Media Center

Identity Theft News

NBC , April 10, 2019

Dark web monitoring: Useful way to fight identity theft or marketing hype?

Many consumers are confused about what ‘dark web monitoring’ can really do, survey finds.

By Herb Weisbaum

Many people are making false assumptions about that, according to a new survey by the Consumer Federation of America (CFA). The survey found that: 36 percent of those who’d seen ads for dark web monitoring incorrectly believed identity theft services can remove their personal information from the dark web. (They can’t.) 37 percent mistakenly believe these services can prevent stolen information sold on the dark web from being used. (They can’t.) The reality is: No one can erase the data that winds up in this underground cyber-marketplace or prevent it from being sold, exchanged or used. ...read full article

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Enterprise Record , April 9, 2019

Stolen mail leads to identity theft | Scam of the Week

By CHICO ENTERPRISE-RECORD

The Sheriff’s Office warns people to remain vigilant with their personal identifying information. People should gather their mail as soon as possible, and also make sure retailers check identification when using ATM and credit cards, or when writing checks. ...read full article

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WFLA , April 9, 2019

Protect yourself from identity theft, attend Shred-A-Thon

By Shannon Behnken

One in three Floridians have been the victim of identity theft in the past two years. Millions of Americans had personal information stolen in breaches. You never know when those crooks will strike. But in other cases, you yourself may hand over your private information without even realizing it. That's why AAA is teaming up with News Channel 8 for Saturday's annual Shred-A-Thon. You can bring up to 8 boxes of personal documents including paper and even electronic devices. We accept personal documents, no businesses. And remember, no metal binders and no cardboard ...read full article

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CBN , April 9, 2019

Credit Monitoring Vs. Identity Theft Protection: How Credit Alerts and Identity Alerts Differ

By MoneyTips

most credit monitoring and identity theft protection services are reactive, not proactive. They let you know when suspicious activity has occurred, but they can't prevent it from happening. You can supplement either service by using common-sense proactive tactics. Use strong passwords on all your accounts and change them often. Shred any sensitive information before discarding it. Protect all electronic devices with up-to-date anti-virus software. Avoid e-mail scams and suspicious requests for information. Store your personal information in as few places as possible. Check your credit frequently, and consider a credit freeze on your accounts to prevent thieves from opening fraudulent accounts in your name. ...read full article

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AccountingToday , April 8, 2019

IRS sees progress in identity theft battle

By Michael Cohn

The Internal Revenue Service said Monday that the number of taxpayers who reported they were victims of identity theft fell 71 percent between 2015 and 2018, thanks to coordination between the IRS and its Security Summit partners in the tax profession, the tax prep software industry and state tax authorities. ...read full article

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AccountingToday , April 8, 2019

IRS sees progress in identity theft battle

By Michael Cohn

The Internal Revenue Service said Monday that the number of taxpayers who reported they were victims of identity theft fell 71 percent between 2015 and 2018, thanks to coordination between the IRS and its Security Summit partners in the tax profession, the tax prep software industry and state tax authorities. ...read full article

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WFMZ , April 2, 2019

Berks County police investigating 'large scale' identity theft

By Tom Rader

The Central Berks Regional Police Department reports that investigators executed a search warrant at a home in the first block of Maci Way in Saint Lawrence on Monday. Residents reported seeing police officers at the home about 3 p.m. ...read full article

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CBS , April 2, 2019

Permanent Fix In Works After EDD Put Millions At Risk Of Identity Theft

By Julie Watts

, a permanent fix is finally in the works to prevent state agencies from mailing your social security number. This follows a state audit of the Employment Development Department (EDD) that found the agency has been putting millions of Californians at risk of identity theft. ...read full article

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AJC , April 2, 2019

Former campus watchman at Florida high school accused of identity theft

By Bob D'Angelo

Christopher Corey Barker, 34, of Lauderdale Lakes, was charged with unlawful possession of the personal identification information of another five or more people, according to his arrest affidavit. He was arrested March 15 at South Plantation High School. ...read full article

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NextGov , April 1, 2019

Identity Theft Services Inefficient at Addressing Data Breach Risks, Watchdog Says

By Brandi Vincent

The Government Accountability Office is doubling down on its recommendation that Congress reconsider the identity theft insurance it requires federal agencies to offer after data breaches. GAO reviewed documentation and conducted interviews with academic, consumer, government and industry experts to “evaluate issues related to consumers’ options” to address potential harm from data breaches. The agency found that there’s limited information around actually assessing said options. ...read full article

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Detroit Free Press , March 21, 2019

No, you can't pay to remove ID from the dark web. Here's what to do

By Susan Tompor

Not many people understand how the dark web work and may easily be fooled into thinking that purchasing identity theft protection can make sure that any data of you on the dark web will be erased. However, that is not the case. People must be careful and not fall for scams that may promise that service. ...read full article

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NBC , March 21, 2019

Identity Theft Suspect Had Profiles of Over 20,000 People

Two men have been arrested in Claremont on suspicion of identity theft after officers pulled them over and found stolen mail, credit cards, phony drivers licenses and a key used to open community mailboxes, police said Wednesday. ...read full article

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CEOworld , March 20, 2019

Six Questions To Ask Your Identity Theft Protection Company

By Alexandra Dimitropoulou

A series of questions that can be asked to your identity theft protection company to ensure that you are receiving the best protection you can. These questions can also you understand how these companies attempt to protect your data. ...read full article

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MoneyTips , March 20, 2019

Utility Scams And Identity Theft

How to Protect Yourself From These Scammers

This article touches on a scam that has a person impersonating a utility to worker to trick people in handing over money and other personal information. Utility companies don't make threats requiring immediate payment to avoid shutoff. They will send at least one disconnection notice by mail and provide several payment options to avoid shutoff by a certain time. ...read full article

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Fox , March 19, 2019

How to protect your child from identity theft

By Linda Bell

Javelin Strategy Research Opens a New Window. says more than one million children were victims of identity fraud in 2017. Experian Opens a New Window. says child identity fraud or theft will affect 25 percent of kids before turning 18. Bart McDonough, author of Cyber Smart knows first-hand about child identity theft. His youngest daughter had a tax return filed in her name when she was much younger. ...read full article

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KDLT , March 18, 2019

Supreme Court Agrees to Hear Identity Theft Case

By Associated Press

The Supreme Court has agreed to take up a case that could make it more difficult for states to prosecute identity theft and other crimes. ...read full article

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Eurweb , March 4, 2019

PREVENTING IDENTITY THEFT (A REMINDER)!

By LARRY S. BUFORD

An article discussing the statistics of the amount of identity theft taking place. About seven million people are affected by identity theft every year. The article goes in depth about the importance of keeping documents secured that could be used to steal one's identity. ...read full article

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KXNET , March 1, 2019

Fraud Expert Shares Tips to Avoid Becoming a Victim of Identity Theft

By Renee Cooper

A short article that revolves around securing and monitoring your bank account to limit the damage that could occur during an identity theft attack. ...read full article

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PYMNTS , February 28, 2019

Equifax Chief Hit By Identity Theft Three Times

Equifax CEO Mark Begor has been the victim of identity theft three times in the past 10 years. Begor made the confession after U.S. Representative Katie Porter asked the CEO to share his Social Security Number, birth date, and address at the public hearing during an exchange about security and privacy concerns. ...read full article

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KSBY , February 24, 2019

Lompoc man arrested for several identity theft related charges

By Kelsey McFarland

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office says 54-year-old Arvan Washington III was found to be in possession of numerous suspected fraudulent checks, credit and debit cards, counterfeiting equipment, federal income tax documents, and social security cards. ...read full article

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