initials (instead of first name) and last name put on them. If someone takes your checkbook, they will not
know if you sign your checks with just your initials or your first name, but your bank will know how you sign your checks.

2. Do not sign the back of your credit cards. Instead, put "PHOTO ID REQUIRED".

3. When you are writing checks to pay on your credit card accounts, DO NOT put the complete account number on the "For" line. Instead, just put the last four numbers. The credit card company knows the rest of the number, and anyone who might be handling your check as it passes through all the check processing channels won't have access to it.

4. Put your work phone # on your checks instead of your home phone. If you have a PO Box use that instead of your home address. If you do not have a PO Box, use your work address. Never have your SS# printed on your checks. (DUH!) You can add it if it is necessary. But if you have it printed, anyone can get it.

5. Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine. Do both sides of each license, credit card, etc. You will know what you had in your wallet and
all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel. Keep the photocopy in a safe place. I also carry a photocopy of my passport when I travel
either here or abroad. We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed on us in stealing a name, address, Social Security number, credit cards.

Unfortunately, I, an attorney, have firsthand knowledge because my wallet was stolen last month. Within a week, the thieve(s) ordered an expensive monthly
cell phone package, applied for a VISA credit card, had a credit line approved to buy a Gateway computer, received a PIN number from DMV to change my driving record information online, and more. But here's some critical information to limit the damage in case this happens to you or someone you know:

1. We have been told we should cancel our credit cards immediately. But the key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call. Keep those where you can find them.

2. File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where your credit cards, etc., were stolen. This proves to credit providers you were diligent, and this is a first step toward an investigation (if there ever is one).


But here's what is perhaps most important of all : (I never even thought to do this.)


3. Call the 3 national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number. I had never heard of doing that until advised by a bank that called to tell me an application for credit was made over the Internet in my name. The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen, and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit.

By the time I was advised to do this, almost two weeks after the theft, all the damage had been done. There are records of all the credit checks initiated by the thieves' purchases, none of which I knew about before placing the alert. Since then, no additional damage has been done, and the thieves threw my wallet away This weekend (someone turned it in). It seems to have stopped them dead in their tracks.


Now, here are the numbers you always need to contact about your wallet, etc., has been stolen:

1.) Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
2.) Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742
3.) Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289
4.) Social Security Administration (fraud line): 1-800-269-0271


We pass along jokes on the Internet; we pass along just about everything. But if you are willing to pass this information along, it could really help someone that you care about.

Hello. Thanks for the advice Mr. JohnWill. Your "ID-Required" thing really works. Every place I go where I don't shop often they check the back of my debit / credit card and asked for ID! Also, I haven't yet applied for my new credit cards with the Photo on it. I was debating whether or not to use some photos on file?

[jonasdatum]

A man after my own hart.

Ten Tips From A Privacy Vigilante
May 3, 2005
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/...le692778.shtml


"Jeff from Sacramento" advises people follow these tips to better protect themselves from file-sharing fraud.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Print out the tax document on paper and/or save a copy onto a CD or floppy disk, then delete it off your computer.

2. If you're going to leave the sharing program on your computer, be very sure of what it is sharing. Perhaps create a shared folder on your desktop and allow the sharing program only access to that. All downloaded files go into and out of that file only.

3. Contact one of the three major credit reporting agencies such as Equifax, Experian or TransUnion. Sign up for the fraud alert program. They will watch the Social Security numbers given to them for 90 days and alert the person if credit is applied for in the timeframe when a credit check is done.

4. Ask that a password be added to or in place of a Social Security number as an ID check when dealing with companies. Some companies will ask for the last four digits of a Social Security number as a form of ID checking to insure who they are talking to. Adding a password or using a password instead provides better security.

5. Watch the postal mail to make sure it isn't being stolen. People may try and steal mail for credit card offers and other information, especially now that they would have the name address and Social Security number from the tax form.

6. Watch what goes out in the trash - no names, addresses, phone numbers or other identifiable information. Anything with possible personal information on it needs to be shredded into tiny pieces.

7 People should get a regular credit report on themselves, just to make sure the information there is correct and to watch for signs of identity theft.

8. If you had your tax refund directly deposited to your checking or savings account, get that account changed as quickly as possible. Because it has the routing and account number on the tax form, money could be spent directly out of the account over the Internet 24 hours a day.

9. Go to Yahoo's or Google's Web sites and search for "identity theft." This will bring up sites that people can go to which will tell them more about identity theft, like what it is, how it occurs and more ways to protect their personal information. These sites will also offer information about where to go and how to report when something does happen.

10. If you keep the file-sharing program, use it to search for your tax file to see if anyone out there is sharing it after it is off your computer. In some cases, and with some sharing programs, it is possible to see who it is and to help law enforcement in tracking down the potential identity thief.

I strongly agree with # 10. First off unless you really need to, file-sharing enabled on your computer is a bad idea. If you do enable it make sure it isn't past the security level it needs to be. Also if you use a P2P program, make sure that you disable the "yea here are the files in a,b,X,etc. directories" setting. If you share a folder make sure it is only that folder and not your entire HD. Even non p2p applications AOL Instant Messenger among them have this feature.

If you do you taxes via computer like most americans today, you should isolate the file that contains your tax data. That means saving the file to a media disk and than ERASING the original on the HD. Or if your OS supports the option, encrypt the file with 128bit or higher. If you use Windows NT or greater, this is easy to do. Just goto the help files.

Remember 7 or more characters, alpha-numeric. No signs, or spaces.

Good day.

[jonasdatum]

Hello. What is our country doing to defend against identity theft, which can lead to other forms of criminal activity!

Check it out! The identity you save could be your own.

javascriptlayClip('rtsp://cspanrm.fplive.net/cspan/project/ter/ter050405_data.rm')

House Hearing on Data Security Protection
Chair Michael Oxley (R-OH) conducts a hearing of the full House Financial Services Committee on data security protection. Witnesses discuss ways to protective consumer information. The Federal Trade Commission estimates over 10 million Americans are victims of identity theft each year.
5/4/2005: WASHINGTON, DC: 2 hr. 45 min.: CSPAN2

[jonasdatum]

Hello. I've notice alot of people carry photo-credit [and I think debit] cards. I strongly advise getting one if you don't already. I just haven't had the time to get the pictures.

Any new stories, suggestions, info?

[lighthouse]

When it happened to me in 1992 I was dumbfounded, and this was before widescale internet use and the acceleration in electronic finance etc of recent years, so it's even easier to do it now that ever. What are the motives of ID thieves? Either it's directly financial - meaning someone somewhere is out to steal your money, or in my instance something else. I entered a 'creative' competition in the late 80s, corresponded with friends, and was making radio programmes in the early 90s, a lot of it being passed on to the 'industry' - so what better way to appropriate stuff for future use than eradicate the ID of people who had some original input a few years earlier? Business can corrupt - everyone (hopefully) realises that, but showbiz/creativity can corrupt absolutely. Combine that with an estranged showbiz father and the whole thing can get very messy indeed. I know exactly how it feels to be rendered a non-person by this sort of thing - I also know too well what it's like to feel jumped on and harrassed from a great height by the same business - so to anyone on this - or any other - site it happens to, you have my utmost sympathy and total support!

If what happened to me in 1992 had anything to do with the 'Biz' (and why wouldn't that surprise me?) then a lot of our showbiz/cultural product probably hasn't uttered a word of truth the moment they set foot in the US or any other country for the last 10 years. Meanwhile, others struggle to know where the next meal is, and places like the US are no more than just pictures in a book. When it happened to me (or anyone else) it has to be sorted out at the time, NOT when there's nothing left and we end up looking at life like the eternal spectator.

[lighthouse]

One of the ways you are made aware of something less than honest happening to you is when you get circulars and mailouts from various companies and organisations that are addressed to someone else. This is the result of the electoral roll being sold to these businesses. What someone has done is completed an electoral register form with their name(s) as if it's at that address so the electoral services people will put them as residing there when they compile the register. So if you do get stuff like this then it might indicate a little more than just a clerical error at whatever office they were sent by. I got stuff from a company called Littlewoods - a Liverpool based mail order company, and the afforementioned poll cards. Someone somewhere is obviously up to no good when it happens.

Oh yeah, and here's an interesting coincidence. Channel 4 broadcast a documentary about the Liverpool borough of Toxteth in about 1994 and part of it featured a young lad talking about how he ran over an old lady in the cities Sefton park on a motorbike, and he seemed to show no apolagetic sentiments for it at all - saying that it was her fault for being there. I remember a similar thing happening to my mum in the same town the electoral services office is (Weston super mare). The perpetrator getting a £40 fine for almost killing someone (even some of the Police who were around at the time couldn't believe the desultory penalty - still can't to this day). Mmm - does raise a few questions and it's like someone's setting out to systematically torture isn't it! If any of this did involve the entertainment industry then I'm afraid said industry isn't very entertaining at all - quite the opposite. Bunch of lousy crooks behind all the cutesy imagery