http://hawaii.bbb.org 10 Fri, 07 Jan 2011 06:00:00 GMT Identity theft, which defined as the attempted or successful misuse of an existing account, misuse of personal information to open an account, or misuse of personal information for other fraudulent purposes, has unfortunately become a part of Americans daily lives. http://hawaii.bbb.org/article/justice-department-estimates-117-million-identity-theft-victims--24767 Wed, 05 Jan 2011 06:00:00 GMT The Better Business Bureau today released a list of the top 10 scams and rip-offs of 2010. Job hunters and those struggling to make money and get out of debt were common targets of fraudsters, hackers and deceptive businesses in this tough economy. http://hawaii.bbb.org/article/top-10-scams-and-rip-offs-of-2010-24693 Thu, 30 Dec 2010 06:00:00 GMT The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has 10 suggested resolutions to help you fight scammers, prevent identity theft and save money in 2011. http://hawaii.bbb.org/article/bbb-offers-10-consumer-savvy-resolutions-for-a-safe-scam-free-new-year-24507 Wed, 15 Dec 2010 06:00:00 GMT Many airports and other public spaces offer free wireless, or Wi-Fi, connections for the public to log onto the Internet from their laptop computers. “Hackers are now taking advantage of travelers who want to stay connected,” said BBB President Barry Goggin. “They are setting up fake Wi-Fi connections designed to steal your personal information without you even knowing it.” http://hawaii.bbb.org/article/free-wi-fi-scam-strikes-at-airports-24336 Wed, 29 Sep 2010 05:00:00 GMT Better Business Bureau and National Foundation for Credit Counseling announce 3rd Annual Protect Your Identity Week, Oct. 17-23. http://hawaii.bbb.org/article/identity-theft-is-a-growing-threat-fight-back-with-free-help-from-bbb-and-nfcc-22483 Thu, 15 Jul 2010 05:00:00 GMT Even if you think your business is too small to need a privacy policy, Hawaii's BBB advises that if you have a website, you will benefit by having a comprehensive privacy policy. http://hawaii.bbb.org/article/bbb-small-business-advice-writing-a-privacy-policy-20859 Thu, 17 Dec 2009 06:00:00 GMT Twenty-nine percent of online U.S. consumers victimized by deceptive marketing. http://hawaii.bbb.org/article/bbb-ftc-and-visa-partner-to-educate-consumers-about-online-scams-14210 Thu, 24 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT BBB Secure Your ID Day is Sat. Oct. 17, helping Oahu individuals and small businesses avoid ID theft by shredding sensitive documents, CDs and floppy disks, and providing ID protection tips—for free! http://hawaii.bbb.org/article/bbb-offers-free-on-site-document-shredding-and-id-theft-prevention-tips--12630 Mon, 01 Jan 2007 06:00:00 GMT It’s your lucky day! You just won a foreign lottery! The letter says so. And the cashier’s check to cover the taxes and fees is included. All you have to do to get your winnings is deposit the check and wire the money to the sender to pay the taxes and fees. You’re guaranteed that when they get your payment, you’ll get your prize. http://hawaii.bbb.org/article/ftc-giving-the-bounce-to-counterfeit-check-scams--4661 Wed, 01 Nov 2006 05:00:00 GMT The Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 launched a new era: With limited exceptions, people who plan to file for bankruptcy protection must get credit counseling from a government-approved organization within 180 days before they file. They also must complete a debtor education course to have their debts discharged. http://hawaii.bbb.org/article/ftc-before-you-file-for-personal-bankruptcy-information-about-credit-counseling-and-debtor-education--4723 Wed, 01 Nov 2006 05:00:00 GMT The next time you write a check to your local merchant, the cashier may hand it back to you after the payment has been processed – electronically. Or maybe you’re mailing a check as payment to a company. That payment, too, may be processed electronically. Why? More merchants and companies are using electronic check conversion, which converts information from your paper check into an electronic payment from your bank account. In fact, NACHA – the Electronic Payments Association – estimates that more than 1.7 billion paper checks were converted through in-store and mail-in transactions in 2005. http://hawaii.bbb.org/article/ftc-electronic-check-conversion-4647 Mon, 01 May 2006 05:00:00 GMT The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) spells out rights for victims of identity theft, as well as responsibilities for businesses. Identity theft victims are entitled to ask businesses for a copy of transaction records — such as applications for credit — relating to the theft of their identity. http://hawaii.bbb.org/article/ftc-businesses-must-provide-victims-and-law-enforcement-with-transaction-records-relating-to-identity-theft-4465 Mon, 01 May 2006 05:00:00 GMT COMMON WAYS ID THEFT HAPPENS: Skilled identity thieves use a variety of methods to steal your personal information, including: http://hawaii.bbb.org/article/ftc-fighting-back-against-identity-theft-4683 Sat, 01 Apr 2006 05:00:00 GMT Many companies collect personal information from their customers, including names, addresses, and phone numbers; bank and credit card account numbers; income and credit histories; and Social Security numbers. The Gramm-Leach-Bliley (GLB) Act requires companies defined under the law as “financial institutions” to ensure the security and confidentiality of this type of information. http://hawaii.bbb.org/article/ftc-financial-institutions-and-customer-information-complying-with-the-safeguards-rule-4477 Wed, 01 Feb 2006 06:00:00 GMT When you think of your own personal assets, chances are your home, car, and savings and investments come to mind. But what about your Social Security number (SSN), telephone records and your bank and credit card account numbers? To people known as “pretexters,” that information is a personal asset, too. http://hawaii.bbb.org/article/ftc-pretexting-your-personal-information-revealed-4699