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Further
Reading ...
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What to check out when you apply for a payday loan - Prakash Menon
Are you thinking of going in for a payday loan to meet an unexpected expense? If yes, look into these seven things before you finalize one. This checklist can help you make smarter choices. You might even end up saving some serious cash! First...
My First Month Online - Bobby Walker
Before I start, I want to say that you can use this information however you would like. If you want to start your online business the same way I have, that is great, if you do not, that is fine too. All the links will be provided if you wish to do...
Work At Home, But Don't Become A Slave To Your Business - Kirk Bannerman
Although the expressed reasons for wanting to work from home are many and varied, most home based business owners cite the ability to set their own hours as a major factor in their decision to work at home. However, many people that have work at...
How to Avoid Nasty Business Surprises - David Brewster
Conducting business in the 21st century often requires quick decisions. This often leads to sound data being replaced by perception as the basis for making important resolutions. The risks in this approach are clear: business decisions made without...
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Cyber Fraud & Identity Theft Prevention
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Written By:
Guy Hartmann
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There are many people out there that have DSL or cable connections that don't have proper firewalls or up to date antivirus programs in place. Too many think it just came with the computer. This can create a breach and your privacy violated. The General Accounting Office now puts identity theft at 750,000 victims a year. Victims spend an average of 175 painstaking hours to undo the damage.
There are things you can do to protect yourself especially regarding your computer. First and foremost, don't store your personal information on your computer. Someone harvesting that kind of information can literally go through thousands of computers in the hour you spend watching your favorite television program. Virus' can infect your system and relay that information in alot less time. Make sure your firewalls and anit-virus software is up to date. If you don't have them - get them. You don't have to be the most tech savy person to do it either. For the average user, you can find security information, news and products presented in plain language at quantum-links.com http://www.quantum-links.com to keep yourself and your computer running current and up to date.
Beware people who come asking for your personal information. This is becoming commonly known as PHISH. Services you already have do not email you asking for you to resubmit your information. PayPal had some of it's customers caught in this net recently and had to issue an email telling them not to respond. Instead of replying with your information, email them back asking for a telephone number by which to contact them directly. It is doubtful that they will respond with one. If they do, you can check out the number in a number of ways to make sure it's for - continued below ...
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real. One way is to use the reverse listings available on many search engines. My favorite is http://www.refdesk.com>.
Check your credit report at least once a year. Have a fraud alert put on your accounts. This is a flag that asks creditors to contact you before opening any new accounts. This may impede opening instant accounts. But, the security seems well worth the inconveinance. You can also order credit watch services from them that contact you when there is unusual activity. Here are links to the big three:
Equifax Credit Information Services,Inc. Experian Information Solutions, Inc. TransUnion
You can also contact your financial institutions and ask about their information opt out programs. This takes you off any lists that they sell or trade. Especially do this with any accounts that you do online transactions with.
Another good way to shield your privacy is to contact the Direct Marketing Association in New York to opt out of their member's lists. Use the links to find out how to opt out of each type: Email Telemarketing Regular Mail
This was just a short plain primer on protecting yourself. There are other options out there as well. If you stop and think, the time you spend on prevention will most likely be alot less than any spent on repairing damage. Your brain and your computer aren't all that different.
The average person only uses about 10% of either. Tweak the 10% you use.
About the Author
Guy Hartmann has a degree in Community Education and has over 20 years experience in the fields of education and community development. He is a regular contributor at http://www.quantum-links.com
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| _Additional Resources ... |
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How to be successful in small business - Garry Munro
How to be successful in small business. Not everyone is programmed to be a successful businessperson, many people make it but many more fail along the way. A large part of your future success will depend on your P.A.D. That’s your Passion,...
Are You In a Position to Start an Online Business? - Angela Wu
When I first started my online business, I did everything I could to save a little money -- I didn't want a domain name, not even for a mere $35/year (it was expensive back then!), and I certainly didn't want to pay recurring monthly fees for a web...
Speaker Partnership Offers Trade Show Value - Eileen McDargh CSP CPAE
Want to gain added exposure at a trade show? Consider sponsoring a professional speaker at the attendees meeting. But don't just settle for a banner on the stage with your company name. There's much more leverage you can get from a top flight...
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