Human beings are pretty sensible when presented with an imminent
threat or risk. That is, if it's staring us directly in the face.
Many threats and risk are presented in subtle ways, and it is
these subtleties we tend to overlook.
It's The Little Things We Tend To Overlook
Thousands of years ago, it was the subtle things that caused us
to take action, to error on the side of caution and protection.
A good example, the reports regarding animals seeking refuge early
on during the tsunami that claimed the lives of over 300,000 people
this past January. Over time, most people have lost the ability
to identify the signs, determine the probability, validity, and
impact of certain threats and risk.
Making Assumptions vs. Staying Vigilant
At home, my family has given me the nickname "Safety Dad".
I tend to be hyper-vigilant when it comes to the safety and protection
of my family, probably to a fault. I take a similar position on
the security of my computer systems and my financial well-being.
On the other hand, I tend to make assumptions about things when
I should not. For the most part, I like to think that people are
good natured. I believe the majority of people would like to think
this way. The sad fact is, this is an assumption that can impact
us greatly, and not in a positive manner.
The purpose of this article is to share with you my thoughts and
position on some of the basic things you can do to protect yourself
from several types of threats. Particularly those that involve
electronic fraud and Internet fraud. Although some of these items
are not directly related to the Internet, the moment someone has
your private or financial information (identity theft), the Internet
will be one of the first places they visit.
(Protect Yourself Against Electronic Fraud)
Automated Teller Machines (ATM) & Skimmers
Have you ever heard of a "Skimmer"? If you haven't,
you need to be aware the risk this presents you. Skimmer's are
devices that appear to be a legitimate part of an automated teller
machine but are in fact, fake card readers. They capture all the
information stored on the magnetic stripe on the back of the card.
Skimmer's have been around for quite some time but their use is
on the rise again. The following link will show you what a skimmer
may look like and how it is used.
Did you know the cost to a bank or ATM vendor is minimal if their
machine is compromised, but to you it may be severe? The company
that owns the ATM only has to worry about the cost to replace
the machine, plus the amount of money inside. You, on the other
hand, stand to loose not only your bank account funds, but possibly
your identity.
Phishing and Web Site Redirection
This type of electronic fraud comes in many forms, and is one
of the most popular ways of collecting private information, and
money from the masses. Why? Because it is simple to do and very
effective.
If you receive an e-mail from your bank, credit card company,
or other online merchant like, Ebay.com or Amazon.com, requesting
information such as passwords and financial info, delete it and
report it immediately. Many of these e-mails link you to web sites
that look exactly like that of the real company but are in fact
fakes. Take a look at Ebay's Online Security and Protection section
to get an idea of what you need to do in order to identify scams
like these.
If you receive an e-mail from someone promising you millions of
dollars if you assist them with their finances, delete it immediately!.
Some of these scams have been running for years and new ones surface
frequently. I recently saw one supposedly from the wife of the
late Yasser Arafat, promising millions of dollars if someone would
help her establish a trust fund in the US. The reasons these types
of e-mail scams are so wide spread is because they are highly
effective and relatively easy to do. Thousands of people get ripped
off by these scams every day. To see examples of several recent
scams, take a look at the following Phishing Scams page.
Never place your credit card face up when paying for something.
Many people will simply place their credit card on the table,
face up, when paying for a meal, for instance. In the time it
takes for the server to pick up your check, someone walking by
can visually scan your card for everything they need to go on
an Internet shopping spree. There are thieves that specialize
in this type of fraud.
When paying for something, particularly at a restaurant, check
to see if the full or partial credit card number is on the merchant
receipt. In most cases, only the partial number is visible. However,
when the full number is there, I cross out all but the last four
digits with a pen. The merchant has already scanned the card at
this point, they should not need a paper backup of the number.
If your credit card is stolen, lost, or used fraudulently, you
can call your card company and speak with the fraud department.
However, I recommend you contact your card company's credit line
department first. This is the department that can extend your
credit almost instantaneously. They can also decrease it within
seconds as well. If you have a limit of $5,000, they can reduce
it to $100 immediately, then pass you to the fraud department.
Call your card company and request the direct number to this department
and make a record of it.
If you notice someone swiping your card more than once when paying
for an item, ask them why. Regardless of how sensible the answer
is, call your card company and request a list of the last few
transactions, you might be surprised what you find.
If yur card company sends you checks to use for cash advancements
and you don't plan on using them, don't keep them around, shred
them immediately. We get these all the time in the mail. As far
as shredders go, everyone should have one. You can pick up a small
one for under $30 and it is well worth the investment.
Any statements or correspondence you have regarding your credit
cards should be in a secure place or shredded.
Credit Reporting & Monitoring
Thoroughly review your credit report at least every 90 days, more
frequently if possible. It's better to find out sooner than later
if someone else's actions are negatively impacting your credit
report, trust me. There are three major credit reporting agencies,
Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. They all have reporting and
monitoring solutions available. Some of these services may be
free of charge.
If you find something strange on your credit report, contact the
credit reporting agency immediately. In addition to calling them
(if possible), send them a certified letter describing what you
have found. It's very important to document any and all correspondence
on these matters.
Conclusion
I am sure this information may be old news to some. However, if
just one person reads this article and learns something new, then
my objective has been met.
One of the best ways to protect yourself from electronic fraud
and identity theft is to ask questions. Primarily, ask yourself
whether or not the particular situation you are faced with makes
sense? Why would your bank request information from you via e-mail?
Why would someone in another country be willing to give you millions
of dollars to assist them with their banking woes?
There is a certain percentage of our population who has absolutely
no morality when it comes to the acquisition of wealth. These people
know the risk of getting caught is minimal. In many cases, even
if they do get caught, they are willing to deal with the consequences
given the potential monetary payoff. Stay vigilant and educate yourself
on these matters. It really is the best way to protect yourself
against the myriad of threats and risks we are presented with everyday.
Darren Miller is an Information Security Consultant with
over sixteen years experience. He has written many technology&
security articles, some of which have been published innationally
circulated magazines & periodicals. Darren is astaff writer
for www.defendingthenet.com
and several othere-zines. If you would like to contact Darren you
can e-mail him at mailto:[email protected]
or mailto:[email protected].
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us at http://www.defendingthenet.com.
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