Privacy, Security and Identity theft
Low tech crimes to watch for
by Cheryl Baumgartner Medical Billing/Coding/Insurance
Cheryl Baumgartner 
Medical...
There are so many hi-tech crimes out there today that we often over look the low tech ones. This types of crimes still happen and we don't look out for them. All of these crimes can lead to identity theft. And yes they increase this time of year.
PickpocketingWe all know what a pickpocket does and the good ones can hit you and blend in with a crowd before you know that they have struck. But there are some things that you can do to make it difficult for them:
For the ladies-never ever leave your purse unattended. If it is in your shopping cart and you turn to take something off the store shelf, it's unattended. Keep it on your shoulder or better yet use a small wallet that you can fit in the front pocket of your pants. But the absolute best thing is to put that money/credit card/ID in your personal 'Victoria's Secret' safe. Tuck it into your bra. If you must use a purse make it a should purse that zips closed and keep it zipped. Don't let it just hang from your shoulder, grip the bag-not the strap with one hand at all times.
For the guys-How many of you tuck your wallet in the back pocket of your trousers? A pickpocket using a box cutter can cut the pocket of your pants and slip your wallet out before you even feel it. Carry your wallet in your front pants pocket. Don't tell me you won't notice someone getting close to your ehem 'junk'.
Mail box surfingYes this is very low tech. All it takes is going from mailbox to mailbox to see what's in there. Namely things that look like Christmas cards. How many people send Checks, money orders and gift cards to friends and family during the holidays. If you plan on doing that then grab a good book and go stand in line at the post office. It's going to cost you in time and a little money but send those especially the checks and gift cards certified mail with a return receipt. Someone at the house will have to sign for that item. It won't just be sitting in the mailbox waiting for someone to check the mail.
Account piggybackingIf you use paper checks, be wary of people standing too close to you. a Good identity thief can memorize all the information he needs to order checks on your account. in less than 60 seconds. He can then go home and grab that insert out of the Sunday paper and order all the checks he wants against you account and spend them where ever he likes.
Nov 20th 2010 08:44
Medical...There are so many hi-tech crimes out there today that we often over look the low tech ones. This types of crimes still happen and we don't look out for them. All of these crimes can lead to identity theft. And yes they increase this time of year.
PickpocketingWe all know what a pickpocket does and the good ones can hit you and blend in with a crowd before you know that they have struck. But there are some things that you can do to make it difficult for them:
For the ladies-never ever leave your purse unattended. If it is in your shopping cart and you turn to take something off the store shelf, it's unattended. Keep it on your shoulder or better yet use a small wallet that you can fit in the front pocket of your pants. But the absolute best thing is to put that money/credit card/ID in your personal 'Victoria's Secret' safe. Tuck it into your bra. If you must use a purse make it a should purse that zips closed and keep it zipped. Don't let it just hang from your shoulder, grip the bag-not the strap with one hand at all times.
For the guys-How many of you tuck your wallet in the back pocket of your trousers? A pickpocket using a box cutter can cut the pocket of your pants and slip your wallet out before you even feel it. Carry your wallet in your front pants pocket. Don't tell me you won't notice someone getting close to your ehem 'junk'.
Mail box surfingYes this is very low tech. All it takes is going from mailbox to mailbox to see what's in there. Namely things that look like Christmas cards. How many people send Checks, money orders and gift cards to friends and family during the holidays. If you plan on doing that then grab a good book and go stand in line at the post office. It's going to cost you in time and a little money but send those especially the checks and gift cards certified mail with a return receipt. Someone at the house will have to sign for that item. It won't just be sitting in the mailbox waiting for someone to check the mail.
Account piggybackingIf you use paper checks, be wary of people standing too close to you. a Good identity thief can memorize all the information he needs to order checks on your account. in less than 60 seconds. He can then go home and grab that insert out of the Sunday paper and order all the checks he wants against you account and spend them where ever he likes.
Nov 20th 2010 08:44
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Comments
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Patsy j Payne
 konnektions konsultantI knew about my purse, however, did not remember about mailbox surfing as we pay 99% of our bills electronically. We seldom write paper checks, however, did not know how simple it was to order checks on anyone's account. Surely the check printing company's have some sort of ID requirement?? Nov 20th 2010 14:53 |
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Cheryl Baumgartner
Medical Billing/Coding/InsuranceNope as long as you have the name of the bank, The account number, the routing number and the name of the account holder that is all that's required. The companies are not attached to any bank. Send them that information along with payment and the order form that comes out in the paper (Or in the junk mail circulars) and they will send you the checks. Nov 20th 2010 15:15 |
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Paula van Dun
 RetiredWhen I take a coffee break on a terras I always tie my purse to a leg of the chair I am sitting on Nov 20th 2010 15:51 |
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Aurelio Martuscelli
 PRO Blogger & TE OwnerGood information, my friend! Very well designed, cool:) Nov 20th 2010 17:02 |
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Cheryl Baumgartner
Medical Billing/Coding/InsuranceIt sad that people will look for ways to steal anything and everything Nov 20th 2010 17:20 |
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sounds interesting but we must see the reality
Nov 20th 2010 14:47