Identity Theft
Living in America is one of the greatest blessings that one can ever receive.
The “land of the free and the home of the brave.” The most
progressive and innovative country on this sphere we call Earth.
Unfortunately, just as these blessings are a tremendous gift to law-abiding citizens, they offer a tremendous
opportunity for unscrupulous criminals who misuse these benefits to live “the good life” at the expense of others.
I’m talking about “Identity Theft,” the fastest and most popular growing crime in the nation.
It out ranks murder, rape, drugs, adultery, or any crime imaginable.
It invades our privacy, and makes us feel naked, alone, and helpless.
It is also the one crime we seem most ignorant of, that is until we actually become its victim.
In no way can this brief article come close to suggesting all the steps one might take to protect themselves
from becoming the next target.
It can however offer some suggestions and ideas you might consider while enjoying everyday benefits we commonly
take for granted.
Remember, all crimes have one thing in common the criminal is looking for an easy target.
Taking a few simple precautions might cause a potential criminal to move on to easier prey.
A major source of this crime is that “oh so friendly” computer that almost any middle class American
will use.
We log onto the internet and surf for everything from aardvark to zymosan.
Criminals use this same useful tool of surfing to steal millions of dollars from those to whom the word “surfing”
has come mean sitting at a desk more than riding the ocean’s waves.
Whenever you can, you should safeguard yourself while paying your bills on-line, purchasing products or services
via “secured servers,” using wireless components, and at the ATM.
You should be very careful whenever you use your computer.
It might be worth your time and identity to limit these leisurely comforts.
Consider paying your bills the old fashion way – via United States Postal Service.
And even though shopping on line is very low stress and easy, it might be worth your time to make a trip
to the mall.
Unless you are really knowledgeable about going wireless, a few wires and plugs when hooking up your computer
just might be worth the extra security.
Remember, any time you use a “wireless” device, it sends waves via satellite through the air
and criminals are just waiting to intercept your information.
An even more common device the “cell phone” was once considered very sheik having this device
attached to one’s ear.
Now it’s as common as the automobile or television. Criminals use devices specifically designed to
intercept cell phone conversations, as well as identify your phone number.
They lie in wait for you to send a signal through the air allowing them to tap into your private conversations,
as well as capturing your phone number to make their own expensive calls to any corner of the globe.
Whenever possible, use the good old fashion “land-line” when exchanging personal information.
Dining out, probably the greatest joy besides “The Joy of Sex,” can take your appetite away when
you purchase meals by credit card.
We casually hand our cards to our server, someone we know nothing about.
Some restaurant personal will then steal your credit card number by double swiping the card.
One swipe for your meal and another swipe using machines specifically made to store and sell your credit
card number to others for criminal use.
Instead, use “dead presidents. They may be dead, but great donors for saving your life when you receive
that credit card statement for charges that go through the roof.
Earlier, I mentioned the “United States Postal Service. Even this governmentally controlled agency
poses a potential danger for the everyday citizen.
Consider all the personal information liberally delivered to your unlocked mailbox. Credit card statements,
paychecks, personal checks, utility bills, and an unlimited source of information for any criminal to take at will.
Put a lock on that box, better yet, I highly recommend you be very fearful of this box, and invest money,
time, and energy to have all mail delivered to a post office box.
One last suggestion, shred…shred…shred. That’s right purchase a shredder and shred all
personal documents before placing them in the trash.
As I stated earlier, in such a limited amount of space, I can hardly go into great details on how to protect
ones self. I do however, hope that these suggestions will offer food for thought.
Remember JH Wright Credit Services (CREDITDEFENDERsm) has been helping people resolve these issues since
1986.
If you have been a victim, know someone who has been a victim and ruined your life and credit, by all means
do not be victimized any farther.
Allow us to restore your life and credit.
Remember, “IT IS OUR GOOD PLEASURE TO DEFEND YOU!
JH Wright
