PROTECT YOUR CREDIT CARDS AND IDENTITY BEFORE IT'S STOLEN
Thieves are hiding credit card
reading devices on debit machines at gas stations and ATMs.
 Thieves
attach a duplicate keypad It is designed to capture credit card pin
numbers. They'd match that up with the information from the skimming device
and be able to take money out of your account. Local police say thieves are
often staked out nearby, waiting to retrieve their bogus devices and
transfer the information to stolen, inactivated gift cards, which they sell,
or use to wipe out bank accounts. The best way to avoid the scam is to
inspect ATMs carefully before using. Cover the keypad as
you type in your pin, and don't accept help from anyone standing nearby.
Using ATMs inside banks or withdrawing money at a grocery store is generally safe.
Consumer Warnings - According to a recent poll conducted by the
National Foundation for Credit Counseling, 66% of respondents feel that they
are at risk for identity theft. Identity theft is on the rise. “Whether
shopping in a traditional mall or online, consumers need to understand that
identity thieves can lurk everywhere, especially when we let our guard
down,” said Wayne Ivey, a law enforcement veteran for over 30 years. “Each
time we hand over or swipe our debit or credit card, we have the potential
to have our card numbers skimmed, giving the identity thieves all they need
to duplicate our cards and go on their own spending spree.”
 A
typical credit card skimming device - the false card slot goes over the
original; underneath is a card reader that captures information. A camera is
typically hidden on the ATM, often in a pamphlet holder, angled to view the
monitor and keypad. Police say thieves glue their own card readers over ATM
readers to capture bank card numbers and place tiny cameras near PIN
keypads. The devices record the information, which is downloaded when the
fake scanners and cameras are retrieved later. Then comes pay day. The
fake scanners or keypads don't prevent ATM users from withdrawing money, so
the scam can go undetected until you notice a depleted balance or
unusual purchases. Thousands of retail debit and ATMs are vulnerable. So
before you swipe your card, take a closer look. Security experts say run
your hands around the machine and feel for loose parts. Test the card reader
for any signs of movement. And be on the look out for fake keypads placed
over the exiting keypad.
Dining Out - Be leery when handing over your credit or debit card at
a restaurant. Law enforcement from around the country have been working
large identity theft rings where the consumers’ point of compromise has been
in restaurants. How it works: Diners hand over plastic to pay for meal.
Waiter runs credit/debit card through restaurant machine first and then
secondly through a handheld skimming device, capturing the name, card number
and expiration date from the magnetic stripe. Bad guys can turn this
information into a duplicate card, leaving you stuck with the debt. Also,
always save all credit card receipts and take them home to save or shred.
When paying for fuel at the pump, be sure to confirm the card reader does
not appear tampered with. If it appears suspicious to be safe, walk in and pay
at the register where you can watch the attendant swipe your card in the
machine...and then notify them of your concern.
How can someone steal your identity?
Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal
information such as your name, Social Security number, credit card number or
other identifying information, without your permission, to commit fraud or
other crimes.
What would the thieves do with my name and other information
Typical examples of uses that criminals have for your personal information
and identity are:
Applying for credit cards in your name, - creating fake driver's licenses,
green cards, passports and other forms of identification for illegal aliens,
applying for government benefits, like social security, applying for loans
and mortgages in your name.
What are the consequences to me?
Identity theft is a serious crime. People whose identities have been stolen
can spend months or years - and their hard-earned money - cleaning up the
mess thieves have made. Victims may lose job opportunities, be refused
loans, mortgages, education, housing or cars, or even get arrested for
crimes they didn't commit.
What can I do to PREVENT theft of my
identity?
1- Sign up to block credit card offers
2- Don’t give out any financial information, such as checking account and
credit card numbers; and especially your social Security number; on the
phone or online, unless you initiate the call and know the person or
organization you’re dealing with.
3- Don’t give that information to any stranger. In general, it is only
required for medical providers, banks, mortgages and credit card companies.
4- Shred any bank account statements, credit card statements, credit card
offers and anything that contains your personal identification information
(name, address, social security number, driver's license number, mother's
maiden name, or account numbers. (if you don't have a shredder, burn them in
the fireplace, or rip them manually into little bits and place in the middle
of your wet garbage).
5- Don’t pre-print your driver’s license, telephone or Social Security
numbers on your checks. And in states that want to use your social security
number as your driver's license number, insist on another method - most
allow it.
6- Guard your Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) for your ATM and credit
cards, and don’t write on or keep your PINs with your cards. You should also
guard your ATM and credit card receipts. Thieves can use them to access your
accounts.
$1 Million Service Guarantee - What are the details of LifeLock's $1
Million Total Service Guarantee?
LifeLock works to help stop identity theft before it happens by taking
proactive steps to reduce your risk. But if you become a victim of identity
theft while you are a LifeLock member because of some failure or defect in
our service, contact us and we will act on your behalf to repair any damage.
We will spend up to $1 million to hire lawyers, investigators, consultants
and whatever else it takes to restore your name and help you recover the
direct losses from the identity theft. In most cases, your name can be
restored within 30 days.
LifeLock, Inc. is an industry leader in proactive identity theft protection.
Since 2005, LifeLock has been providing consumers with the
tools and confidence they need to help protect themselves from identity
theft. The company has a strong focus on educating consumers and working
with law enforcement and elected officials to better understand the
increasing threats of identity theft. A multiple award-winning organization,
LifeLock has been recognized by Arizona Corporate Excellence as Arizona’s
Fastest Growing Company, by the American Business Awards as having the Best
New Product or Service of the Year for the LifeLock Identity Alert™ system,
and most recently ranked 8th on Inc. Magazine’s 29th Annual Inc. 500 List,
an exclusive ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies.
Click the Banner for Secure Details on their Web
Site
Compare the 2 plans available - 30cents or 45cents per day
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