Cheryl Baumgartner   Medical...
As the holiday season is upon us, we should be extra careful with our information.  ID thieves will be looking for opportunities do get their hands on your financial identity.  They have several ways of doing this.



Scams

This is one of the easiest ways for an ID thief to get you information.  If you are like me, you've noticed a rise in those "Nigerian Scam" e-mails



Lost Credit cards

Many people lose credit cards this time of year.  Be very careful to keep track of your credit cards.  If one goes missing, immediately check for fraudulent charges and close that account.



Shoulder surfing

A good ID thief can memorize all of the needed information on a paper check in 30 seconds or less.  All they really need to know is your last name, account number, bank name and check number.  With that information they can order checks in your name to be delivered to them drawn on your account.



ATM's

Inspect ATM's before you use them to see if anything looks out of place.  Be aware of things that don't belong.  If for some reason the machine "Eats" your card,  Do not accept help from strangers.  The machine could have been tampered with and they are now trying to get you to reveal your PIN.  Instead immediately notify the financial institution responsible for maintaining the ATM and let them know that your card is stuck in the machine.  From there call your financial institution and tell them what has happened.  Ask that the card be canceled and get a new card.
Nov 23rd 2007 13:52