|
Identity Protection
Protecting Your Personal and Financial Privacy
Protecting your personal and financial privacy means educating yourself to take on a complex challenge. You might say that fighting for your privacy rights is like taking on an octopus (one issue, lots of manifestations). The four biggest areas of concern at present include:
1. Financial privacy
2. Privacy online/Internet security
3. Privacy in the marketplace--business use of consumer info
4. Government use of info-particularly as expanded under provisions of the Patriot Act after 9/11
The resources on this page will help you stay informed about privacy issues in each of these areas and take steps to protect your personal and financial privacy.
Staying Informed and Making Yourself Heard
Groups Active in Privacy Advocacy
There are many consumer rights and advocacy groups that are actively involved in researching privacy issues and working for privacy rights. The following list gives a sample.
• Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC)
An excellent source for timely, up-to-date information on all aspects of privacy issues. Links to other resources, also. It has descriptions and links to many other consumer privacy advocacy groups and resources.
• Consumers Union
The organization that publishes "Consumer Reports" is also active in many consumer issues including privacy issues, particularly financial privacy, identity theft, and Consumer Web Watch. "Consumer Report's" October 2003 cover story is on financial privacy problems and issues.
• Privacy.org
Privacy.org provides "daily news, information, and initiatives on privacy. This web page is a joint project of the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) and Privacy International."
• Privacy Rights Clearinghouse
This site provides information on various privacy issues and links to information from a variety of sources. Check out the Privacy Survival Guide.
• Federal Trade Commission Privacy Initiatives
The Federal Trade Commission is the government agency with oversight of consumer fraud and privacy issues in the marketplace (and that means via phone or online as well as in person). You can file complaints about spam, identity theft, or fraud related to any transaction (online or in person) using links on the Privacy Initiative.
• Center for Democracy and Technology
This organization focuses on Information Technology (IT), the Internet and public policy related to privacy issues and advocacy.
Back to top
Contacting Your Government Representatives
• Locate and write to your U.S. Representative, U.S. Senators, or President, as well as local and state officials
• Write your U.S. Representative
• Write your U.S. Senators
Enhancing Your Computer and Online Privacy
The Internet is a rich treasure trove of information and entertainment. Unfortunately, it's equally rich in traps for the unwary. Threats to your privacy (and your personal information) are just waiting for you online. Here are some things you can do to protect your privacy and personal information online.
Be stingy with your information
Before sharing any personal information with a site-even if it's just an email address-read its privacy policy. A privacy policy should state what information the site is collecting, why they are collecting it, and what they will do with it. Check to see if your information will be shared with other parties. Don't use a site if you don't understand the privacy policy or don't like what they will do with your information. If there is no privacy policy, don't use the site at all.
Before submitting registration and other forms, scroll down to the bottom of the page to be sure you haven't missed any opt-out or opt-in checkboxes.
Back to top
For web surfing, consider using a protective toolbar
Several free toolbars help browsers identify questionable sites. Here are a few that have received good reviews and have acceptable privacy policies. All work with Internet Explorer and Firefox.
• Netcraft Toolbar displays the hosting location and risk rating of every site visited.
• McAfee SiteAdvisor displays a safety button that indicates if the site has security threats and annoyances and you can check out the site report.
• Trust Watch Toolbar provides a risk report and real site indicator.
• Earthlink Toolbar featuring ScamBlocker does more than just identify risky sites. It also includes pop-up blocking, spyware scan, and other privacy tools. You can use it even if you aren't an Earthlink subscriber.
Have more than one email address
To reduce the amount of junk mail in your main email address, create and use additional email addresses for site registrations, online shopping and other uses that may generate junk email. Most Internet Service Provider (ISP) accounts allow you to create more than one email address. You can also set up your email program to check each email address and also put the email for that address in a different folder rather than in your main inbox.
Use well-thought-out usernames and passwords
Many people use the same username and password for all their logins. The best practice is to use a different username and password for each login. Good passwords use a combination of letters and numbers.
Too many to remember? Take a modified approach. Use a unique (totally different) username/password for each account requiring financial or personal information. For registrations that require just email address, username, and password-such as online free newspaper/magazine registrations or online games- you might use the same login (but totally different from financial accounts) for each category.
Back to top
Don't reply to or click links in unsolicited emails
Never reply to unsolicited messages or click on any links in messages no matter how legitimate they look, unless you are absolutely certain of the source and legitimacy. Don't do it, even if they appear to have part of your information already, such as an account number (this is a popular phishing technique). Always go to the website by typing in the address or through a bookmark. If appears to be from a financial institution, call using the phone number on a recent statement and check out the request.
Check for security indicators
When using a secure site, check for the padlock icon and "https" in the website address that indicate the site is secure. The Firefox browser indicates a secure site by changing the color of the address bar. The Opera browser displays a security bar that shows the padlock icon with the level of security and the name of the security certificate holder. Internet Explorer only provides the padlock icon at the bottom of the window. Internet Explorer may show a message when you are about to view pages over a secure connection, unless you have told Internet Explorer not to show the message again.
Block pop-up windows
Set your browser settings to block pop-up windows. You can also specify sites that can open pop-up windows.
Back to top
Don't accept unnecessary cookies
Set your browser settings to show you cookies. Some browsers give you more control over cookies than others. Session cookies are deleted when you close your browser. Persistent cookies are saved on your computer. Showing cookies can be annoying, but protecting your privacy by rejecting third-party cookies is worth it.
Some cookies are absolutely required for security purposes. Financial institutions such as your credit union use cookies to enable and protect your Online Banking services. Cookies are also necessary to implement online shopping carts.
Two programs that help you manage cookies by allowing you to decide which cookies to accept are:
• Cookie Crusher by The Limit Software
• WebWasher Classic; free.
Don't allow your browser to store your personal information
Most browsers can store and automatically enter personal information in web forms. Browsers also can remember your usernames and passwords for sites. Your best bet is to turn off these functions; if you need to use them, be very choosy about what you allow them to save.
Use security programs and keep them updated
Every computer needs to have an antivirus program, antispyware program, and a software firewall. The best firewalls control both incoming and outgoing traffic. Although computers running Windows are the biggest target, Linux and Mac computers are now being targeted more frequently. Make sure that you keep your security programs updated as well as your operating system and browsers.
Back to top
Choose useful tools
There are many good tools available to help you keep your personal information safe, but there also are many bad ones that can put your personal information at risk. Before you try a tool or product, read consumer reviews and check its privacy policy. Also read the license and description carefully before installing - you never know what might be buried in the fine print.
Install spam blockers
There are numerous products and services available to help control spam reaching your inbox. Some are free, some must be purchased. Some reside on your computer and work with your email program; others don't require any software. No product or service is perfect - incorrect tagging or trashing of email does occur. So look for a program that allows you control over the process or at least allows you to review the culled messages before they are deleted.
Before choosing a product or service, determine what type of email you have. Various types include POP3, IMAP, web-based, AOL, MSN, Juno, Hotmail, Yahoo, and others. If you don't know, check with your Internet Service Provider (see the support page on their website for starters).
Some programs filter, some just tag messages. Various methods used include black lists, white lists, bad word lists, and the newest method: Bayesian filters. Choose a program that uses a combination of methods. If you receive email newsletters, choose one that allows you to control the process. Many newsletters have had problems with spam blockers inappropriately blocking delivery.
Spam.abuse.net has a list of spam email blocking and filtering products and services. Information provided for each item includes operating system, a short description, and whether it is a product or service. The list also includes tutorials for setting up filters in email programs such as Outlook, Outlook Express, Eudora, and procmail.
Back to top
Here are a few products that have garnered good reviews:
• Internet Security Suite from McAfee Security.
• MailWasher Pro works with POP3, MSN/Hotmail, AOL, and IMAP email accounts. MailWasher is used prior to opening your email program.
• If you want to try an email program with good filtering capabilities, try PocoMail, Pegasus Mail (free), or Eudora (free in sponsored mode).
Use a more secure browser
The Firefox and Opera browsers have excellent security and privacy features that are more advanced than those provided by Internet Explorer. Firefox and Opera are free and are available for Windows, MacOS, and Linux machines.
Surfing the Internet Anonymously
Several programs allow you to hide your computer's identity when you are online. Anonymizer Private Surfing has been in use for several years and has a good track record and wide following. We have seen reports that it can slow down your surfing. It allows you to search the web privately from any computer. It blocks sites from determining your IP address, blocks pop-up ads, filters and blocks cookies, banner ads, and more. Available by subscription for an annual fee.
Back to top
For more information
• OnGuard Online provides tips to help you secure your computer and protect your personal information. The site is maintained by the Federal Trade Commission and provides information from the federal government and the technology industry.
• PC World Privacy & Security Resource Center provides news, reviews and more on online security, privacy, spyware, viruses & worms, and more. These articles have some good tips:
• • The 10 Biggest Security Risks You Don't Know About
• • Internet Tips: Take Charge of What Web Sites Know About You
• • Privacy Watch: Protect Yourself With an Antiphishing Toolbar
• Smart Computing provides articles and reviews for the novice to the expert. There is some information available for free on the site such as the tech support center. Full access to the site requires a paid subscription ($17 per year, website only, $29 per year, print magazine and website access) but may be a good investment as you don't need a technical degree to read and use the articles.
Back to top
Other Privacy Tools
The EPIC Online Guide to Practical Privacy Tools has short descriptions and links to all sorts of tools to help you preserve privacy. It's from the Electronic Privacy Information Center.
Opt Out of Having Your Information Shared
You can easily write letters to opt out of having your personal information shared with a variety of companies using the free Junkbusters DECLARE service from Junkbusters.com.
Place your phone numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry to put a stop to many telemarketing calls. Go to www.donotcall.gov, or call toll-free 1-888-382-1222 (TTY, 1-866-290-4236) from the phone you wish to register.
Back to top
Make a Complaint
In addition to reporting fraud or identity theft to your state attorney general's office you can file a complaint with the appropriate federal agency:
• ID Theft/Fraud - Internet, telephone communications, retail - Federal Trade Commission
• Internet Fraud Complaint Center (IFCC) - a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the National White Collar Crime Center.
Take One Hour to Protect Your Privacy
What can you do most easily to protect your privacy? We recommend the following five steps to opt out of certain info sharing. They take about an hour, but make a big difference.
1. Call your phone companies and opt-out of "CPNI" sharing.
2. Call your banks, insurance companies, and brokerage houses to opt-out under both the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (sometimes there is no option to opt-out of FCRA, but you can almost always opt-out under GLBA).
3. Call the National Do Not Call Registry, and opt-out of telemarketing. (888) 382-1222, or for TTY (866) 290-4236.
4. Call the credit reporting number and opt-out of prescreening: 1-888-5-OPTOUT
5. Go to junkbusters.com, and do "Junkbusters Declare".
These five steps will take about an hour. But the reduction in marketing will be significant! Opting out of prescreening alone will stop 90% of those unsolicited credit card offers.
Back to top
Information Specifically for Seniors
Seniors are a favorite target of scam artists and others who want to make a quick buck. For example, seniors are at risk of losing money in fraudulent investment schemes and are also at risk of losing their homes when they are used as security, in some instances unknowingly. These 2 articles from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) describe some of the pitfalls:
• Investment Risks
• Home Equity Loans: Borrower Beware!
Identity theft is also a concern. Identity theft can be a stand-alone scam or part of other scams (such as some of the fraudulent investment schemes). These articles from the FTC describe ID theft and what you can do to prevent it, recover from it, and protect your personal information:
• ID Theft: What's It All About
• ID Theft: When Bad Things Happen to Your Good Name
• Privacy: Tips for Protecting Your Personal Information
Back to top
Here are other sites that provide information to help seniors become more informed:
• FirstGov for Seniors provides links to government (federal, state, and local) and non-government sites in these areas: consumer protection; education, jobs, and volunteerism; federal and state agencies; health; laws and regulations; retirement and money; taxes; travel and leisure.
• The Federal Trade Commission has prepared the Consumer Information Security site to help consumers understand computer security and ways to safeguard your personal information. There are numerous articles about how to stay secure online, e-commerce, spam, privacy, and ID theft.
Worry that you might be a victim of Identity Theft? We’re here to help. We offer the following tools and links as resources. To make us aware of your situation and so we can help assist you in any way we can, please contact us at 717-840-4981.
Identity Theft Kit
Affidavit
Instructions for completing the ID Theft Affidavit:
This packet is from the Federal Trade Commission and explains the steps you need to take to dispute any new accounts that have been opened in your name. Make copies of this affidavit to send to those companies who have reported to the credit bureau, any account opened fraudulently.
Contact List:
This list of companies, agencies and law enforcement has been complied by the Attorney General of Pennsylvania’s Office.
FTC Facts For Consumers:
This brochure is from the Federal Trade Commission, which provides information on “what to do if your identity is stolen.” It also provides a checklist for keeping track of the entities you have contacted as well as a request form for ordering a credit report if you can’t go online or call for one.
Sample Dispute Letter:
Use for contacting companies concerning any fraud on your account or credit history. Includes references to Federal Regulations on how companies who report to a credit bureau must handle ID Theft inquiries under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Back to top
Prevent Identity Theft:
Monitoring and periodically reviewing your credit report is an effective tool in fighting identity theft.
There are three credit reporting agencies:
Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
Experian 1-888-397-3742
Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289
Social Security Administration (fraud line): 1-800-269-0271
Free Credit Reports
Why do I want a copy of my credit report?
Your credit report has information that affects whether you can get a loan – and how much you will have to pay to borrow money. You want a copy of your credit report to:
• Make sure the information is accurate, complete, and up-to-date before you apply for a loan for a major purchase like a house or car, buy insurance, or apply for a job.
• Help guard against identity theft. That’s when someone uses your personal information – like your name, your Social Security number, or your credit card number – to commit fraud. Identity thieves may use your information to open a new credit card account in your name. Then, when they don’t pay the bills, the delinquent account is reported on your credit report. Inaccurate information like that could affect your ability to get credit, insurance, or even a job.
To request a free credit report you have three options:
Request your Credit Report Online
It's quick, easy and secure. If you are eligible for a no-cost credit report, you will be able to view it and print it after your identity is verified. This website allows you to request a no-cost credit report once every 12 months from each of the nationwide consumer credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.
www.annualcreditreport.com
Request your Credit Report by Phone
You will go through a simple verification process over the phone. Your reports will be mailed to you.
1- 877-FACTACT (toll-free)
Request your Credit Report by Mail
Request your credit report by mail by filling out the request form and mailing it to:
Annual Credit Report Request Service
P.O. Box 105281
Atlanta, GA 30348-5281
Confused by how a credit report or credit score works? Contact your financial partners at Heritage Valley and we can help walk you through it, give you your TransUnion score for FREE, PLUS offer suggestions for how you can raise your score and pay less! Sign-up for a FREE, no obligation Personal Credit Check-up here or give us a call at 717-840-4981
Back to top
Back to Life Events Home Page
|
