How to Avoid Identity Theft

On May 1 2008 a great article was written in the Wall Street Journal by Walter S. Mossberg that focused on how to avoid the cons that lead to indentity theft. Mossberg goes on to speak about human guallibity as the number one reason for users getting caught and that common sense, alertness, and careful email and Web-surfing practices can be your best defence.

Mossberg calls this issue “social engineering” which he discribes as; Social engineering is the online equivalent of an old-fashioned con game, in which a crook frightens people with false warnings, or tempts them with false promises, and then robs them.

The article goes on to list 7 tips to help you avoid being the victim of social engineering such as:

1. Never, ever click on a link embedded in an email that appears to come from a financial institution.

or

4. If a Web site tells you that you need to download special viewing software to see its videos, don’t do it.

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