mysecurepc

How much do you think you are worth on Internet? Not much, I’m afraid.

This came off FraudArena and is the going rate for your personal information:

$1.50 credit card number, cvv2
$5-$50 stolen medical ID card
$6-$18 basic identity information
$6 British passport number and bank details
$7 hijacked PayPal account with credentials
$14-16 fulls” are a complete set of data identifiers, i.e. name, address social security number, bank account, and mothers maiden name
$30 Passwords and codes to access consumer credit reports
$30-$300 immigration papers with a social security card

Just thought I would pass this along.

Doug

How many times have you been to a business that “needs” to copy your driver’s license, credit card, or other sensitive information? Car rental places, banks, and medical facilities are notorious for this practice. Another popular use is to make copies of tax returns.

Most photocopiers in the past few years have disk drives in them that help in producing copies. Problem is most of them have no security feature in them (digital overwrite or encryption) so a nefarious person could easily grab the information off the drive. The most vulnerable copiers are ones that are sold to another party. Copiers in small businesses can be easily stolen.

Most small businesses, libraries, tax preparers, and copy shops are not aware of the potential problem or if they were they may not know if their particular copier is a threat.

Next time you make a copy of sensitive information make sure the copier has data security features installed. It can save a large headache.

Doug

I am appalled at the number of people who freely put their social security number on their driver’s license. Of course I am more appalled that the DMV (department of motor vehicles) would ask such a question.

We were in the DMV waiting our turn for a change to the driver’s license. We moseyed up near the place where people visit to take care of DMV business and heard this conversation several times:

DMV: “A new license, I see. Do you want your social security number on it?”
Applicant: “Um, ok.”

No one questioned if it was necessary (which it is not). Five out of six people answered this way.

Lose your wallet or purse? Get it stolen? There is all a thief needs to steal your identity on your driver’s license. Many places photocopy your driver’s license (like car rental places and health care centers to name a few). Where does that photocopy go?

Like I have said before, the number one prevention mechanism for identity theft is in the mirror.

Doug