Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Three crucial points for protecting oneself from online identity theft have been identified by Identity Theft Daily website.
Users are urged to mind their computers, check their credit reports regularly and carry out fraud alerts.
Anti virus protection should be installed on a computer, especially if the user regularly does their banking online.
It may be possible that unsecured operations or an unencrypted wireless connection can allow thieves to access personal information.
The website also advises checking a credit report four times a year and to verify any inaccuracies.
It notes that online credit monitoring services such as Credit Expert can be downloaded for use.
Finally, anybody can have a fraud alert or credit freeze added to their credit file to ensure any potential creditors to take extra security measures before offering credit.
A new study by Consumer Reports recently found that computer viruses, phishing scams and spyware have cost the US economy $8.5 billion over the past two years.
More than 500,000 computers had to be replaced in the past six months after being infected with malware, though the report also found anti virus protection and web filtering systems are also helpful.
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