The best place to start in keeping your home safe is to make sure all the outside doors to your house have keyed knob sets and deadbolt locks. Use security bars for added security on sliding patio doors and entry doors. To keep your garage & shed safe, attach gate latches and laminated padlocks. Make sure padlocks are highly resistant to weather. Its a good idea to always keep your home and sheds locked up.

A good way to find the right security products for your home is to talk to your local crime prevention officer, it will just take one phone call to find out what you need. Or you can contact a store that specializes in home security items. Ask for a quotation detailing all the items needed for the best protection; ask to have prices for several models/ types of equipment. If its a home alarm that you are inquiring about ask for a list of the devices along with prices & functions.

Look for a security bar with a locking device that can withstand a lot of force. Patio door security bars should also prevent thieves from lifting the door off the track.

Its a good idea to change the locks on your new home when you move in. You never know who might have keys to your house. Dont let strangers into your home, always check through a peephole and ask who is behind the door before you open it. If you have children make sure they are instructed properly.

Report broken street lights to the city. Well-lit areas mean less hiding places for burglars. Similarly, report any strangers you notice loitering in your neighbourhood. Keep good relationships with your neighbours and count on each other as a support group to keep the area safe. Add flood lighting outdoors at every point of entry & in front of any ground level windows. The bright light will scare off burglars. If you love dogs, then consider getting a dog from the pound. There are many dogs that are suitable to protect your home and dogs make great companions too.

For more Information on this topic visit
http://www.buildwish.com a free Online Home Improvement Directory in 100 Cities in North America. Featuring over 2 million Real Estate classifieds, helpful articles, contests, home improvement videos, virtual home tools, Qualified Trades people, ask an expert, a moving center, get free quotes for Insurance, Moving, Mortgages, Contractors, Find Foreclosures and a finance blog that will save you money on bank rates & credit card rates.

Article Source: Know how to Keep Your Home Safe

There have been a number of reports in the press and on television recently about a weakness in the locks on uPVC doors. In some areas of the UK, notably West Yorkshire, Police are reporting that this weakness is clearly being exploited by thieves.

This is a growing problem throughout the country. No special tools are needed and a burglar can break these euro-profile cylinders in a matter of seconds and although we know the methods used we will not disclose these methods in any detail, as a precaution against “copy-cat” burglaries.

This type of lock is used worldwide in aluminium, wooden or uPVC conservatory door locks. However secure or elaborate the multi-point locking mechanism is, it is the cylinder that is the vulnerable area. The cylinder is the part which allows key operation. If the cylinder is broken, the multi-point lock can be easily opened in no time at all.

All major Lock Manufacturers are working hard to find solutions to the problem.

At the moment, only two of the major lock manufacturers have come up with a viable a solution. Both Squire and Mul-T-Lock have designed a cylinder that still snaps, but it does so at a predetermined position which leaves the door secure. Mul-T-Lock have called their cylinders ‘Break Secure’ and Squire’s range is called ‘SnapSafe’.

Although these new cylinders are not guaranteed against all methods of attack on uPVC doors, they act as a deterrent by making it much more difficult for burglars to gain access.

These lock ‘barrels’ are inexpensive and can be easily fitted in under 5 minutes. Watch the measure your cylinder video to see how to measure your existing cylinder and the Break Secure cylinder replacement video to see how to fit a replacement Break Secure cylinder and download the accompanying Euro-profile cylinder size guide.

Some lock manufacturers, such as Squire and ERA, are approaching the problem by offering cylinder security devices or cylinder enhancers. These metal surrounds are secured to the existing cylinder underneath the door handle. ERA’s solution is particularly beneficial as it sandwiches the door and the cylinder in place, making it almost impossible to remove the broken cylinder.

Using these cylinder enhancers together with a Break Secure or SnapSafe cylinder probably is the most effective solution currently available.

To further reduce the possibility of forced entry, it is also of the utmost importance to ensure that a cylinder is the correct size and properly fitted.

A Euro Profile Cylinder should only protrude 2-3mm beyond the door furniture. Often, when cylinders have been replaced, the wrong size replacement has been used and this makes the door even more vulnerable

It is a well known fact that burglars will always choose the easiest option!

To avoid becoming a victim of this type of forced entry, check all door cylinders and, if necessary, upgrade to ‘Break Secure’ or ‘SnapSafe’ ranges.

uPVC/Patio Door Lock Multipoint Mechanism Replacement

Although Christie Intruder Alarms is famous across the the South of England as an installer of burglar alarms, fire alarms, CCTV, etc, CIA also specialise in the supply and replacement of double-glazed uPVC and composite doors and windows including multipoint locking mechanisms. If a replacement is required and we do not have it within our own extensive stock then we can usually source and quickly obtain direct from the manufacturer.

To establish which type of multipoint lock replacement to buy for your uPVC/patio or conservatory doors you will first need to establish identification of multipoint lock your doors already have fitted.

Alternatively it is often possible to replace the lock with a universal multipoint mechanism which will often upgrade and improve the security over and above that of the original.

Always deadlock doors whenever a house is empty, and fit a door chain to the main door to use when you are at home. As an alternative to replacing the cylinders, consider fitting secondary bolts to uPVC doors in other parts of the house.

The most common method of car theft is when burglars break into houses and steal the keys, so make sure that any keys (particularly car keys) are hidden. Other easily removed valuables, such as jewellery, should not be left in exposed areas.

A safe is a useful addition to other methods of security and an ideal place to keep spare keys, passports, jewellery, cameras etc. These items are often not just financially valuable but have a great sentimental value which is irreplaceable.

For advice on all aspects of physical security, contact a reputable MLA locksmith. If a locksmith belongs to the MLA (Master Locksmith Association), he has to have undertaken and passed an independently assessed BLI examination. Every approved Company has to undergo stringent, regular inspections to ensure that these high standards of workmanship and administration are maintained. As well, all MLA members conform to legal requirements and follow a customer charter which means that they are qualified and competent to carry out all aspects of the Locksmith trade.

CIA are the UK’s leading security company. We are actively helping to beat the current upvc door lock snapping epidemic. Insure your upvc lock cylinder is a Mul-T-Lock Break Secure cylinder.

Article Source: Make sure your loved ones are safe this Christmas

“We need education in the obvious more than investigation of the obscure.”
- Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.

It seems like a new identity theft horror story makes the rounds every day, stirring up panic, paranoia, and concern all over again. But here’s a dirty little secret about this seemingly intractable problem: in most cases, it is completely, 100% avoidable! That’s right - with some conscientious planning and common sense habits, you can lower your risk of identiy theft to almost zero. You see, the problem isn’t just that ID thieves are getting smarter (which they are.) The real problem is that everyday citizens are getting dumber! Don’t let yourself fall into that category. Instead, follow these 7 tips and rest assured that ID thieves will be shut out in the cold.

1) Use a paper shredder

The bedrock of any sensible ID theft prevention strategy is a good, old-fashioned paper shredder. If nothing else, you should be shredding all invoices, credit card statements, or sensitive printed information that you intend to throw away. Once shredded, you can add another layer of protection by tossing the shreds into a garbage bag containing disgusting things like old food, dog droppings, or anything else an ID thief would hate having to sift through. If you have a fireplace, burn your private information during the winter months.

2) Do not own or use unnecessary credit cards

It should go without saying that every credit card you own increases your exposure to identity theft. Unfortunately, the average American owns multiple credit cards, including rewards cards and store-specific cards. If you have too many cards, strongly consider ditching them! Not only will it lower your risk of identity theft, it will also help your credit score, as people with more cards are percieved as risky because of all the debt they could charge to them.

3) Set a reasonable spending limit on the cards you do own and use

The one or two credit cards you keep should have reasonable spending limits. Experts suggest that $100-$500 is a good rule of thumb, as even in the worst-case scenario, an ID thief spending that amount would probably not be devastating to your finances. If your cards do not have reasonable spending limits already, set them now.

4) Examine unfamiliar/suspicious e-mail with the scrutiny of a hawk

It may not be 1998 anymore, but it’s astounding how many people are still, in 2008, taken by obviously fake e-mails that appear to come from their bank, investment company, or other institution. Learn this and learn it cold: no reputable institution will ask for your password, account confirmation, or sensitive data in an e-mail, especially not out of the clear blue or because of a “recent computer failure” or any such nonsense. E-mails that sound like that were made up by scammers to fool you into handing over your information. Don’t give it to them!

5) Lock all personal information and documents in a safe

These days, there’s just no excuse for leaving your birth certificate, Social Security cards, or other private data out in the open. No matter where you live or how safe you think you are, these things should be secured! If you don’t own one already, go out, buy a safe, and lock your important documents inside. It’s a valuable layer of protection in the event of a breaking and entering, and you’ll be glad you have one!

6) Use services like PayPal that shield your bank details from others

If you make online payments, consider using services like PayPal, which allow you to make and recieve payments using only an e-mail address. In this way, the people you do business with will only see your e-mail address, not your actual bank account number or routing number. Only PayPal will have that information, which they never share. It’s just sound practice to give people as little private information as you can, and PayPal can be a great means to that end!

7) Pull your credit reports twice a year (at least)

Your credit report will offer obvious clues if someone has stolen your identity - for example, whether any new accounts have been opened, or whether anyone has pulled your credit report since you last checked. These are things you need to know, and the best way to find out is to request access to your credit report at least twice a year. Make sure to check all of the 3 major bureaus - Experian, Equifax, and Trans-Union.

Fred Jones
id theft

Article Source: 7 Obvious (But Often Ignored) Ways to Prevent Identity Theft

Believe it or not, not every case of identity theft comes from banks leaking private data or people losing their credit cards. There are still plenty of unscrupulous con men out there trying to fool you into giving them your information. The good, old-fashioned identity theft hoax is alive and well, and if you’re not careful, you’ll fall into one of the many traps these thieves have set out. Following are 7 of the most widespread and dangerous such traps to look out for.

1) ATM scams

Grabbing a quick $20 from the ATM machine is getting riskier every day. There are two main scams to look out for when it comes to ATM machines. The first is how privately operated, “no-name” ATM machines (ie, those not affiliated with major banks or financial instutitions) can actually record your private information as you key it in, after which they can use it for anything they want. The best advice here is to avoid using no-name ATMs when possible. The second scam is how people sometimes “stake out” by parking their car near ATM machines, trying to look innocent, but actually using spy/zoom cameras to zero in on people as they type their PIN number. Shield the keypad when keying in your PIN number so this can’t happen to you!

2) Unscrupulous bank employees

If you have a bad feeling about a surly or suspicious bank employee, trust your judgment. Leave the bank and either come back later when another employee can assist you or try to complete your transaction from the ATM machine instead. It is a known fact that unscrupulous bank employees are fine with stealing people’s information, and you don’t want that to happen to you.

3) “Do Not Call” list impersonators

Paradoxically, the “Do Not Call” list has spawned a new generation of scammers to exploit the very list created to stop them. It is now common for scammers to call people pretending to be from the “Do Not Call” list, requesting personal information in order to “better protect you” from over the phone scams. Don’t go along with it however, for this itself is a scam! The actual “Do Not Call” list will never request such information from you and anyone who does is lying.

4) Nigerian e-mail scams/fake lotteries

One of the more prevalent ID theft scams in this decade is the “Nigerian e-mail scam.” That’s where someone e-mails you pretending to be Nigerian (or any type of) royalty, claiming to have a huge cash prize that they can only smuggle out of the country by depositing into your bank account. Naturally, they need your bank account number and routing number to complete the transaction, and they’ll give you a cut just for letting them use the account! Obviously, the old adage “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is” applies. No one with any royal background or huge fortune would e-mail random strangers begging for help. So don’t fall for it! Ditto for anyone claiming you won a lottery that you can claim if you hand over your account information.

5) Using debit cards over the phone

Many pizza places and take-out restaurants (to name a few establishments) now let customers pay via debit card over the phone by verbally telling them the card number. That’s all well and good for convenience, but this places your card at the mercy of whomever took your order. Do you really trust Uncle Bob up the street, the local pizza delivery guy, with your debit card number? Maybe, maybe not, but you should at least think about it before making these types of transactions.

6) Imposter IRS agents

One of the more bold scams out there is the impersonation of IRS agents. Scam artists of this kind will actually call you or come to your door, claiming to be an IRS agent who needs your bank account information to “finalize your tax return” or other such nonsense. The savvier scammers will call you first, attempting to establish their credibility over the phone before meeting you in person so as to seem more official. Don’t be fooled! Actual IRS agents will not operate this way, and you should contact the actual IRS if you are suspicious of people claiming to represent them.

7) Stolen checks

Many people are paying their bills online these days (a safe practice), but some still choose to mail checks and money orders from their personal mailboxes. This is okay, but you should know that people can and do steal these checks. Once in their posession, your checks can be used to gain further information about you and create all kinds of needless risk. To avoid this happening, start paying bills online or drop your checks in public mailboxes that cannot be tampered with.

Fred Jones
identity protection

Article Source: 7 Identity Theft Scams to be Weary Of

It is a poor thought we must say, but often we think what happens if our horse trailer, travel trailer or utility trailer gets stolen with the horses or dear tools in it. Such things have happened in the past and can verily happen in the future. The trailers are kept insured and thankfully so, but there are other harassing factors involved too. The time and effort that we give to finding the lost trailer and further the emotions attached with it.

Thieves find it easy. Cutting through the padlock on a trailer hitch is no huge task. Few people cannot get more careless. They keep their trailers without locks. Great! Thieves then fly away with the trailer and its contents in a flash.

People need to park their trailers in busy places where they are difficult to be stolen or at least keep the trailer aligned to a vehicle. Best still, they should use trailer hitch locks.

No lock in the world is strong enough to be called unbeatable but at least quality trailer hitch locks create a tough impact on the thief’s mind. They feel psychologically beaten. Specialty trailer hitch locks are modified to suit your trailer hitches. There is some kind of quality trailer hitch locks for each possible kind of trailer. Irrespective of whether we tow it with a lunette ring, lunette eye, kingpin hitch or a ball, something is always there in it for us.

High-quality trailer hitch locks are available trailers which have 2 3/8’’ or 3’’ lunette ring or eye hitch. The hitch is neatly made from stern cast iron and has a 6 pin tumbler lock. This way the hitch is encased and the lock is completely sheltered.

Quality trailer hitch locks are also provided for kingpin hitch trailers. Such hitches can protect 5th wheel trailers with ease. This is a top-draw selection for the larger horse trailers.

Quality trailer hitch locks are also formatted to lock trailers with bulldog couplers. The design aims to completely shield the coupler so that a thief gets fatigued by the time he comes to the hitch. The thief can’t just get there even if the collar release wire is cut. 6 pin tumbler lock is the common element.

The locking hitch pin for the quality trailer hitch locks avoid any clanking noise and move train strain. It further fixes any 2’’ hollow ball mount. The brass lock is poignant and it has a stainless-steel hitch pin. The lock cover is long-lasting and ably shelters against any debris.

Find out more about trailer hitch lock at www.trailerlocksonline.com.

Article Source: Quality trailer hitch locks

Many individuals do not realize it, but pyramid deck lights may prevent crime. It has been found that dark homes at night may actually entice criminals to come up on the property and perform crimes. This is because of the fact that it is difficult for others to see criminals in the act in the dark. No one is immune to crime - it happens in low, middle, and high income neighborhoods every single day, and night.

If you want to ensure that your home is properly protected against one crime, one of the methods that you can use is to increase the amount of lighting on the outside of the home. Here, I will share with you how to use pyramid deck lights to prevent crime.

If you are looking to protect your home from potential thieves, it is really important to ensure that you put lighting around every area of the home. Many individuals light up just the patio, or just the sidewalks, or just a small section of the front yard.

However, it is important to light every area of the home - bringing special attention to the areas of the home that are accessible to potential criminals like the doors and the windows of the home.

The great thing about pyramid deck lights is that they can be placed virtually anywhere and actually make the home more attractive overall. All you have to do is put up a small post, and then attach the pyramid light on top of the post. Once you do this, you simply attach the lighting to any type of electricity that is required to power the light. In many cases, you do not even have to attach the light to any type of electrical source!

There are many types of pyramid deck lights that are actually solar powered! Considering the costs associated with utilities these days, it may be in your best interest to purchase these solar powered lights. These are really simple to use, and they provide an adequate amount of light to deter any type of criminal activity.

While it is important to ensure that you place these lights in areas where the sun’s light can get to them, this is generally not a complication for most home owners. There are many different ways that you can prevent crime to your home, and enhance the overall safety of the home. Electing to use pyramid deck lights to prevent crime is just one method that can be used.

Daryl Plaza is a regular contributor to SignatureOutdoorLighting.com a website with resources and information for all your outdoor patio lighting needs.

Article Source: Pyramid Deck Lights will add security to your home with outdoor lighting

I Was Hacked and my Identity was stolen.

Now, if you knew me (mother of 4 grandmother of you would know that I am an intelligent, talented, (High School teacher) and educated woman. I am not stupid, foolish or ignorant so imagine my shock when I discovered it.

In this article you will learn: The difference between a burglary and a robbery - and why it makes a difference in law enforcement. How internet thieves get into your computer What they can do with the information they steal How internet identity theft can mess you your life What you can do to protect yourself

So, let’s start by defining the difference between a “burglary and a robbery.”

A burglar is someone who breaks into your personal world, be it a house, car, motor home, locker etc. but, does not use violence to accomplish this dirty deed. No gun, knives or weapon of any sort has been used against you or any one in the vicinity. It other words, these are the guys that take your stuff when you are out running errands or vacationing. A Robber however is someone who will not hesitate to use violent means to get whatever he wants.

Remember in the movie Home Alone starring McCally Caulkin…he was, by accident, left on his own while his parents and siblings were off on a Christmas vacation? The movie is funny but the bumbling idiots stalking the place expecting to break in and grab - suddenly escalated things into a robbery situation when they discovered the kid inside.

Why is this definition important?

Primarily - Police officers treat their response time differently due to the fact that no one is being threatened or physically harmed.

3 Years ago, after running errands for less than 2 hours…I returned to my new home, in my new neighborhood to find the place ransacked! Everything gone - electronics, DVD’s, heirloom jewelry, loose change, even my bed spread they used to drag the stuff out with.

I couldn’t understand why my frantic call to the police was greeted with a sluggish -”Ma’am we will place your call on the waiting list - You see, there are more serious situations our officers need to attend to.”

9 hours later they show up at my door step with a 2 reason explanation for their delay.

What were those reasons?

1. I had moved into an area so saturated with crime they couldn’t keep up (thanks realtor).

2. I was in no physical threat.

And so it goes with identity theft…unless you are a big multi-million dollar corporation in which ton’s of personal information has been dowloaded and lost there is limited concern and energy directed toward cyber crime.

Why? No physical threat and it’s growing at such an enormous pace the authorities are having a difficult time keeping up.

Combine the above facts with how savvy and hi-tech these identity thieves are - it’s like choosing to walk down a dark and lonely alley every time you choose to use your computer to access the internet.

Jim Doyle a recognized expert on internet crime says: “The likelihood of becoming a victim of identity theft via on online attack is growing as Hackers are becoming more and more persistent and difficult to stop.”

Not only are they getting smarter - as the World Wide Web expands - so does their reach. 10 years ago few families had computers in their homes…today it is a fixture and an important tool in our culture. The more we search, shop, and download on line the more information they can access.

How do they do this?

By latching on like a big fat parasite like tick to your most innocent online activities such as:

Sharing a website

Sending an Email attachment

Hiding code in “free” software you download

Masking code behind images/pictures in a web page you are visiting

Tracking the information you enter when making puchases through the internet

Not only can they get - in they can do a lot of damage - I know because it happened to me! But before I get to that…let’s look at the more common virus types:

The Virus - this little guy is basically a computer prank - more popular in the 80’s but not too long ago I had one introduced to my computer. It gets into your system and can make it do spastic things like make music, strange noises or freeze your computer.

The Worm - This thing just eats and destroys like something from a sci-fi horror movie. Get one of these in your system - it’s gonna slow down your hard drive and probably cost ya to repair it.

The Trojan Horse - Designed to open up the security doors of your computer to let the flies in. Not known for damaging your computer - just accessing.

Spyware - We’ve all heard of this one - this chick is created to gather information about how you surf the internet - then that information, is sold to marketers and advertisers..there is huge money in this.

Adware - Similar to Spyware in that it also tracks your personal information but delivers it to a much boarder information base…ever wonder where all that junk email comes from?

The Big Dog Of them all is known as the KEY STROKE MONITOR - this guy is a bully in the worst way. It’s designed specifically to track banking, credit card transactions, and seek out passwords for one purpose only - to steal and use your personal valuable information.

Then, you also have the more overt cyber thieves - these are the ones that phishing scams like “You’ve won the Lottery” or “For Security Reasons validate your Id Now” But that’s a topic for another article.

So here’s my story: Each morning after I grab that first come of fresh java I do three things religiously. Check my emails, stock standings, and the ol’ bank account.

Well not too long ago, after smiling at the first two and watching the pretty finch that just landed on my deck, I casually type in my Id password, scroll down my bank accounts and…

WHAT THE HECK!?

A substantial amount of money has been transferred to a “CD” without any initiation from me. While I’m on the phone with the bank representative - she informs me that while we are speaking - another amount is being moved.

This was identity theft - live and in person!

This was just one example of what can be done once a person’s identification has been stolen - they can also:

Go on spending sprees using your identity

Open credit card accounts and destroy your credit

Buy Cars - yes, they can and have

Set up phone and wireless accounts in your name

Get loans and even mortgages

Crash your Hard drive out of spite Oh, and let’s not forget…

Drain Your Bank Account!

I was lucky - my obsessive habit caught the theft before my money was untraceable. Just as a side note - though the bank could track the transfer to a “little old ladies” inactive account in Florida - they informed me that to track the criminals was “impossible”. Which leads me back to the original point of this article - to inform and warn.

If you have not taken defensive action with your computer then assuredly YOU ARE WALKING ON AN IDENTITY THEFT TIGHT ROPE!

Having my identity stolen to transfer money was bad enough but I also had to clean up the mess to protect myself from further assaults.

Research reveals the average time it takes to repair the damage done by cyber crime is approximately 330 hours of tracking transactions, canceling credit cards, monitoring and stopping strange charges, closing old internet accounts and creating new log in passwords.

The reporting process also includes notifying the Social Security office and all credit reporting companies to alert them to further possible fraud. In other words it is a pain in the neck!! Believe me - I know!

So Now - Let’s get to the Good Stuff - Solutions and Protection 101 or “What I Learned after the Fact”

1. NEVER us cyber cafe’s or local hotspots to do important internet business. NEVER! It’s like leaving your door wide open when you go on vacation. Open invitation for theft.

2. Always use An Internet Firewall - most computer manufacturers take this problem seriously and provide a free limited version of some sort of firewall — this is a good start - but not enough protection.

3. Keep your computer updated - also a limited cautionary strategy but keep in mind the older the system the easier the hacking

4. Invest in an Anti Virus software product…more specifically match the product to your use habits. One size does not fit all when it comes to computer protection. For example, if you shop a lot on the internet consider software that is designed specifically for shoppers. Other examples of software complimenting your use: gaming, information, music and video downloads all require a different type protection. Click Here for more information

5. Protect your children - this can’t be emphasized enough with the porn industry being a $12 billion industry in the United States alone - and out of that $12 Billion, $3 Billion is generated specifically through child porn - Porn predators spend millions on their recruiting campaigns targeting children by using sleazy hidden hacker type systems and weaving their way into social networking sites like MySpace and Face Book. Click Here for Free report

The benefits we derive and the entertainment we enjoy from our computers and the internet has insured its value for years to come.

Sadly, there will always be the scum bags that will take advantage and exploit everyone they can.

Bottom line - Without Internet Virus Protection - You may Survive - But The Odds Are Stacked Against You.

Ironically, I thought I was protected but discovered “The one secret Hackers Don’t Want You to Know” after my identity was stolen - and a virus was introduced into my hard drive that CRASHED my hardware needing extensive professional repairs.

You can stop this from happening to you. You can keep the hackers out of your cyber space. Don’t let me be the one to say “I Told You So!”
Visit my website

Visit my Website

Click Here To Learn What Risks Children Face On The Internet

Article Source: I Was Hacked!

Identity theft is a problem in today’s society that needs more attention than it is getting. In 2006 alone 15.6 billion dollars were stolen or used in identity theft related cases. Of course monetary figures alone do not give the problem proper justice. The time and stress of the victims trying to recover from their identities being stolen must also be taken into account.

To begin to address the problem I think we must first fully understand what the problem is and how it is occurring. Identity theft is the act of using someone else’s personal information for personal gain of any sort. We can break it down further by classifying identity theft into 3 categories: financial identity theft, criminal identity theft, and identity cloning.

Financial identity theft is what most of us commonly associate as identity theft. It is the use of another person’s personal information to withdraw a loan, withdraw money from the victim’s bank account, or receive items of value. In this type of identity theft the victim is usually unaware of what has taken place until the damage has already been done, and they are left with a large sum of money that is either missing or owed.

In criminal identity theft, a fake ID using the victim’s information is used when the thief is being cited for a ticket. The victim is then left to pay for the ticket and any other repercussion that should never have been put onto him.
Lastly, identity cloning is the act of using a victim’s personal information to “become” the victim. The thief uses the information that he has obtained to assume the victim’s identity to hide his real identity. The thief may do this for a number of reasons such as hiding from the authorities for a crime, for illegal immigration, etc.

Now that we have identified what the problem is, we can try and understand how these thieves are getting their victim’s personal information. A very common and possibly the oldest way of doing so is stealing or dumpster diving for documents that have a person’s personal information written on it. Another common way is to either eavesdrop or look over the shoulder of someone that is punching in their personal information.

With the dawn of the electronic age, new ways of stealing people’s identity have come about. A very common way is through viruses that essentially steal your personal information and send it back to the hacker that sent it. Another is through “skimming” cards which read and memorize credit cards that are run through it so that they can be used later. A growing concern in identity theft is the obtaining of personal information through social networks like Facebook. This is definitely a problem as many people do not realize how dangerous it is to put their personal information on the internet. The majority of the populace does not realize that once something is on the internet, it’s up for the world to see and use as they see fit.

Fred Jones
Identity Theft Protection

Article Source: The Problem of Identity Theft

Since the internet became a popular resource within most households, the thieves and crooks have followed suit by creating scams and illegal activities that prey on the unfamiliar or even the experienced. The current most common is the fake “pop up alert” in the disguise of a genuine windows alert message.

Those of us that use the internet on a regular basis it’s probably think it is easy for us to see through a pop up ad telling us we have some obscure problem with our computer that needs fixing for only 29.99, but a recent study at an American university showed that 63% of people can not tell the different between a real and a fake alert.

Also, for the very many people that only use the internet now and again or are new to browsing these now quite well designed messages can catch them out easily and either convince them to buy software they simply do not need or hack into their personal computers.

These messages often look very similar to the pop up boxes seen when you get an error within windows XP, complete with blue frame and 3D shading. However there are a few ways you can check if this message is real:

- Is there more than one “X” (close button) on the box? If there are two close buttons on the alert box it is not going to be real. Always click the one on the outside, as the one on the inside will simply take you to the link.
- Does a “hand” icon appear when your mouse cursor goes over any part of the alert box, or just the buttons on it? If the cursor icon changes when you place it over even the background of the box, it isn’t real. Microsoft alert boxes will only cause the cursor to change when you go over a button to click.

- Does the top left corner hold a title related to what you where doing on your computer (Such as installing or opening a document) or is it a product name or completely unrelated to your activities? If it is suspicious – check for the other tips shown above.

More tips to follow!

Look for broadband deals that are good for browsing, be sure you compare broadband deals. Why not do a broadband speed test

Article Source: Microsoft and US Law against internet pop up scams (Part 1)

First off you should know that internet security is a necessity in all computers to prevent yourself from getting victimized by people who wants to steal from you or from viruses programmed to destroy your important files.

There are quite a few numbers of Internet security programs that are free. However, most of these programs are only in demo version and it has a specific trial period on how long you will be able to use the program. After the trial period expires, you will have to pay for the software program in order to continuously use it to protect your computer.

Free Internet security programs can be useful. It can serve as a temporary security program for your computer while you look for a different Internet security program to install in your computer.

Once you find a good Internet security program, you can always uninstall the free Internet security program and install your preferred Internet security program that offers maximum protection from viruses, malware, spyware, hackers and identity thieves.

Free internet security software

There are people out there who would do just about anything to get what they want and that includes stealing. Many people have become victims of a very serious crime called identity theft, which often resulted in losing a lot of money and getting sued by several people because of fraud they didn’t even commit.

If you use the internet to purchase things, then you are vulnerable in becoming a victim of identity theft. Since the internet today is used for a lot of transactions, there are people who are also using the internet to steal from other people. They develop different kinds of programs that can enter your computer without you knowing about it, or they can also send you phishing emails for scamming you into providing your personal and financial information.

There are different kinds of internet security software available for download in the internet. Some are free while others will require you to pay a fee for their software. The free versions are not really as effective as the paid version since it will only have limited functions or limited operating time. However, the free versions can serve as a temporary solution while you are still looking for the right kind of software for your needs.

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Article Source: Emergency Information on Free Internet Security

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