identity theft

Phishing Scams Continue to Plague Social Media Sites

Posted October 13, 2009 - 06:00 by Adam Baker

Technology, Consumer Affairs

Social Media

Social Media networks like Facebook and Twitter are going through unprecedented growth. Unfortunately, this growth makes them a target for spammers and scammers. We break down a couple recent phishing scams that have plagued these networks. Find out how you can protect yourself from these scams and what steps to take if you feel you're account has been compromised.

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Once Bitten Twice Shy: What is Credit Security Worth to You?

Posted August 22, 2008 - 17:16 by Nora Dunn

Personal Finance

credit cards

If you have had your identity stolen, you're prepared to bring out the big guns to protect it. Even if you haven't been once bitten, you may be shy. Here are some (arguable but effective) ways to protect your credit while you sleep.

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Get Your Own Identity! What to do when Yours is Stolen

Posted January 9, 2008 - 11:56 by Nora Dunn

Consumer Affairs

identity theft

Identity theft is considered an increasing national epidemic, being the fastest growing crime in the nation. And until you discover that somebody else has stolen your identity and take certain corrective measures, your credit, banking, and even your income taxes can be seriously compromised. Here's what to do in order to save your identity from further abuse if you discover it is stolen:

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The scams and cons that could clean you out.

Posted 2 years ago by Paul Michael

Filed Under: Life Hacks

Victim

Last time I gave you advice from the Real Hustle team, it was how to grab a few free drinks. A bit of harmless fun. This time, it’s much more serious. These former professional con artists take you through some of the easiest, most effective ways that thieves can rip you off. Anything from a simple watch theft, to grabbing everything you own.

I looked through The Real Hustle archives and found so many scary scenarios, but these are the ones that seemed to affect everyone. So, watch carefully and keep your guard up at all times. It’s a jungle out there sometimes.

Continue reading "The scams and cons that could clean you out. "

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How To Get Mugged

Posted 2 years ago by Tannaz Sassooni

Filed Under: Life Hacks

Awesome, 10:45 and there's still one parking spot only a few buildings from mine. I do the parallel parking bit, grab my purse, lock the car, and start the quick walk to my apartment building. As I walk past our next-door building, a car stops in front of me, and the passenger steps out. Weird, he's talking to me. "OK, give me your purse."

Next thing I know I'm splayed out on my back like a dying cockroach on the curb -- except much wrigglier, and much, much louder.

Continue reading "How To Get Mugged"

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Man Tears Up Credit Card Application. Fills It Out. Sends It In. Result: Card Approved!

Posted 2 years ago by Will Chen

Filed Under: Credit Cards

credit card trap

Go get a shredder immediately.

The mad scientist at Cockeyed.com tried a little experiment:

  1. Take a regular credit card application from Chase Mastercard.
  2. Tear it up into roughly 16 pieces.
  3. Tape it back together.
  4. Change the address on the application to ANOTHER address (his parent's mailbox).
  5. Put down his cell phone number as the contact number.
  6. Mail in the application (no stamp required, SCORE!)
  7. Wait a few weeks.
  8. Receive credit card in the mail.
  9. Post story on Internet. Scare consumers worldwide!

The best part is the fact that tearing up your application is suppose to be enough:

Continue reading "Man Tears Up Credit Card Application. Fills It Out. Sends It In. Result: Card Approved!"

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UCLA security breach affects 800,000 people (not just students)

Posted 2 years ago by Will Chen

Filed Under: Consumer Affairs

LA Times reported this morning that "hackers have gained access to a UCLA database containing personal information on about 800,000 of the university's current and former students, faculty and staff members, among others."

The personal information stolen include names, birth dates, social security numbers, home addresses, and other contact information.

There are two things you have to know that are not widely reported by the media:

Breach Also Affects Applicants and Parents

Continue reading "UCLA security breach affects 800,000 people (not just students)"

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