Cyber Crime Costing Small Businesses Millions

Cyber security is not just a crime perpetrated on the federal government or large businesses. It is a crime that does not discriminate and small businesses are now the low hanging fruit for the fraudsters. After all, the perpetrators know small businesses think they are invincible or that they do not have anything the hackers want. Well, as we can see from reports such as the link below, that is not true. Fraudsters will go after anyone that is vulnerable and right now, small businesses are it.

Please spend a $1.00 now in prevention methods to save $1000.00 in the future. It will save your confidential information....personal and business from falling into the wrong hands creating the aggravation you do not need not to mention time and money.

Prevent this Crime.

Cyber Crime Costing Small Businesses Millions

Cyber Security ---- Another issue plaguing our small, mid sized and large businesses

We are not getting any breaks are we. These fraudsters are making sure we do not sleep at night. Well, isn't time we give them a taste of their own medicine? Let's be proactive by taking one step at a time. Register today at mgaskin1.eventbrite.com for a workshop that will start you on your way to giving the fraudsters what they are dishing out to us. Also click on the link below, read and apply the suggestions to your business. Every little bit helps. 

http://www.techradar.com/news/internet/policies-protocols/fsb-calls-for-action-on-cyber-security-1152839

Fraud is a Violent Crime - Prevent It

Virginia Business - Opinion: Employee embezzlement on the rise — What business owners can do

It is on the Rise but you will not see it on American Greed. It is happening more than you know.

Small and mid sized businesses, you are the fraudsters dreams come true and their favorite lowest hanging fruit. Protect yourselves and your businesses. Register at mgaskin1.eventbrite.com to learn how to mitigate and prevent this problem. You may have great employees but as Reagan said Trust but Verify.


Virginia Business - Opinion: Employee embezzlement on the rise — What business owners can do

CHARGE BACKS, A QUIET BUT EFFECTIVE  FRAUD TACTIC

This scheme has always being in existence and mostly perpetrated by the amateur fraudster. However, the experienced fraudsters are now cashing in on it by identifying and utilizing the amateur fraudster. Why? because it is one of the easiest ways to rob you of your hard earned revenue and profits. You are hit at least twice; first hit comes from the perpetrator and the second is from the bank charges incurred for the charge backs. All or most banks will charge you if a credit card company rejects a credit card transaction processed by your business. 

Here is a short scenario of a  case I worked on. It involved several mid sized grocery stores. The customer of the grocery stores would come in once every two weeks and purchase over a hundred dollars worth of groceries from the grocery stores and two days later would call the bank and the police to make a report that his credit card was stolen. 

He would complete an affidavit, the bank would do their normal due diligence and after three days his card is re-issued and money is given back to him. In the meantime, the money is charged back to the grocery stores. Because of the amount, the grocery stores paid very little attention to the accumulation of the losses. But at the end of the year they realized there was but so much of that money the IRS was willing to allow them to write off. They also realized at that point that  it was cutting deeply  into their profits as well both in cash and shrinkage of goods sold. The money he charged for the groceries was refunded every single time and charged back to the store. That meant the grocery store had to give back that money to the credit card company without recovering their groceries.

This customer stole over $300,000 in a year and a half before he was caught. Each grocery store lost at least $50,000 or more to this scam.  So, business owners, please read the article, take notes, implement the suggestions and call me if you need any questions answered. You do not have to be a grocery store to experience this scam. If you take credit cards or checks as a form of payment for your services or goods you are vulnerable and trust me soon enough you will fall victim.

Fraud is a Violent Crime- Prevent IT

http://www.business2community.com/finance/fighting-against-chargebacks-detecting-and-preventing-fraud-0493736

Fraudulent Pay Roll Tax Companies.

This is a problem business owners. We may have to take back this process and begin doing it our selves. Yes,  one more thing to worry about because greed and lack of respect and morals has once again found its way into some pay roll tax companies we trust to help us out.

If you are a Maryland, DC, Virginia business owner, this should be particularly important to you. Click on Link below. Also, remember to register the workshop on the 23rd of May. Register at mgaskin1.eventbrite.com

www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8mKd5xUs0I

Fraud is a Violent Crime - Prevent It

Former Fried Frank Employee Confesses to Stealing $376,000 in Toner Cartridges

Hello Readers,

Here is typical example of a Trusted Employee Gone Bad example. One of the things Reagan said that made a lot of sense to me was the phrase TRUST AND VERIFY. This employee was with the company for 10 years. For a small business I understand how expensive toners are. My tiny printer/copier/fax toner costs $79.99 and has to be replaced at least once a month. I can't imagine someone stealing that much from my company. It puts a huge dent in the profits of a company like mine and any company for that matter. This type of scheme falls under the umbrella of Asset Misappropriation, subcategory of Inventory Larceny. Asset Misappropriation can be the nemesis of small and mid sized businesses. Thus it is extremely important that organizations do all they can to prevent it and or mitigate it.

On the 23rd of May, we will discuss the various forms of fraud SMEs face everyday and what to do to prevent it or mitigate it. Please register at mgaskin1.eventrite.com. The stealing of Toner cartridges could have been avoided if there was oversight by the company. Trust and Verify!!!!!!!!!

Former Fried Frank Employee Confesses to Stealing $376,000 in Toner Cartridges

FRAUD IS A VIOLENT CRIME = PREVENT IT

Dear Readers,

Hope all is well with you. So sorry I missed you at the workshop. It was an eye opening workshop and participants were just so happy to walk away with processes and procedures they can implement immediately within their organizations to protect themselves from becoming victims.

But not to worry. I am conducting another one on the 23rd of May 2013 because some participants sent me emails asking whether I will have another one soon. So here it is. The 23rd of May 2013 there will be another one and hope to see you there. You will be delighted you came. Please register at mgaskin1.eventbrite.com as soon as you can because seats are limited. Now, let's get some news from the Fraud World.

Here is something interesting and yet brazen.

Facebook Shuts Down Group Offering Fraud 'Services'

I cannot stress this enough. The only person who can protect you from something like this is YOU. I understand that we cannot avoid social media, but please be diligent in responding to requests. Use every privacy measure Social Media has to offer. Better yet minimize the amount of information you put on Social media. Don't put things such as your Birth Date or phone number etc on your profile. 

You will be very surprised at how just your birth date can open up so many doors for the perpetrator. It is extremely easy these days to get information on you using your birthday date. Privacy rights is becoming a thing of the past. If you do not know the person inviting you to join their group etc, or if this person was not introduced to you by someone you know, please do not accept the invitation. Accepting the invitation, gives the perpetrator access to the rest of your information. BE CAREFUL, BE DILIGENT. It pays.

http://www.hotforsecurity.com/blog/facebook-shuts-down-group-offering-fraud-services-6031.html

Steps in Preventing and Minimizing Employee Theft and Fraud

Hello Readers,

Hope all is well with you. Tomorrow's workshop will be an eye opener into what truly happens to trusted employees that makes them become fraudsters.


It is not a matter of IF you will be defrauded, it is a matter of WHEN you will be defrauded.


Don't miss this opportunity to learn how to prevent an mitigate this problem of fraud. You have worked hard to build your business' protect it even from the trusted employees.  

Venue: 14000 Jericho Park Rd, Room 3100 Bowie MD 20715
Time:- 10:00 am to 12:30 pm
Date:- April 23rd 2013

FRAUD IS A VIOLENT CRIME - PREVENT IT

WE ARE DECLARING A WAR ON FRAUD

DURING THE MONTHS OF MAY AND JUNE 2013

Please join us

Hello Readers,

I do hope all is well with each and everyone of you. First, let me thank you for reading my blog and I really hope it is relevant to you and it is helping. Please let me know if there is anything else you would like to know about fraud prevention, detection and deterrence. I will find the answer for you. 

As a preamble to the declaration of the War on Fraud, I will conduct a short seminar/workshop on the 23rd of April 2013. It is a free informational event and would like to see all of you if possible. 

Topic: Steps In Preventing and Minimizing Employee Theft and Fraud

Venue: Bowie State Business and Graduate Bldg Rm 3100 Third Floor

            14000 Jericho Park Road, Bowie MD 20715

Time: 10:00 am to 12:30 pm

Unfortunately these days, it is not a matter of If  you will be defrauded, it is a matter of When you will be defrauded. 

The seminar workshop will be very practical, full of  tips that can be implemented immediately to help minimize fraudsters. This egregious crime is worsening by the second. The Fraudsters have declared war on us, let's return the favor shall we? 

For more information, please contact Mary Gaskin @ 443-388-1848/301-383-1477 or register online at mgaskin@eventbrite.com.  

Thanks again my readers.

Please pass on to anyone you believe will benefit from this seminar/workshop. 

FRAUD IS VIOLENT CRIME - PREVENT IT

Decided To Get a Fresh New Start by Moving Over the
Spring and Summer Months? 

 

We all look forward to this time of year when we can start over fresh. Some of us move into a new home, some of us redecorate out homes or some of us just do various things to make new changes in our lives. After all Spring especially is a time for all things new. Exciting right?

 

One problem though. There are a few more people out there getting excited together with you because your new beginning is their new beginning too. No,  you do not know them. They are not your family or friends Who are they? The Fraudsters. Yes them. They are more excited than you are because they honestly  do not have to work as hard as you and I in getting our new start. It will come easy to them. Why? because we inadvertently give them what they need to do just that.

 

A blogger colleague has listed very practical tips to help those of us who plan to make a new start this Spring or Summer by moving into a new home, apt, condo  townhouse etc prevent these fraudsters from spoiling out new fresh start.  Please click on link below  and enjoy. Be vigilant as you pack up to move. 

http://blogs.leaderpost.com/2013/04/08/tips-to-ensure-you-dont-become-a-victim-of-identity-theft-when-you-move/

FRAUD IS A VIOLENT CRIME - PREVENT IT

"HELLO CUSTOMERS, UNFORTUNATELY OUR SYSTEMS WERE COMPROMISED BUT NOT TO WORRY, YOUR INFORMATION WAS NOT"

If you believe the above sentence, then I can tell you the sky is purple. This is one of my pet peeves and it bothers me thatcompanies cannot be upfront and honest. If your systems were compromised, how in the world can the data in it not suffer consequences. Why put the customers mind at ease knowing full well that the reason why the systems were compromised was because someone tried to get in and capture the information. Hackers do not hack systems just for the fun of it. They hack to retrieve data whether they do use it or not. If it is the latter, the information is left clearlessly sitting around and someone else who needs it will use it.

My point is, do not put the customers minds at ease, preventing them from doing what they can to help protect themselves because you told them their information is safe. Let them know that they maybe victims and give them tips on how to protect themselves. I am sure that will go over better than telling a big FIB.

Enjoy the link readers and please take action every time you receive one of those infamous letters.


http://bucks.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/21/steps-to-guard-against-identity-fraud/

Fraud is a Violent Crime - Prevent IT

TRYING TO LIVE LIKE THE JONES', DIFFERENCE IS THE TRUE JONES' DO NOT GO TO JAIL

 This is a sad state of affairs for the state of Illinois and the country. One more politician down because he tried to live like the Jones' instead of doing the work he was elected to do. This is a typical example of the Fraud Triangle in play. There was opportunity........no oversight in place to ensure the money was spent correctly or,  if there was, it was very weak. Then there was pressure.....the pressure to be the rich politician who can play with the big boys and gals, not understanding that your  integrity and reputation is what will have your peers respect you and  want to be in your company. Then we have rationalization......this can be many things, but one thing the perpetrators always believe is that they they will not get caught at all.  Unfortunately, Jesse Jackson he may not been caught if the Blagojavich bribery case had not reared its ugly head in which he was involved.

Seven years is too long a time for authorities to have not  known that such abuse of campaign funds was being perpetrated. Where were the people who were supposed to provide oversight for the campaign funds. They must be held responsible for negligence as well. A precedence has been set by the law makers and the law that says, it is OK to defraud the public of millions of dollars, abuse the money of the citizens, bring the country to its knees financially and you will not be punished for it or if you are, it will be a slap on the wrist. A new precedence has to be set  by the law makers and the law. The legal system must make the laws harsher for economic crimes and the perpetrators must be presecuted to the fullest extent of the law. 

Once that precedence is set, I believe we will see a reduction in this sort of crime.

FRAUD IS A VIOLENT CRIME - PREVENT IT

 http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/21/us/politics/jesse-l-jackson-jr-pleads-guilty-to-wire-and-mail-fraud.html

SEE SOMETHING SAY SOMETHING, EVEN THE GOVERNMENT IS COMING AROUND ON THIS ISSUE

This is a very huge step in the right direction and is great news. One caution though. There is a right way and a wrong way to whistle blow. It is imperative that you know what the right way is. Starting next week I will post tips on how to do it the right way. There will also be a full blown class  offered in the next few weeks on Proper Whistle Blowing Procedures. This class will discuss every proper step that should be taken, what laws apply and what compensation one receives when they correctly whistle blow and how you are protected. 

Let's all learn how to do this and help in the fight to combat Fraud Waste and Abuse. Hope to see responses on the topic starting next week. In the meantime, click on the link and listen to the NPR report.

http://www.npr.org/blogs/itsallpolitics/2013/02/18/172099026/government-slowly-changes-approach-to-whistle-blowers

 FRAUD IS A VIOLENT CRIME-PREVENT IT

 What Will The Tax Evaders Do Now?

(we know who they are right?)

 Hello Readers,

I love to blog about things that are relevant to you, because my mission here is to educate my fellow citizens about fraud and to do everything I can to them from the perpetrators who believe they are smarter than we are. Sometimes I get very frustrated at the fact that we allow so many atrocious fraudulent acts to take place and we call it the way we do business. No that is Not the way we do business. Capitalism is great but lets not make it a criminal act and turn it into a word we hate so much because of the negative associative elements that have been attached to it. America is  bigger than that. After all, this is why America is so great right? American values say, if you work hard you will be rewarded. Well let me add a bit to it. If you work hard and you are rewarded, do your fair share so others will have a chance as well.


We are a country that works together and achieves together. At least that is what I knew growing up in my tiny country. Thus the reason why I chose to make America my country. I wanted to be in a place where everyone cared about everyone and everyone did their share for the greater good. This is what America looks like to the outside world readers believe it or not. Let's be proud of it. 

I chose this country because I believed in its values, especially in its  fairness that says everyone must be willing to do their fair share to keep this great country great. Thus the reason why I am ecstatic at the fact that the US has forged an agreement with the most powerful tax haven country....Switzerland to help us the U.S.  implement a law cracking down on offshore tax evasion. That is incredible. I understand there are agreements with other countries, but for me, Switzerland tops the cake. I will tell you why some other time.

In the mean time, we must know that the responsibility does not rest on the US government alone. They are doing their part, let's do ours as well. I am calling on all my Anti-Fraud colleagues, CPAs, Bookkeepers, Law Enforcement, Accountants to bind together and help the U.S. in this effort. Little drops of water makes a might ocean. Every effort made in the right direction no matter how small adds up. SO.........................

IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING AND DO SOMETHING 

FRAUD IS A VIOLENT CRIME - PREVENT IT

 

Read more: http://thehill.com/blogs/on-the-money/domestic-taxes/283115-us-switzerland-sign-tax-evasion-agreement#ixzz2KzboeAXs

Scammers Target Small Businesses and Owners With Promotion Fraud - AARP

One More Scam To Worry About Small Business Owners

Read and protect your businesses and yourselves. 

Scammers Target Small Businesses and Owners With Promotion Fraud - AARP

FRAUD IS A VIOLENT CRIME - PREVENT IT

Baltimore man pleads guilty to mail fraud in financial scheme

Protect our seniors by educating them

This is extremely close to home readers. Our seniors are under attack by these crooks. If you have a grandparent or parents who are seniors, please please educate them. I know, they can be stubborn but keep on talking to them. Keep on showing them articles and cases of others that were defrauded of all their life's savings. These are our parents, grandparents, grand aunts and uncles who have worked all their lives to save up what little they could. Let's take on the responsibility of protecting them.

I find this story very disturbing. Not that others aren't. but there is a very soft spot in my heart for our seniors. Please share with everyone you know who has a senior in their family.


Baltimore man pleads guilty to mail fraud in financial scheme

Again, Do We Still Want A Cashless Society

Readers, another technology convenience for consumers has been hi-jacked by fraudsters, crooks, undesirables, thieves and so on.  They will not stop and we shouldn't either. We have to be five times more aggressive and vigilant than they are. If you decide to get one of these cards, be very sure you have the wallets to protect it. 

Make it difficult for them to take what belongs to you. "Pull the porch light on at night" move. Criminals can be lazy. Their intention is to get in and out as fast as they can. If you deter them, it slows them down and they they leave you alone. Let's run them out of options readers. Yes,  it is work, but you worked hard to earn your money, work hard to keep it. Enjoy the Youtube link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKks3vfiy6Q&feature=youtu.be&goback=%252Egde_83088_member_211297244

FRAUD IS A VIOLENT CRIME - PREVENT IT

DO WE STILL WANT A CASHLESS SOCIETY?

Years ago, I recall there was a time when it was the goal of the world to go cashless and paperless. That was when  technology was making its way into our lives at a rapid rate. Cashless society and paperless society was the slogan and we were extremely excited about it. 

Sadly enough, our first disappointment came when we realized we had more credenzas full of paper and files in offices than we did before the tech age of computers. We are even more disappointed because we seem to have lost control when it comes to keeping our money and personal information safe. The public is spending more money and precious time trying to protect their money and personal information more than ever these days. The  huge question is do we like where we are right now? 

The article link below in its own way answers the question. ATMs are one of the great perks technology provided  in efforts to make our lives easier. But according to the article, it has become more of a pain in the neck than we like. Not only does it make it convenient for us the consumers to gain access to our monies anytime and anywhere, it has also given convenient access to thieves, robbers, cheats, and criminals as well. Not a great feeling is it?

Let me know what you think.

 
http://krebsonsecurity.com/2013/02/crooks-net-millions-in-coordinated-atm-heists/?goback=.gde_83088_member_211556204

Fraud is a Violent Crime Prevent It

U.S. cracks international credit card fraud ring

 Hello readers,

I am so excited about this article and had to let you see and read it. KUDOS to the US. It is so wonderful to hear and see that efforts are being made to mitigate this crime. Yes, as the article said it might be unprecedented, but now this has created precedence. As financial fraud crime fighters, we should be encouraged to see that the efforts have paid off.

I must say, GREAT JOB TO THE USPS, FBI AND THE SECRET SERVICE. This sends a message stating that CRIME DOES NOT PAY. You will be caught no matter how long it takes as long as we do not give up on pursuing the issue.

Enjoy the article readers.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2013/02/05/credit-card-fraud-ring/1892925/

FRAUD IS A VIOLENT CRIME - PREVENT IT

 I Won't Be A Victim, Will I?

Yes, you will become a victim now or in a short while Start Ups, Small and Midsized businesses  if you do not take measures to prevent it. The article link below was written for you. Fraud is not going away and you are extremely vulnerable..... the low hanging fruit and the perpetrators know it. If you recall, our grandparents always told us to leave the porch light on at night because they believed  it kept the thieves away. That was their prevention strategy and I can attest that it worked for my grandmother and the house hold. Our next door neighbors were always robbed because their porch light stayed off. The family believed that keeping their porch lights off saved them money. However, it cost them a lot of broken windows and door repairs, not including the items stolen that had to be replaced. Same thought process applies here. Implement internal controls, it will deter and prevent the fraudsters from making any attempts. Criminals do not like to work hard for anything, therefore if they know you have done everything you can to stop them, they move on to the next vulnerable company.

FRAUD IS A VIOLENT CRIME - PREVENT IT!!!!!!

 http://www.ezbob.com/fraud-i-wont-be-a-victim-will-i/

ID Theft and Social Security Numbers: Protect Your Bank Account

Take Action Article

In my opinion, I think banks do not do enough to protect our accounts. We are not sure whether, they just don't have the technology to prevent the activity or that they are not sure how to do it or they just do not care. Ultimately, the bottom line is,  it is the responsibility of the public to do all we can to protect ourselves and our bank accounts. I agree that we do get reimbursed if we are defrauded through no fault of ours, but, we all pay for it at the back end. Banks do not loose money.

They will recover the losses no matter what,  by all means necessary. Again, banks do not loose. I know because I was a banker for over 20 years.  It could be through exorbitant fees paid for bank services they offer us, or increases in interest rates for loans, credit cards, lines of credits etc. So, let's save our selves the frustration and stop helping the banks make huge profits on our backs. Unfortunately, having a bank account is a necessary evil because at times we do need it to conduct business. Let's protect it. No one can protect You but You.

ID Theft and Social Security Numbers: Protect Your Bank Account

FRAUD IS A VIOLENT CRIME - PREVENT IT

 Do Not Take This Warning For Granted. Be Proactive.

 I understand that sometimes we believe issues such as these are or can be blown out of proportion. Unfortunately,  we cannot take anything for granted anymore. Yes, we cannot prevent everything that happens in the world today, but I am an avid believer in taking action to mitigate. I rather suffer ten percent of the consequences rather than a hundred percent. Everything in life can be mitigated if not prevented.

Small and midsized businesses, you are the most vulnerable to all the mayhem that is going on today. Take preventive measures to protect your businesses. You want to be able to continue doing business before, during and after the disaster. Therefore, if you currently do not have a Disaster and Recovery plan in place for Business Continuity, get one now. Below are 4 basic steps to begin with:-

Establishing a disaster recovery plan can be done in the following four steps:

1) Take a potential risk inventory. Make a list of every potential cause of data loss and the solutions to each. Your list should include losses that won't affect the business very much, and those that would shut the business down temporarily or permanently. Information Technology experts can assist you with creating the potential risk inventory - as they will have the knowledge and experience to identify possibilities that you are not likely to think of but need to plan for all the same. These IT experts will also be able discuss preventative solutions to guard against each type of potential data loss.

2) Rate each of your potential data loss situations. How likely is it for each of the items on your risk inventory to occur? Rating them in order of importance and likeliness to occur will help you determine where to focus your disaster recovery plan efforts.

3) Develop your disaster recovery plan. Go through each of your potential risks and their solutions, and determine how long it would take you to recover from the loss of data for each risk. Could your business be offline for 24 hours? A week? Depending on the nature of your business, being offline for even just 24 hours could result in your losing customers to your competition. Look at ways to reduce the length of time it would take you to recover from each type of data loss risk.

4) Put your disaster recovery plan to the test. Once you've created your plan of action for recovering lost data, you should test your solutions. A disaster recovery plan is just a plan until it can be tested and proven.
                                                                                (Content by Managed Services Provider University)

Once you have completed these steps, call in your IT personnel and get the controls implemented. Hope this helps.

http://news.yahoo.com/u-homeland-chief-cyber-9-11-could-happen-215436518.html

FRAUD IS A VIOLENT CRIME - PREVENT IT

Fewer investors sued companies for fraud in 2012

 Is this a good thing and a bad thing? but the real question is why the decline and is it authentic? Like to know your thoughts.


http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2013/01/23/securities-class-action-lawsuits/1858939/

FRAUD IS A VIOLENT CRIME - PREVENT IT

A Bad Apple in the Accounting World

This is has to stop. We cannot have someone who we entrust with fiduciary responsibility to abuse that trust. Business owners, this is one great reason why you need Certified Fraud Examiners.(CFEs) to come into your business to review and your company and  implement your internal controls so a situation such as this can be mitigated. Unfortunately, we have bad apples that spoil the rest. Enjoy the ar

 

 http://www.themorningsun.com/article/20130121/NEWS01/130129957/accountant-accused-of-embezzlement-fraud-forgery

FRAUD IS A VIOLENT CRIME - PREVENT IT

Identity fraud rings in the U.S. target wireless companies, banks

Identity fraud rings in the U.S. target wireless companies, banks

 There are more than 10,000 identity fraud rings in the U.S., according to a report issued by San Diego-based ID Analytics. The study examined about 1.7 billion identity risk events, including more than a billion applications for bankcards, wireless services and retail credit cards; changes in personally identifiable information such as name, address, date of birth and Social Security number; and other third-party data. The data was collected in ID Analytics' ID Network from Jan. 2009 to Sept. 2012.(Sargent)

Identity fraud rings in the U.S. target wireless companies, banks

FRAUD IS A VIOLENT CRIME - PREVENT IT

Is identity theft insurance worth the cost?

Experts warn some policies may be a form of fraud

 Would like to hear your points of view on this. IS IT?

 http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20130120/BETTERLIFE05/301200010/Is-identity-theft-insurance-worth-cost-

Fraud is a violent Crime - Prevent IT

Is Expensive Identity Theft Protection Really Necessary? 

I could not wait to do this post. It is so exciting to see that someone else is addressing this issue because I have been saying this to friends, individuals or anyone who would listen to me that monitoring companies are a waste of money. These companies cannot do anything to help you deter identity theft better than you. I will emphasize it again, no one can protect your identity better than you can.
All you need to do is, be diligent about your records. You have the the right to ask questions if banks, loan officers or anyone asks for you personal information. Ask them to show you how they will protect your personal information if you do have to give it to them. 

Be careful about giving out your information online. Make sure you are dealing with a reputable company. Check your bank account and credit card account after processing transactions online. Basically watch your accounts closely. Check you credit on a regular basis. Not once a month but everyday. Yes  I said everyday. You get a free report once a year take advantage of it. It is free. Check your credit and make sure there is nothing on it that does not belong to you. These simple steps will make a difference for you. Using these so called Id Monitoring companies is a waste of your hard earned dollar. Use that money to fill your gas tank or get you a cup of coffee.

Here is a true example. Just before Christmas of 2012, a colleague of mine had her wallet stolen from her purse at the office. Within an hour, $5,000 dollars was charged to one of her credit cards at a CVS  just down the street from the office. They purchased $5000 worth of gift cards. They had a nice Christmas wouldn't you say? .Unfortunately, she  does have one of these companies who claim to monitor her accounts, however, she was notified by the credit card company rather than the monitoring company. Don't theit ads  say they will alert you as soon as they see abnormal activity? Well that did not happen in this case. She received a call from the actual credit card company. In other words, they did nothing for her. If the credit card company had not alerted her, she would not have known she was being defrauded.  I ask again, what purpose do they serve? No one will protect you but you. Just Do It.  

Fraud is a Violent Crime- Prevent it. 

http://ambler.patch.com/articles/is-expesive-identity-theft-protection-really-necessary

As Tax Season Nears, Identity Theft Rises « CBS Miami

Mail Boxes Are Now A Financial Gold Mine For Fraudsters. 

Just when I thought I had seen everything in the fraud world and now this. Our famous and faithful mail carriers are now being assaulted by crooks and fraudsters as they do their jobs. It is extremely unfortunate.
 
As Tax Season Nears, Identity Theft Rises « CBS Miami

Fraud is a Violent Crime - Prevent It

WAYS TO PREVENT FRAUD IN A COMPANY

Take theses simple steps. No one else will do it for you business owners. Prevention is a whole lot better than cure. JUST DO IT .


http://expertadvice.biz2credit.com/2013/01/09/ways-to-prevent-fraud-in-a-company/

Fraud is a Violent Crime - Prevent It

 Facebook Fraud: The Warrior Eli Hoax

This is a very good reason why you must be extremely careful about what you put on Facebook. This is a reality check. 

  http://abcnews.go.com/2020/video/facebook-fraud-warrior-eli-hoax-18196624

FRAUD IS A VIOLENT CRIME - PREVENT IT

IRS Announces New 2013 Tax Rates and Standard Deductions

Information on some changes to your tax deductions and rates. Please protect your information as you prepare to file your tax returns. If you use any of the tax preparation agencies, have them explain how they protect your information after they have prepared your taxes. What are their policies and procedures in doing it.

http://bowie.patch.com/articles/irs-announces-new-2013-tax-rates-and-standard-deductions-9c72649a?ncid=newsltuspatc00000001

FRAUD IS A VIOLENT CRIME - PREVENT IT

The IRS is doing what it can, Do your part as well. Protect your information.

IRS vows more support for identity theft victims

The IRS promise to do their part. Now please do your part by protecting your information. Don't leave your social security numbers for others to steal. Keep your tax information secure. Again the IRS promise to do their part, please do yours.




http://www2.tbo.com/news/breaking-news/2013/jan/14/1/namaino10-irs-vows-more-support-for-identity-theft-ar-605950/

Homeland Security urges computer users to disable Java

 Browsers using Java on all operating systems vulnerable to hackers, U.S. government says

  Here we are. They perpetrators are once a gin two steps ahead of us. The question is what do we do about it now. This issue poses a huge problem ans we have to mitigate it very quickly. It is disastrous. 

Homeland Security urges computer users to disable Java

FRAUD IS A VIOLENT CRIME - PREVENT IT

 Local banks target identity theft and fraud through new software

 Kudos to this financial institution and the others who are putting forth efforts to protect their customers.



http://www.wgem.com/story/20558248/2013/01/10/local-banks-target-identity-theft-and-fraud-through-new-softwar

FRAUD IS A VIOLENT CRIME - PREVENT IT

 Cyber Attacks Bring Call for Help

 It's about time. My question is, why are we such a reactive society? Why do we, as my mother would say "have to see the print of the nail before we decide it is time to do something." For a country that is the most powerful, most advanced, very rich and free, we have a terrible shortcoming, and that is being very Reactive instead of Proactive.  The world has changed drastically and we must too. Fraud was not as prevalent twenty years ago as it is now. Society has lost all morals and integrity and can careless if they are caught stealing or embezzling monies. Therefore, for some of us who still believe that our reputation is one of the most valuable assets we must guard  must prevent the rogues and thieves from taking away from us what belongs to us.

Why the push back on laws that are there to help organizations properly secure their systems. I am a business owner and anything that can be done to prevent and deter the fraudsters and hackers from getting to my systems and stealing my clients information will be a welcomed help. I have a fiduciary responsibility to protect my information as well as my clients information. They have trusted me with their life (because their information is personal and so it is their life) and I must hold on to that trust. Fraud is real and it is here to stay and it will get much worse. Our job is to do whatever we can to prevent it, mitigate it and fight it with everything we have. 

I am thrilled that finally, our organizations and financial institutions are asking for help and not depend on themselves. We have seen that it is not very effective this far. Our financial institutions have lost billions of dollars to the thieves and it is affecting our country horrible. The thieves realize that the best way to hurt us is to get into our pockets. Let's stop the push backs. We need the prevention methods and we must hold everyone accountable in protecting our society. We must let the legislation that mandates/requires organizations/institutions/companies to do more to secure their systems pass and be made law. 

I understand, everyone is concerned about costs and the violation of their rights. My question is, would you prefer an outsider come into your home and take what does not belong to them, harming you your family, friends and neighbors or, would you find the best alarm and security system that will prevent them from entering the home in the first place. Your neighbors have the right to be safe, you have the right to be safe, your family has the right to be safe, your clients have the right to be safe, so do whatever it takes to keep it that way. Enjoy the article and let me know your thoughts.

 FRAUD IS A VIOLENT CRIME - PREVENT IT

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323706704578230080016845860.html?goback=.gde_127198_member_202763631

 The IRS offers PINs for identity theft victims

Unfortunately, fraudulent tax filings has become a huge problem and the IRS is extremely overwhelmed with  this problem. Issuing out special  PINs is one way the IRS is helping curb the problem. They are doing all they can to help citizens get their tax refunds but it takes time to resolve. Therefore, prevent it. 

Protect your social security number. Do not keep it in your purse ore wallet because these items be be easily stolen and or misplaced. If you are asked to present it for one reason or the other, ask why is it needed and ask what are the company's procedures on protecting your data. Again, check your credit on a regular basis. Do everything you can to mitigate and or prevent this problem. It is essential. It saves you time and sometimes money. You are the only person who can protect your information. No one else can.

 http://www.actionnewsjax.com/content/topstories/story/The-IRS-offers-PINs-for-identity-theft-victims/

FRAUD IS A VIOLENT CRIME - PREVENT IT