It's 10 PM. Do You Know Where Your Identity Is?

It's 10 PM. Do You Know Where Your Identity Is?

Global identity thieves may know their way around your computer better than you do. Welcome to the scary new world of zombies, RATs, Trojan horses and evil twins.
BY BRIAN KREBS
Published in the February, 2006 issue of Popular Mechanics.

PM: Who's Stealing Your Identity? Feb. 2006 Cover Story

The factoid that got my attention was this:

The group's website, shadowcrew.com, functioned as a sort of identity-theft eBay, a one-stop shop where criminals could buy and sell credit cards, Social Security numbers and mothers' maiden names like used car parts. Over two years, some 4000 ShadowCrew members had amassed two terabytes' worth of other people's lives--18 million e-mail accounts and related personal data--mainly by tricking the victims themselves into giving up their information.

Lesson learned: Protect ourselves with the Identity Theft Shield and be vigilant!

Credit Card Offer Opt-out Instructions

The credit bureaus offer a toll-free number that enables you to get out of having card offers mailed to you for either five years…or permanently. Just phone 1-888-5-OPTOUT (567-8688). You will be prompted to provide some personal information, including your home telephone number, name, address, and social security number.

All information provided is confidential and is used only to process your request. And if over time you get lonely for some junk mail and decide that you want to receive the card offers again, simply phone the same number and you will be added back on the list.

Protect yourself and your spouse from Identity Theft with the Identity Theft Shield: http://prepaidlegal.com/idt/asmith