Computers: Friend and Foe

When it comes to your identity, computer technology can be both your friend and foe. Computers and the internet have changed our lives. They have positively influenced the way we shop, find, store and use information, and manage our personal and professional business....

Data Breaches

Data Security Breach Has your personal information ever been stolen during a data security breach? If you answered no, are you sure? Prior well-publicized incidents beginning in 2005 (Choice Point, Lexis/Nexus, Ameritrade and others) that have brought the issue to the...

Is Your Employer Protecting You?

Is your employer doing everything possible to ensure your identity is safe? There are times when sharing personal information cannot be avoided; financial transactions, credit agreements, employment applications, etc. Because you and the institution requesting the...

ID Monitoring v. Credit Monitoring

According to an independent study conducted by the Gartner Group, “Identity scoring and monitoring is more effective than credit report monitoring to watch for potentially fraudulent activity. That’s to be expected.” Credit monitoring and identity...

Could Identity Theft Cost You Your Home?

You have worked hard your whole life. You have paid off your house. Retirement looks comfortable and you are thinking of using some of your home equity to buy a second home. You go to the bank to apply for your loan and the loan officer cannot seem to confirm that you...

You’ve Been Pulled Over… and You Don’t Know Why

Do not let your name end up in a criminal database! The flashing lights in your rearview mirror are your only warning. You are not speeding. Your license plate has not expired. Did someone die? The police are pulling you over and you don’t know why. The officer...