Protecting yourself from online identity theft - WTOC-TV: Savannah, Beaufort, SC, News, Weather & Sports
Member Center:
Stealing identities online has become big business for cyber criminals. You might not always be able to stop them from targeting you but it's possible to minimize the damage.
This week in your Protecting Your Cyberturf report, Theresa Payton gives us her checklist of the four things you should do if you think you've been a victim of online identity theft.
Theresa also defines our word of the week which is "botnet".
What to do if you think cyberthieves are after you:
Seek help. Call your PC support desk or seek out a local expert to assist you with your computer to find and isolate the virus.
Microsoft provides free virus and spyware removal support to Windows customers who think they have an infected computer.
Call: 1-866-PC Safety for phone support.
Online: Microsoft customers can also visit http://safety.live.com for
free online virus and spyware removal.
Apple provides help to computers users that believe their Mac may be infected.
Call: 1-800-APL-CARE (1-800-275-2273)
Online: Set up a phone appointment
http://www.apple.com/support/expert/ or,
request an in-person appointment at your closest
Apple Store's Genius Bar:
http://www.apple.com/retail/geniusbar/ .
Actively monitor your bank and credit card accounts. Look for suspicious charges, even if they are for very small amounts.
Tip: Most banks offer online alert services where you can set up alerts to notify you if a transaction takes place or if a transaction is over a certain amount. Go to your online banking page for more information.
Freeze Fraud: request alerts on your credit reports. Ask if your credit file can be frozen.
You are entitled to a free credit report once a year from all three agencies, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Experts recommend that you space out your requests so you can have one from each at different times during the year.
Online:
Equifax: http://www.equifax.com
Experian: http://www.experian.com/
TransUnion: http://www.transunion.com/
North Carolina offers a free credit freeze for victims of identity theft and a nominal fee for people that want to request a freeze. Go to the following website for more information:
http://www.ncdoj.gov/News-and-Alerts/Alerts/Freeze-your-credit-for-free.aspx.
Engage authorities. If a theft has occurred, file a police report with your local police and file a theft form with the Federal Trade Commission.
Federal Trade Commission:
Call: 877-IDTHEFT or 877-438-4338
Online: http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft
A fantastic resource to use is the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse which is a nonprofit organization that provides in-depth information on your legal rights and how to cope with the aftermath of being a victim.
Online: http://www.privacyrights.org/
Crowds from different cities and states gathered this Orange Crush weekend on Tybee. The weekend-long celebrations and the Tybee alcohol ban wrapped up on Sunday. "We were all having fun," said James Dennis. "A bunch of people came down. Brothers and sisters. Just having a good time." It's also an event that gives locals a bittersweet feeling, mostly because of past incidents that resulted in arrests, shootings, litter complaints and underage drinking. Tybe...
More >>Crowds from different cities and states gathered this Orange Crush weekend on Tybee. The weekend-long celebrations and the Tybee alcohol ban wrapped up on Sunday. "We were all having fun," said James Dennis. "A bunch of people came down. Brothers and sisters. Just having a good time." It's also an event that gives locals a bittersweet feeling, mostly because of past incidents that resulted in arrests, shootings, litter complaints and underage drinking. Tybe...
More >>High pressure will begin to lose its influence Sunday as a low-pressure system approaches from the west. The low will bring much-needed rain to the area Sunday night into Monday before slowly lifting up the coast through the middle of the week.
More >>High pressure will begin to lose its influence Sunday as a low-pressure system approaches from the west. The low will bring much-needed rain to the area Sunday night into Monday before slowly lifting up the coast through the middle of the week.
More >>10,519 people or about 72 percent voted against the referendum, according to unofficial election results from the Beaufort County Election Commission.
More >>10,519 people or about 72 percent voted against the referendum, according to unofficial election results from the Beaufort County Election Commission.
More >> |  P.O. Box 8086
Savannah GA 31412 (912) 234-1111
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2018 Raycom Media. All Rights Reserved. For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy, and Terms of Service, and Ad Choices.
|
