Recently we witnessed several Lifelock problems make the news but truth be known the company never broke stride and continued to grow, reaching a million customers in the process. Lifelock is still the the number 1 choice in identity theft security despite several new companies hovering in the shadows to step in should the Lifelock problems have proved to be deadly.

Back in May we had the story of a few clients taking legal action against the company because they claimed the Lifelock advertising campaign was misleading.

The claim was based on the fact that Todd Davis gives out his social security number in Life Lock advertisements to prove how confident he is in the protection provided by Lifelock. It appears they felt, or at least their lawyer felt that this is misleading because actually some guy took out a small loan for $500 using the SSN of Todd Davis.

This obviously made the news, it’s a good story but then as it unravelled it came to light that actually Lifelock had worked for Davis. The person who took out the loan was caught and more just as importantly, the CEO’s credit file remained squeeky clean.

We also found out that none of the customers who were seeking the class action had actually suffered a case of identity theft and had not even cancelled their Lifelock subscription. The words ambulances and chasers sprung to mind and the story died a quick and relatively painless death.

The next Lifelock problems seemed to be a little more serious. Experian, one of the major credit bureaus were claiming that the service provided by Lifelock could be done by a person without the need of a monthly charge.

Lifelock, acting on a on behalf of their clients, place a fraud alert on their credit file which means extra care should be taken when issuing loans, credit agreements etc. Basically it means the person fears their identity has been compromised so please act with caution before opening a line of credit. By the way, the person who took out the $500 payday loan in Davis name was successful because the loan company admitted to ignoring the fraud alert.

Experian claim you can add this fraud alert yourself so Lifelock are taking monthly fees under false pretences. At first glance this appeared like serious Lifelock problems and again the press jumped in feet first.

A little digging by a few journalists who prefer to report news rather than simply a good story again showed that what appeared to be Lifelock problems, actually had ulterior motives.

It seems Experian do not like fraud alerts on credit files. Fraud alerts slow down the the business of issuing credit and creates work for the credit bureaus. It’s for this reason that a fraud alert only lasts a limited period. You then have to go through the whole process of applying for the fraud alert again.

Lifelock manage this for their clients every 3 months and should they forget and an identity gets stolen, they have a guarantee that kicks in to the tune of a nice $1 million and it’s this that their clients are more than happy to pay the ten buck fee for.

One other reason Lifelock are not the favorite company of Experian is because Lifelock remove their clients names from all the financial mailing lists. The Lifelock logic is that if you aren’t receiving credit card offers through the post, they can’t be stolen and accepted in your name.

This sounds a really good idea right? Well guess who sells the credit card companies the names of affluent middle class Americans who the credit card companies want to target? This is huge business for the Experian and the other 2 credit bureaus as these lists are extremely targeted and thereforeextremely valuable. Imagine sending out your credit card or loan offer to homes you already know have several cards and an income of $90K a year instead of merely posting to the masses and hoping for the best?

As with most new highly successful companies, deeper motives can usually be found when stories start appearing in the papers and the Lifelock problems are no different.

If you were thinking about teaming up with Lifelock, make your decision based solely on the service they offer, not on the Lifelock problems that you may have heard about a few months back.

Yes you can do what Lifelock does for you yourself. You could probably also service your car yourself if you wanted to and some people do. Others though prefer the security that comes with knowing a professional has done it for them and should they make a mess of it, there is a full guarantee on offer as a back up.

Identity theft is a thing that most people be fright of these days. Actually, identity theft is impersonating someone for some illicit purposes. Usually, identity theft is executed in the favor of financial, job or occasionally medical insurance.

How Can Somebody Impersonate You - Identity Theft is Simple

Identity theft is not as difficult as you presume. The thief just needs some of important personal information concerning you, which is mostly done via phone or online. Yet, the theft can also be done offline. Therefore, you need to know the methods of identity theft so that you can protect yourself from the headache and heartache of this crime.

Watch out of what you throw in the trash since an identity thief can assamble bits and pieces of you from your garbage then use it to thieve your identity. If you are throwing out checkbook stubs, credit card paid bills or receipts ensure that you tear them into small clashing pieces or run them through a shredder. Make sure that nothing that you throw in the trash can be used to collect anything personal about you.

Be wary of the person who hovers around the ATM when you are drawing your cash. A few of these seemingly innocent people would be watching you to learn your pin and your card number. These people are trained to capture such information even with a passing glance so be careful. If they direct to do so, all they have to do is stealing your wallet and they could then use up your bank account.

Identity theft can be executed online by accessing the Web pages you are using and stealing that information by scanning those very pages. This is why you should be very careful where and how you write your credit card number. It is amazingly easy to pick up the credit card details from an unprotected web site.

Accordingly, if you are not assured that you are on the right website and that the page is encrypted, don’t input your credit card number. Check the lock on the right side lower corner which means the page is encrypted. If it exists, then you can securely type your identity.

If you don’t want to experience identity theft, you have to be cautious in using telephone or mobile phone too. There is possibly an eavesdropper who are overhearing while you are making a phone call.

Hence, you know that identity theft can be committed in utmost ease. Start from now, consider the possibility of such smooth crime around you, and prevent yourself from becoming the victim of identity theft.

As cases of identity theft still makes the headlines and companies like Life Lock continue to expand exponentially as people seek identity theft protection. Many haven’t realized that they can do much of the protecting themselves by purchasing one of the $20 shredding machines that you see in all the larger stores today.

By researching which types of paper shredding machines are available, a person is taking a proactive stance to keeping their identity safe. People usually just go about their daily business without ever thinking about the illegal activities going on around them. However, if one has ever had their data stolen, then they will forever be trying to straighten out the mess. Investing in one of the many shredders available can help to keep a person out of this dire situation.

Many different types of shredders exist. When one understands the different types, they can choose what type is best for them. To begin with, a simple and inexpensive type of paper shredder is a strip cut shredder. This one cuts your paper into very narrow strips. This though is a cheaper type that produces the most waste with the least amount of security. A good alternative to the strip cut is the cross cut shredder, or otherwise known as the confetti cut paper shredder. Instead of using rotating knives like the strip cut, the crosscut paper shredder uses two rotating drums that go in opposite directions to cut the paper into small rectangles. Therefore, the cross cut is a better choice than a strip cut if one is looking for a higher level of security.

Other types of paper shredding machines create smaller pieces of paper and are a little more expensive than either the cross cut or strip cut shredder. These types include particle cut shredders, granulators, hammermills, pierce and tear, and grinders. Depending on how much money one wants to spend will determine which paper destroyer a person will choose. A business may want to invest in a high security shredder to ensure that the documents are completely disintegrated.

So many types of paper shredding machines exist that a person can feel overwhelmed when having to choose one for either their home or their office. The good thing is that thanks to the internet, a person can easily understand what each type of paper shredder does and how they can be used to keep high security items out of the hands of identity thieves. Shredders are a great investment. The key is in knowing which one is the best paper shredder available for your particular needs.

Using a shredding machine is just one step you can take to protect yourself form the dangers of identity theft. As the fastest growing crime in the world, we need to do all we can to help with identity theft protection. You can download my free report on the facts about identity theft by right clicking and selecting “save as” here.

A Guide on How to Prevent Identity Theft

If you want to know how to prevent identity theft, as everyone should, there are a few steps to prevent identity theft in particular that you are going to want to be aware of. Of course you can never completely prevent identity theft, but by being responsible and cautious, you will be able to prevent it as much as possible.

First you are going to want to learn more on the crime of identity theft in general and what is involves, so that you are as educated as possible on this matter and can better recognize the different ways to prevent identity theft.

Prevent Identity Theft
Identity theft occurs when someone else uses your personal information without your knowledge and consent to commit a crime such as fraud or theft. They may be using your information and committing the crime on your, or someone else. They steal key pieces of information such as credit card numbers, social security numbers, and driver’s license numbers in order to commit the identity theft crime.

Keep Yourself Safe

There are a few very effective ways on how to prevent identity theft. If you want to know how to prevent identity theft, you are going to need to be aware of these tips on how to prevent identity theft and make sure that you use them to protect yourself and your finances.

One of the easiest but most effective methods of how to prevent identity theft is to shred all your important documents once you are done looking at them, rather than just throwing them in the garbage as they are because this makes it very easy for someone to find these documents and steal your identity.

If you are throwing out bills and credit card statements, ATM recipes, and other personal information, you may be leaving too much information lying about and so you want to make sure that you shred all papers with personal information on them before disposing of them.

You should also destroy all digital data traces that you may be leaving behind. When you sell, trade, or otherwise dispose of a computer system, hard drive, or backup tape of any sort, you are going to need to take the proper steps in order to ensure that the data is completely destroyed. This way if someone does find it and try to use it they will not be able to gather together your personal information. More on Identity Theft at Menshealth101.

Identity theft is something that can affect almost everyone – no matter where they live, and regardless of your age, social standing or race and color. Thieves may spare your car and your near and dear ones and may even leave your wallet unaffected because they have another target in mind - your identity. The cases of identity theft continue to mount and companies as well as individuals are losing billions of dollars as a consequence.

Reduce Chances Of Identity Theft Taking Place

It is therefore necessary to learn about some useful tips regarding proper identity theft protection which will help ensure that the chances of having your identity stolen are greatly reduced. The first (and, perhaps simplest tip) is to shred documents containing vital and important information. You need to destroy your outdated credit card statements as well as your bank statements and also medical bills by running these through a shredder that only cost about thirty dollars; but, which can help save you thousands of dollars.

It is very unwise to put your social security card in your wallet and carry it about with you. This identity theft protection tip is extremely important and must be adhered to. It would in fact, be far better for you to lock your social security card somewhere safe – such as in a safety vault. Instead of carrying the social security card with you it would be far better to memorize the number – though not by writing it down on a piece of paper.

Another important identity theft protection tip is to be very careful when submitting your personal details. Identity thieves are very clever and will use all sorts of sophisticated means by which to steal your identity. They could create fancy websites; offer you jobs or even claim to be sending you emails from your bank requesting personal information from you.

Identity Theft Protection Tips

Yet another identity theft protection tip that can help save you from becoming a victim of identity theft is to use security envelopes when sending personal information documents through the mail. Such envelopes will ensure that identity thieves will not be able to view the information contained in the documents enclosed in the envelopes.

Lastly, you should also pay attention to another identity theft protection which is to Xerox the contents of your wallet and file the copies away in a safety vault in order to keep a copy of important information contained in your wallet. Such copies will prove to be very important in case you loose your wallet or even when the wallet is stolen.

Credit card fraud too is on the rise and this is another area where you will need to learn about how to prevent such form of fraud. Identity theft can occur in a number of ways and so, even in case you have not given out your personal information; or, you have not had your wallet stolen; identity thieves can (and will) strike in very novel ways to deprive you off your identity. Taking extreme identity theft protection measures is the best way to combat identity thieves.

It seems that there are more headaches with identity theft now days than ever before. Could it be our constant connection with the Internet? Just maybe things are crawling into your personal files that you never invited. Yeah, it’s certainly a scary thought. Maybe it’s time you asked yourself, what am I doing to put a stop to identity theft? You should know that there are certain measures you can take in order to stay safe. The truth is we all need safety from identity theft, because it’s impossibly to keep up with who might snatch our personal information. 

Consider a few preventative steps. Number one is to guard your social security number with your life. Now I’m not telling you to die for it literally, but you get the general idea. Most folks don’t need this information. Sure, you will use it a great deal in college, and maybe a few times after when you purchase a home or vehicle. Maybe take out a life insurance policy. But in general it’s not compulsory to reveal, and I would gravely question those who request it. Another step you can take for safekeeping from identity theft is to avoid random scams. Most likely you’ve encountered some of these by email before. Maybe they tell you that you’ve won some kind of lottery or something unbelievable. Don’t take the bait! It’s perfectly too good to be true. You should always be sure to shred your personal mail/documents. Destroy it and don’t allow others to get their hands on it. They could ruin your credit if they do. Always keep your financial information to yourself. If you’re going to purchase online, I suggest you get a credit card that supplies you with a specific online number. This helps put a stop to against others getting access to your real card number. 

Get a credit report! You can acquire one of these online for free. Find out what’s presently up with your credit standing. You have to check these things on occasion. Someone could have already spotty your credit without you even knowing. And always be certain to safeguard your personal computer from viruses and spyware. Don’t let hackers slip in and steal your information. Finally, make sure you stop pre-approved credit card pitches. Someone else could get their hands on this and go shopping. When in doubt, ask oodles of questions regarding any pitch or buy. These measures will help with safekeeping from identity theft.

Get more data about financial issues such as advance magnum cash loans where you’ll find everything you need to know about the payday loan reviews and much more.

With all the press coverage you would think it is only individuals at risk from identity theft but businesses are particularly vulnerable because of all the data storage, either on hard drives or within written documents, which can be accessed by X amount of employees.

It’s not only the company info that is stored either. Most companies store info about their customers, competitors and of course their staff.

Here are a few things a company should either have in place or at least be considering to help protect data from the risk of identity thieves.

1) Have An Information Security Policy
Make someone senior in control of issues related to employee privacy.

2) Secure Your Computers
Office computers hold sensitive information about your employees and business associates. Always make sure you are using the latest encryption techniques and security codes to secure the network.

3) Disposal
Always use shredding machines to shred all documents before you dispose of them.

4) Keep It To A Minimum
Try to collect the minimum possible personal information from employees, the less the better.

5) Control Data Access
Allow sensitive data to be handled by only a select few of your employees, again, the less the better.

6) Staff Personal Devices
Ensure you supply adaquate lockers for safe storage and handling of PDAs, laptops and other data storage devices.

Sad but never the less true, the majority of identity theft victims actually know the thief. A flat or work mate, neighbor, brother or sister-in-law and even a Son or Daughter are much more likely to steal your identity than the stereotypical Nigerian sat in his bedroom in a far away continent with a laptop. If you want to stop identity theft you will need to come to terms with this fact.

Now you know who the potential thief is, you will have to develop a little mistrust if you want to stop identity theft happening to you. This might sound bad and you might feel sure that X person would never do that to you but cash is a huge motivator and it will do no harm to remove any temptation.

Keep all paperwork etc. hidden away from prying eyes and don’t leave a check book laying around the home or at work. It’s always best to memorize your social security number if possible but failing that, don’t leave it anywhere unattended such as in your desk draw at work.

Checking your credit report only identifies your identity has been stolen but at least it means you can stop it before it gets any worse. You are entitled to free annual credit reports which you can get from www.annualcreditreport.com. If you spot any unusual activity report it straight away.

You can also place fraud alerts on your credit file for free which is basically what Life Lock charge you $12 a month for. A fraud alert can stop identity theft because it tells any credit company that they should contact you in person to verify it is you applying for the credit card, loan etc.

You can find out how to do place a fraud alert with the 3 credit bureaus at www.ftc.gov/idtheft

To learn much more about how to proactively stop identity theft, check out our ebook Identity Theft Protection.

For internet newbies who sometimes do not understand how it works often think that internet identity theft is the biggest threat they face when it comes to this crime.  In truth though, internet identity theft happens much less than you may think.

Doing business online is usually a safer bet than doing business in person, on the phone or than getting paper statements in the mail and sending checks by return post.  There are several reasons for this and once you understand how the internet works then you may better understand why internet identity theft happens less than you would think.

The main reason the internet is safer is because computers have no interest in internet identity theft. When you pay something online or log into your bank account online to check your balance etc. there is no interaction with a person. Everything is done via a computer and nothing is seen by a person. This takes away the temptation and risk of identity theft where as when you pay your bill in a local restaurant; do you know who you are handing your credit card to? Do you know for a fact they are not copying down the details? Computers you can trust, people you can not.

If your bank allows you to opt out of receiving bank statements through the post, take them up on the offer, it’s a lot safer checking your account online than having the details posted you where they come in contact with several people before sitting in your unlocked mail box waiting to be collected.

Internet identity theft is a lot less common than you think. The real danger online is people attempting to trick you into supplying personal details.

So to whom should you report identity theft if you think it’s happened or is happening to you?

The first thing you want to do is report identity theft to the three major credit reporting bureaus - TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian.  Go over your credit report carefully with each of them and take notes about every mistake that’s on your credit history.

You also need to report identity theft to your banks and credit unions, as well as to your credit card account companies and even your utility companies.  It is important to make sure you close or freeze all lines of credit, access to cash etc. that you have.

Some people neglect to do this and figure that identity theft is just a private matter between themselves and the banks or credit bureaus, treating identity theft as just a mistake on their bills or accounts.  But remember that identity theft is a crime, not a mistake.  The police can and will investigate any and all cases of identity theft and you will need a report from them to use to clear your name later if anyone takes you to court for monies owed.

You can find a lot more info on how to stop identity theft by downloading our ebook here.