mysecurepc.com blog

mysecurepc.com has posted a web page with many privacy tips for everyday life. One of the most unbelievable privacy concerns is the U.S. Post Office. When I read the list of who gets sent your information in their privacy statement I about fell out of my chair.

Also take a look at identity theft prevention tips for statistics on identity theft in 2006. Still at the top of how thieves get your personal information is lost or stolen wallets and purses. Unfortunately, business malfeasance is at the top, too.

Doug

Am I glad my mother in law is on the ball! My wife and I talk about all the scams that are happening around the country. Having one almost happen is a real wake up call.

A few nights ago my mother in law received a subtle frantic phone call around supper time from a man saying she is not correctly enrolled in Medicare. No problem though he would take care of it on the spot. Just give me your social security number and a few other pieces of information and you will be good to go.

She did not fall for it. Her response was that someone else takes care of her dealings with Medicare and they will look into it. After we heard this story and her friend investigated her Medicare status we decided it was a scam.

If caller id was available it probably would show “private call” so the phone call could not be tracked down.

If you know any seniors alert them the possibility of phony telephone calls that ask for personal information. Legitimate companies do not ask for this type of information. Get the telephone number and say you will call back - this usually ends the conversation.

Doug

This was on the news in Las Vegas the other day but is prevalent around the country. The ruse is this: a crook copies down pertinent information off gift cards, usually hanging next to the checkout line. Then the crook periodically calls to see if it has been activated. If so, then it is off to a spending spree.

One of the best ways to avoid this, other than not using gift cards, is to buy one that is behind a counter…of course the attendant may not be on the level but that is another story.

Doug

Gold has always been a hedge against rampant inflation. Gold coins have bought the passage to safety where other forms of money has failed. Many financial planners have recommended precious metals such as gold as part of an overall portfolio. Consider purchasing some gold, whether it be bullion or coins such as American Eagles, Krugerrands, or Maple Leafs for an adjunct to long-term financial security.

Doug

The newest scam is this: criminals place a call to a person requesting they call a number because of a problem such as a credit card breach. The person calls the given number which is a VOIP (voice over internet) phone number and is asked to enter in their account number, etc using the phone keys. VOIP phones can be set up to log phone key strokes and thus steal your information.
If you receive an email or phone call to call a particular number, don’t. Disconnect and call a known good telephone number and verify that indeed your account was breached.
Popular scams involve impersonating the IRS. If this is the case, report it to: IRS scam

Doug

The home computer security checklist is an all-inclusive list of tasks that need to be done to a home computer. Also included are tips on security around the house (e.g. getting and using a top quality paper shredder) and privacy issues (e.g. adding your telephone number to the national do not call registry).
Issues about laptop computers and wireless computing are also addressed. The impetus behind this list is the lack of a place where one can find *all* the things that must be done to provide a safe and secure computing environment. The list is updated frequently as the computer and home security landscape changes rapidly.

Doug

We finally spent the time investigating and evaluating residential locking mailboxes - what a chore! Stories abound about mail theft, especially around tax time. There have been several days the mailbox was empty and the question remains: no mail or stolen mail? Read our findings on the residential locking mailbox

Doug

A good paper shredder will help prevent someone rummaging through your garbage from finding personal information they could use to steal your identity. Some paper shredders will chop up credit cards, CDs, DVDs, and even smart cards. Read more about home/home office paper shredders at: home paper shredders

I was at a home improvement center the other day and saw several mailboxes that locked. Since time was short, a full investigation was unwarranted, but having a mailbox that locks is another guard against the identity thief. January and February are particularly active times for mail crooks since that is when annual tax information is mailed - with your social security number plastered on it. An investigative report will be posted soon on locking mailboxes.