If you’ve been affected by the Heartbleed Bug, there’s a chance your financial accounts are in potential danger. There are a few things you can do to help minimize the damage, though.
First, always run updated anti-virus and anti-malware software on your computer.
Second, don’t use public computers or Wi-Fi to use your financial accounts; this is a general rule, so even if you aren’t affected by the Heartbleed Bug, it’s best to only use personal computers for these types of accounts.
And of course, avoid any sites that may not be legitimate. This is especially true when shopping online. Using shops that accept PayPal is a good idea because PayPal offers buyer protection on any purchases.
What is a credit freeze and how can it protect you against identity theft? Is it really an effective tool to fight ID theft and fraud?
What is Credit Freeze?
The purpose of credit freeze is to block everyone – new creditors, insurers, employers – from accessing a person’s credit report. Even the credit report owner is blocked out, unless he/she requests to “thaw” or “unfreeze” the report.
With the prevalence of identity theft ever increasing, perhaps you’ve been thinking about getting more protection for yourself. Perhaps you’re considering on applying for an identity theft insurance policy so that you’ll have some assistance just in case you get victimized by identity theft. But what really is an identity theft insurance? Should you really get one? Can it really protect you from the pains and trouble of stolen identity?
Are you afraid to use online banking services? Apparently, despite the popularity of online banking and online access services, many consumers are still hesitant to make use of these features. A recent survey conducted by Javelin Strategy and Research (https://www.javelinstrategy.com/news/831/92/1 ) reveals that in 2009, 11.1 Million adults have become victims of ID theft, with…
Identity Theft is the illegal possession and manipulation of a person’s personal information such as name, social security number, credit card number, driver’s license number, bank account number, address, phone number, and personal identification number (PIN).
What is a credit freeze and what makes it different from credit fraud alert? The credit freeze was first introduced in California in 2003. Today, however, a credit freeze can be done in all 38 States and can be requested from any of the three major credit bureaus- Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.
Once a consumer puts a freeze on his credit , no lender, insurer, employer or anyone else can make an inquiry or request on his credit report. The fact is, not even you, can look into your credit report unless you order the credit bureau to “unfreeze” or “thaw” your credit.
Identity theft is a serious crime that affects millions of people each year. It can be costly and time-consuming to recover from, not to mention the emotional distress it causes. Protecting yourself from identity thieves is key in preventing this type of crime – and with the right knowledge and precautionary measures, you can do…
First, always run updated anti-virus and anti-malware software on your computer.
