06:00 - Wednesday, Jul. 13, 2005
a public service from who did it and ran, ink!! take heed, and read!!
we here at who did it and ran, ink! care about you, the loyal reader. because we really do give a shit, and not just saying it to hear ourselves talk, the committee of three, (namely, me, myself, and i) do hereby and forthwith present to you:
1.lock up your social security card, birth certificate, passport, and other personal id's that contain sensitive information. do not carry these items with you, except as necessary.
2.do not give out your social security number unless absolutely necessary ask for a different identifing number if the SSN is being used.
3.destroy all documents containing personally identifing information when you dispose of them. make sure you shred all bank statements, credit card statements, expired credit cards, old tax documentshealth insurance forms, medical records, and utility bills. use a shredder that cross shreds for best destruction.
4.shred all credit cards and mortgage offers, ID thieves can use them to apply for credit in your name. better yet, call: 1-888-567-8688 to opt out of recieving offers of credit based on your credit report.
5.limit the number of credit cards you have and cancel all accounts that you do not use. the fewer the cards you have the easier it is to keep track of them.
6.check card and bank statements every month as soon as they arrive or are available online. this is the best way to detect any funny business. and most card companies only give you a certain amount of time to challenge mistakes, typically around 60 days; also ask card companies not to send you "convenience checks" that could be easily stolen.
7.limit use of debit cards attached to your bank accounts. for example, do not use them anyplace where they may leave your sight, like at fancy resturants, or for online transactions. federal law, bank policies,and debit card issuiers generally protect against most debit card losses, but the extent of the protection varies. your bank account could be emptied, leaving you with no cash for a period of time.
8.pick up new checks at the bank, instead of having them mailed to your home.
9.keep an eagle eye out on your mail. know when your mailman comes to your home. deposit outgoing mail in post boxes, not your own mailbox if its not secured, and promptly remove delivered mail. stop mail delivery when you go on vacation.
10.check your credit report regulary for any funny business, like unauthorised credit applications. the fair and accurate credit transactions act (FACTA) the same law that requires employers to properly dispose of consumer reports created by 3rd parties, gives every person a free annual credit report. everyone will be able to get one beginning september 1st. to get one, visit: annualcreditreports.com or call 1-877-322-8228.
11. do not respond to email asking for personal information!!!!thieves will often send out emails that appear from legit entities, such as banks. banks will never notify you asking you for things like account numbers or espically PIN numbers, or passwords. some even provide links to "secure" websites that appear legit. using corporate logos,etc. your bank will never send you out emails asking for your personal information. if you really think its from your bank, call them directly. but never use a number provised by an email. heres a tip: lets say you have an email from your bank; citybank, for example. point to the link, but DONT CLICK on the link. now, while pointing at the link, look at the greybar just above the start button on the bottom of your screen. if it does not say: http://www.citybank.com in the greybar while you are pointing at the link. then you know its a fake. lets try it. heres a link to the daily drivel, just point your mouse over to it, and dont click it: the daily drivel now, while the pointer is over "the daily drivel" look on the bottom of the screen on the greybar above the start button. does it say: shortcut to acaldwell.diaryland.com? if it does, then you know that the link is really from the daily drivel. and paypal users: paypal will ALWAYS send you email greeting you with your FIRST and LAST name, as in dear john doe. if you get an email from paypal greeting you as: dear paypal user, or the like, you will know its fake.
12.protect your home computer!!!! use and update regularly, virus and firewall protections to prevent outside access to your computer. you'd be suprised as to how many computers i can get into, because they are unsecured!!! also use "strong" passwords to protect your financial and personal info that mix letters and numbers. do not use common identifiers such as birthdates, or mothers maiden name. change your passwords regularly, and keep any written record of passwords in a safe place, not on a sticy pad attached to your monitor! also, if you use a public computer like at the library, or internet cafe, be sure to log out when you are done, and delete your history in the internet options.
13.before selling or giving away your computer, format your hard drive!!! if you do not know how to do this, email me, and i will give you instructions.
14.immediately report any losses of personal identification and credit cards. close credit card accounts, and notify the DMV pronto, so no one can apply for a drivers licence or state I.D. card in your name.
15. consider purchasing special ID theft protection. ID theft protection plans typically monitor your credit report and report to you any monkey business.in the event of theft, the best plans will help you file reports, dispute any unauthorised activity, and restore your identity, and good name.
ok class dismissed! any questions, email me: [email protected]!!!
FACT OF THE DAY
On Saturday 13th July 1985 Live Aid happened, a live music event in London and Philadelphia watched by an estimated 1.5 billion viewers in 100 countries. It was organised by Midge Ure and Bob Geldof on order to deliver aid to Ethiopia. Twenty years later, they did it all again, this time to coincide with the G8 summit held in Gleneagles, Scotland and to encourage debt relief and fair trade with Africa.
CAT OF THE DAY
