Every day, criminals scour the internet for personal information they can use to commit fraud and identity theft. In this digital age, individuals need to take steps to protect their privacy and information from fraudsters. This is as true for children as it is for adults, as kids can be victims of identity theft well [...]
According to the Federal Reserve, synthetic identity theft is one of the fastest growing forms of identity theft in the country. Synthetic identity theft occurs when a criminal uses a combination of real and falsified data to create a fictional identity for financial gain and other fraud. Children are particularly appealing victims for synthetic identity [...]
Remember the last time you were on an airplane and heard, “Should the cabin lose pressure, oxygen masks will drop from the overhead bins. Please place the oxygen mask over your own mouth and nose first before assisting others.” As a mom, that’s somewhat startling to hear because your instinct is to always put your children first and yourself second. [...]
Protect yourself and your family Identity thieves and fraudsters consistently innovate and adapt to new security measures when it comes to their crimes. One of the more modern cons, known as synthetic identity theft, is high on the list of concerns for legislators and financial institutions alike. Any demographic could be vulnerable to this form [...]
A new zombie attack is preying on Windows users in an attempt to take over their machines, according to researchers. Microsoft security researchers recently reported a new malware campaign, called Nodersok, that aims to disable Windows Updates and Windows Defender and turn the victimized device into a “zombie” proxy. The Nodersok infection begins with a [...]
The global video-sharing site YouTube has agreed to pay $170 million in fines for violating children’s privacy laws. YouTube, owned by Google, will pay the U.S. Federal Trade and Commission $136 million along with $34 million to New York state for violating the 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, or COPPA, by not receiving parental [...]
Child identity theft is becoming a serious and costly problem that can affect families long after their children become adults. In fact, more than a million children were affected by identity fraud and it cost families more than $540 million out of pocket in 2017 alone. Do you feel confident spotting the signs of child [...]
There are many ways for your computer or personal information to be compromised on the web. Viruses and malware can infect your machine, phishing scams can trick you into providing information to thieves, and “secure” websites can be hacked. While there’s no 100% guarantee of safe internet use, you can take steps to make your [...]
The internet is an amazing source of information, but it also contains many unique threats. One important concern in the digital age is online privacy; thieves, hackers, and other criminals may be trying to access your data and information for their own personal gain. Kids are just as vulnerable as adults (if not more so), [...]
With identity theft a rising threat for all Americans, it’s extremely important to keep your Social Security number safe and secure. With just a little identifying information and your Social Security number, thieves can apply for credit and open accounts in your name, wrecking your credit in the process. But your Social Security number is [...]
People take vacations to explore new places, get away from the daily grind, or just plain relax. But even when relaxation is your goal, you need to be vigilant against identity theft. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, over 17 million people fell victim to identity theft in 2014 alone, and thieves won’t take [...]
Criminals with a lot of time on their hands are committing a con that can take years to pay off and sounds like something out of the future: Synthetic identity fraud. Instead of the traditional identity theft of stealing an existing identity from someone and posing as them, synthetic identity fraud criminals create a new [...]
The parental refrain “Do what I say and not what I do” isn’t a wise one in many respects, but especially when it comes to financial talks with your kids. Parents lead by example and if you’re racking up credit card debt you can’t afford, then you may be teaching them bad money habits. Such [...]
Children are just as vulnerable to identity theft as adults, but they don’t have access to the same system of checks and alerts. By falsifying birth dates, thieves can use your child’s Social Security number to open credit cards, take out loans, apply for government benefits, and more. When it’s done to a child, identity [...]
