IDENTITY THEFT – A Profound Effect on People’s Lives

All crime victimizes people. Burglaries deprive homeowners and businesses of possessions that can be essential to their livelihood or business. Car theft deprives a car owner of transportation that may be essential to go to work. Domestic violence can take away the freedom of a survivor or even endanger her life.

The Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) in a recent report on how identity crimes impact its victims points out that identity theft causes significant hardship for a substantial portion of identity theft victims.

ITRC is a non-profit organization that supports victims of identity theft and educates the public about identity theft, data breaches, cyber security, scams/fraud, and privacy issues.

In its 2021 Aftermath Report, ITRC concluded that:

1.      The number of repeat victims is increasing.

2.      Victims are struggling more to meet their financial obligations.

 

The report’s key findings include:

·         While most victims lost less than $500, 21% told ITRC that they lost more than $20,000 to identity theft.

·         Almost one third (29%) of victims contacting the ITRC have been victimized previously.

·         Very few identity theft victims can resolve their identity theft issues easily-

o   1% of victims who contacted the ITRC said that they could resolve their issues in one day.

o   Pre-pandemic, 37% of identity crime victims victimized in 2019 were not able to resolve those issues as of May 2020.

o   During the pandemic, 75% of victims victimized in 2020 said that their issues were still unresolved as of April 2021.

The unemployment fraud by thieves by stealing payments from state governments has had a tremendous effect on state budgets and on the privacy for individuals. The fraudsters typically would use stolen private information to impersonate people to direct unemployment and stimulus payments to the fraudster’s bank accounts.

People reporting to ITRC as victims of unemployment and stimulus fraud in 2020 had significant financial and emotional impacts,

·         A majority said that they had more stress than usual and that they felt being violated.

·         40% could not pay their routine bills.

·         33% did not have enough money to buy food or pay their utility bills.

·         14% were evicted for non-payment of rent or mortgage.

·         13% have not been able to get a temporary or permanent job as a result of identity theft.

 

By ITRC’s estimation, identity theft is the fastest growing crime in the U.S. The Federal Trade Commission reports a nearly 250% increase in the crime reported to between 2016 and 2020. As identity theft grows, so will its adverse effects on its victims. Even if many people will be able to recover many others will have a difficult time regaining their lives after someone has stolen their identity and stolen money, services, or products in their name.

 

 

Identity Theft Resource Center:

https://www.idtheftcenter.org/the-identity-theft-resource-centers-2021-consumer-aftermath-report-reveals-impacts-on-covid-19-identity-crime-victims/

Recovering from identity theft can be complicated and confusing. If you have a question about a potential identity theft situation or believe you are a victim of identity theft and need help you can contact ITRC, for free, online at  https://www.idtheftcenter.org/ or by calling (888) 400-5530.

 

 

AARP Fraud Watch Network:

Another organization that gives free help on identity theft or scams is AARP. Its Fraud Watch Network is available to anyone, not just AARP members. For information on scams go to https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/. You can call their helpline at (877) 908-3360 for specific help on a scam.

 

COVID-19 UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE FRAUD – Scammers Take Advantage of Unemployment Payments

While many people have been receiving unemployment checks since they have been laid off due to COVID-19, scammers have been taking advantage of the situation by using the personal information of identity theft victims to make their own state unemployment claims and receive payments.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reports that in 2020 it has received 394,280 reports about government benefits fraud. In 2019 it received 12,900 benefits fraud reports. The U.S. Department of Labor Inspector General estimates that up to $26 billion pandemic-related unemployment benefits were obtained by fraud.

We all lose as taxpayers since this money is going to thieves who do not qualify for unemployment payments. But the identity theft victims are victimized a second time. Reports are starting to come into the press about citizens receiving IRS Form 1099-G from the State Employment Security Department (ESD) for unemployment payments that they did not receive. State unemployment offices issue the 1099-G’s because unemployment payments are considered to be taxable income. This may be the first alert that many people receive that they are victims of identity theft. Not only did they not receive this money, but the IRS thinks they owe taxes for money that was stolen from the unemployment system.

The IRS recommends that if you receive a 1099-G for funds that you did not receive to contact ESD and request a corrected 1099-G to show that you did not receive the payments. When ESD sends you the 1099-G it also sends a copy of that 1099-G to the IRS.

So, the state has reported income to you that you did not receive, and the IRS thinks you received that income and owe taxes for that “income.”

When it comes time to file your income tax return, accountants are recommending that you acknowledge that reported income on the appropriate line of your tax return then subtract that amount on the form with a note that the amount reported by the state was due to fraud.  

ESD still has a backlog of thousands of fraud investigations and when it can send corrected 1099-G’s to the IRS is unknown.

Check out the sources below for more information about the situation.

 

Internal Revenue Service:

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-offers-guidance-to-taxpayers-on-identity-theft-involving-unemployment-benefits

https://www.irs.gov/identity-theft-fraud-scams/get-an-identity-protection-pin

 

Federal Trade Commission:

https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2021/02/identity-theft-awareness-week-starts-today

 

Krebs on Security:

https://krebsonsecurity.com/2021/01/the-taxman-cometh-for-id-theft-victims/#more-53733

 

KIRO TV News:

https://www.kiro7.com/news/jesse-jones/tax-forms-latest-unpleasant-surprise-mail-victims-unemployment-impostor-fraud/XAAPIKDUNFFKNPHLMYMWPKH6DA/

 

 

COVID-19 IDENTITY THEFT- What To Do If You Are a Victim

With all of the reporting about scammers filing for unemployment, creating fake web sites mimicking the Employment Security Department web site, and posing as contact tracers, your identity could be at threat to be used to steal from the federal or state governments, or for many other nefarious purposes.

If you do become a victim of identity theft there are definitely things that you need to do to protect yourself. In case your identity has been used in unemployment theft take the following steps,

·         Get organized, keep a file. Have a file folder where you can keep notes about the incident, who you have contacted, reports that you have received, any police reports you have filed, emails, and any other documentation related to the incident.

·         Contact your employer’s human resources department.

·         Contact the Washington State Employment Security Department.

o  Phone- (800) 246-9763

o  Online- https://esd.wa.gov/unemployment/unemployment-benefits-fraud

·         File a police report with your local police department, online or with a non-emergency number.

o  Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office-

§  Online Crime Report- https://www.snohomishcountywa.gov/301/File-an-Online-Crime-Report (Note: the online reporting web page will ask you to call 911 if you are reporting that your identity was stolen)

§  Non-Emergency Number- (425) 407-3999

o  King County Sheriff’s Office-

§  Online Crime Report- https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/sheriff/on-line-reporting/on-line-reporting.aspx

§  Non-Emergency Number- (206) 296-3311

·         Contact the three major credit bureaus. Tell the bureaus that a fraudulent unemployment claim was made with your identity. Have the case number of the police report ready to give them. Also, have one of the credit bureaus place a fraud alert on your identity.

o  Experian- (888) 397-3742

o  TransUnion- (800) 680-7289

o  Equifax- (888) 766-0008

o  Get free credit reports

§  https://www.annualcreditreport.com/index.action

§  Phone- (877) 322-8228

o  Consider a credit freeze- https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0497-credit-freeze-faqs

·         File a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

o  This FTC web site let you report an identity theft and has checklists for recovering from ID theft-

ohttps://www.identitytheft.gov/

·         Consider setting up an IRS account.

o  https://www.irs.gov/payments/view-your-tax-account

For information on protecting your identity, check out the end of this article,

The Seattle Times:

https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/what-to-do-if-your-name-is-used-by-unemployment-fraudsters-taking-advantage-of-coronavirus-crisis/

GIFT CARDS- A New Technique to Steal

KIRO TV recently reported a new technique used by identity thieves to steal your money at a grocery store. The King County Sheriff’s Office has noted thieves stealing credit cards in parking lots of Kroger stores (QFC or Fred Meyer) then going into the store, picking up some gift cards from the rack and then transferring funds from the stolen credit card to the gift cards at the self-checkout counter.

According to the KIRO report, the thieves have targeted stores with self-checkout counters such as QFC.

The King County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging Kroger to only allow purchase of gift cards at manned checkout counters where an employee can check ID for credit card purchases.

Whether or not Kroger makes this change, you can protect yourself from being victimized by keeping your purse or wallet on your person while in the parking lot, or in the store for that matter. Do not place a purse in a grocery cart then turn away or leave the cart, even for a short distance or a short time. A thief can take your wallet and its contents in a flash.

To view video of this operation in action, checkout this link,



KIRO TV:

https://www.kiro7.com/video/?id=4809297

IDENTITY THEFT- Identity Theft Can Happen Here

Over the past few days there has been talk over social media about local residents being victims to identity theft. While there was much speculation on how the identity theft occurred, many people reported that their credit card and bank accounts were illegally tapped for transactions at local retail establishments. Several people mentioned retail stores in the Lake Stevens and Snohomish areas, while others pointed out that many other illegal transactions also occurred in other areas of the county and the Puget Sound region.

So how could this happen? Specifics have yet to be released by local law enforcement or the local press. However, here are some likely scenarios of how this can happen with the current technology:

·         Skimmers. This is the likeliest culprit according to most people on social media. Skimmers have become very popular with locally based ID thieves. A skimmer is a thin piece of plastic with electronic circuitry that is inserted in or over the slot that you insert your credit or debit card into to make a payment. Skimmers have been found at ATM’s, gas pumps, and terminals at cashier stations in stores (yes, right under the nose of clerks. If the ID thieves are good, they can insert a skimmer with a clerk right there.).

·         Someone uses counterfeit credit cards to make transactions. They can buy the account information, from vendors who have obtained the information from data breaches, on the “dark web.” They can also buy the equipment and materials for making the cards on the web. Then they go around to ATM’s, and retail outlets withdrawing money or making purchases. Victims of the ID theft can be from anywhere. So, you can get an alert from your bank about a suspicious transaction that occurred on the Atlantic coast while you have not traveled 20 miles away from your home in Snohomish County.

·         Someone can make online purchases with the stolen account information in breaches. This may not always show up as a transaction from a local store, but it is an easy way for an ID thief to buy something on your dime.

·         RFID chips. RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) imbedded in your credit card, driver’s license, or passport could be read by a reader carried by a passerby.

Preventing Identity Theft is a difficult proposition. Several organizations need to take steps to prevent someone who is not authorized to access your personal information. Banks need to have strong, up to date security measures. Retail outlets, large and small, need to have security measures to protect your information. And you, as an individual, need to take steps to protect your information. If anyone in this chain do not take steps or have weak steps, the system will fail, and ID thieves will gain access to your information.

Here are some things you can do to protect yourself:

·         The most important action you can take is to closely and frequently monitor your bank card statement and then if you find any irregularities to promptly notify your bank card provider. This may be your only defense against ID thieves who have purchased your credit card account information on the dark web from using it with a counterfeit card or online.

·         Always use a credit card for transactions, including at the store and online. You have the most protection from fraud with a credit card. While many institutions who issue debit cards are very good with returning funds that may have been stolen, you still run the risk of a fraudster zeroing out the total amount of your debit account. While you may eventually get it back, you may be stuck without funds until the financial institution completes its investigation.

·         To guard against skimmers, check the terminal for any signs of tampering. At a gas station, some people suggest using a pump closest to the cashier on the theory that an ID thief will more likely add a skimmer to a pump that is farther away so that they will be less likely to be caught in the act.

·         To guard against someone reading your RFID chip you can purchase sleeves and wallets that block radio waves trying to read you chip.

If you are victimized with ID theft report it. Report it to the issuing credit card institution. Also, if the fraudulent transaction occurred in your local area, report it to your local police.

    





Krebs on Security (for information on skimmers, breaches, RFID readers):

https://krebsonsecurity.com/


Wikipedia (on RFID):

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radio-frequency_identification#Security_concerns













Steve Moller

South Snohomish County Crime Watch

Email: snohomishcrimewatch@outlook.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/ssnoccrimewatch

Blog: https://ssnoccrimewatch.blogspot.com/



Crime Mapping for Snohomish County: http://communitycrimemap.com/



You can also report suspicious activity or information about past criminal activity by calling:



The Sheriff’s Tip Line at (425) 388-3845.



Or going to the Sheriff’s Office web page at:

http://www.snohomishcountywa.gov/303/Anonymous-Tips

FTC- Closed Due to Government Shutdown Update

With the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) closed due to the government shutdown, the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) reminds everyone that it has resources to help you in case you become a victim of identity theft or to help you to avoid identity theft during the shutdown.

ITRC is a national non-profit organization that aids victims of identity theft and education to the public concerning identity theft, data breaches, cyber security, scams/fraud and privacy issues. It maintains a toll-free helpline (888) 400-5530 and a website, https://www.idtheftcenter.org/.

For more information, you can go to,

Identity Theft Resource Center:

https://www.idtheftcenter.org/itrc-is-here-to-help-during-the-government-shutdown/

South Snohomish County Crime Watch:

https://ssnoccrimewatch.blogspot.com/2019/01/ftc-closed-due-to-government-shutdown.html

SPEAR PHISHING- Precision Attacks to Steal Customer Information

The recent announcement by the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Washington of indictments against three Ukrainian members of an international hacking group acts as a reminder that phishing, and spear phishing are current techniques being used by criminals to steal customer information from business computer systems.

Victimized companies included restaurants in Everett and Lynnwood and a casino in Tacoma. The hackers took the account information for more than 15 million customers from about 3,600 businesses in the restaurant, casino and hospitality industries nationwide.

The hackers used a technique known as spear phishing to gain entry to the business’s computer systems. After taking the credit card information, they sold some of it on the dark web.

You probably have heard of phishing. That is when you receive an email, usually posing as from a legitimate business or government agency that invites or persuades you to click on a link or on an attached file which can download malware or take you to a web site that collects your personal information. Usually, scammers will send these emails in mass after acquiring a large list of email addresses.

Spear phishing is a more sophisticated version of phishing. It is used to target specific personnel in a business to convince them to click a link or an attachment in an email. The link or attachment then downloads malware that can collect information that the hacker is interested in from the company’s computer system.

According to local federal officials, the indicted hacker group targeted catering divisions of restaurants and hotels. In some cases, they would call the business, to make sure it received the email and that it was opened.

The hackers used “social engineering” to ensure success that the target would open the email and therefore allow malware to be downloaded onto their computer. With social engineering, the hacker or scammer ensures a sense of authenticity through the way the email looks and by who it appears to be from.

The federal officials emphasized that while everyone needs to be on guard against phishing attempts that can it be difficult to detect the real from the fake. In the case the casino in Tacoma, their computer security system was able to limit any penetration by the hackers.

For consumers, this is one more reason to review your accounts regularly and to report to your bankcard providers of any suspicious transactions.

The Herald:

https://www.heraldnet.com/news/ukrainians-hacked-restaurants-in-lynnwood-and-everett/

The Seattle Times:

https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/crime/arrests-in-seattle-poland-and-spain-in-huge-global-hacking-scheme/

KIRO TV:

https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/3-arrested-in-global-hacking-scheme-1/803595771

United States Attorney’s Office, Western District of Washington:

https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdwa/pr/three-members-notorious-international-cybercrime-group-fin7-custody-role-attacking-over

Symantec Corporation:

https://www.symantec.com/blogs/feature-stories/taking-bec-scammers-its-not-mission-impossible

IDENTITY THEFT- Skimmers Can be Clever

Skimmers are devices that are placed over ATM card slots or credit card machines (such as at gas pumps) to collect credit card/debit card account numbers and PIN numbers.

Brian Krebs, of Krebs on Security, recently posted an item about thieves in Pennsylvania who were installing “overlay” skimmers on credit card machines in Aldi grocery stores. The skimmers are devilishly clever in that they fit over the credit card machine, as you can see in this picture:

While I have not seen any press reports of this specific type of skimmer in western Washington, it does show how clever ID thieves can be in collecting our personal information.

When you are using an ATM machine, take some time to inspect it, looking for anything that looks unusual or loose. Look for any signs of tampering. If you see anything suspicious, report it to an employee or to the company’s customer service. Cover the key pad so that hidden mini-cameras or someone behind you cannot see your PIN number.

Also, try to use your credit card not your debit card. Most credit cards have built in protection in their terms of service against this type of theft. Debit cards can allow a thief to whip out your bank account, with little protection, if they can gain access.

Look at the video in the link to Krebs on Security to see how stealthily and brazen the ID thieves installed the skimmer at a check stand.

Krebs on Security:

https://krebsonsecurity.com/2018/02/would-you-have-spotted-this-skimmer/

South Snohomish County Crime Watch:

http://ssnoccrimewatch.blogspot.com/2015/11/atms-scammers-are-innovating-to-take.html

           

ID THEFT- Tax ID Theft Remains a Problem

With the income tax season upon us, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) are warning citizens about the dangers of Tax ID Theft.

Tax ID Theft occurs when an ID thief files a tax return with the IRS in someone else’s name to receive a tax refund. The ID thief will have enough information, such as Social Security Numbers, addresses, etc., to impersonate someone else on IRS tax forms. Often ID thieves file early to get their fake returns into the IRS before the person that they are impersonating. The ID thief gets a refund, and the victim gets a notice from the IRS that his/her taxes have already been filed.

The key for the ID thief is to have enough information to file a credible tax return in someone else’s name. ID thieves can collect information on other people from physical theft or online.

Physical sources can be through lost or stolen wallets, Medicare cards or smartphones. The ID thief can steal an ID in a home burglary or car prowl. Your information could be stolen by family, friends, visitors or advisors. The ID thief can go dumpster diving outside your accountant’s office or other business that keeps your personal information and does not shred sensitive documents before throwing them out. Lots of good personal information can be obtained through mail theft.

Other methods include imposter scams, such as pretending to be an IRS agent, and “verifying” your Social Security Number and other personal information. The ID thief could also have contacts inside financial institutions who can feed him/her with personal information on clients. The ID thief could also set up a corrupt a tax preparation service that also steals your personal information.

Online sources of personal information include purchasing information from data breaches. Phishing or spear phishing can yield personal information. Phishing is where an imposter sends an email that has attachments or links that either installs malware or sends the person receiving the email to a web site that collects personal information. ID thieves can use middle man attacks on surrounding computers at insecure Wi-Fi hotspots or on peer-to-peer file sharing networks.

There are warning signs of a possible tax ID theft. If your Social Security Number is stolen or compromised is one. Another, is an unusual delay in getting an expected refund from the IRS. The clincher is a notification from the IRS of a duplicate tax return, unreported income or duplicate dependents.

You can minimize your risk to become a victim of tax ID theft. Your personal information is part of you. It is valuable no matter who you are or how much you make. ID thieves don’t care if you are rich or poor, have good credit or bad credit. Not taking action can harm you.

·         Shred documents with account numbers and other personal information with a cross cut shredder.

·         Use strong passwords on your accounts and strong privacy settings.

·         Read your credit reports annually.

·         Empty your purse or wallet. Only take what you need for that day. Do not keep your Social Security card in your wallet. Keep it in your safe or your bank’s safety deposit box.

·         Know your tax preparer. Ask them how they secure your personal information.

·         File your income tax return early, before the crooks file.

·         When you file,

o   If mailing, take the return to the post office, not your mailbox.

o   If filing electronically, use a secure network.

o   Store your copy of your returns securely and shred drafts.

·         Be careful of what you share. If a business asks for personal information, ask why they need the information. If you receive a phone call from someone claiming to be from the IRS, your bank, or other financial institution, wanting to “verify” your personal information, hang up. Be careful of emails claiming to be businesses that want you to open an attachment or click on a link.

If you are victimized by a tax ID theft scheme, report it to www.identitytheft.gov. This site will help you report the incident to the FTC and the IRS. It will also help you develop a recovery plan. Also, report it to the Identity Theft Resource Center, https://www.idtheftcenter.org/.

IRS:

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/eight-tips-to-protect-taxpayers-from-identity-theft

AARP Fraud Watch Network on IRS Imposter Scams:

https://blog.aarp.org/2017/06/30/2-new-twists-in-irs-imposter-scams/

EQUIFAX DATA BREACH- What You Should Do

You probably have heard about the data breach at Equifax. In case you have missed it, here is a quick summary.

Last week, Equifax announced that someone had hacked into its servers and stole people’s names, Social Security numbers, birth dates, addresses and some driver’s license numbers. They also stole credit card numbers for about 209,000 people and dispute documents with personal information for about 182,000. Equifax estimates that a total of 143 million Americans were affected by this breach.

Equifax is one of the three credit reporting agencies that sell information to lenders and credit-scoring companies to determine consumer’s eligibility for loans, lines of credit, and other functions such as employment. The other credit agencies are Experian and TransUnion. The danger of this breach is that hackers, scammers, and fraudsters worldwide can use your personal information for purchases, to take out loans in your name, file for Income Tax refunds in your name, etc.

While the breach and how Equifax has handled the breach has caused controversy in the press and in Congress, there are actions that you should take that will help to protect yourself. This breach is serious enough that the Washington State Attorney General issued recommendations for actions Washington consumers should take:

·         Find out of your information was compromised. Equifax has set up a website, https://www.equifaxsecurity2017.com, to allow consumers to research if they have been affected. There have been several stories in the press questioning the reliability of this website, however.

·         Consider placing a credit freeze with each of the credit agencies. A credit freeze makes it more difficult for someone to open an account in your name. If you will be applying for new credit, or applying for something that requires checking your credit such as buying a new car, renting an apartment or applying for a new job, you should temporarily lift the freeze to allow the financial institution to check your credit.

·         Check your credit reports from the three major credit reporting agencies by visiting www.annualcreditreport.com.

·         Regularly review your bank statements, credit card statements and other account statements for suspicious charges. Remember, fraudsters often make small chargers to accounts to see if the accounts are being watched. Report any suspicious transactions immediately to your bank or credit card company.

·         If you believe that there has been unauthorized activity on your accounts or that you have become a victim of identity theft, take the following actions:

o  Report identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission at   www.identitytheft.gov

o  Place a credit freeze on your credit files.

o  File a police report and send a copy to the three major credit reporting agencies

In addition to the actions above, the AARP Fraud Watch Network suggests,

·         Adding a fraud alert to your credit report. A fraud alert tells lenders and creditors who check your credit report to take additional steps to verify your identification before extending credit in your name.

·         Consider hiring an identity theft protection service.

Taking actions to protect your identity from a breach can seem complicated and time consuming. Here are some up to date resources that will help you.

Washington State Attorney General:

http://mailchi.mp/atg/consumer-alert-advice-on-how-to-cope-with-equifax-data-breach?e=5cc1607c21

AARP Fraud Watch Network:

http://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2017/equifax-cyber-attack-data-breach-fd.html

Federal Trade Commission (FTC):

Here is an explanation about Identity Theft Protection Services-

https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0235-identity-theft-protection-services

This link explains the difference between fraud alerts and credit freezes-

https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/blogs/business-blog/2017/09/fraud-alerts-vs-credit-freezes-ftc-faqs

And an alert from the FTC, no, Equifax is not calling you-

https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2017/09/equifax-isnt-calling?utm_campaign=%2B%20Money%20and%20Shopping&utm_content=60318618&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter

SCAM- Amazon Contest Scam

There is a phishing scam going around nationwide that claims to be from Amazon that says the recipient has a “lucky chance to win.” If you receive this email, delete it from your inbox.

It came to the attention of the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) when one of its staffers received the email with “AMAZON” in all caps. It was sent from a Gmail account called Amazon contacts, a bogus Amazon email address.

The email had eight links that gave an option to unsubscribe, play the contest/game to win prizes and one to find the answer to a joke.

ITRC reminds everyone:

·         Never click on a link in an email if you cannot verify the sender’s authenticity.

·         Do not click on attachments if you are not sure of the authenticity of the sender.

·         Watch out for “spoofed emails.” Scammers can easily make their emails look like a legitimate business, organization, or government entity.

ITRC:

http://www.idtheftcenter.org/Current-Scam-Alerts/amazon-contest-scam.html?utm_content=bufferaba11&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

IDENTITY THEFT- Protect Your Child

We usually do not think about children being vulnerable to ID theft, but they may be one of the best targets for ID thieves. Children have no credit therefore their credit history is pristine. And, it will no doubt be years before ID theft is discovered.

Sometimes a family member of the child is the thief. They may be in a dire financial situation and need to pay bills such as rent or late utility bills. The child’s Social Security Number is often the what an ID thief takes.

Some signs that your child has been victimize by identity theft include:

·         Your child receives a pre-approved credit card.

·         You receive financial documents addressed to your child by a name that you did not use.

·         Collection agencies call for your child for past due bills.

·         Being denied government assistance because your child is “employed.”

·         The IRS denies your child as a dependent because of their “employment.”

·         The IRS sends a notice demanding your child’s income taxes.

·         Your child is denied a driver’s license due to outstanding tickets that your child did not accrue.

·         Your child is denied a credit card or college financial aid due to a credit history or employment record that should not apply to your child.

For more details about protecting your child’s identity, go to the following links:

Moneygeek.com:

https://www.moneygeek.com/credit-report/resources/protect-your-kids-from-identity-theft/?utm_content=buffera31f0&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer

Federal Trade Commission:

https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0040-child-identity-theft

STANWOOD- Police Looking for ID Thieves

Police are looking for Kimberlee Lines and her boyfriend Austin Faircloth for ID theft. Lines has gone into stores such as Macy’s and Kohl’s purchasing thousands of dollars of merchandise by using someone else’s ID.

In at least one case, a laptop computer containing sensitive information was stolen in a home burglary. That information, including Social Security Numbers, has been traced to Lines. Lines has opened a Victoria Secret account in the name of a 4 year old daughter of one victim.

If you know where police can find them call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS which is offering a reward of up to $1,000.

Take a look at the following video for a complete description of this couple.

Q13:

http://q13fox.com/2016/11/15/mom-outraged-after-id-thief-opens-credit-card-at-victorias-secret-in-4-year-old-daughters-name/

YAHOO- 500 Million Accounts Breached

Yahoo has announced that information from 500 million accounts was stolen from the company in 2014. According to USA Today, the company believes that a “state-sponsored actor” was involved in the attack.

Information taken may have included names, email addresses, telephone numbers, dates of birth, and encrypted or unencrypted security questions and answers.

A rule of thumb for cyber security experts is that discovery of a breach occurs 150 to 200 days after the actual breach. Claims of this breach first surfaced in early August of this year.

Any data breach should be a concern to users of the service that was attacked. Hackers can use ID and passwords to gain access to other accounts and more information. According to one survey, 50% of users use the same password across several accounts. Hackers who have stolen ID’s and passwords from one account can try the stolen passwords on different services such as bank accounts and credit card accounts. They also have gathered information on loyalty points from hotel chains and airlines, avatars, online game points, and the values stored on coffee cards. As a result, the hackers can create information dossiers on many people.

Yahoo is recommending that its users do the following:

·         Change your password and security questions and answers for any other accounts on which you used the same or similar information used for your Yahoo account.

       ·         Review your accounts for suspicious activity.

      ·         Be cautious of any unsolicited communications that ask for your personal information or refer you to a web page asking for personal information.

       ·         Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from suspicious emails.

Also, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has recently created a web page, http://www.identitytheft.gov/databreach, that provides a checklist for you to follow in case your private information has been compromise in a data breach. If you have been affected by this data breach go to the link and follow the FTC’s guidance.

USA Today:

http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2016/09/22/report-yahoo-may-confirm-massive-data-breach/90824934/

YAHOO:

https://yahoo.tumblr.com/post/150781911849/an-important-message-about-yahoo-user-security

Fox News:

http://www.foxnews.com/tech/2016/09/22/yahoo-confirms-500-million-accounts-compromised-in-huge-data-breach.html

FTC:

https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/data-breaches-and-you-new-video

SCAM UPDATE – Scams Continue to Victimize Consumers

Here are some scams and prevention measures that have made the news in the last few weeks:
                       

·         Washington Attorney General sues world’s largest tech support company for scamming customers. Yesterday, the Washington State Attorney General’s Office announced that it has file suit against iYogi, for unfair and deceptive business practices. According to the AG’s office iYogi promoted itself with online ads. When customers called the phone number in the ads, iYogi representatives would claim that they could provide tech support services for whatever company the customer inquired about, including Microsoft, Apple, and HP. The representative would claim that he has found “infected files” on the customer’s computer then aggressively sell them tech support plans ranging in price from $140 to $379. The representative would also tell the customer that they needed to upgrade to Windows 10, an $80 charge, even though Microsoft offers the upgrade for free. For details on this scam, go to the Attorney General’s press release:  http://atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-sues-one-world-s-biggest-tech-support-providers-stop-deceptive-scam-0

·         The Better Business Bureau has been warning the public about a delivery scam. Someone claiming to be from a delivery company calls you saying that they have a package on the way. A short time later, someone shows up with a gift package at your door. They will not know who sent you the package if you ask. If you accept the package then you will be asked to pay a “verification fee.” The driver then produces a hand held card scanner to swipe your credit or debit card. According to the BBB, this is a scam to collect your credit card or debit card information. You can see details here: http://www.bbb.org/blog/2015/12/delivery-scam-steals-customer-info-with-crafty-con/.

·         Be on the alert for scammers posing as legitimate business. While chip cards are supposed to make it harder for crooks to manufacture credit cards, scammers are changing their tactics by pretending to be legitimate companies to get you to give them your account information. With the data breaches over the last year or so, including those involving federal government agencies, many fraudsters may take out credit card accounts or even file income tax returns in your name. Check your credit report regularly with the three credit reporting agencies, Experian, TransUnion and Equifax. Also, file your income tax return as early as you can. For more information go to: http://time.com/money/4120796/outsmart-new-cyber-scams/?utm_content=buffere603e&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer.

·         Everett police catch up to prolific identity thief. Earlier this month, the Everett Police Department arrested Jaime Dinkins for investigation of forgery, theft and identity theft. He is accused of passing at least 74 bogus checks worth more than $50,000 in Snohomish County. He is suspected of being part of a stolen mail and counterfeit check cashing ring. This arrest points out that identity theft can be from local criminals through your mailbox (or even your parked car). The Herald: http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20151201/NEWS01/151209966.

·         Be sure to secure your router. The Federal Trade Commission recommends that you secure your router from identity thieves by changing the name of your router from the default name, change your router’s pre-set passwords and turn off any “remote management” features that your router might have. FTC:  http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/your-route-security?utm_source=govdelivery.

 

 

LYNNWOOD– ID Thief Caught

According to The Herald, a Lynnwood police officer caught an ID thief who was trying to use a fake driver’s license at a Verizon store in Alderwood Mall. A store sales person became suspicious when they could not verify his identity. The man was trying to purchase four iPhones worth $2,600. The man left the store without the driver’s license.
                
The officer was called to investigate and noticed that the birthdate on the license was 9/31/89. In his probable cause report, the officer noted that there are only 30 days in September. A small slip up that caught this ID thief. While he was booked, Lynnwood jail personnel found six fake Florida driver’s licenses and seven credit cards.

There are many ways for an ID thief to obtain your personal information. While the method that this ID thief used had not been reported, one easy way for an ID thief to get your information is through a car prowl. Car prowlers will look for cars that have items that they can harvest for personal information such are a purse, wallet, smartphone, tablet computer or laptop computer. The best thing you can do to protect your identity when you are away from your car or truck is to be sure to take your purse, wallet and mobile device with you or at least store them out of sight such as in your trunk.

The Herald:

http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20151014/NEWS01/151019522/Impossible-birthdate-tips-off-Lynnwood-cop-to-ID-theft-susp