ID Theft

Secure Your ID Day: Shred Paperwork You No Longer Need

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 05:00:00 GMT

Identity theft is an enormous problem, but there are a number of steps you can take to secure your personal information

New Scam Steals Financial Information from Facebook, Gmail, Yahoo, and Hotmail users

Thu, 31 May 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona is warning consumers of a scam targeting the financial data of Facebook, Hotmail, Yahoo, and Gmail users. The scam infects its victim’s computers with a version of the Zeus Trojan virus- a malware program regularly used to commit bank fraud.

Tips for Protecting Your Credit at Home

Wed, 30 May 2012 05:00:00 GMT

While you may think your personal information is most vulnerable in public areas, such as a cafe or bus stop, there's another place you should be a little wary of: your home. Why? Because even deleting your old files and cleaning your computer's Web history doesn't ensure your personal financial information is protected from online threats. Here are some tips that can help:

Phishing Thieves Using New Tricks To Hook Unwary Consumers, Task Force Warns

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 05:00:00 GMT

The Consumer Fraud Task Force warns consumers to be alert for phishing scams, which may use the names of well-known businesses or government agencies to steal personal information and commit ID theft.

I Saw Mommy Emailing Santa Claus

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Protecting children Online is at the top of BBB's wish list.

CONSUMER ALERT - Veterans Day Scam

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 06:00:00 GMT

Veterans Day is one where we take time to honor those who have served our country. It’s also a time when scammers come out to take advantage of our veterans and active duty military personnel. BBB wants to make sure those who serve us do not become victims of fraud. Veteran’s scams can take many forms. BBB provides the following information on different types of offers and scams that can put our Veterans at jeopardy of becoming victims of fraud, paying more for items than they should or identity theft.

Computer Virus Hoax Hits Alaska

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Better Business Bureau warns Alaskans to be on alert for phony calls about viruses on their computers.

Scam Alert: BBB Warns of an Email Phishing Scam

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 05:00:00 GMT

The Better Business Bureau is warning consumers about a new email scam designed to steal your money. Be on the lookout for an email claiming to be from someone you know who is stuck in another country. They are asking you to give them a loan to pay for their hotel bills and airfare home and request that you respond via email.

CONSUMER ALERT: Another Advanced Fee Loan Scam with western Michigan address

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Who doesn’t need a loan in these uncertain times, hence “advance” fee loan scams continually pop up. The Better Business Bureau of Western Michigan has been bombarded with phone calls, inquiries and complaints about a local address in Grand Rapids. The bad offer is from:

Posted Employment Scams Hit Craigslist

Wed, 03 Feb 2010 06:00:00 GMT

As the unemployed look for jobs, many are searching social networking sites, newspapers, and online postings.

New Phishing Scam Targets Adobe Reader Users

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 06:00:00 GMT

A new e-mail phishing scam is making its rounds, targeting Adobe Reader users.

Don’t Let Anti-Virus Software Fool You

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 06:00:00 GMT

If you own a Windows computer and have an anti-virus software like McAfee or Norton, users still run a risk of being exposed to fake anti-virus software.

BBB, FTC, and Visa Partner to Educate Consumers about Online Scams

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 06:00:00 GMT

Twenty-nine percent of online U.S. consumers victimized by deceptive marketing.

Consumers Feel More At Risk for Identity Theft When Making Certain Types of Purchases

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 05:00:00 GMT

A recent National Foundation for Credit Counseling survey conducted by Harris Interactive® revealed that 45 percent of all U.S. adults feel at most risk for identity theft when making a purchase with a credit card that requires the card to be taken out of their sight, for example, at a restaurant.

Widespread Harassment from Phony Debt Collectors Raises Concerns of Mass Data Breach

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 05:00:00 GMT

BBB is issuing a national alert today about phony debt collectors that are calling consumers and claiming that they have defaulted on a payday loan and will be arrested if they don’t pay immediately.

BBB Warns: Your Facebook Friends Could Actually be Hackers, Scam Artists, and ID Thieves

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 06:00:00 GMT

Social networking Web sites are a great way to find old classmates, stay connected with friends, or even make new friends. Unfortunately though, hackers have learned how to use Web sites like Facebook in order to disseminate viruses or steal identities. Better Business Bureau is offering advice on how consumers can protect themselves against hackers, scammers and ID thieves on social networking Web sites.

BBB “Secure Your ID” Day Shreds Nearly ¾ of a Million Poundsof Materials Across U.S. and Canada

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Nearly 13,000 vehicles descended on 83 sites across the U.S. and Canada on Saturday, September 20, all filled with boxes and bags of sensitive documents to be shredded free of charge during Better Business Bureau’s second “Secure Your ID” Day community service event.

BBB Secure Your ID Day - Sept. 20, 2008: Free Shredding & Take Home Advice

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 05:00:00 GMT

In response to high consumer demand and due to the unprecedented success of the first-ever BBB “Secure Your ID” Day in May, Better Business Bureau announced today that its second community service campaign event to fight ID theft will take place on Saturday, September 20, in nearly 90 communities across the U.S. and Canada.

BBB Small Business Advice: Your Company’s Identity at Risk

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Everyone is aware of the threat of personal identity theft, but identity thieves also prey on businesses. Recent studies cite more than eight million Americans as ID theft victims, with nearly $50 billion in annual losses, but the most sophisticated identity thieves are now pursuing even bigger payoffs by targeting businesses. Better Business Bureau is offering advice on how to avoid the different forms of business ID theft, as well as guidance for small business owners if their company’s identity has been compromised.

BBB Warns of Voter Registration Fraud that Could Lead to Identity Theft

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 05:00:00 GMT

The presidential election is nearly upon us and with interest in the race peaking, both political parties will be pushing for maximum voter registration in the coming weeks. While many Americans are showing their civic pride and engaging in the political process, scammers and ID thieves see an opportunity to ply their trade. Your Better Business Bureau is warning Americans to be extremely cautious with their personal information this election season to avoid phony voter registration drives that are designed to steal their identities.

BBB Advice on How to End Unwanted Junk Mail

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Junk mail is a nuisance for many consumers who receive daily postcards, flyers, specially-marked envelopes and pre-approved credit card offers. Junk mail also presents an opportunity for ID thieves to steal important personal information. However, Better Business Bureau explains, there are several steps consumers can take to reduce the amount of unwanted mail and the possibility of identity theft.

BBB Receives Thousands of Complaints on Mysterious Credit Card Charges: U.S. marketing company is charging online shoppers every month without their knowledge

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Better Business Bureau is warning consumers to closely check their credit card statements for mysterious charges that are cropping up by the thousands across the country. Upset online shoppers have contacted BBB about unwanted credit card charges that are ultimately being traced back to Connecticut-based Affinion Group, an affinity-marketing company that recently changed its name from Trilegiant.

BBB and Partners Shred Largest Volume of Documents in a Single Day in North American Identity Protection Effort: BBB “Secure Your ID” Day helps consumers protect themselves against identity theft

Thu, 29 May 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Consumers and small business owners coast-to-coast filled boxes and bags with 500,000 pounds (250 tons) of sensitive documents and brought them to Better Business Bureau’s Secure Your ID Day events that took place in 54 communities across North America in early May. A key goal of this initiative was to raise consumer and small business awareness for - and help protect against - identity theft and fraud. Participants were able to watch their sensitive documents being shredded on the spot.

BBB Hosts First “Secure Your ID Day” Across the U.S. and Canada: Sixty BBBs coordinating to offer free document shredding and take-home advice to prevent identity theft

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Better Business Bureaus across the U.S. and Canada are coordinating a community service event to fight ID theft on Saturday, May 3, 2008, and provide consumers and small businesses the tools and advice they need to protect themselves every day. BBB is partnering nationally with Equifax. Secure shredding services on the day of the event will be provided by members of the National Association of Information Destruction (NAID), the industry’s

BBB Advice on Disposing of Computers Safely and Securely

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 05:00:00 GMT

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, more than 250 million computers will become obsolete in the next five years—many ending up in landfills—but it doesn’t mean that old technology is worthless. Many organizations and people, from charities to ID thieves, would love to get their hands on discarded computers, and Better Business Bureau (BBB) offers the following advice on how to dispose of an obsolete PC or Mac safely and securely.

BBB on Top Five Ways to Prevent ID Theft Online

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Despite the decline in reported ID theft, Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns that thieves and hackers still lurk online and is offering advice consumer can use to protect their personal and financial information.

BBB Small Business Advice on Dealing with a Data Breach

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Regardless of how a data breach occurs, responding quickly can help a business regain trust and retain its customer base. BBB offers the following steps and guidance for small business owners in the event they experience a security breach:

Spring-Cleaning? Prevent ID Theft by Following BBB Advice on What to Keep and What to Shred

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 05:00:00 GMT

Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns that, when it comes to reviewing and cleaning out financial records, failing to shred sensitive documents can put everyone at risk of ID theft.

Tax Fraud: Coming to a Mailbox, Phone, or E-mail Inbox Near You

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 06:00:00 GMT

Better Business Bureau warns that every tax season scam artists come out to prey on unsuspecting consumers. Posing as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) through mail, e-mail, or the telephone, identity thieves and many other types of fraudsters are on the prowl looking to get their hands on taxpayer’s personal information and into their bank accounts.

Why Pay to Borrow Your Own Money Through Refunds Anticipation Loans?

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 06:00:00 GMT

Tax season is here and many Americans are looking forward to getting a large refund. Some taxpayers grow impatient when it comes to waiting for Uncle Sam to sign the check and many tax preparers offer instant refunds or Refund Anticipation Loans (RAL) – essentially an advance for the amount of your refund. While RALs might be a good source of instant cash, BBB warns that they come at a high cost.

Credit Card Fraud: What to Do If You Become a Victim

Mon, 11 Feb 2008 06:00:00 GMT

Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning consumers that even if their credit or debit card never leaves their sight, they could still become a victim of fraud or identity theft and need to be prepared to act quickly to minimize the damage.

FTC - Extra! Extra! Count on Scammers and Schemers to Follow the News

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 06:00:00 GMT

For many scam artists, following the money means following the headlines. The latest ploy plays off news reports about the government’s plan to send rebate checks to consumers. While the rebates won’t be arriving for a few months, news outlets are reporting that crooks have already begun to exploit the promise of them.

FTC - Foreclosure Rescue Scams: Another Potential Stress for Homeowners in Distress

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 06:00:00 GMT

The possibility of losing your home to foreclosure can be terrifying. The reality that scam artists are preying on the vulnerability of desperate homeowners is equally frightening. Many so-called foreclosure rescue companies or foreclosure assistance firms claim they can help you save your home. Some are brazen enough to offer a money-back guarantee. Unfortunately, once most of these foreclosure fraudsters take your money, they leave you much the worse for wear.

When is a Credit Repair Offer a Scam?

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 06:00:00 GMT

By the end of 2007, Americans owed more than $915 billion in credit card debt, and the credit crunch is clearly impacting consumers as lenders are becoming more choosey about who gets loans and who doesn’t. Given, stricter loan and credit requirements, Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning that some companies are using the credit crunch to take advantage of consumers by promising bogus credit repair services that can be costly and in some cases illegal.

IDSP Develops First-of-its-Kind Resource to Aid Businesses in the Fight Against Identity Theft

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 06:00:00 GMT

A new report issued today by the Identity Theft Prevention and Identity Management Standards Panel (IDSP) helps to arm businesses, government agencies, and other organizations with the tools needed to protect themselves and their customers against the theft and misuse of personal and financial information. Developed through a partnership of more than 70 leading organizations from the public and private sectors, the IDSP has created a single, comprehensive resource that promotes access to and implementation of tools and processes that can help to minimize the scope and scale of identity theft and fraud.

FTC - Cómo Proteger La Información Personal: Una Guía para Negocios

Tue, 01 May 2007 05:00:00 GMT

La mayoría de las compañías mantiene un registro que contiene información personal delicada —nombres, números de Seguro Social, datos de tarjeta de crédito o de otros datos que es utilizada para identificar a sus clientes o empleados.

FTC - Rebote las estafas de cheques falsificados

Thu, 01 Mar 2007 06:00:00 GMT

Hoy es su día de suerte! ¡Acaba de ganarse una lotería extranjera! Eso es lo que dice la carta. Y le incluyen un cheque de cajero para cubrir los impuestos y otros cargos. Lo único que tiene que hacer para recibir su premio es depositar el cheque y hacer un giro al remitente para pagar los impuestos y cargos. Le garantizan que cuando reciban su pago le entregarán el premio.

Phony Check Scam Growing Threat to Consumers

Mon, 12 Feb 2007 06:00:00 GMT

CONTACT: Tom Joyce Better Business Bureau of Chicago 312-245-2643

FTC - Giving the Bounce to Counterfeit Check Scams

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.

FTC - Anuncios de Oportunidades de Negocio: Cómo Detectar el Engaño

Fri, 01 Dec 2006 06:00:00 GMT

No es muy difícil adivinar por qué los anuncios de oportunidades de negocio que prometen beneficios como ser su propio jefe y ganar dinero rápidamente resultan tan atractivos. Pero la Comisión Federal de Comercio (Federal Trade Commission, FTC), la agencia gubernamental que monitorea la veracidad de las declaraciones publicitarias, indica que algunos anuncios de oportunidades de negocio presentan promesas vacías y declaraciones falsas que los empresarios nunca podrán realizar.

FTC - P2P File-Sharing: Evaluate the Risks

Fri, 01 Dec 2006 06:00:00 GMT

Every day, millions of computer users share files online. Whether it is music, games, or software, file-sharing can give people access to a wealth of information. You simply download special software that connects your computer to an informal network of other computers running the same software. Millions of users could be connected to each other through this software at one time. The software often is free and easily accessible.

FTC - Before You File for Personal Bankruptcy: Information About Credit Counseling and Debtor Education

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.

FTC - Before You File for Personal Bankruptcy: Information About Credit Counseling and Debtor Education

Wed, 01 Nov 2006 05:00:00 GMT

FTC - Electronic Check Conversion

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.

FTC - Lotería de Visas de Diversidad: Lea las Reglas, Evite las Estafas

Wed, 01 Nov 2006 05:00:00 GMT

Si usted o alguien conocido está tratando de obtener una tarjeta de residente permanente o tarjeta verde (green card) — el derecho a vivir permanentemente en los Estados Unidos — esté atento a los negocios y abogados inescrupulosos. Ellos le dirán que, a cambio del pago de un cargo u honorario, pueden facilitarle su participación en la lotería de visas de diversidad (DV, por sus siglas en inglés) del Departamento de Estado de EE.UU. (conocida también como lotería de tarjetas verdes o en inglés “green card lottery”), o además pueden prometerle que incrementarán sus probabilidades de ganar la lotería DV.

FTC - P2P File-Sharing: Evaluate the Risks

Wed, 01 Nov 2006 05:00:00 GMT

FTC - Uso Compartido de Archivos: Cómo Evaluar los Riesgos

Sun, 01 Oct 2006 05:00:00 GMT

Todos los días millones usuarios de computadoras comparten sus archivos en línea. Ya se trate de música, juegos o programas, el uso compartido de los archivos puede permitir que todas las personas compartan una gran cantidad de información. Usted simplemente descarga un programa software especial que conecta su computadora a una red informal de otras computadoras que operan con el mismo programa. Millones de usuarios pueden conectarse a la vez entre sí por medio de este programa, el cual frecuentemente es gratuito y fácilmente accesible.

FTC - Su Información Privada: Lo Que Usted Sabe Lo Puede Proteger

Tue, 01 Aug 2006 05:00:00 GMT

Nuestra economía genera una enorme cantidad de datos. La mayoría de esa información proviene de negocios honestos — al recibir y dar información legítima. A pesar de los beneficios de vivir en esta era de información, algunos consumidores quizá deseen limitar la cantidad de información personal que quieren compartir. Esto es posible: más y más organizaciones utilizan una alternativa de “optar por no participar” (opt-out en inglés) que limita la información que es compartida con otros o utilizada para propósitos promocionales. Cuando usted “opta por no participar”, es posible reducir el número de llamadas comerciales no solicitadas (telemarketing), correo promocional, y bombardeos publicitarios enviados por correo electrónico (spam email) que pueda recibir. Aprenda más sobre las opciones que usted tiene para proteger su información personal, tomando contacto con las siguientes organizaciones.

FTC - Vets: Delete Unsolicited Offers by Email; Don’t Disclose Personal Information to Unsolicited Callers

Thu, 01 Jun 2006 05:00:00 GMT

In the wake of the recent data breach at the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA), the Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s consumer protection agency, is cautioning veterans and their families to be on the alert for scams that target their personal information. Law enforcers say that in the past, fraudsters have taken advantage of people in vulnerable situations through email and the telephone.

FTC - Bogus July 1 Email Exposed: The Real Deal on Your Credit File Privacy

Mon, 01 May 2006 05:00:00 GMT

Seems like every spring, an anonymous email containing false and misleading information about the use of your personal information shows up in in-boxes across the country, leaving many consumers concerned and confused. It's no wonder: The email message mixes apples and oranges.

FTC - Bogus July 1 Email Exposed: The Real Deal on Your Credit File Privacy

Mon, 01 May 2006 05:00:00 GMT

FTC - Businesses Must Provide Victims and Law Enforcement with Transaction Records Relating to Identity Theft

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.

FTC - DEFIÉNDASE CONTRA EL ROBO DE IDENTIDAD

Mon, 01 May 2006 05:00:00 GMT

FORMAS COMUNES EN QUE OCURRE EL ROBO DE IDENTIDAD: Los ladrones de identidad usan varios métodos para robarle su información personal.

FTC - FIGHTING BACK AGAINST IDENTITY THEFT

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:

FTC - Want a Free Annual Credit Report?

Mon, 01 May 2006 05:00:00 GMT

The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires each of the nationwide consumer reporting companies – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion – to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months.

FTC - Financial Institutions and Customer Information: Complying with the Safeguards Rule

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.

FTC - Pretexting: Your Personal Information Revealed

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.