What You Need to Know To Protect Yourself From Medical Identity Theft

Most of us think of credit cards and car loans when we think about identity theft. The sad thing is, medical identity theft is becoming just as common. With today's health care crisis more and more people are turning to identity theft to meet their medical needs. Here's how to protect yourself from becoming one of the identities stolen.

Continue reading "Medical Identity Theft Is On The Rise" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 5:44 PM | Permalink

The Punishment Fits the Identity Theft Crime

The thing that frustrates us the most (those of us concerned about identity theft) is that criminals seem to get away with it with little more than a slap on the wrist. What's to stop the crime from occurring if the punishment isn't severe? Well my friends, we have something to celebrate this week. It seems that someone is finally making identity theft criminals pay for their crimes.

Continue reading "Finally, Someone Lays A Heavy Hand on Identity Theft" »

Posted by Jessica Hunter at 6:54 PM | Permalink

Why Is Arizona So Plagued By Identity Theft?

We say that identity theft is a crime that can hit anyone. That no one is safe, regardless of where you life. And that's true -- to a point. While you may be at risk of identity theft no matter what area of the world you reside in, it seems that Arizona residents are more at risk than most.

Continue reading "Is Arizona The Identity Theft Capital of the World?" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 7:10 PM | Permalink

Identity Theft: When Revenge Becomes a Crime

When we think about identity theft, it's usually financial crimes that come to mind. We usually think of some low-life criminal who steals someone's information for monetary gain. In reality, identity theft doesn't always have to do with money. Sometimes it's just cold revenge, as a recent California case clearly reflects.

Continue reading "Sometimes Identity Theft Takes on the Face of Revenge" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 8:30 PM | Permalink

LifeLock Seems Pretty Sure of It's Ability To Prevent Identity Theft

The other day I saw a LifeLock identity theft commercial on television and was rather shocked by the whole thing. I wasn't even really watching television -- it was mostly playing in the background. I noticed the commercial was for LifeLock so I took a closer look and suddenly realized there was the CEO's social security number blazoned across the TV screen. And that's when I found myself asking this question - is LifeLock's commercial an ingenious display of the company's confidence in it's services or evidence of a false sense of security?

Continue reading "Identity Theft: Putting Your Money Where Your Mouth Is" »

Posted by Jessica Hunter at 9:13 PM | Permalink

Identity Theft Victims Are About to Be Notified

Believe it or not, identity theft can get you into trouble with the IRS. How? Because many illegal aliens use the social security numbers of legitimate US citizens when filling out their W-4s. When their employers report those earnings, the tax return info of the people who actually have that social security number don't jive. Then all "you know what" breaks loose.

Continue reading "Can Identity Theft Result in an Audit?" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 3:49 PM | Permalink

Are We Finally Winning the War on Identity Theft?

This Tuesday the FTC issued a report saying that the rate of identity theft has dropped. However, instead of jumping for joy (as one might expect) there are many who are crying foul. Why isn't this news being accepted as the good news it is? Here's some insight into the newly-released identity theft statistics.

Continue reading "New News from the Identity Theft Battlegrounds" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 8:44 PM | Permalink

More Identity Theft Criminals Captured

You know we like to prepare you for the worst, but sometimes we have to tell you when identity theft prevention in action helps take a bite out of the crime. Recently seventeen individuals were indicted for identity theft in New York. Here's what happened...

Continue reading "Identity Theft: Another One Bites the Dust" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 1:49 PM | Permalink

Wait Until You Read About This Identity Theft Horror Story

Identity theft is tragic no matter how you look at it, but a recent news story really highlighted the unfortunate extremes of this crime. A month ago a New York man who was a veteran of the Vietnam War passed away. His family made arrangements to bury him, but they encountered some troubles along the way. Read more about this rare, but peculiar, case of identity theft below.

Continue reading "Bizarre Identity Theft Case Makes the News" »

Posted by Jessica Hunter at 8:08 PM | Permalink

The Federal Government's Role in Identity Theft

Identity theft has changed identities in recent decades (pun intended). Identity theft crime has gotten increasingly more high tech thanks to our dependence on computers and other electronic devices. To address the importance of identity theft, in 2006 President Bush created an identity theft task force. But is it just another political maneuver or is it something that's really benefiting us as a whole?

Continue reading "Combating Identity Theft Takes a Strong Governmental Role" »

Posted by Jessica Hunter at 1:08 PM | Permalink

A Judge Lays Down The Identity Theft Law

We're so used to hearing stories about identity theft criminals getting nothing more than a slap on the hand, it isn't hard to understand why these crooks aren't worried about committing the crime. After all, no one's doing the time -- right? Wrong! A Maryland judge had finally had enough of the identity theft shenanigans and the justice system finally prevails.

Continue reading "Finally Some Identity Theft Justice" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 7:13 PM | Permalink

Will Identity Theft Be Taken More Seriously Now?

Sometimes, in today's world, the little guy can get stepped on for eternity and no one steps up and takes notice, but as soon as it happens to the big guns, everyone is up in arms. The same may be true for identity theft. Identity theft laws and crack-downs, while improving, are definitely not where they should be. Maybe now that the 400 richest millionaires in America were made targets, the powers that be will stand up and take notice.

Continue reading "Maybe Now That Identity Theft Is Impacting the Rich..." »

Posted by Jessica Hunter at 6:28 PM | Permalink

Identity Theft Is Getting Harder In Massachusetts

State by state, more US. citizens are being protected by laws that fight identity theft. Yesterday, Massachusetts was added to the list of states doing something to protect their citizens from the crime. On Friday, August 3rd, Governor Deval Patrick signed a bill into law -- and that bill is making identity theft harder for the criminals of Massachusetts.

Continue reading "Massachusetts Gets In On The Fight Against Identity Theft" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 3:02 PM | Permalink

Personal ID Chips Aren't Science Fiction After All

It used to be that having a microchip implanted in one's skin was nothing but a science fiction fairy tale. Nowadays, however, it's reality. VeriChip is putting personal ID chips into its customers and providing hospitals with free scanners. The chip can be used to confirm identity and can even store medical history. But will these chips keep identity theft from happening, or will it create even more problems?

Continue reading "Will Personal ID Chips Prevent Identity Theft -- Or Lead To It?" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 8:43 PM | Permalink

How Myspace, Facebook and Other Social Websites Pose an Identity Theft Risk

When we think about websites like Myspace and Facebook, identity theft isn't usually the first thing that comes to mind. Unfortunately though, it should be an important consideration. It seems that these social websites are quickly becoming breeding grounds for identity theft crimes.

Continue reading "Are Social Websites Being Used for Identity Theft?" »

Posted by Jessica Hunter at 2:30 PM | Permalink

How Paypal Is Helping Prevent Identity Theft

Some consumers have been afraid of using Paypal services due to identity theft concerns. Fewer customers means less money for Paypal, and the company fully understands that. That's probably one of the reasons Paypal has waged war on phishing and identity theft. Here are just a few of the things Paypal is doing to help prevent identity theft occurrences.

Continue reading "Paypal is Declaring a War on Identity Theft" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 7:38 PM | Permalink

Will Certigy Check Services Be The Cause of Identity Theft?

I had a letter in the mail from Certigy Check Services the other day and the only thing that came to mind after I read it was -- you've got to be kidding me! How in the world can this service, who I never even really gave permission to store information about my checking account, have sold my checking account details to an information broker? I'm not alone. You may have been victimized too.

Continue reading "Another Identity Theft Alert" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 10:36 PM | Permalink

The Sickening Truth About Identity Theft and The Legal System

When it comes to talking about identity theft, I usually like to stick with the facts in an calm, collected and unbiased manner. However, when something makes me sick to my stomach and induces a bit of rage in me -- well, I'm not the type to keep my mouth shut about it. What's got me in a tizzy? How law enforcement, prosecutors and the courts in general really don't really seem to give a darn about identity theft victims.

Continue reading "Identity Theft: When Are The Courts Going To Take It Seriously?" »

Posted by Jessica Hunter at 1:22 PM | Permalink

The Truth About Identity Theft

When it comes to identity theft, there is definitely cause for concern. But are companies starting to take advantage of the fear that this very personal crime instills in us? The sad fact of the matter is, some companies are. Before you go spending money to protect yourself from identity theft, there are some things you need to consider.

Continue reading "Putting Identity Theft Into Perspective" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 9:58 PM | Permalink

Credit Bureaus May Have To Take Accountability at Last

If you're one of the many people who have inaccurate information on your credit report, you're definitely not alone. The credit bureaus report inaccurate information about millions of people each and every year. Unfortunately, getting your good name cleared isn't always as easy as pointing out the credit bureaus' mistakes. If certain lawmakers get their way, that's all about to change.

Continue reading "Is Someone Finally Standing Up to the Credit Bureaus?" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 6:22 PM | Permalink

The Ugly Reality of Identity Theft

If you've seen the identity theft commercials on television -- the one that portrays the big guy sitting on the couching talking with a cheerleader's voice or the one with the little old lady with the voice of a gangster -- it can be hard not to laugh. But is identity theft really a laughing matter?

Continue reading "Is Identity Theft Really Like the Commercials Show It?" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 11:42 AM | Permalink

More Identity Theft Headlines Pertaining To Social Security Numbers

It seems that nearly every month there is a new headline regarding some breach involving social security numbers. Recently, an unfortunate situation in California made headlines. It appears that social security numbers of an incredibly large number of California residents were made available through the Secretary of State’s website. Why is this such a big deal and how did it happen?

Continue reading "Identity Theft: Who Took The “Security” Out Of Social Security Numbers?" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 6:10 AM | Permalink

What Do Identity Theft Statistics Mean to You?

Identity theft statistics are readily available. The news, the Internet, even blog sites like ours have easily-accessible identity theft statistics. But are identity theft statistics something you should watch like your stock tickers or the daily news? The answer may surprise you.

Continue reading "Identity Theft Statistics: Do They Really Matter?" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 1:41 PM | Permalink

Identity Theft Risk Factors

Did you know that your risk of identity theft can be related to your physical address? ID Analytics Inc., a well-known security-fraud firm, released a study recently that illustrates just how an individual’s risk of identity theft is affected by where they live. If you want to know where your state ranks for identity theft, read on...

Continue reading "What States Have the Highest Rates of Identity Theft?" »

Posted by Jessica Hunter at 12:04 AM | Permalink

Identity Theft and Donald Trump

Recent headlines all over the nation reported the latest in identity theft. Apparently, Donald Trump might be at risk. Identity theft doesn’t discriminate based on popularity or celebrity status. Anyone can become the victim of identity theft.

Continue reading "What Trump Wants You To Know about Identity Theft" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 8:46 PM | Permalink

Identity Theft in Illinois

Consumers all across the nation are concerned about identity theft, and that has never been more evident than in Illinois recently. According to recent news reports, the office of Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan received many complaints about identity theft. Out of all the complaints their hotline received, approximately 16% were concerning identity theft.

Continue reading "Illinois Attorney General Receives Series of Identity Theft Complaints" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 9:19 PM | Permalink

How Should You Respond to the Threat of Identity Theft?

According to recent news reports, an identity theft case recently occurred in the New England states. Just late last fall in Massachusetts a Nationwide insurance office experienced a theft, and many of their customers are at risk for identity theft.

Continue reading "Identity Theft Making Headlines Again" »

Posted by Jessica Hunter at 9:35 PM | Permalink

More On Illegal Immigration and Identity Theft

Recently making headlines was a story about how more than 100 illegal aliens were prosecuted for identity theft. They used stolen identities to obtain jobs. Identity theft affects many Americans, but when it involves criminals who are motivated to seek employment, it can cause even more problems than usual for its victims.

Continue reading "Identity Theft in the News Again" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 11:00 PM | Permalink

Avoiding Identity Theft

Identity theft can happen to anyone. There are definitely some things that can increase your risk of identity theft. I’ve written many articles on here to keep you well informed about the possible ways you can become a victim of identity theft. Another important piece of the puzzle is to keep current on any recent identity theft stories in the news.

Continue reading "More News on Identity Theft" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 8:39 PM | Permalink

A Freeze Placed on Your Credit Report Can Reduce Your Risk of Identity Theft

Recently in the news there has been more focus on identity theft and how a credit report freeze can help to reduce the effects of identity theft. If you want to learn more about what a credit report freeze is and how it can help you if you become the victim of identity theft, you’ll want to read more below.

Continue reading "Identity Theft and Credit Freeze Laws" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 8:37 PM | Permalink

Keep Your Eye on News Reports to Reduce Your Risk of Identity Theft

Learning about recent new events related to identity theft can be very helpful for consumers to reduce their own risk of identity theft. When you stay informed of recent news reports detailing security breaches that could lead to possible identity theft, you can potentially minimize any damage done to your credit history.

Continue reading "Identity Theft in the News" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 11:35 PM | Permalink

Find Out a Freeze on Your Credit Report Can Reduce Your Risk of Identity Theft

In 2007, it looks like Arkansas residents will benefit from a yet-to-be-passed bill regarding identity theft. Arkansas is trying to follow the lead of twenty five other states and pass identity theft legislation that will give consumers greater control over just who has access to their credit reports.

Continue reading "Identity Theft and Security Freezes" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 10:15 PM | Permalink

Colorado Journalist Experiences Frustrations of Identity Theft

The other day I read one of the most informative and compelling articles in that I have seen in a while. It appears that a freelance journalist recently became the victim of an identity theft crime - and she wants her story heard. The following is definitely a story that you will find compelling, and anyone who has suffered identity theft or worries about it can sympathize with the victim.

Continue reading "Identity Theft in the News" »

Posted by Jessica Hunter at 2:22 PM | Permalink

How to Avoid Identity Theft by Phone

Recent arrests in an identity theft case in New York really highlight the importance of never giving out any information over the phone to anyone who calls your home, no matter who they claim to be. Identity theft does sometimes occur as the result of information criminals can solicit by phone from unsuspecting individuals who are perhaps just a little too trusting.

Continue reading "Identity Theft and Phone Solicitations" »

Posted by Jessica Hunter at 2:19 PM | Permalink

Criminals Involved in Identity Theft Ring Used File-Sharing Software

Identity theft can occur in numerous ways, but very often a computer is involved in the crime. Not surprisingly, one story that made headlines recently involved identity theft that was committed by using computers. It's just another example of how we have to be very careful of what we store on our computers, how we store it and who we give access to.

Continue reading "Identity Theft and Computer Usage" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 10:49 AM | Permalink

Has Identity Theft in North Carolina Tripled?

Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the world and many states have witnessed an increase of occurrences. North Carolina is one state that has reported identity theft increases in recent years, and if they are any indication of the rest of the world, we're all in trouble.

Continue reading "The Growing Threat of Identity Theft" »

Posted by Jessica Hunter at 1:10 AM | Permalink

How an Honest Mistake Can Lead to Identity Theft

There have been recent events in the news about the possibility of identity theft for specific groups of individuals. One situation occurred fairly recently and has increased the risk of identity theft for the individuals affected by the mishap. It's a prime example of how simple mistakes can lead to identity theft risks.

Continue reading "Printing Company Mishap Increases Identity Theft Risk" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 6:03 AM | Permalink

How is the Risk of Identity Theft in Canada Different than in the US?

Identity theft is certainly a risk for consumers in the United States, but it seems that the risk of identity theft might be even greater for consumers in neighboring Canada. In Saskatchewan, public registries are a great source of information for identity theft criminals, and consumers are at risk.

Continue reading "Identity Theft in Canada" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 10:02 PM | Permalink

Taxpayers at Increased Risk for Identity Theft

Identity theft is a concern for all consumers and sometimes consumers can be at risk for identity theft as a result of the mistakes of others. I’ve recently written about a few situations where consumers’ risk of identity theft was increased as a result of errors, and it seems like there is always a new similar story in the news on a regular basis. Computers make our lives easier in many ways, but they also can increase our risk of identity theft.

Continue reading "Identity Theft in Johnston County, North Carolina" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 8:48 PM | Permalink

Learn How College Students Experienced an Increased Identity Theft Risk Via Email

A recent situation at the Jefferson College of Health Sciences has put some students at a greater risk for identity theft. Over one hundred students were affected and put at greater risk for identity theft by a cyber mixup.

Continue reading "Identity Theft Resulting from an Accidental Email" »

Posted by Jessica Hunter at 10:22 PM | Permalink

Making Sure Your Child Doesn’t Become a Victim of Identity Theft

A recent incident in Virginia demonstrates the importance of being vigilant about preventing identity theft. Lifetouch Inc., a well-known company that photographs students for annual pictures, unintentionally printed student’s social security numbers on their ID cards. The incident sparked the concern of identity theft experts and parents alike, as it has the potential to increase the students’ risk of identity theft.

Continue reading "Identity Theft and Middle School Students" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 8:24 AM | Permalink

During the Holidays, Identity Theft Can Increase

Police in Cranbury, New Jersey have recently alerted their community about possible identity theft scams. Recently, the Cranberry Police Department has noticed a large number of complaints from townspeople who have experienced phone calls asking for personal information, only to find their identities had been stolen later on.

Continue reading "Identity Theft in December" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 6:21 PM | Permalink

Is Maryland Cracking Down On Identity Theft Criminals?

Identity theft can carry a stiff sentence, and that proved true for a Maryland man who committed the crime. A twenty-something Baltimore male tried to buy an expensive SUV using another individual’s credit. The gentleman got a ride alright, just not the one he expected.

Continue reading "Maryland Isn't Taking Identity Theft Lying Down" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 9:26 PM | Permalink

Bank Reissues Credit and Debit Cards Because of Identity Theft Potential

Due to fears of identity theft and a security breach, thousands of debit and credit cards were reissued in Michigan. Identity theft can have far-reaching side effects, and reissuing credit cards hopefully alleviated the potential for identity theft.

Continue reading "Identity Theft in the News" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 7:28 AM | Permalink

Identity theft is typically a “paper” crime and it usually involves stealing another individual’s social security number. However, Colorado has seen recent changes to the trends in identity theft and it's become quite an ominous and dangerous crime.

Continue reading "The Unfortunate Reality of Identity Theft" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 7:08 AM | Permalink

Michigan is Ranked 16th for Identity Theft

Recently there have been a number of arrests made in Michigan involving identity theft. Images of identity theft criminals just don't coincide with the peaceful, serene vision that usually comes to mind when we think of the state. Unfortunately, like all other states, Michigan too has become victim to an increasing number of identity theft crimes.

Continue reading "Michigan Struck By Identity Theft" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 10:07 PM | Permalink

Learn How to Avoid Identity Theft during Hotel Stays

Recently in Illinois, ten hotel workers were arrested as part of an identity theft ring. While new information is still being uncovered after a four-month investigation, the identity theft ring could involve thousands of victims nationwide. The recent crime brings up the question, just how safe is our credit card information when we stay at a hotel?

Continue reading "Recent Identity Theft Ring Arrests" »

Posted by Max Anderson at 1:22 PM | Permalink

Experiment Reveals Some Surprising Truths about Identity Theft

A recent experiment by a Savannah, Georgia news station, WTOC11 The Southeast News Leader, reveals that identity theft can be surprisingly easy to commit due to the willingness and trusting nature of many individuals. WTOC conducted several experiments to determine how easy it could be to commit identity theft by gathering personal information from willing participants. The results are unpleasantly astounding.

Continue reading "Identity Theft is Just Too Easy" »

Posted by Jessica Hunter at 11:21 PM | Permalink