(About Internet Security)

Chris - I'm glad we met brother! But why are you using your name?

Dunno what you mean, I'm just being ME - you know? Just like I've always been...

Umm... "C" - I think I had better ask you not to, if it isn't too late.

Why? I'm just who I am, who the heck cares?

LOTS of people, especially if you leak your Social Security Number and stuff--
"C"! Don't you get it? The NET IS NOT SECURE!!! It's an INFORMATION HIGHWAY... And not everyone uses it for legal or moral means. It's an ATTACK ZONE!

How do you mean, Sean?

DON'T USE MY NAME!
DO YOU HEAR ME????
You're blowing my annonymity....

WHat? What do you mean? Hello?

"C" - listen to me, do you remember what it was like in our home town - when everyone knew eachother, and everyone did pretty much the same things? All of us grew up together, and yet - there were still thieves, weren't there? People STOLE from each other.

Well, yeah...

Did you think it was any different around the world? And if people don't know YOU or your family - why should they feel anything but less guilty? Do you hear what I'm trying to tell you? Bad things happen if too much information is given out on the net - just TRUST me for once, okay?

You always say "Just trust me" when you want me to do something...

"C" - Do you understand what I'm trying to tell you - or do you have to have it happen to you just like Julie (last name edited) in tenth grade???

(pause...)

Are you serious?

Yes.

I'll think about it.

*click*

Rule number one: never use addresses, E-Mail addresses, or truenames online. The number one crime world wide last year was IDENTITY THEFT. Wherein someone gained enough information about someone else, as to be able to use their charge cards, credit, and other vital stats (including Social Security Numbers) to run up huge money expenditures, and tie them to someone else.

If it needs to be said - send an E-MAIL.

Better yet - meet in person, if you trust the other, and ONLY with a witness the first time.

Anyone can be anyone - ONLINE. Don't take chances

This is a public service announcement based upon MY OWN LOSSES - which had nothing to do with FTE
~Wolf out...

 

You can't use your real name on the Internet? Well, I guess I'm screwed...

 

I'm not happy with how I said that, it doesn't feel exactly right.

The main idea is that giving out info on ourselves can be accumulated and used in ways we don't want.

But it can be so simple at times - like talking to a nieghbor, or the girl next door....

BUT IT IS PUBLISHED ON THE WEB.

It's available to all nations, for whatever purpose they use it for...

(It really is)

 

Jeez, you need a happy identity theft story.

I get this nastygram from support enforcement a while back. Hey, we are soooo displeased that you changed jobs without informing us, we're going to garnish your check!

I checked up on it with my "new" employer, (I wish the old boss would fire me, I really try). Support enforcement was nice enough to tell me where my new job was. Apparently, the identity broker sold my info to a guy that used my name to get a job for minimum wage. After working hard for two weeks the guy got his check and after paying MY taxes, SS and child support, he had just about enough left for a good meal at Mickey D's. The guys boss said he never came back...

The original thief is now doing time for many counts of IT and other things and there are 5 counties waiting in line to invite him to their court systems. (The two other members of the gang are still out there.)

I worry about my online info, but my ex is a tax collector, and a good one - I have no secrets.

 

If somebody wants to steal my identity, I just wish they would be kind enough to take the 'bills' too!!!!!

 

True, it is possible to steal someones identity. But most of the information that would normaly be available on the internet can be found in public records if you look. Also, I can open up a phone book, pick any random name, do a reverse look up on there phone number and find out where they live. Then use mapquest to find out how to get there. THEN spend $7.95 to find out where you work, what your house is worth, birth dates, husband/wife, email addresses, etc. Its kind of scarry knowing that, once your in the system, anyone can track you down.

P.S. You did remind me of something I wanted to do, but had forgotten. . .

 

LOL, no -- as the song goes they got the goldmine you got the shaft.

1. Don’t throw financial statements in the trash – shred em or burn em..

2. Don’t use a credit card in a restaurant.

3. Don’t be like me who knows better but does 1 & 2.

 

One way that alot of theif's steal identy through the net is through downloads, its surprises how many files (like spyware) are attched to the downloaded files, and once this is done the thief can watch all you transactions, internet habits, etc, and also one has to be careful when buying online, make sure all the site is a wellknown site (in other words people haven't had problems with them), and the they use a sercure internet connection so thiefs can't stop and "look in" on your doings.

 

It's amazing what can be done in the world today. Just a couple of years ago my mom went to a conference type thing in Tampa, Fl.. and the leader of the conference got my mom's telephone number and that was it. He told her he was going to look up everything he could in 24 hours. He did this, and found out how many times she's been married, who to, where she works, her credit card numbers, her social security number, everything about me, and then he went on to her address, and so on.. All in 24 hours, with the internet and he used a phone. You would be surprised how easy it is to get any information about someone. The amazing thing is, if anyone emails me, I can get their IP, and from that get their address and phone number. Tell me that's not scary.. I just turned 18 a month ago and I can do that.. imagine someone that's been doing this a while.