[IP] identity Thieves Employ High-Tech Tactics
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From: "EEkid@xxxxxxx"<EEkid@xxxxxxx>
Sent: 13/07/05 7:56:00 AM
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Subject: Identity Thieves Employ High-Tech Tactics
Identity Thieves Employ High-Tech Tactics
Aleksandra Todorova
SmartMoney.com
THANKS TO TECHNOLOGY advances, identity thieves no longer need to
dumpster-dive in search of your private information. Now, sensitive data can
easily
land in their hands while you're shopping, browsing the Internet or simply
visiting your dentist.
Here are five of the latest high-tech forms of identity theft, according to
Truecredit, a unit of credit-reporting bureau TransUnion, along with ways
consumers can protect themselves.
1. Pharming. You've probably heard of "phishing," a form of identity theft
where fake emails are sent out, asking you to urgently update your bank
account or credit-card information, which is then sent to identity thieves. Now
phishing has evolved into "pharming," where thieves create fake Web sites
similar to the Web sites of banks or credit-card companies. When consumers who
don't know the difference try to log in, their account information is sent
along
to the thieves.
These Web sites get traffic through phishing, explains Nicole Lowe, credit
education specialist at Truecredit.com, or with the help of computer viruses
that automatically redirect traffic from specific Web addresses, such as those
for banks, credit-card companies or shopping Web sites. To avoid pharming,
look out for anything strange or new in the site's Web address, or URL, Lowe
recommends. You can also browse the Web site in depth. The crooks likely
haven't recreated all its layers.
2. Gas stations. Every time you swipe your credit or debit card at the gas
pump, your information is sent via satellite to your bank for verification.
According to Truecredit, identity thieves have now invented a way to hijack
that
information by modifying the program that carries out the data transfer so
that your credit-card number is sent to them at the same time it's sent to
your bank. While there isn't a way to detect when your data are being stolen,
Lowe recommends using only credit cards at the pump as a precaution. With
debit
or check cards, it takes a while for fraudulent purchases to be credited
back into your checking account, while credit-card companies will remove any
disputed charges from your account immediately.
3. International skimming. According to Truecredit, skimming occurs when
your credit card is run through a small reader, similar to those used in
grocery
stores, which captures your card information for future use by identity
thieves. This form of fraud is common in the service industry here in the U.S.,
and anywhere abroad. Be on the lookout when paying with a credit card in a
restaurant that you're not familiar with, Lowe recommends. If you don't feel
comfortable letting your card out of sight, use cash or walk over to the cash
register to pay your bill. When traveling abroad, use only one credit card so
it's easier to detect any fraudulent charges.
4. Keystroke catchers. These small devices are attached to the cable that
connects your keyboard to your computer and can be bought online for a little
over $100. The "catcher" resembles a standard connector, but contains a memory
chip that records everything you type. It's typically used in public places
where computers are available, such as libraries, Internet cafes and college
computer labs. To protect yourself when using a public computer, never shop
online, check your bank account, pay bills or enter your credit-card
information.
5. Database theft. Chances are, your personal information is part of
numerous databases, including those at your dentist and doctor's offices, your
college or university admissions office, your mortgage and insurance companies,
even your local Blockbuster. While there's little you can do about the way
those
companies safeguard your information, you can try limiting their access to
sensitive data, such as your Social Security number, says Lowe. Your cable
company and DVD rental store, for example, have no need to know your Social
Security number and should agree to an alternative, such as the last few digits
of your driver's license number.
_http://biz.yahoo.com/special/survive05_article1.html_
(http://biz.yahoo.com/special/survive05_article1.html)
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