How To Avoid Becoming A Victim of Identity Theft
With identity theft statistics currently at an all time high, and climbing, it just makes sense that we should all be doing everything we can to protect ourselves.
One of the most prevalent yet overlooked ways your personal information and passwords may be being compromised is through the presence of Spyware on your computer.
Note these very disturbing Facts about Spyware and Identity Theft:
- 27.3 million Americans have been victims of identity theft in the last five years, including 9.91 million people or 4.6% of the population in the last year alone.
- Spyware infects 91% of all computers. That equates to an alarming 9 out of 10 computers!
Stop thinking Identity Theft can't happen to you. It can.
Spyware is without doubt the most prevalent threat to online computer privacy and security.
You maybe wondering, exactly what is Spyware?
Spyware applications are programs and files that hide on your PC's hard drive without your direct knowledge. They allow hackers and advertising companies to track your every move, both online and even when you work offline.
Tracking the websites you visit, the items that you buy online, the emails you send and receive, your Instant Message dialog, and worst of all they can even record your credit card number, personal identification numbers, and all of your passwords.
If you use dial-up to connect to the Internet then spyware can be used to bill 900 numbers to your telephone bill.
Spyware allows hackers to take control of your browser and alter your computer system files.
These computer parasites slow down your Internet connection by inundating you with unwanted Spyware pop-up ads.
This is just a short list of the harm that Spyware can cause.
Note: Spyware and Adware cannot be detected by anti-virus and firewall software.
Have you noticed your computer running slower than ever?
The reason for that may have to do with online advertisers adding Spyware, or Adware to your computer without your knowledge.
What is Adware?
Adware works very much like Spyware.
Adware is software that will show you popup ads over and over. These files can also be extremely dangerous to your PC and could cause major problems with your Computer.
If you're still wondering why you should be concerned about adware or spyware, consider this reality.
Through the use of adware and spyware your passwords, credit card numbers and other personal information could end up in the wrong hands.
In an attempt to provide some much-needed information on the subject of spyware, adware and identity theft I've compiled a Special Report called Spyware! How To Get and Stay Safe.
The report is in PDF format and can be had for the asking by visiting the following URL: http://www.easyhow-to.com/identity-theft-avoidance.htm
Clyde Dennis, a.k.a. "Mr. How-To", is Editor at EASYHow-To Publications and has been contributing articles that help people make their lives better since 1999. At his web site, The "How To" Library, you'll find a collection of the latest tools, tips, and information you need to help you get things done. For more information visit http://www.EASYHow-To.com
MORE RESOURCES:
 China Daily | Fallout From TJX Credit Card ... InternetNews.com - By Andy Patrizio: More stories by this author: The indictment of 11 criminals involved in the TJX credit card theft incident shows that cybercrime is indeed ... Video: Feds Charge 11 in Massive Retail Hacking Case Credit card thieves ran a polite, professional help desk 11 charged over US credit card theft |
 Earthtimes (press release) | US Consumer Credit Increases $14.3 Billion in June (Update2) Bloomberg - Consumer credit rose by $14.3 billion, the most since November, to $2.59 trillion, the Federal Reserve said today in Washington. In May, credit rose by $8.1 ... Consumer credit rose $14.33 bln in June US consumer credit rose at double the pace forecast in June Consumers release their credit cards from musty wallets |
 Washington Post | Here comes the credit crackdown Independent, UK - One year into the credit crisis, regulators are hard at work on new laws they hope will prevent history repeating itself. Leading investment banks fear a ... Industry group to address credit risk Panel Calls for New Risk Standards Banking Group Proposes Wide Range of Reforms |
The End of Credit Card Consumerism U.S. News & World Report, DC - For more than four decades, our shopaholic nation has shown an insatiable desire to spend until our credit cards melt. And throughout this era, ... |
 Reuters | Credit Suisse auction-rate debt suit may start frenzy Reuters - ST Micro alleges in the August 6 complaint filed in federal court in Brooklyn, New York, that by late 2006 Credit Suisse knew that collateralized debt ... Fannie Mae expects smaller credit losses in 2009 Credit crunch cripples European insurers' profits UPDATE 1-CS reinitiates IT hardware sector with "market weight" |
Credit crunch and banks: from the Rock to a hard place Times Online, UK - The News at Ten on September 13 last year was the first taste most Britons had of the credit crunch. But since mid-2006 the City had heard warnings from ... Many happy returns, credit crunch Credit crunch: Around the world Leading article: Fatalism is not the way to react to the credit crunch |
Credit Suisse Sued Over Auction-Rate Securities (Update3) Bloomberg - 7 (Bloomberg) -- Credit Suisse Group, Switzerland's second-biggest bank, was sued by Swiss semiconductor company STMicroelectronics NV for allegedly placing ... STMicro sues Credit Suisse over auction-rate debt Credit Suisse sued by semiconductor firm Credit Suisse sued over 'auction' debt |
 Boston Globe | Credit expenses lead to $2.3 billion loss for Fannie MarketWatch - The company reported credit-related expenses of $5.3 billion in the quarter, which more than offset revenue of $4 billion. Fannie Mae also took a charge of ... Fannie Mae posts $2.3 billion loss as credit costs rise Fannie: Sun will come out tomorrow Fannie Mae Posts Fourth Straight Loss, Cuts Dividend (Update2) |
 Boston Globe | Credit cards: US authorities charge 11 in global identity theft racket guardian.co.uk, UK - American authorities have uncovered a global computer hacking and credit card fraud ring spanning the US, eastern Europe and Asia, officials said. ... Gang charged for theft of 41 million credit card numbers 11 charged in connection with credit card fraud Retail Hacking Ring Charged for Stealing and Distributing Credit ... |
Settling the credit score CNNMoney.com - Having a good credit rating is more important now than ever, but determining exactly what yours is gets complicated. By Jessica Dickler, CNNMoney.com staff ... The FICO Score- Unregulated Discrimination? |
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