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Protect your Identity when saying “I Do”

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7WWho has time to think about identity protection when planning a wedding? And why, for that matter? Well, there’s good reason: Marriage begets a change in identities. The months preceding the big day should be when the couple starts taking action to avoid identity theft.

  • If you’re using any website or smartphone application to organize your wedding, make sure it’s protected with a password—a long password that contains zero clues about your wedding, identity or anything else personal. An ideal password is upper/lowercase, numbers, long and can be remembered without keyboard sequences or actual words or proper names, and includes various symbols. Please, no HoneyBunch1 or St.LuciaWeGo.
  • Health insurance will be merged once you are husband and wife, so make sure that old insurance documentation is eradicated.
  • Wedding preparations involve a lot of spending, right down to the custom made napkins at the dinner reception. Some say pay with currency as much as possible, as checks and credit cards contain information that a thief could obtain. But really, pay with a credit card and closely watch your statements.
  • Make sure nobody can get into your mail box, because it will soon be receiving scads of documents reflecting a woman’s new last name, such as a driver’s license, credit card, Social Security card, to name a few. Get a locking mail box, and maybe have the post-wedding mail delivered to a P.O. box or to your post office and then retrieve it in person.
  • Buy a shredder. This is so that you can destroy all the reams of old documents with the previous surname. This would include old checks, the old ATM card, bank statements, driver’s license, auto insurance information and so much more.
  • Once on the honeymoon make sure your wireless devices that are connected to free WiFi are protected with a VPN to prevent hackers from snooping over free WiFi.

Now ideally, people should have already, long before meeting their soulmate, gotten into the habit of identity protection. This should be an ongoing process—as much ongoing for the chronically single person as for the gushing bride-to-be.

But it’s never too late to establish smart habits for identity protection. You will need to work with your spouse on just how very personal documents will be managed and filed. There are so many things to be aware of, including keeping monthly tabs on your credit card statements and yearly tabs on your credit reports.

And here’s a tip: Don’t assume your young child’s identity can’t be stolen. Crooks are out there stealing the identities of kids—who often don’t learn about this until it’s time to apply for a college loan or a loan for their first car.

Robert Siciliano is an Identity Theft Expert to Hotspot Shield. He is the author of 99 Things You Wish You Knew Before Your Identity Was Stolen See him discussing internet and wireless security on Good Morning America. Disclosures.

Retirees Prime Targets for Identity Theft

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Is it easier for crooks to prey on senior citizens, or is it that most targets are the seniors?

Well, one thing’s for sure: A disproportionate percentage of identity theft complaints come from people 50-plus (though I’m sure some readers would hardly consider 50-somethings to be seniors—but you get the point).

Some scammers go after seniors because they know that many older people have a lot of money saved up. And it’s also no secret that many seniors aren’t as sharp as they used to be, and also are not caught up on technology.

Some common scams that target the elderly:

  • A caller pretending to be “your favorite grandson.” This lures the victim into announcing the name of that grandson, and then the crook identifies himself by that name. If the victim has hearing loss, he can’t tell that the caller’s voice doesn’t sound like his grandson.
  • The caller then gives a sob story and asks Gramps to wire him some money.
  • Retirement home employees access resident records for their Social Security numbers and other data, then sell these to crooks.
  • An e-mail supposedly from the victim’s bank (or IRS or FBI) warns them that something is wrong and that they must act immediately to resolve the issue—and the action involves typing in their Social Security number, bank login information, etc.
  • Scam mortgage companies. These fraudsters will get ahold of applicants’ Social Security numbers, other data and even their deeds to commit identity theft.

How to Help Prevent Identity Theft

  • Some seniors are active on social media. Be very careful what you post on Facebook, Instagram, etc. Don’t post anything that could reveal your location or when you’re away from home.
  • If you’re looking for employment, refuse to take any job in which the “employer” wants you to cash checks through your account or get involved with wire transfers.
  • Don’t keep sensitive information in your wallet/purse.
  • Don’t leave your cell phone, wallet, etc., out in public where some punk could skate by and snatch it.
  • Use a shredder for all personal and financial documents.
  • Automatically delete, without ever opening, e-mails that seem to have come from your bank, the IRS or FBI. Same for e-mails announcing you won a prize or say something very suspicious in the subject line such as “Dear Blessed One” or, “I Need Your Help.”
  • Never conduct financial transactions on a site that has only an “http” in the URL, but instead, an “https” and a yellow lock icon before it.
  • Use Hotspot Shield VPN when on Free WiFi. Free WiFi is often unencrypted and vulnerable to hackers.
  • Make copies of your credit cards and other crucial documents and keep them in an easy-to-remember place in case any of these cards, etc., get stolen or lost, so you can quickly cancel the cards, etc.
  • If you want to mail a letter that contains sensitive data, deposit it at a post office collection box.
  • Believe it or not, crooks will get information out of obituaries to commit identity theft. Leave out details like date of birth, birth town, name of schools, etc., and just note age of passing and give details that an ID thief can’t use, such as, “She loved doing volunteer work with children.”
  • Check your bank and credit card statements every month for suspicious charges.

Retirees don’t have to be victims of fraud as long as they are paying attention to various scams and recognize their responsibilities regarding preventing identity theft. By putting systems in place fraud doesn’t need to happen.

Robert Siciliano is an Identity Theft Expert to Hotspot Shield. He is the author of 99 Things You Wish You Knew Before Your Identity Was Stolen See him discussing internet and wireless security on Good Morning America. Disclosures.

8 Tips to protect your Money – and your Identity – from Theft

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When you hear the dictum, “You should protect yourself from identity theft,” do you equate this with pushing a wheelbarrow loaded with rocks up a hill? It would actually be more accurate to picture slicing into a fresh apple pie, because identity theft protection is as easy as pie. Check out the following things you should do—without breaking any sweat: http://www.dreamstime.com/stock-images-online-risks-sign-road-banner-image34668294

  1. Examine your credit card statements once a month to catch any unauthorized charges. Even a tiny charge should not be blown off, since often, thieves will start out small to “test the waters.” Once they get away with this, they’ll be surfing the big waves if you don’t pounce on them quickly.
  2. Buy a shredder. Don’t rely on tearing up documents with your hands, especially unopened envelopes. A shredder will blitz them to fragments that a “dumpster diver” won’t be able to piece together. Until you get a shredder, use scissors and snip up anything that has sensitive information on it.
  3. Put the names and phone numbers of your credit/debit cards on hardcopy so you’ll have a quick way to contact them should any become stolen.
  4. There are three major credit report bureaus: TransUnion, Experian and Equifax. At least once a year review your credit reports with them, as they can reveal if, for instance, someone opened a credit card account in your name.
  5. If you ever lose your cell phone, anyone can obtain sensitive data you have stored in it—unless it’s password protected. And please, use a strong, long password, since the thief might be someone who knows you and is capable of sitting there trying all sorts of permutations with your beloved dog’s name, a la Duke1.
  6. Are a lot of your sensitive paperwork and documents in unlocked file cabinets that anyone can get into? The thief could be a visiting family member (yes, family members can be crooked), the cleaning lady, repairman, window guy, dishwasher installer, a visiting neighbor, you name it. A fireproof safe will protect these documents.
  7. All of your computers should have antivirus, antimalware and antispyware software, that’s regularly updated.
  8. Install a virtual private network to encrypt all free WiFi communications. Hostspot Shield is a good example.
  9. Put a freeze on your credit, at least if you don’t plan on applying for any credit lines or loans in the near future; you’ll be blocked until you unfreeze it, but so will thieves.

More on Credit Freezes

  • Freezing is free for ID theft victims; there’s a small charge for non-victims ($15 per credit bureau, which may be for all time, depending on your state’s policies).
  • “Thawing” the freeze (which takes five minutes) is free to victims and up to $5 for non-victims.
  • It will not affect your credit score.
  • It works because they block lenders from seeing your credit scores. So if someone gets your identity, they can’t open credit in your name because lenders need to see those scores.
  • You won’t be able to see your credit reports unless you have a PIN to access them.

Identity theft doesn’t have to be a scary nightmare. As long as consumers follow these basic tips and guidelines they can prevent many forms if identity theft.

Robert Siciliano is an Identity Theft Expert to Hotspot Shield. He is the author of 99 Things You Wish You Knew Before Your Identity Was Stolen See him discussing internet and wireless security on Good Morning America. Disclosures.

Most Toxic Superheroes 2015: Super Powers, Super Risky!

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The King of Atlantis! The Protector of the Seas and Oceans! A beloved member of the Justice League! It’s none other than Aquaman! While he is most well-known for his ability to control marine animals and breathing underwater, he is also the superhero who poses the biggest threat to you online, according to Intel Security’s list of Most Toxic Superheroes.

Superhero movies and television shows are booming like never before. They have been resurrected and reinvented with the new and improved costume designs and insane special effects we see on the big screen. This superhero craze is drawing in everyone from the youngsters, who tend to idolize the men and women of courage, all the way up to the older generations, who grew up with some form of these heroes, and everyone in between.

With the advancement of technology and accessibility, information on these superheroes can be retrieved online at all times. As a result, adults and kids alike need to be wary of the websites they use when they are accessing information on their favorite characters. While you might not think searching for one’s favorite superhero could be dangerous, you may want to take a step back and use caution before randomly clicking on a potentially harmful website.

Originally introduced as a backup feature in 1941, Aquaman has since become a prominent part in the DC universe, and a founding member of the Justice League. Fans express an admiration for his dual obligation to the citizens of the land and sea, as well as his honorable nature. Other than his abilities to breathe underwater and to control marine animals, he also possesses superhuman strength and impervious skin.

After long being the subject of ridicule for his rather interesting array of superpowers, the Dweller of the Depths himself returns to the top of the annual Most Toxic Superheroes list revealed by using McAfee SiteAdvisor having a risk percentage of 20%, close to that of the 2013 list where he came in first with 18.6%.

The Most Toxic Superheroes list is compiled by using McAfee SiteAdvisor that rates websites by risk level that contain the superhero search terms on the most popular search engines (Google, Bing, and Yahoo!). SiteAdvisor informs you of potentially dangerous websites through color coded levels of risk, from green, to yellow, to red that signal when it is okay to click, and when you should skip a particular website.

This year’s Most Toxic Superheroes are:

MTS_Infographic_2015

Whether you are searching online from your PC or mobile device, here are some tips you can use to help you stay safe:

  • Be suspicious: Be wary of searches that turns up a link to free content or too-good-to-be-true offers.
  • Double-check the Web address: Look for misspellings or other clues that the site you are going to may not be safe.
  • Search safely: Use a safe search plug-in, such as McAfee SiteAdvisor software that displays a red, yellow, or green ratings in search results, warning you to potential risky sites before you click on them.
  • Protect yourself: Use comprehensive security software on all your devices, like McAfee LiveSafe™, to protect yourself against the latest threats.

Robert Siciliano is an Online Safety Expert to Intel Security. He is the author of 99 Things You Wish You Knew Before Your Mobile was Hacked!

Identity Fraud Victim every two Seconds

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Yes, identity fraud is SO common that someone becomes a victim every two seconds. The 2014 Identity Fraud Study, as reported on javelinstrategy.com, turned up some alarming results.

http://www.dreamstime.com/stock-photos-identity-theft-red-words-binary-code-computer-monitor-image39907813Though the dollar amount stolen had decreased over the year preceding the study, the number of victims had increased. People at highest risk were ages 35 to 44.

Account takeover—when the thief takes over a pre-existing account—made up 28 percent of ID fraud losses in 2013. But the greatest risk factor for becoming a victim of identity fraud is the data breach. In that year, 30 percent of people who were notified of a data breach became an ID fraud victim.

Identity fraud is associated with credit cards, but this type of crime can also involve hijacking someone’s PayPal account, or account on Amazon and eBay.

How to Protect Yourself

Javelin Strategy & Research, who conducted the study, recommends the following:

  • Never use public Wi-Fi (at least use a VPN)
  • Shred old sensitive documents.
  • Change the passwords on all of your accounts often.
  • See which accounts offer two-factor authentication, then set it up. This way you’ll know if an unauthorized person is trying to access your account.
  • Use anti-virus and anti-malware software for all of your devices.
  • Monitor your accounts every week. Use mobile apps to stay on top of them.
  • Use direct deposit for payroll checks.
  • Don’t permit your Social Security Number to be used as an authenticating factor, because it can’t be changed, like a username or password can. Ninety-six percent of major credit card issuers and 80 percent of the top 25 banks will permit access to an account via the SSN. You should inform the institution to notate that you will never provide this number to verify your identity.
  • Arrange for your financial institutions to send you alerts (e-mail, text, phone call) when anomalous activity occurs, such as a purchase made in two countries only a few hours apart, or any purchase over a certain amount. Ask about additional forms of fraud detection as well.
  • If you suspect fraud, immediately report it.

If you receive notification of a data breach, you’re at higher risk for fraud; crack down on monitoring your accounts.

Robert Siciliano is an identity theft expert to BestIDTheftCompanys.com discussing identity theft prevention.

Identity Theft Protection 101

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What’s it called if, for example, someone runs up your credit card line without your permission? Identity theft. ID theft isn’t necessarily someone going around impersonating you. But it is considered someone taking over your accounts.

http://www.dreamstime.com/stock-photos-identity-theft-red-words-binary-code-computer-monitor-image39907813Account takeover is also someone hacking into your computer and getting the password for your PayPal account, then sucking it dry. ID theft is an extremely common occurrence. The damage incurred by ID theft runs along a continuum, from light to heavy. At its worst it can:

  • Cost thousands of dollars to repair the fallout
  • Take months to fix this
  • Destroy reputation
  • Cause difficulty finding employment
  • Cause rejection of loan applications
  • Cause the victim to be arrested because the identity thief committed a crime in their name

There are tons of ways one can become a victim. It used to be that ID thieves would steal a wallet and gain information that way, or dig through your rubbish for bank statements. But these days, ID theft is prolifically committed in cyber space by thieves thousands of miles away.

For example, a thief halfway around the globe could trick you into giving your bank account information by sending an e-mail that looks like it’s from your bank, telling you that your online account has been compromised and that you need to supply your account information to repair the problem.

Or, clicking on a link that promises to show you a nude celebrity instead downloads a virus to your computer.

ID theft can also occur through no lapse in judgment of your own: when the retailer you buy things from with a credit card is hacked.

Protect Yourself

  • All of your computer devices should have software: antivirus, antimalware and a firewall, and always updated.
  • Educate yourself on recognizing scams. Some are ingenious and look legitimate. One way to drastically reduce the odds of being tricked by a ruse is to never, never, never click on any links in an e-mail. Never.
  • Make all of your passwords unique, over 10 characters and a mix of numbers, letters and symbols: gibberish rather than the name of your favorite rock band or sport.
  • View your credit report (it’s free) once a year from each of the three credit reporting agencies. Look for odd things like new accounts opened that you never opened and other false information.
  • If you’re sure you won’t be applying for a loan for a long time, freeze your credit.
  • Use only reputable merchants for online shopping when possible (we all know this rule doesn’t apply when you want to buy those big clumpy home-baked chocolate cookies from “Denise’s Gourmet Cookies”).
  • Missing snail mail bills? Report this to the associated companies because a thief may have changed your billing address.
  • Use a VPN. A virtual private network such as Hotspot Shield is one significant layer to protect your data and your identity by encrypting your information.

Consider it a red flag if you receive credit cards you didn’t apply for, especially if they have high interest rates.

Robert Siciliano is an Identity Theft Expert to Hotspot Shield. He is the author of 99 Things You Wish You Knew Before Your Identity Was Stolen See him discussing internet and wireless security on Good Morning America. Disclosures.

Frequently Asked Questions About Identity Theft

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I remember my teachers always telling me there are no stupid questions. When it comes to identity theft, this is especially true. The more you know about identity theft, the better prepared you will be to prevent it from happening to you. Here are some commonly asked questions about identity theft.

http://www.dreamstime.com/stock-photos-identity-theft-red-words-binary-code-computer-monitor-image39907813What is identity theft?

Identity theft is when a person pretends to be you to access money, credit, medical care, and other benefits. They acquire your identity by stealing and using your personal information like government ID number or bank account number. Once they have this information, identity thieves can really wreak havoc on your life; for example, they can clear out your bank account. They can also impersonate you in order to get a job or commit a crime. It can take a long time to clean up the mess.

Does identity theft only have to do with stealing money or credit?

No, financial identity theft, using your personal information to access your money or credit, is not the only type of identity theft, although it is the most common. There are other kinds of identity theft identity theft. Medical identity theft is when someone uses your information to receive medical care. Criminal identity theft is when someone takes over your identity and assumes it as his or her own. They can then give your name to law enforcement officers and voilà—you have a criminal record.

What are some things I can do to protect my identity online?

  • Be choosy. Be careful when sharing personal information online. Just because a website is asking for your information doesn’t mean it’s necessary to provide it to them. Ask who wants the information and why. Also, limit the amount of information you share on social media. Does everyone need to know the year you were born?
  • Think twice. Use caution when clicking on links and opening email attachments. If the link or attachment is from someone you don’t know, don’t open it.
  • Use secure Wi-Fi. When shopping or banking online, make sure you are using a secure wireless connection.
  • Permanently delete files from your PC. Putting your files in the recycle bin isn’t enough. Your device will still have the files and therefore, are accessible to identity thieves. Use security software, like McAfee LiveSafe™ service, that includes a digital shredder to make sure those files are truly wiped from your PC.
  • Install security software. Make sure all your devices have comprehensive security software like McAfee LiveSafe that protects all your PCs, Macs, tablets and smartphones.

What are things I can do to protect my identity offline?

  • Shred. Use a cross-cut shredding machine, or scissors to shred old credit card statements, offers, receipts, etc., to prevent dumpster divers from obtaining your information and creating accounts in your name.
  • Have a locked mailbox. This will keep thieves from stealing your mail, especially bank statements and credit card offers.
  • Secure your files. Get a fire-proof safe to store sensitive documents including credit cards you hardly use.
  • Keep an eye on your bank and credit card statements. Look for questionable activity.
  • Be careful when using ATMs. When you insert your ATM card into a compromised machine or run your credit card through a phony card reader, you could become a victim of skimming. Skimming is where a hacker illegally obtains information from the magnetic strip on the back of your credit or ATM card. This information can then be used to access your accounts or produce a fake credit card with your name and details on it.

How do I know if my identity has been stolen?

This list is not comprehensive but gives you a good idea on what to look out for.

  • You receive a bill for a credit card account that, though in your name, is not yours. This probably means a thief opened the account in your name.
  • You’re no longer receiving your usual snail mail or email statements. Contact the issuer to find out why.
  • Unfamiliar purchases on your credit card, even tiny ones (crooks often start out with small purchases, and then escalate). Challenge even a $4 purchase.
  • You receive a credit card or store card without having applied for one. If this happens, immediately contact the company.
  • Your credit report has suspicious information, like inquiries for credit that you didn’t make.
  • Collectors are calling you to collect payments you owe, but you owe nothing.
  • Your credit score is high (last time you checked), but you were denied credit for a loan or new credit card. A thief can easily ruin a credit rating.

If my identity is stolen, what should I do?

Finding out that your identity has been stolen can be stressful. First, take a deep breath then follow these initial steps.

  • Contact your local or national law enforcement agency. File a report that your identity has been stolen.
  • Call your bank and credit card companies. Notify them of fraudulent activity. They may be able to reimburse you for any money lost or close any unauthorized accounts.
  • Check with credit reference agencies. Ask them to set up a fraud alert. Also, check to see if anyone has tried to get credit using your name.
  • Keep records. Keep track of all conversations and paperwork, the more detailed the better. Organize your data into one centralized place. This can be used as evidence for your case and can help you resolve the mess that identity theft can create.

To learn more about how you can protect yourself from identity theft, check out the Intel Security Facebook page or follow @IntelSec_Home on Twitter.

Robert Siciliano is an Online Security Expert to McAfee. He is the author of 99 Things You Wish You Knew Before Your Mobile was Hacked!  Disclosures.

Victim overcomes Identity Theft with Art

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Does your wallet contain enough information about you for someone to steal your identity and commit crimes under your name? That’s what happened to Jessamyn Lovell when Erin Hart stole her wallet in 2011.

http://www.dreamstime.com/stock-photos-identity-theft-red-words-binary-code-computer-monitor-image39907813Hart shoplifted, checked into hotels and rented cars in Lovell’s name. Of all the nerve.

Lovell tracked Hart down and documented this in “Dear Erin Hart,” a photo project. Lovell couldn’t find the heartless Hart on her own, so she hired a private investigator. Turns out Hart was sitting in jail on numerous charges. Hart served eight months and upon exiting the city lockup, was photographed by Lovell.

That was just the start of stalking Hart. Lovell, the PI and two of his assistants followed the thief around all day, taking pictures of her doing ordinary things like buying cigarettes and shopping at a thrift store. The trail disintegrated after she entered an alley.

Lovell had a chance to confront Hart, but opted not to, concerned that it could turn ugly. But the several thousand dollars that this 2013 venture cost Lovell was worth it.

The following year Lovell, with the PI’s help, found Hart again. And in September 2014, Lovell opened her show at SF Camerawork—the very location of the wallet theft. Lovell is writing a book and hopes to have it out in March this year.

Lovell has also gone as far as sending an e-mail to Hart (via her probation officer), asking for Hart to respond, but Hart has not.

“I just wanted her to know that she impacted a real person,” Lovell says in an article on wired.com.

Lovell actually feels some degree of connection with her identity theif because she grew up poor and figures that Hart is hard up for money (though Hart certainly didn’t need to waste what little money she had on cigarettes). Nevertheless, she has no desire to try to make friends with Hart.

Robert Siciliano is an identity theft expert to BestIDTheftCompanys.com discussing identity theft prevention. Disclosures.

Why Hotels Check your ID

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https://safr.me/webinar/  | Robert Siciliano is the #1 Security Expert in the United States with over 25 years of experience! He is here to help you become more aware of the risks and strategies to help protect yourself, your family, your business, and your entire life. Robert brings identity theft, personal security, fraud prevention and cyber security to light so that criminals can no longer hide in the dark. You need to be smarter than criminals yesterday so that they don’t take advantage of you today! If you would like to learn more about Security Awareness, then sign up for Robert’s latest webinar!

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I know someone who tried to make a hotel reservation over the phone. She goes by the name “Kelcie,” but her birth name is Frances. She hates her birth name. When making the reservation she used the name Kelcie, which is what’s on her credit card and checks, but her driver’s license says Frances.

8DShe was told that when she arrived, she’d need to present a photo ID. She asked if there’d be any problem since her driver’s license said Frances and the reservation said Kelcie. She was told most definitely. “Why should they care if the name on my photo ID doesn’t match the name in the reservation or my credit card? As long as I can pay for the room, right? You’d think I was applying for a government job!”

Why do some hotels require the photo ID or even information about your car, even if you have wads of money ready to pay for your stay?

In some areas, the law requires hotels to do this. But this answer only sets back the question further: Why does the law require this? The law also requires hotels and other lodging facilities to be able to turn over this information to the police when requested. A warrant is not necessary.

If we’re talking a little “ma and pa” motel, it’s actually more understandable that they’d require guests to show a photo ID, especially in a seedy part of town. If the room is trashed, the owner knows whom to go after.

But the large name-brand hotel is a bit different. Requiring a photo ID when someone uses a credit card or check is understandable. But some hotels also require it if the guest has cold cash.

The true answer would have to come from the lawmakers, even though we can think of some hypothetical scenarios in which a person could claim to be someone else and then get that person’s room—but the imposter would have to know ahead of time that the real guest had reserved the room. It’s not likely that the lawmakers have this scenario in mind for their reasons for requiring hotels to require photo IDs.

One plausible explanation is to protect people from fraudulent credit card use. More reasons include weeding out of imposters to make everything a bit safer by reducing nefarious activities such as drug use, meth labs, prostitution, or using the hotel room as a staging area for various crimes.

Hotels will want to do anything to cover their butts just in case a crime occurs. And I suppose the lawmakers have the hotel industry’s back.

If you are concerned about privacy of your personal information, you should be. But recognize that “personal identifying information” or PII is “public” and not private. So giving it to a hotel clerk shouldn’t be considered a “private” transaction. Know the risks.

Robert Siciliano is an identity theft expert to BestIDTheftCompanys.com discussing identity theft prevention. Disclosures.

What is Catphishing?

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https://safr.me/webinar/  | Robert Siciliano is the #1 Security Expert in the United States with over 25 years of experience! He is here to help you become more aware of the risks and strategies to help protect yourself, your family, your business, and your entire life. Robert brings identity theft, personal security, fraud prevention and cyber security to light so that criminals can no longer hide in the dark. You need to be smarter than criminals yesterday so that they don’t take advantage of you today! If you would like to learn more about Security Awareness, then sign up for Robert’s latest webinar!

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What is catphishing? It certainly isn’t Garfield lazily sitting in a canoe holding a fishing rod. Catphishing is when a fraudster fabricates an identity and tricks someone via cyber communication into a phony emotional or romantic relationship—usually for financial gain to the scammer—because eventually he’ll hit the victim up for money.

1FBut another reason for catphishing is to lure someone into having a “relationship” with the scammer—to either ultimately publically humiliate them with this information if they’re well-known, or, to prove to a significant other that they’re capable of cheating. Not all catphishers are fraudulent. Sometimes, a person will catphish to catch a criminal.

One doesn’t get reeled in overnight, but the warning signs of the early stages of catphishing are clear: A too good to be true situation. The other party is very attractive (don’t bet for a second it’s really their photo). Another tell-tale sign that should make the alarm bells go off: This person comes out of thin air.

He…or she…will be reluctant to use the phone. Skype is out of the question: “I can’t figure out how to use it,” or, “It’s not compatible with my browser.” To maintain an air of legitimacy, the scammer will finally agree to meet you in person, making the plans sound like they’re running smoothly, but then at the last minute, must cancel the plans due to some crisis.

Some examples of real-life catphishing:

  • The DEA created the identity of a woman arrested on drug charges to nab drug dealers on Facebook.
  • Someone used the identity of a woman they personally knew, Ellie Flynn, to create phony accounts on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. This fleabag even used “Ellie Flynn” and her photo on dating sites.

So the issue isn’t just the idea of you being tricked into a relationship by the catphisher, but the possibility that YOUR photo, name and other data can be used by the catphisher to commit this crime against someone else or to use it for dating sites. Are you pretty good-looking? Makes you wonder about the possibilities…catphishers DO peruse Facebook for those who are physically blessed.

It’s really difficult to discover that your image/name is being used by a catphisher. For example, suppose your name is Ashlee Patrick and you’re gorgeous. And someone named Ann Casey has decided to use your Facebook profile photo for a dating site she wants to register with, or maybe she wants to create a Facebook account.

How will you ever learn of this…unless, by freako chance, someone who knows you just happens to be on Ann Casey’s (if that’s even her real name) Facebook page or is communicating to her via the dating site?

At any rate, if you’re lucky enough to discover someone has stolen your picture for fraudulent purposes, you can report their phony account.

Best ways to protect yourself?

  1. Stop uploading pictures of yourself is one option. This way you have more control of what’s out there.
  2. Use Google Reverse Image Search. https://www.google.com/imghp?gws_rd=ssl simply upload a photo and Google will seek it out.

Robert Siciliano is an identity theft expert to BestIDTheftCompanys.com discussing identity theft prevention. Disclosures.