Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in the U.S. The U.S. Secret Service has estimated that consumers nationwide lose $745 million to identity theft each year. According to the Identity Theft Resource Center, the average victim spends 607 hours and averages $1,000 just to clear their credit records.
Identity thieves employ a variety of methods to gain access to your personal information. They may get information from businesses or other institutions by stealing it; by bribing an employee who has access to records; hacking into records; or conning information out of employees. Once identity thieves have your personal information, they may use it to commit a fraud or theft in your name.
How can you tell if you have become a victim of identity theft? Some signs include unexplained charges or withdrawals from your financial accounts; bills or other mail stop arriving (the thief may have submitted a change of address); a credit application is denied for no apparent reason, or debt collectors begin calling about merchandise or services you didn't buy.
Your computer can be a goldmine of personal information to an identity thief. To protect yourself and your computer against identity theft consider:
* Updating virus protection software frequently. Consider setting your virus protection software to update automatically. The Windows XP operating system also can be set to check for patches automatically and download them to your computer. * Not opening files sent to you by strangers, clicking on hyperlinks, or downloading programs from people or companies you don't know. * Using a firewall program, especially if you use a high speed Internet connection like cable or DSL that leaves your computer connected to the Internet 24 hours a day. * Providing your personal or financial information through an organization's secured website only. While not fool proof, a lock icon on the browser's status bar or a URL for a website that begins "https:" (the "s" stands for secure), may provide additional security. * Not storing your financial information on your laptop, unless absolutely necessary. * Deleting all the personal information stored on a computer before disposing of it. A wipe" utility program to overwrite the entire hard drive is recommended. * Checking with an anti-fraud education organization such as CardCops (www.cardcops.com). Card Cops runs a web site designed to help consumers determine whether their credit card numbers may have been stolen. They monitor Internet "chat rooms" where identity thieves illicitly trade and sell stolen credit card numbers. CardCops turns the information over to law enforcement authorities, but also allows consumers to access their database to see whether individual card numbers may have been stolen. In the first two months of operation, the site identified more than 100,000 stolen credit cards.
As with any crime, you can not completely control whether you will become a victim, but you can take steps to minimize your risk by remaining diligent and by minimizing outside access to your personal information.
About the Author
Pritesh Das is a Internet Marketer. Click here to learn more about the author
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Criminal Record lookup
Criminal Record Lookup is a people finder Resource. Whether its finding people, find address, reverse phone, criminal records, sex offenders or almost any Public record, Criminal Record Lookup is where you need to be looking.
If its a background check on a future employee, looking for a lost friend or loved one, or you suspect someone of being a sex offender or having a criminal record then Criminal Record Lookup is the only place I would be looking. Criminal Record Lookup is the most complete people finder on the market.
If its a background check on a future employee, looking for a lost friend or loved one, or you suspect someone of being a sex offender or having a criminal record then Criminal Record Lookup is the only place I would be looking. Criminal Record Lookup is the most complete people finder on the market.
Notable Government Records In History
Government records are those documents that every citizen can obtain from the federal authorities. These can be used for various purposes, both for personal and business intentions. Throughout history, these records have served several important roles for each and every person in the country.
These records were previously unavailable to the general public; however, a legislation changed all that. Nowadays, people can now request certain government records on the right agency, and they can easily obtain and use them.
While there are ethical and legal restrictions on requesting government records, it is still fairly easy for one to get his or her hands on the data.
The availability of government records have done wonders to society. For once, people can now protect themselves by verifying and checking information on just about anyone they meet. For example, businesspersons are able to find out which of their applicants are considered "safe" for hiring, i. E., those who have no prior criminal records.
Important Government Records
There are many types of government records in existence. Each record serves a certain purpose. History has proven, however, that there are some of them whose importance are greater than the others. These records are the following:
Bankruptcy Records
When a person goes bankrupt, the first thing he or she is expected to do is to file for bankruptcy protection. This type of protection puts a stay on the ability of his or her debtors to collect any more of his or her debts under the premise that he or she is financially unable to pay them off.
A bankruptcy case then ensues, wherein the bankrupt person's assets are liquidated or his or her debts are restructured. All of these information are recorded in court dockets.
These records are particularly useful for those who are looking to enter into a business partnership. Some people may be uncomfortable or unsure about entering into a partnership if he or she is doubtful of the other party's ability to handle finances.
These bankruptcy records help to assuage or confirm these doubts for the person.
Criminal Records
Next to bankruptcy records, criminal records help someone look closer into the background of potential employees or even just other people, such as their neighbors and even new family members.
When a person commits an offense, the investigation bureau and the police force always keep a record of that person's crime. These offenses can be looked at and scrutinized by the public in order to protect themselves from dangerous persons in society.
Court Records
The courts maintain archives of their cases as well. While criminal offenses and cases can easily be examined using criminal records, civil offenses are another case.
For example, if you are looking into the background of a person applying for a loan, you can check court records to see if he or she has previous cases of fraud or money laundering. This will help you decide whether or not the person is at risk of going on default with his or her loan repayments.
Anyone can get his or her hands on these records. A request to the appropriate office or agency is all you need to accomplish. This is provided, however, that your intentions are legitimate: obtaining personal information for purposes of blackmail is considered invasion of privacy and is a ground for denial of your request.
These records were previously unavailable to the general public; however, a legislation changed all that. Nowadays, people can now request certain government records on the right agency, and they can easily obtain and use them.
While there are ethical and legal restrictions on requesting government records, it is still fairly easy for one to get his or her hands on the data.
The availability of government records have done wonders to society. For once, people can now protect themselves by verifying and checking information on just about anyone they meet. For example, businesspersons are able to find out which of their applicants are considered "safe" for hiring, i. E., those who have no prior criminal records.
Important Government Records
There are many types of government records in existence. Each record serves a certain purpose. History has proven, however, that there are some of them whose importance are greater than the others. These records are the following:
Bankruptcy Records
When a person goes bankrupt, the first thing he or she is expected to do is to file for bankruptcy protection. This type of protection puts a stay on the ability of his or her debtors to collect any more of his or her debts under the premise that he or she is financially unable to pay them off.
A bankruptcy case then ensues, wherein the bankrupt person's assets are liquidated or his or her debts are restructured. All of these information are recorded in court dockets.
These records are particularly useful for those who are looking to enter into a business partnership. Some people may be uncomfortable or unsure about entering into a partnership if he or she is doubtful of the other party's ability to handle finances.
These bankruptcy records help to assuage or confirm these doubts for the person.
Criminal Records
Next to bankruptcy records, criminal records help someone look closer into the background of potential employees or even just other people, such as their neighbors and even new family members.
When a person commits an offense, the investigation bureau and the police force always keep a record of that person's crime. These offenses can be looked at and scrutinized by the public in order to protect themselves from dangerous persons in society.
Court Records
The courts maintain archives of their cases as well. While criminal offenses and cases can easily be examined using criminal records, civil offenses are another case.
For example, if you are looking into the background of a person applying for a loan, you can check court records to see if he or she has previous cases of fraud or money laundering. This will help you decide whether or not the person is at risk of going on default with his or her loan repayments.
Anyone can get his or her hands on these records. A request to the appropriate office or agency is all you need to accomplish. This is provided, however, that your intentions are legitimate: obtaining personal information for purposes of blackmail is considered invasion of privacy and is a ground for denial of your request.
Posted by
Kaito
Can Government Records Be Searched Online? The government always keeps tabs on its citizens. Whenever something happens, there is always a record t
The government always keeps tabs on its citizens. Whenever something happens, there is always a record that is sent to the government. For example, if a child is born, the hospital is required to maintain and submit a live birth record to the government, which is accessed as a birth certificate. These documents are collectively called government records, simply because it is the government that maintains an archive of these.
Due to their importance, government records were finally made public in the late 1960's through the federal Freedom of Information Act. Under the FIA, the government is now obligated to generate any record on any individual upon any person's request. In other words, all one needs to do is ask, and the government will give them the information that they require.
The Internet: A New Haven for Personal Records
Ever since its introduction to society exactly 10 years ago, the Internet has become the preferred mode of research for information by many people. There are many kinds of information that you can find online. For example, you can find all sorts of information about insurance services in the World Wide Web--from what insurance companies are operating to different types of policies offered.
Of course, government records are not an exception. Thanks to the Internet, people are now able to extract these documents without having to leave the comfort of their home.
Because of the demand for government records and the popularity of the Internet, many businesses have taken advantage of the fact by setting up record searching services. These services make it possible for people to easily and quickly find the record or information that they require. Moreover, these companies have found ways to link up to any government agency's database and conduct the searching on behalf of the user.
Most of the websites that offer these functionalities require a small fee for the service, while others are completely free. Whether you choose free or paid searching services, only one thing is for sure: using the Internet is cost effective and is very convenient.
Types of Government Records Available Online
Fortunately, there are a lot of government records that you can find online. The fear that you would have to go to a government agency's office because this type of record is not available online is non-existent. Everything you need can be easily found online, including these records.
Here are some of the records that you can obtain using the Internet:
Birth Certificates
Due to the necessity of securing birth certificates for employment and even for school, private businesses have secured ways for people to easily request these records online without having to personally approach authorities.
Lost-people Records
Do you want to know if there is actually a lost person that is residing in your neighborhood? You can use the Internet to browse through missing-person information and find out.
Criminal Records
It is a must for us to know who we are dealing with. Thus, if you consider a person to be shady, you can check online if he or she has any criminal record in the past.
Bankruptcy Records
Some businesses fail because of having a wrong partner. If you want to make sure that a potential partner knows how to handle money and business, you can use online services to see if he or she has filed for bankruptcy before.
Due to their importance, government records were finally made public in the late 1960's through the federal Freedom of Information Act. Under the FIA, the government is now obligated to generate any record on any individual upon any person's request. In other words, all one needs to do is ask, and the government will give them the information that they require.
The Internet: A New Haven for Personal Records
Ever since its introduction to society exactly 10 years ago, the Internet has become the preferred mode of research for information by many people. There are many kinds of information that you can find online. For example, you can find all sorts of information about insurance services in the World Wide Web--from what insurance companies are operating to different types of policies offered.
Of course, government records are not an exception. Thanks to the Internet, people are now able to extract these documents without having to leave the comfort of their home.
Because of the demand for government records and the popularity of the Internet, many businesses have taken advantage of the fact by setting up record searching services. These services make it possible for people to easily and quickly find the record or information that they require. Moreover, these companies have found ways to link up to any government agency's database and conduct the searching on behalf of the user.
Most of the websites that offer these functionalities require a small fee for the service, while others are completely free. Whether you choose free or paid searching services, only one thing is for sure: using the Internet is cost effective and is very convenient.
Types of Government Records Available Online
Fortunately, there are a lot of government records that you can find online. The fear that you would have to go to a government agency's office because this type of record is not available online is non-existent. Everything you need can be easily found online, including these records.
Here are some of the records that you can obtain using the Internet:
Birth Certificates
Due to the necessity of securing birth certificates for employment and even for school, private businesses have secured ways for people to easily request these records online without having to personally approach authorities.
Lost-people Records
Do you want to know if there is actually a lost person that is residing in your neighborhood? You can use the Internet to browse through missing-person information and find out.
Criminal Records
It is a must for us to know who we are dealing with. Thus, if you consider a person to be shady, you can check online if he or she has any criminal record in the past.
Bankruptcy Records
Some businesses fail because of having a wrong partner. If you want to make sure that a potential partner knows how to handle money and business, you can use online services to see if he or she has filed for bankruptcy before.
Posted by
Kaito
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