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Is the Term “ID Theft Protection” a Lie?

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If you work for an IT security company, especially in the marketing department, listen up: the phrase “Identity theft protection” is definitely way overused and sometimes abused as a term for marketing. We know that this term is used to sell products and services, but do all products and services that weave in the term ID theft protection really protect people from ID theft? No. Definitely not.

ID TheftThere is really no difference than labeling a food product as being “natural,” even though it is not “organic.” In the best case, the info is incorrect, and at the worst, it is miss leading and an outright lie.

Any business with any type of security solution claims that it can protect people’s identities. However, firewalls do not protect anyone from getting their identity taken. The same lie is told when a company marketing a thumb drives that’s encrypted, antivirus software, or even alerts for phishing scams. While all these things may help or assist and even facilitate at some level the process of protecting an identity, they are not ID theft protection. They just aren’t.

Only services that truly monitor your identity should call themselves ID theft protection services. They do this by checking up on your credit, and then scanning the internet for any type of sensitive information. These companies also look for things like you Social Security number online, and if there is a problem, they can help you fix it. And there is generally an insurance component that works towards fixing or reimbursing funds lost as a result of stolen identities.

If you currently have ID theft protection, you may get an email that looks similar to this every month:

We have been checking your credit reports from Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax, and we are happy to let you know that we did not notice any new activity. As a user of our services, we will continue to check your credit report every day for your protection. We help to protect you from any financial hassles and losses that could lead to identity theft. You can log into our website and review your status 24/7. Please click here and enter your username and password to get started. As always, our team is ready to help if you notice any suspicious activity.

This is exactly what you should expect when you choose to get ID theft protection. Do not fall for any type of fancy marketing terms. This is what ID theft protection should include:

  • Alerts: This is a warning system that notifies you when your personal info might be at risk
  • Monitoring: Constantly monitoring your privacy, identity, and credit information
  • Recovery: Experts help should your identity be compromised. They should offer 24/7 recovery service to take care of calls, paperwork, and other details.

Make sure that you are doing your research and don’t believe what you read. Instead, take the time to really understand what you are spending your money on.

ROBERT SICILIANO CSP, is a #1 Best Selling Amazon author, CEO of CreditParent.com, the architect of the CSI Protection certification; a Cyber Social and Identity and Personal Protection security awareness training program.

Is Identity Theft Protection Really Necessary or is it a Waste?

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I am constantly seeing articles and blogs that ID protection is not a necessity. These might be called “The Poor Man’s Guide to Identity Theft Protection,” or “Identity Theft Protection Doesn’t Work.”  Though some of the things mentioned in these articles are true, overall, they are totally missing the point.

Identity TheftHere is the situation. You cannot possibly protect yourself from every type of identity theft out there, and when you can, it really requires a lot of work. No matter what, it’s going to be time-consuming, can cost you money, and even make you pretty anxious.

For those who have chosen not to make an investment into identity theft protection say that they don’t have to because they can do it themselves. Here is what they do:

Shred Your Mail, and Be Safe

One of the things that people do to make sure their identity is safe is to always shred their mail. This is especially important when the mail contains account info. However, this step isn’t enough. Yes, you might be doing your part, but how can you be sure that your mortgage company, bank, or even water company is not simply throwing paperwork with your account information in a dumpster. Once it’s there, anyone can take it.

Opt Out of Junk Mail and Pre-Approved Credit Card Offers

Opting out of pre-approved credit card offers and other junk mail is pretty easy to do. You can do it right online at OptOutPrescreen.com. Just keep in mind that some of them will still get through and end up in your mailbox and maybe get stolen.

Pay for a P.O. Box

I’m not totally sure why people believe that it is safer to use a P.O. box, but they do. Technically, your mail is more secure at the Post Office than in your mail box, but it really doesn’t help too much. Otherwise get a locking mailbox.

Check Credit Reports

You should always be checking your credit report, but those who think they can stop ID theft by checking their credit report are not quite correct. Once you see a problem on your credit report, the damage has already been done. Ideally, you should check your report more than once a year, but you can get a free credit report online at AnnualCreditReport.com.

Set Up a Fraud Alert

Another thing that people do because they think it protects them from ID theft is set up fraud alerts. Fraud alerts are good, but they are only valid for 1 year, and most people forget to renew them. On top of this, they are simply guidelines for creditors, and they don’t even have to contact you if they see a fraud alert.

Credit Freezes

People also believe that they are totally safe if they freeze their credit. This is a good thing, and I do think everyone should look into it, but it doesn’t protect you from all types of ID theft. This includes account takeovers, tax-related ID theft, and medical ID theft.

Though all of these things can help, and in some cases, can greatly help, they are no replacement for professional identity theft service. Instead, they can put you in a tough position.

ROBERT SICILIANO CSP, is a #1 Best Selling Amazon author, CEO of CreditParent.com, the architect of the CSI Protection certification; a Cyber Social and Identity and Personal Protection security awareness training program.

Industry Leader & Best-Selling Author Releasing Highly Anticipated Book for Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2018

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Press Release | New Book | Identity Theft Privacy By Robert Siciliano, CSP

Basil Ghafoor
Tempe, AZ
Basil@trossconsulting.com
www.Safr.me

Tempe, Arizona, 10/10/2018 – In 2018, Under Armour disclosed that 150 million of their customer records had been stolen. Equifax filed a similar claim for 143 million customer records breached in 2017. Uber, the popular ride-sharing app, admitted to 20 million customer records being compromised in 2016.

If multi-billion dollar corporations are susceptible to data theft, what is stopping a criminal from targeting you? Your business? Your kids?

Identity Theft Privacy: Security Protection and Fraud Prevention will be released this October. This is the latest of five books written by personal security expert Robert Siciliano, CSP. Robert is certified in professional speaking, identity theft risk management, and public investigation. He is also the author of the Amazon #1 Best Seller, 99 Things You Wish You Knew Before…Your Identity Was Stolen.

“Practical advice, and to the point with no fluff, just great information and advice. Really enjoyed the book and recommend it! ”

“Saw him on Anderson Cooper, and I knew I had to buy this book. Gives you sound advise on how to avoid ID problems and how to protect your kid’s ID”

“It is a fast and easy book to read and worth buying to protect yourself and family!”

– Amazon Customers

Robert believes that, when it comes to preventing cybercrime victimization, awareness and knowledge are king. Robert’s new book provides readers with content explaining how to protect your personal and professional privacy. Privacy protection applies to anyone who uses social media, telecommunication apps (e.g. Skype, Facetime, and Snapchat), online banking, and email among other technologies.

Even if you do not use technology, someone you care about does such as clients, family, or friends. Robert’s goal is to ensure that everyone has the proper tools to prevent cybercrime.

As you progress through different stages in life, there will be times when you are exposed to fraud and theft. How do you protect your identity today? How are people trying to steal your identity as you read this?

These two important questions are the tip of the iceberg when it comes to securing your personal identity.  Whether you are concerned about your individual identity, your small business, or a large corporation, this book provides ways to protect yourself online and out in the tangible world.

Identity Theft Privacy: Security Protection and Fraud Prevention does not promote anti-virus software or products based on scare tactics. Robert is not selling insurance; his philosophy is based on prevention.

Robert has helped over 50,000 readers by increasing their level of personal security through strategies you can apply immediately from home. Now, you can find everything you need to know about your identity privacy in one complete book! Get your copy today!

Identity Theft Privacy can be purchased here.

For a limited time only, Robert is offering 25% off all Safr.me educational courses.

A coupon code will be provided through email with the book purchase receipt.

Robert Siciliano is the CEO of Safr.me—an online resource created to help individuals who couldn’t see him speak. Safr.me’s mission is to help others by educating them on the reality of cybercrime as well as the most effective human-based practices to secure oneself in the digital and physical world. Safr.me empowers, supporting users to take charge of their own personal information and data before something bad happens.

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