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Tuesday
March 16, 2010 Since 1922 |
How to watch out for identity theft
By Aaron Barbee
Contributor Published August 9, 2009 Question: How can someone use a computer to steal your identity? Is it truly that prevalent? Please let me know because I’m very worried someone could try to steal my identity.
Answer: There are a good number of ways to steal your identity using computers and technology. While what I’m about to say isn’t a complete list by a long shot, learn some of the more common methods used to be a pain in your wallet. It’s not too likely, but it certainly does happen more often than it should.
The most worrying method of identity theft is to use a card reader on ATM’s or other such devices you would swipe your credit card through. Thieves will sometimes attach a card reader on top of a legitimate device unbeknownst to the patron. When the card passes through, not only will the legitimate appliance read the data, but also the data-gathering tool will read it too. After a number of days or weeks, the identity thief will collect the data and use it for their own purpose.
If you happen to see a suspicious device that appears to not belong, please notify the bank branch that is in charge of the ATM. Some of these devices are cleverly camouflaged, but most are easily noticed.
On the computer, there’s such a thing as a keylogger. This is software that’s been secretly put on a computer to watch all keystrokes. Anything you type is sent to the hacker for later use. When reconstructed, a thief will be able to know what Web sites you type in, the login name and password used on that Web site, e-mails typed, and pretty much anything to help them get hold of your identity. If you suspect you have malicious software on your computer, you should stop using it immediately, turn it off, and take it to a professional establishment for checking and cleaning.
A low-tech method of stealing your information is to ask you for it outright. You may get an innocent-looking e-mail asking you to verify some personal information for your bank or something to that effect. Treat this like an incoming phone call; you didn’t call them and you don’t know who they are. Give them no information whatsoever. If it is from a reputable organization offer to call them back. If they’re legit, they won’t have a problem with it. Look up the number online or in the phone book and return the call with that number. Now you know you’re talking to the real deal.
E-mails can be very dangerous when it comes to your identity. I’ve received fake e-mails from places like Bank of America, PayPal, and gaming sites all asking for my information to unlock my account. Never click on these from an e-mail. The link in the e-mail may look real, but it may actually point you to another Web site out there without you knowing. When I clicked on the PayPal link and checked the underlying code (I suspected it was fake from the beginning), I found it was in fact on a temporary computer in China. I reported it to PayPal. E-mail links can also be faked. Open a new browser and type in the address manually so you know exactly where you’re going.
It’s tough out there, especially in these times. Crimes are on the rise as people get more desperate. Be extra careful and if something seems fishy at all, stop and call an expert for advice. A quick phone call can save you a lot of headache!
Check out my Web site www.TexasComputerGuru.com for supplemental information and previous articles as well.
Aaron Barbee owns Texas Computer Guru, a local computer services company for on-site business and residential needs. He can be contacted at 281-628-5099. E-mail questions for Aaron to sunnews(at)baytownsun.com.
Contributor Published August 9, 2009 Question: How can someone use a computer to steal your identity? Is it truly that prevalent? Please let me know because I’m very worried someone could try to steal my identity.
Answer: There are a good number of ways to steal your identity using computers and technology. While what I’m about to say isn’t a complete list by a long shot, learn some of the more common methods used to be a pain in your wallet. It’s not too likely, but it certainly does happen more often than it should.
The most worrying method of identity theft is to use a card reader on ATM’s or other such devices you would swipe your credit card through. Thieves will sometimes attach a card reader on top of a legitimate device unbeknownst to the patron. When the card passes through, not only will the legitimate appliance read the data, but also the data-gathering tool will read it too. After a number of days or weeks, the identity thief will collect the data and use it for their own purpose.
If you happen to see a suspicious device that appears to not belong, please notify the bank branch that is in charge of the ATM. Some of these devices are cleverly camouflaged, but most are easily noticed.
On the computer, there’s such a thing as a keylogger. This is software that’s been secretly put on a computer to watch all keystrokes. Anything you type is sent to the hacker for later use. When reconstructed, a thief will be able to know what Web sites you type in, the login name and password used on that Web site, e-mails typed, and pretty much anything to help them get hold of your identity. If you suspect you have malicious software on your computer, you should stop using it immediately, turn it off, and take it to a professional establishment for checking and cleaning.
A low-tech method of stealing your information is to ask you for it outright. You may get an innocent-looking e-mail asking you to verify some personal information for your bank or something to that effect. Treat this like an incoming phone call; you didn’t call them and you don’t know who they are. Give them no information whatsoever. If it is from a reputable organization offer to call them back. If they’re legit, they won’t have a problem with it. Look up the number online or in the phone book and return the call with that number. Now you know you’re talking to the real deal.
E-mails can be very dangerous when it comes to your identity. I’ve received fake e-mails from places like Bank of America, PayPal, and gaming sites all asking for my information to unlock my account. Never click on these from an e-mail. The link in the e-mail may look real, but it may actually point you to another Web site out there without you knowing. When I clicked on the PayPal link and checked the underlying code (I suspected it was fake from the beginning), I found it was in fact on a temporary computer in China. I reported it to PayPal. E-mail links can also be faked. Open a new browser and type in the address manually so you know exactly where you’re going.
It’s tough out there, especially in these times. Crimes are on the rise as people get more desperate. Be extra careful and if something seems fishy at all, stop and call an expert for advice. A quick phone call can save you a lot of headache!
Check out my Web site www.TexasComputerGuru.com for supplemental information and previous articles as well.
Aaron Barbee owns Texas Computer Guru, a local computer services company for on-site business and residential needs. He can be contacted at 281-628-5099. E-mail questions for Aaron to sunnews(at)baytownsun.com.