an be reduced to a
few bits of digital information. Identity theft through phishing is also the product of the
casual way in which we share credit card information, biographical details, or other data
with individuals, institutions, and websites. The problem is widespread: a 2004 US
survey indicated that 1 in 8 Americans had been victims of identity theft, and at an
average cost of $10,000 (US) per incident. Eighty-five percent of fraud victims find out
about the crime months later, when they try to use their credit and identities to make
purchases, establish new accounts, or secure loans.
Phishers prey on our insecurity and anxiety to persuade their victims to provide personal
data like credit card numbers, PINs, and SINs. Using the names of trusted financial
institutions and companies, they ironically take advantage of our worst fears about the
Internet and the integrity of our data by indicating that a breach or an error at the
institution requires them to confirm your data. How can you protect yourself from phishing? The following recommendations are offered
verbatim from the PC Magazine article.
* Be suspicious of transactions you didn’t initiate.
* Don’t carry your credit cards and checkbook unless you plan to use them.
* Review your credit report, and close accounts you don’t really need.
* Take the contents of your wallet out and photocopy everything, front and back.
Keep the copies in a secure place.
* When you get a new英语论文网 【http://www.51lunwen.org】 credit card, sign it immediately.
* During all in-person transactions, watch the people you give your credit cards to
carefully.
* If you use your credit cards online, be sure to navigate directly to the retailer’s
site. Avoid following links in e-mails, even to donate to your favorite cause.
* Shred all documents that contain any personal information before throwing
them away. Dumpster diving isn’t just about finding quirky furniture; it’s also a favorite
pursuit of ID thieves.
* Finally, keep records of all online purchases, including dates and order
numbers. Keep all credit card receipts and compare them against your monthly
statements. Better yet, sign up to view your account online and track it on a daily or
weekly basis.
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