Protect Yourself

In this day and age, you must protect yourself. It is more important today, then ever before.

Unsolicited Mail Warning

"By US Code Title 47, Sec.227(a)(2)(B), a computer/modem/printer meets the definition of a telephone fax machine.  By Sec.227(b)(1)(C), it is unlawful to send any unsolicited advertisement to such equipment.  By Sec.227(b)(3)(C), a violation of the aforementioned Section is punishable by action to recover actual monetary loss, or $500, whichever is greater, for each violation."

US Code : Title 47, Section 227

Avoiding Identity Theft

	Cancel unused credit cards (cutting them up is not enough).
	Don’t carry your Social Security card, passport or birth certificate with you, except when necessary.
	Shred all credit card receipts and solicitations, canceled checks and financial documents before throwing away.
	Check your credit card statements and immediately report unauthorized purchases.
	Don’t give out your Social Security number, mother’s maiden name, or any account information over the phone, unless you are sure the caller is legitimate.
	Order credit reports once a year from one of the credit-reporting agencies: Equifax 800-525-6285; Experian 800-301-7195; Trans Union 800-680-7289. Report any accounts you did not apply for.
	Have your name removed from lists sold to companies offering pre-approved credit cards by calling one of the credit agencies above.
	Never include your Social Security number on personal checks.
	Do not allow sales clerks to copy your credit card numbers on to checks for additional information.
	Call your credit card company if your card has expired and you have not received a new one.
	Carry only a few credit cards with you.
	Never write down PINs and passwords: memorize them. Do not use any part of your Social Security number, your name or any easy to guess words or sequences.
	Only release your Social Security number when absolutely necessary. If a business requests it for identification, ask to have an alternative number used.
	Install a locked mailbox at your residence.
	Do not leave paid bills in your mailbox for the mail carrier to pick up
	When you order new checks, do not have them sent to your home mailbox. Pick them up at the bank instead.

How to prevent credit card fraud

10 Ways to protect your Credit Cards.

You may think that these ten rules are unnecessary. But, if you ignore them, you make it easy for the wrong people to use your cards.

1. Never leave your cards unattended at work. There are more credit card thefts in the workplace, than in any other single location.
2. If your credit card is programmed to access an Automated Banking Machine (ABM), protect your Personal Identification Number (PIN) or security code. Don't write it down, memorize it.
3. Don't leave your credit cards in your vehicle. A very high proportion of credit cards are stolen from motor vehicles.
4. Always check your card when returned to you after a purchase. Make sure it is your card.
5. When traveling, carry your cards with you at all times, or make sure they are in a secure location.
6. Report lost or stolen cards immediately. Most fraudulent use of cards takes place within days of being lost or stolen.
7. Sign the back of a new card as soon as you get it. Destroy unwanted cards, so no one else can use them.
8. Make a list of all your cards and their numbers. This key information is helpful when reporting lost or stolen cards.
9. Always check your monthly statement. Make sure the charges are yours.
10. Never give your card number over the phone, unless you are dealing with a reputable company. the only time you should give it, is when you have called to place an order.

Tips for buying at auction Web sites

	Know the seller. Many sites offer a profile of sellers based on comments from other buyers. Be aware that positive comments could be planted by the seller. Get his or her phone number and mailing address (not a P.O. box). If it's a business, contact your local or state consumer protection agency and the Better Business Bureau for more information about it.
	For sellers, know the buyer. Check feedback to see if he or she provides payment on time.
	Know the product. Try to determine the value of the item before bidding. Read the listing carefully, looking for words such as "refurbished," "close-out," "discontinued" or "off brand," especially when shopping for computer gear or electronic equipment. Be particularly cautious of claims about collectibles.
	Ask about delivery, returns, warranties and service. Settle whether the buyer or seller pays for shipping.
	If possible, pay by credit card. Credit card users are protected by a federal law that says they have the right to dispute charges for goods or services they never received, misrepresented items or charges incurred because the card was lost or stolen. Users must report the charge within 60 days of it appearing on their credit card statement and dispute it in writing with their credit card agency. The company will investigate the claim and potentially give the customer the money he or she lost.
	When bidding, do not give out personal information, such as your Social Security, driver's license or bank account numbers.
	Document everything related to the transaction. Keep the auction listing, e-mail correspondence, canceled checks, credit card receipts, phone bills and faxes.
	Check the auction site's insurance policy. Most items on eBay, for example, are covered by insurance for up to $200, less the $25 deductible.
	Consider escrow services, in which a buyer places money in the custody of a third party. The money is paid to the seller once the buyer receives and approves the merchandise. The buyer typically pays a fee based on a percentage of item's cost.

If you're a victim

	Seek dispute resolution. EBay, for example, uses SquareTrade, an independent third party that provides a trained mediator to resolve disputes. The process takes about a week. The service is free for items on eBay that sell for at least $100.
	Request the seller's user-registration information from the auction site. Attempt to contact the seller by phone or by mail. Send an e-mail to the seller that specifies what you expect and a deadline. Do not attack the seller's character.
	Consider using feedback forums. Post negative feedback in seller's file. State only the facts.

Sources: USA TODAY research, eBay, Internet Fraud Complaint Center, National Fraud Information Center, Tessa Hebert and The Online Auction Users Association, Federal Trade Commission

Taken from http://www.usatoday.com/money/wealth/consumer/mcw072.htm

Where to turn

	Your local district attorney, state attorney general, the Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org) and the auction site.
	Federal Trade Commission's Consumer Response Center: 877-FTC-HELP (382-4357); or write Consumer Response Center, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, D.C. 20580 or www.ftc.gov. A complaint form is at www.ftc.gov/ftc/complaint.htm. The FTC can't resolve individual problems but can act against a company if it sees a pattern of possible law violations.
	Internet Fraud Complaint Center, a partnership between the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center: www.ifccfbi.gov. The center reviews major complaints and refers them to law enforcement or regulatory agencies.
	National Consumers League's National Fraud Information Center: 800-876-7060; P.O. Box 65868, Washington, D.C. 20035; www.fraud.org. An incident report form is also available on the site.
	If you believe you're the victim of an online fraud scheme in which the U.S. Postal Service was used, (visit www.usps.gov/websites/depart/inspect to file a mail fraud report. Call 800-275-8777.

Taken from http://www.usatoday.com/money/wealth/consumer/mcw073.htm