What does GPS have to do with Identity Theft?

If you use a GPS device in your vehicle, think about this! Most people have their home address listed in their device. If a thief steals your device, they now know how to get to your home and combined with the information on your registration can now make you a victim of identity theft.

What else do we keep in our vehicles? Garage door openers. If a thief takes that as well as the GPS, you just invited him for dinner and a ransack.

What can you do to protect yourself? Eliminate your home address from your GPS or if portable, take it with you. Hide your garage door opener and visit my shameless plug below.

To learn more about Identity Theft and what to do if you are a victim, visit www.StopIdTheftCrime.com and subscribe to the newsletter to obtain your free 46 page eBook "Fighting Back Against Identity Theft".

Remember, estimates are that every 2-4 seconds an Identity is compromised. Why take chances? Why not protect yourself and your loved ones with the best suite of services provided (including restoration) by the best NYSE company in the field? Educate yourself and visit the shameless plug below or call me at (909) 208-3728!

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Heartland Data Breach now more than 570 institutions

You read the title correctly. There is now over 570 institutions impacted by the Heartland Data Breach. I notice that my credit union has not yet added their name to the list even though I told them how to do it. View the current list by clicking here.

There has also been a class action lawsuit filed on behalf of Banking Institutions. You can read that story by clicking here.

Both above links courtesy of www.bankinfosecurity.com

As of 02/25/09, there have been 83 Data breaches (in 2009) of companies with over 1.1 million records exposed. The records exposed is low as you will see by the number of records reported exposed by some companies is zero. To see current report visit IdentityTheftResourceCenter.com

To learn more about Identity Theft and what to do if you are a victim, visit www.StopIdTheftCrime.com and subscribe to the newsletter to obtain your free 46 page eBook "Fighting Back Against Identity Theft".

Remember, estimates are that every 2-4 seconds an Identity is compromised. Why take chances? Why not protect yourself and your loved ones with the best suite of services provided (including restoration) by the best NYSE company in the field? Educate yourself and visit the shameless plug below or call me at (909) 208-3728!

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Identity Thefts Up as Economy Sinks -Go Figure!

Identity theft up as economy sinks
Debate rages on Mass. regs
By Donna Goodison
Monday, March 2, 2009

As the state prepares to implement twice-delayed regulations next year requiring businesses to more aggressively protect consumer data, a new federal report indicates very large upticks in the numbers of Bay Staters filing identity-theft complaints.

Complaints by Massachusetts consumers to the Federal Trade Commission and other reporting agencies climbed 26 percent last year. Of the 5,408 complaints, 26 percent were related to credit card fraud, according to the FTC’s Consumer Sentinel Network report released Thursday.

But those complaints are just the tip of the iceberg. A recent FTC survey found that only an estimated 4 percent of all identity-theft victims file complaints, said John Krebs, the FTC’s program manager for the Consumer Sentinel Network. (Full text at www.bostonherald.com)

To learn more about Identity Theft and what to do if you are a victim, visit www.StopIdTheftCrime.com and subscribe to the newsletter to obtain your free 46 page eBook "Fighting Back Against Identity Theft".

Remember, estimates are that every 2-4 seconds an Identity is compromised. Why take chances? Why not protect yourself and your loved ones with the best suite of services provided (including restoration) by the best NYSE company in the field? Educate yourself and visit the shameless plug below or call me at (909) 208-3728!

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National Consumer Protection Week

March 1-7 is National Consumer Protection Week. Check your local papers for any presentations from the USPS, FTC and other organizations in your area.

You can also order your copy of the 2009 Consumer Action Handbook which is Now Available!

Order the 2009 Consumer Action Handbook. This everyday guide to being a smart shopper is hot off the press and chock-full of helpful tips about preventing identity theft, understanding credit, filing a consumer complaint, and much more. In the 2009 edition, you'll find updated information about filing for bankruptcy, finding a lawyer, and planning a funeral, along with many other useful topics.

Visit www.consumeraction.gov for more info.

To learn more about Identity Theft and what to do if you are a victim, visit www.StopIdTheftCrime.com and subscribe to the newsletter to obtain your free 46 page eBook "Fighting Back Against Identity Theft".

Remember, estimates are that every 2-4 seconds an Identity is compromised. Why take chances? Why not protect yourself and your loved ones with the best suite of services provided (including restoration) by the best NYSE company in the field? Educate yourself and visit the shameless plug below or call me at (909) 208-3728!

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Identity Theft #1 Complaint to FTC

According to the FTC report, Identity Theft #1 complaint for nine (9) years in a row!

The Federal Trade Commission today released the list of top consumer complaints received by the agency in 2008. The list, contained in the publication “Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book for January-December 2008,” showed that for the ninth year in a row, identity theft was the number one consumer complaint category. Of 1,223,370 complaints received in 2008, 313,982 – or 26 percent – were related to identity theft.

The report breaks out complaint data on a state-by-state basis and also contains data about the 50 metropolitan areas reporting the highest per capita incidence of fraud and other complaints. In addition, the report sets forth the 50 metropolitan areas reporting the highest incidence of identity theft.

The report states that credit card fraud was the most common form of reported identity theft at 20 percent, followed by government documents/benefits fraud at 15 percent, employment fraud at 15 percent, phone or utilities fraud at 13 percent, bank fraud at 11 percent and loan fraud at four percent.

(Full report with top 20 complaints at www.ftc.gov)

Odd thing is that most people will still keep their head in the sand regarding Id Theft. It won't happen to me (blissful ignorance)! Don't be like most people be proactive not reactive and visit my shameless plug below.

To learn more about Identity Theft and what to do if you are a victim, visit www.StopIdTheftCrime.com and subscribe to the newsletter to obtain your free 46 page eBook "Fighting Back Against Identity Theft".

Remember, estimates are that every 2-4 seconds an Identity is compromised. Why take chances? Why not protect yourself and your loved ones with the best suite of services provided (including restoration) by the best NYSE company in the field? Educate yourself and visit the shameless plug below or call me at (909) 208-3728!

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VA settles lawsuit, A call to revamp HIPPA, and Stimulus Bill includes protection for digital health care records

U.S. Veteran Affairs Department settles data breach case

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has settled a class-action lawsuit resulting from a massive data breach that left 26.5 million active duty troops and veterans open to the risk of identity theft.

Under the terms of the settlement, the VA will pay $20 million. The money is to be given to military personnel and veterans who are able to show that they were harmed by the data loss -- either in physical manifestations of emotional distress or by costs of monitoring credit records. Individual payments could be as high as $1,500. (Read full story here)

Stimulus bill includes protection for digital health care records

A portion of the $818 billion stimulus bill that was passed this week by the U.S. House calls for computerizing all health records in five years, but the legislation also contains stringent privacy and security controls to protect this online data.

Experts said these measures would complement the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), approved in 1996, by bringing privacy and security regulations more in line with the digital age. That's an important move, considering the digitization of health records is likely to spur increased attempts at malicious intrusion.

....Part of the stimulus bill dealing with new health information technology includes provisions for breach notification, enforcement, audit trails and encryption. It also prohibits the sale of medical information.

However, the legislation fails to reference medical identity theft, a growing problem that affects an estimated quarter of a million people each year, Dixon said.

...To combat medical ID theft, the bill should require a more comprehensive audit trail, so patients can learn any time their records have been used -- not just when their information has been wrongfully disclosed.

Phil Neray, vice president of marketing at data security firm Guardium, said that because patient records will be stored in the cloud, they will attract the ire of hackers. (Full text at www.scmagazine.com)

A call to revamp HIPAA

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is inadequate for protecting privacy and also stymies research, as access to patient health information is vital for making medical advances, according to a new report from the National Academy of Sciences' Institute of Medicine (IOM).

The report, titled “Beyond the HIPAA Privacy Rule: Enhancing Privacy, Improving Health Through Research,” suggests that privacy protection in research should not be governed by current HIPAA privacy rules. Rather, a new approach should be tried, one involving improved privacy, data security and accountability standards for all health research, regardless of who pays for it or conducts the research. (Full text at www.scmagazineus.com)

To learn more about Identity Theft and what to do if you are a victim, visit www.StopIdTheftCrime.com and subscribe to the newsletter to obtain your free 46 page eBook "Fighting Back Against Identity Theft".

Remember, estimates are that every 2-4 seconds an Identity is compromised. Why take chances? Why not protect yourself and your loved ones with the best suite of services provided (including restoration) by the best NYSE company in the field? Educate yourself and visit the shameless plug below or call me at (909) 208-3728!

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Wyndham Hotel guests at risk for identity theft

Monday, February 16, 2009, 12:19pm EST
Wyndham Hotel guests at risk for identity theft
Tampa Bay Business Journal

A data breach at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts may have put up to 21,000 Florida residents in jeopardy of identity theft, Bill McCollum, Florida’s attorney general, said in a statement.

Wyndham reported the data breach to the AG last December and told the office it had contacted consumers of the unauthorized access to personal data on their debit and credit cards. So far, Wyndham believes no criminal identity theft related to the use of the consumer data has been identified. (Full text at www.bizjournals.com)

To learn more about Identity Theft and what to do if you are a victim, visit www.StopIdTheftCrime.com and subscribe to the newsletter to obtain your free 46 page eBook "Fighting Back Against Identity Theft".

Remember, estimates are that every 2-4 seconds an Identity is compromised. Why take chances? Why not protect yourself and your loved ones with the best suite of services provided (including restoration) by the best NYSE company in the field? Educate yourself and visit the shameless plug below or call me at (909) 208-3728!

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Feds stay out of ID theft case

Feds stay out of ID theft case
55 arrested for Social Security fraud suspicion

By Brian Charles
Signal Staff Writer
bcharles@the-signal.com
661-259-1234 x517
Posted: Feb. 15, 2009 1:02 a.m.
Updated: Feb. 15, 2009 4:59 a.m.

Federal law enforcement turned a deaf ear to sheriff's Sgt. James Anderson's pleas for help in an identity theft investigation, but that didn't stop deputies from arresting 55 people for suspected Social Security fraud.

Deputies executed a search warrant at L&M Optical West in Valencia Feb. 5 after residents tipped off deputies about employees using stolen Social Security numbers to secure work at the company.

The tips from identity theft victims prompted a three-month investigation, Lt. Brenda Cambra said.

Santa Clarita Valley sheriff's deputies worked late into the night Feb. 5 booking all 55 suspects, she said.

....The Social Security Administration volunteered tips to residents whose Social Security numbers were stolen, but they wouldn't help local law enforcement, Anderson said.

...."They didn't tell me why except that the Social Security Office of Inspector General handles those crimes and wasn't willing to help," he said.

...Anderson's calls for help didn't stop with Social Security Administration. He also contacted the IRS searching for help, but the agency said it doesn't seek criminal prosecutions against Social Security cheats.
"The IRS doesn't deal with stolen Social Security numbers. That responsibility belongs to the Social Security Administration," IRS spokesman Victor Omelczenko said. (Full text at www.the-signal.com)

Sounds so familiar in government. It's not my job - it's his. Or, you found the mess - you clean it up.

To learn more about Identity Theft and what to do if you are a victim, visit www.StopIdTheftCrime.com and subscribe to the newsletter to obtain your free 46 page eBook "Fighting Back Against Identity Theft".

Remember, estimates are that every 2-4 seconds an Identity is compromised. Why take chances? Why not protect yourself and your loved ones with the best suite of services provided (including restoration) by the best NYSE company in the field? Educate yourself and visit the shameless plug below or call me at (909) 208-3728!

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Heartland Breach Update: More Than 330 Institutions Now Impacted

A quick update to the Heartland breach. Now more than 330 institutions affected.

If your institution has been affected in the Heartland breach and you are not on this list, please send an email to editor@bankinfosecurity.com. Include your name, email, and a phone number where you may be contacted for verification.

Following is the latest up-to-date list of institutions impacted by the Heartland breach and - where available - the total number of cards compromised:

Acadian Federal Credit Union, Fort Kent, ME;

Adams Bank & Trust, Grant, NE; (15)

Alabama State Employees Credit Union, Montgomery, AL (4,097)

Alerus Financial, Grand Forks, ND;

Alpine Bank, Aspen, CO (3,500);

Alva State Bank, Alva, OK;

Amboy Bank, Old Bridge, NJ;

American Bank Montana, Bozeman, MT;

American National Bank, Denver, CO (2,500);

American Riviera Bank, Santa Barbara, CA;

Apple Valley Bank, Cheshire, CT (100);

Arizona State Credit Union, Phoenix, AZ

Arkansas County Bank, Stuttgart, AR;

Arvest Bank, Mountain Home, AR;

Association of Vermont Credit Unions, VT (6,000);

Baker Boyer Bank, Walla Walla, WA;

Bank of America, St. Louis, MO;

Bank of Bridger, Bridger, MT (80);

The Bank of Edwardsville, Edwardsville, IL;

The Bank of Fayetteville, Fayetteville AR;

The Bank of Guam, Territory of Guam;

Bank of Monticello, Monticello, MO;

Bank of Oklahoma, Tulsa, OK;

Bank of the Ozarks, Little Rock, AR;

Bank of Utah, Ogden, UT; (245)

Bank of Jackson Hole, Jackson Hole, WY

Bank of Lee's Summit, Lee's Summit, MO

Bank of the Panhandle, Guymon, OK

BankTrust, Mobile, AL

Bank of Westminster, Westminster SC

Bay Vanguard FSB, Baltimore, MD

Big Sky Western Bank, Bozeman, MT

Black River Country Bank, Black River Falls, WI (300)

The Brunswick State Bank, Brunswick NE

Bangor Federal Credit Union, Bangor, ME (3,000);

BancFirst, Oklahoma City, OK;

Bangor Savings Bank, Bangor, ME (18,000);

Bank Plus, Graettinger, IA;

BBVA Compass, Birmingham, AL;

Beacon Credit Union, Wabash, IN (4,500)(See what Beacon told their members about the Heartland Breach);

Bellwether Community Credit Union, Manchester, NH;

Big Horn Federal Savings Bank, Greybull, WY (650);

Bremer Bank, St. Paul, MN (See what Bremer Bank told its customers about the Heartland breach) (7,800)

Bermuda Bank, Bermuda;

Brighton Bank, Salt Lake City, UT

Butterfield Bank, Bermuda;

CWV Tel Federal Credit Union, Clarksburg, WV

Canadian Tire Financial Services, Niagara, Ontario, Canada (15,000);

Cape Cod Cooperative Bank, Cape Cod, MA (3,600);

Capitol Federal, Topeka, KS (14,000);

Central National Bank, Enid, OK;

The Central National Bank and Trust Company of Enid, Enid OK, (1600);

Central Savings Bank, Sault Ste. Marie, MI (300);

Chase Bank, Utah;

Charter Oak Bank, Napa, CA;

Chocolate Bayou Community FCU, Alvin, TX (2500);

Century Bank and Trust, Milledgeville, GA

Century Bank FSB, Sarasota, FL (2,200);

Century Bank of Kentucky, Lawrenceburg, KY (1,000);

Charleroi Federal Savings Bank, Charleroi, PA;

Citizens Bank Corvallis, OR

Citizens State Bank of Roseau, Roseau, MN (700);

The Citizens Bank of Swainsboro, Swainsboro, GA;

The Citizens Bank of Weston, Weston, WV (550)

Citizens National Bank of Park Rapids, Park Rapids, MN

Citizens State Bank of Loyal Loyal, WI

Citizens State Bank, New Baltimore, MI

Citizens State Bank, Perry, FL (400)

Community First Bank, New Iberia, LA

Consumers Credit Union, Kalamazoo, MI

Cooperative Extension Service Federal Credit Union, Little Rock, AR

Coronado First Bank, Coronado, CA

Credit Union 1 of Kansas, Topeka, KS

Citizens Bank of Newburg, Rolla, MO;

Coloramo Federal Credit Union, Grand Junction, CO;

Columbia River Bank, The Dalles, OR;

Community Bank, Alva, OK;

Community Bank of Broward, Weston, FL;

Community Bank of The Red River Valley, Grand Forks, ND;

Community First National Bank of Mountain Home, Mountain Home, AR;

Community Savings Bank, Edgewood, IA (1,000);

Core First Bank, Topeka, KS;

Countybank, Greenwood, SC (3,000);

CU Community Credit Union, Springfield, MO; (16)

Cumberland Security Bank, Pulaski, KY;

Dairy State Bank, Rice Lake, WI (1,500);

Denali Alaskan Federal Credit Union, Anchorage, AK (10,300):

Davison State Bank, Davison, MI

Dearborn Village Community Credit Union, Dearborn, MI

Denali State Bank, Fairbanks AK (1,000)

The Dewey State Bank, Dewey, IL (150)

Dime Bank, Norwich, CT;

Dollar Bank, Pittsburgh, PA;

Dupaco Community Credit Union, Dubuque, IA;

DuTrac Community Credit Union, Dubuque, IA;

EarthMover Credit Union, Oswego, IL (600);

EPB Employees Credit Union , Chattanooga, TN, (300)

Elevations Credit Union, Denver, CO (35,000)

Employees Credit Union, Dallas, TX

East Dubuque Savings Bank, Dubuque, IA;

Eastern Maine Medical Center Federal Credit Union, Bangor, ME;

Eastman Credit Union, Kingsport, TN;

Elliott Federal Credit Union, Jeanette, PA (100);

El Paso Employees Federal Credit Union, El Paso, TX (1,000);

Extraco Banks, Killeen, TX (9,000);

Family Community Credit Union, Charles City, IA;

Family First Federal Credit Union, Orem, UT (3,600)

Farmers National Bank, Lebanon, KY (500)

Farmers National Bank, Emlenton, PA (5,000)

Farmers and Merchants Bank, Stuttgart, AR;

Farmers & Merchants State Bank, Archbold, OH;

Farmers State Bank, West Bend, IA;

Farmers Trust & Savings Bank, Spencer, IA (725)

Fidelity National Bank, West Memphis, AR (1,463);

Fifth Third Bank, Cincinnati, OH;

The First, A National Banking Association, Hattiesburg, MS;

First & Farmers National Bank, Pulaski, KY;

First Bank, Azle, TX (3,000);

First Bank & Trust, Brookings, SD;

First Bank of Delaware, Wilmington, DE;

First Bank Blue Earth, Blue Earth, MN;

First Bankers Trust Company, Quincy, IL;

First Cheyenne Federal Credit Union, Cheyenne, WY (500);

First Citizens National Bank, Charles City, IA;

First Community National Bank, Steelville, MO;

First American Bank, Elk Grove Village, IL

1st Bank, Evanston, WY

First Bank Montana, Lewistown, MT

First Federal, Port Angeles, WA (3000)

First Federal Bank, Dickson, TN (5,057)

1st Financial Federal Credit Union, St. Louis, MO (6,000)

First Financial Credit Union, Albuquerque, NM

First Mid-Illinois Bank & Trust, Matoon, IL

First National Bank Alaska, Anchorage, AK

First National Bank & Trust, Syracuse, NE (300)

First National Bank, Bastrop, TX (1,800)

1st Pacific Bank of California, San Diego CA

First Security Bank, Missoula, MT

First State Bank, Union City, TN (9,300)

First State Community Bank, Farmington, MO

First Lincoln Federal Credit Union, Lincoln, NE (259)

Fraternal Order of Police Credit Union, Tulsa, OK (600)

First Enterprise Bank, Oklahoma City, OK;

First Federal Bank, Harrison, AR;

First Financial Bank NA, Terre Haute, IN;

First National Bank of Colorado, Ft. Collins, CO

First National Bank, Carmi, IL;

First National Bank of Farragut-Shenandoah, IA (60);

First National Bank of Hutchinson, KS (1,000);

First National Bank Pratt, Pratt, KS;

First Security Bank & Trust, Charles City, IA (1,400);

1st Source Bank, South Bend, IN;

First State Bank of Illinois, Carthage, IL;

First State Bank, Nora Springs, IA;

First State Bank, Russellville, AR (1,500);

First State Bank of Scottsbluff, Scottsbluff, NE (200);

First Tech Credit Union, Portland, OR;

Five Points Bank, Hastings, NE (200);

Forcht Bank, Kentucky; (8,500);

Forest Park National Bank & Trust Co., Forest Park, IL (500);

Four Corners Community Bank, Farmington, NM;

Franciscan Skemp Credit Union, La Crosse, WI;

Freedom Credit Union, Springfield, MA (2,400);

Gate City Bank, Fargo, ND;

GECU, El Paso, TX (25,000);

Georgetown Savings Bank, Georgetown, MA

GFA Federal Credit Union, Gardner, MA;

The Gordon Bank, Gordon, GA (300);

GCS Federal Credit Union, Pontoon Beach, IL

Glacier Bank, Kalispell, MT

Great Lakes Credit Union, Great Lakes, IL

Great Southern Bank, Springfield, MO;

Health Facilities Federal Credit Union, Florence, SC (3,500);

HealthFirst Federal Credit Union, Waterville, ME; (261)

Heartland Bank, St. Louis, MO;

Heritage Bank, Hastings, NE (50);

Heritage Bank of Nevada, Reno, NV;

Hawaii Pacific Federal Credit Union, Honolulu, HI

Healthcare Employees FCU, Princeton, NJ (452)

Heritage South Credit Union., Sylacauga, AL (600)

Heritage Valley Federal Credit Union, York County, PA;

Home Federal Bank, Treasure Valley, ID (1,800);

Huntington Bank, Ashland, OH;

Idadiv Credit Union, Nampa, ID;

Indiana State University Federal Credit Union, Terre Haute, IN (1,300);

Indiana University Credit Union, Bloomington, IN;

Industrial Credit Union of Whatcom County, Bellingham, WA;

Innovations Federal Credit Union, Bay County, FL (400 cards);

Integra Bank, Evansville, IN;

International Bank of Commerce, Laredo, TX

Iowa State Bank, Ruthven, IA;

Iowa State Savings Bank, Knoxville, IA;

Iowa Trust and Savings Bank, Emmetsburg, IA (700);

Jefferson Bank, Dallas, TX, (200)

Kellogg Company Employee Federal Credit Union, Omaha, NE;

Kennebec Savings Bank, Augusta, ME; (1,500);

Kennebunk Saving Bank, ME (7,000);

First State Bank of Kansas City, KS (400)

Kinecta Federal Credit Union, Manhattan Beach, CA

Kootenay Savings, Trail, British Columbia, Canada;

Lake Country Community Bank, Morristown MN (245);

Lassen County Federal Credit Union, Susanville, CA (600);

Laurens State Bank, Emmetsburg, IA;

Legence Bank, Evansville, IN;

Landmark Credit Union, New Berlin, WI

Liberty Bank, Cheshire, CT;

Liberty Bank, South San Francisco, CA;

Marine Bank and Trust, Carthage, IL;

Merchants & Southern Bank, Gainesville, FL;

Maple City Savings Bank, FSB, Hornell, NY

Members Choice Credit Union, Houston, TX

Mission Bank, Bakersfield, CA

M&I Bank

M & T Bank, Buffalo, NY;

Mountain West Bank, Couer d'Alene, ID

Municipal Employees Credit Union Oklahoma City, OK

Mercy Family Credit Union, Mason City, IA;

Michigan Catholic Credit Union, Troy, MI;

Mid America Bank & Trust Co., Rolla, MO; (200)

MidFirst Bank, Tulsa, OK;

Mid-Oregon Credit Union, (4,000);

Monad Federal Credit Union, Pasco, WA;

Monroe Bank & Trust, Monroe, MI;

Mt. McKinley Bank, Fairbanks, AK;

NAFT Federal Credit Union, Pharr, TX (250)

Nebraska Land National Bank, NE (150);

NAS JRB Credit Union, New Orleans, LA

NBC Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK

North Alabama Educators Credit Union, Huntsville, AL

North Valley Bank, Redding, CA (11,000)

Northern Indiana Federal Credit Union, Merrillville IN (600)

North Country Savings Bank, Canton, NY;

North Iowa Community Credit Union, Mason City, IA;

North Star Community Credit Union, Maddock, ND;

Notre Dame Credit Union, South Bend, IN (2,000);

Oak Valley Community Bank, Oakdale, CA;

O Bee Credit Union, Tumwater, WA; (See what O Bee told its members: http://www.obee.com/)

Ohio Valley Community Credit Union, Clarington, OH (690);

Oklahoma Central Credit Union, Tulsa, OK;

Old National Bank, Evansville, IN;

Old West Federal Credit Union, John Day, OR (1,000)

Oregon Territory Federal Credit Union, Salem, OR;

Patriots Bank, Kansas City, MO;

Patterson State Bank, Patterson, LA;

Pentagon Federal Credit Union, Alexandria, VA;

PeoplesChoice Credit Union, Saco, ME. (500);

Pacific Western Bank PacWest Bancorp, San Diego, CA

PALCO Federal Credit Union, Muncy, PA (1,214)

People's State Bank in Wausau, WI

Piedmont Credit Union, Danville, VA (15);

Pine Bluff National Bank, Pine Bluff, AR;

Pinnacle Bank, NE;

Pinnacle Federal Credit Union, Edison, NJ;

The Pittsfield Cooperative Bank, Pittsfield, MA;

Planters & Citizens Bank, Camilla, GA (340);

Platte Valley National Bank, Scottsbluff, NE; (388)

Poplar Bluff Federal Credit Union, Poplar Bluff, MO (998);

Port Alliance Federal Credit Union, Norfolk, VA (700);

Premier Bank, Dubuque, IA;

Provident Bank, Baltimore, MD;

Public Service Credit Union, Denver, CO;

Rainier Pacific Bank, Tacoma, WA (5,700);

Redding Bank of Commerce, Redding, CA (4,000)

Republic Bank, Louisville, KY

Rosedale Federal Savings & Loan Association, Baltimore, MD

RTP Federal Credit Union, Durham, NC

Regions Financial Corp., Birmingham, AL;

Rivermark Credit Union, Portland, OR;

Rocky Mountain Law Enforcement Federal Credit Union, Denver, CO;

Schertz Bank & Trust, Schertz, TX (600);

Schools First FCU, Orange County, CA;

Shelby Savings Bank, Center, TX (600);

Shore Community Bank, Toms River, NJ (283);

Simmons First National Corp., Pine Bluff, AR;

South Central Credit Union, Jackson, MI (650);

San Mateo Credit Union, Redwood City, CA (10,000)

Security Service FCU, San Antonio, TX

Select Employees Credit Union, Sterling, IL (100)

The Stephenson National Bank & Trust, Marinette, WI (884)

South City Bank, Vestavia Hills, AL

SouthFirst Bank, Sylacauga, AL

The State Bank, Fenton, MI

Superior Bank, Birmingham, AL

Southside Credit Union, San Antonio, TX (775);

Sovereign Bank, Northeast U.S.;

Spokane Media Federal Credit Union, Spokane, WA; (330)

The State Bank, La Junta, CO (2075);

State Bank of Texas, Irving, TX;

State Employee's Credit Union (SECU), Raleigh, NC; (60,000)

St. Mary's Bank, Manchester, NH;

The Stock Exchange Bank, Woodward, OK;

Stockman Bank, Billings, MT;

Summit Federal Credit Union, Rochester, NY (500 cards);

Surrey Bank & Trust, Mount Airy, NC;

TD Bank, Portland, ME;

TD Bank North, Portland, ME;

Tinker Federal Credit Union, Enid, OK;

Town & Country Bank, Ravenna, NE;

Triangle Credit Union, Nashua, NH;

Texas Bank & Trust, Longview, TX

Town and Country Credit Union, Minot, ND

Tucson Federal Credit Union, Tucson, AZ

The Twin Star Credit Union, Olympia, WA

TrustCo Bank Corp., Glenville, NY;

Trustmark Bank, Jackson, MS; (75,000)

Tulsa Teachers Credit Union, Tulsa, OK;

United Mississippi Bank, MS (200);

Union Bank of California, San Francisco, CA

Union State Bank, Arkansas City, KS

United Heritage Credit Union, Austin, TX

United Southern Bank, Umatilla FL (1,500)

US New Mexico Federal Credit Union, Albuquerque, NM

UT-MUO Federal Credit Union, Toledo, OH (410)

United Savings Credit Union, Fargo-Moorehead, ND, (450);

University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Credit Union, Oshkosh, WI;

U.S. Bank, St. Louis, MO;

Valley Bank & Trust, Gering, NE (16).

Valley View Bank, Kansas City, MO;

Valley Bank of Helena, Helena, MT

Warren Federal Credit Union, Cheyenne, MT; (1,400)

Washington State Employees Credit Union, Olympia, WA (4,000)

Wells Fargo, Utah

Wells Federal Bank, Wells, MN; (160)

WESC Federal Credit Union, Casper, WY (140);

The Warrington Bank, Pensacola, FL

Waterford Bank, NA, Toledo, OH

West Michigan Community Bank, Grandville, MI

Westbound Bank, Katy, TX

Western Security Bank, Billings, MT

White Earth Reservation Federal Credit Union, Mahnomen, MN

West Iowa Bank, West Bend, IA

Western Illinois Credit Union, Macomb, IL;

Wright-Patt Credit Union, Dayton, OH; (17,200)

To learn more about Identity Theft and what to do if you are a victim, visit www.StopIdTheftCrime.com and subscribe to the newsletter to obtain your free 46 page eBook "Fighting Back Against Identity Theft".

Remember, estimates are that every 2-4 seconds an Identity is compromised. Why take chances? Why not protect yourself and your loved ones with the best suite of services provided (including restoration) by the best NYSE company in the field? Educate yourself and visit the shameless plug below or call me at (909) 208-3728!

Shameless plug
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Heartland Data Breach - First Arrests Made

First Arrests Made -Three FL Suspects Arrested on Fraud Charges Tied to Heartland Breach

Three men in Florida were arrested earlier this week on multiple charges of credit card fraud, and some of the card numbers they allegedly used are tied to the Heartland hack.

The Leon County, FL. Sheriff's office arrested area residents Tony Acreus, Jeremy Frazier and Timothy Johns, who had allegedly used stolen credit card numbers since November, according to Sgt. Tony Drzewiecki, spokesman for the sheriff's office.

According to the Tallahassee, FL. Democrat, the suspects were running "a very sophisticated and complex criminal enterprise." Law enforcement is investigating how the three men were able to obtain credit card numbers from the Heartland breach, which was first announced on January 20.

To learn more about Identity Theft and what to do if you are a victim, visit www.StopIdTheftCrime.com and subscribe to the newsletter to obtain your free 46 page eBook "Fighting Back Against Identity Theft".

Remember, estimates are that every 2-4 seconds an Identity is compromised. Why take chances? Why not protect yourself and your loved ones with the best suite of services provided (including restoration) by the best NYSE company in the field? Educate yourself and visit the shameless plug below or call me at (909) 208-3728!

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Heartland Data Breach Update - 220 Institutions

As of yesterday, the number of institutions affected by this massive breach has reached 220. It has extended to Canada, Guam and Bermuda.

Following is the latest up-to-date list of institutions impacted by the Heartland breach and - where available - the total number of cards compromised:

Acadian Federal Credit Union, Fort Kent, ME;

Adams Bank & Trust, Grant, NE; (15)

Alerus Financial, Grand Forks, ND;

Alpine Bank, Aspen, CO (3,500);

Alva State Bank, Alva, OK;

Amboy Bank, Old Bridge, NJ;

American Bank Montana, Bozeman, MT;

American National Bank, Denver, CO (2,500);

American Riviera Bank, Santa Barbara, CA;

Apple Valley Bank, Cheshire, CT (100);

Arkansas County Bank, Stuttgart, AR;

Arvest Bank, Mountain Home, AR;

Association of Vermont Credit Unions, VT (6,000);

Baker Boyer Bank, Walla Walla, WA;

Bangor Federal Credit Union, Bangor, ME (3,000);

BancFirst, Oklahoma City, OK;

Bangor Savings Bank, Bangor, ME (18,000);

Bank of America, St. Louis, MO;

Bank of Bridger, Bridger, MT (80);

The Bank of Edwardsville, Edwardsville, IL;

The Bank of Fayetteville, Fayetteville AR;

The Bank of Guam, Territory of Guam;

Bank of Monticello, Monticello, MO;

Bank of Oklahoma, Tulsa, OK;

Bank of the Ozarks, Little Rock, AR;

Bank of Utah, Ogden, UT; (245)

Bank Plus, Graettinger, IA;

BBVA Compass, Birmingham, AL;

Beacon Credit Union, Wabash, IN (4,500)(See what Beacon told their members about the Heartland Breach);

Bellwether Community Credit Union, Manchester, NH;

Big Horn Federal Savings Bank, Greybull, WY (650);

Bremer Bank, St. Paul, MN (See what Bremer Bank told its customers about the Heartland breach) (7,800)

Bermuda Bank, Bermuda;

Brighton Bank, Salt Lake City, UT

Butterfield Bank, Bermuda;

Canadian Tire Financial Services, Niagara, Ontario, Canada (15,000);

Cape Cod Cooperative Bank, Cape Cod, MA (3,600);

Capitol Federal, Topeka, KS (14,000);

Central National Bank, Enid, OK;

The Central National Bank and Trust Company of Enid, Enid OK, (1600);

Central Savings Bank, Sault Ste. Marie, MI (300);

Century Bank FSB, Sarasota, FL (2,200);

Century Bank of Kentucky, Lawrenceburg, KY (1,000);

Charleroi Federal Savings Bank, Charleroi, PA;

Chase Bank, Utah;

Charter Oak Bank, Napa, CA;

Chocolate Bayou Community FCU, Alvin, TX (2500);

Citizens Bank of Newburg, Rolla, MO;

Citizens State Bank of Roseau, Roseau, MN (700);

The Citizens Bank of Swainsboro, Swainsboro, GA;

Coloramo Federal Credit Union, Grand Junction, CO;

Columbia River Bank, The Dalles, OR;

Community Bank, Alva, OK;

Community Bank of Broward, Weston, FL;

Community Bank of The Red River Valley, Grand Forks, ND;

Community First National Bank of Mountain Home, Mountain Home, AR;

Community Savings Bank, Edgewood, IA (1,000);

Core First Bank, Topeka, KS;

Countybank, Greenwood, SC (3,000);

CU Community Credit Union, Springfield, MO; (16)

Cumberland Security Bank, Pulaski, KY;

Dairy State Bank, Rice Lake, WI (1,500);

Denali Alaskan Federal Credit Union, Anchorage, AK (10,300):

Dime Bank, Norwich, CT;

Dollar Bank, Pittsburgh, PA;

Dupaco Community Credit Union, Dubuque, IA;

DuTrac Community Credit Union, Dubuque, IA;

EarthMover Credit Union, Oswego, IL (600);

East Dubuque Savings Bank, Dubuque, IA;

Eastern Maine Medical Center Federal Credit Union, Bangor, ME;

Eastman Credit Union, Kingsport, TN;

Elliott Federal Credit Union, Jeanette, PA (100);

El Paso Employees Federal Credit Union, El Paso, TX (1,000);

Extraco Banks, Killeen, TX (9,000);

Family Community Credit Union, Charles City, IA;

Farmers and Merchants Bank, Stuttgart, AR;

Farmers & Merchants State Bank, Archbold, OH;

Farmers State Bank, West Bend, IA;

Farmers Trust & Savings Bank, Spencer, IA (725)

Fidelity National Bank, West Memphis, AR (1,463);

Fifth Third Bank, Cincinnati, OH;

The First, A National Banking Association, Hattiesburg, MS;

First & Farmers National Bank, Pulaski, KY;

First Bank, Azle, TX (3,000);

First Bank & Trust, Brookings, SD;

First Bank of Delaware, Wilmington, DE;

First Bank Blue Earth, Blue Earth, MN;

First Bankers Trust Company, Quincy, IL;

First Cheyenne Federal Credit Union, Cheyenne, WY (500);

First Citizens National Bank, Charles City, IA;

First Community National Bank, Steelville, MO;

First Enterprise Bank, Oklahoma City, OK;

First Federal Bank, Harrison, AR;

First Financial Bank NA, Terre Haute, IN;

First National Bank of Colorado, Ft. Collins, CO

First National Bank, Carmi, IL;

First National Bank of Farragut-Shenandoah, IA (60);

First National Bank of Hutchinson, KS (1,000);

First National Bank Pratt, Pratt, KS;

First Security Bank & Trust, Charles City, IA (1,400);

1st Source Bank, South Bend, IN;

First State Bank of Illinois, Carthage, IL;

First State Bank, Nora Springs, IA;

First State Bank, Russellville, AR (1,500);

First State Bank of Scottsbluff, Scottsbluff, NE (200);

First Tech Credit Union, Portland, OR;

Five Points Bank, Hastings, NE (200);

Forcht Bank, Kentucky; (8,500);

Forest Park National Bank & Trust Co., Forest Park, IL (500);

Four Corners Community Bank, Farmington, NM;

Franciscan Skemp Credit Union, La Crosse, WI;

Freedom Credit Union, Springfield, MA (2,400);

Gate City Bank, Fargo, ND;

GECU, El Paso, TX (25,000);

Georgetown Savings Bank, Georgetown, MA

GFA Federal Credit Union, Gardner, MA;

The Gordon Bank, Gordon, GA (300);

Great Southern Bank, Springfield, MO;

Health Facilities Federal Credit Union, Florence, SC (3,500);

HealthFirst Federal Credit Union, Waterville, ME; (261)

Heartland Bank, St. Louis, MO;

Heritage Bank, Hastings, NE (50);

Heritage Bank of Nevada, Reno, NV;

Heritage Valley Federal Credit Union, York County, PA;

Home Federal Bank, Treasure Valley, ID (1,800);

Huntington Bank, Ashland, OH;

Idadiv Credit Union, Nampa, ID;

Indiana State University Federal Credit Union, Terre Haute, IN (1,300);

Indiana University Credit Union, Bloomington, IN;

Industrial Credit Union of Whatcom County, Bellingham, WA;

Innovations Federal Credit Union, Bay County, FL (400 cards);

Integra Bank, Evansville, IN;

Iowa State Bank, Ruthven, IA;

Iowa State Savings Bank, Knoxville, IA;

Iowa Trust and Savings Bank, Emmetsburg, IA (700);

Kellogg Company Employee Federal Credit Union, Omaha, NE;

Kennebec Savings Bank, Augusta, ME; (1,500);

Kennebunk Saving Bank, ME (7,000);

Kootenay Savings, Trail, British Columbia, Canada;

Lake Country Community Bank, Morristown MN (245);

Lassen County Federal Credit Union, Susanville, CA (600);

Laurens State Bank, Emmetsburg, IA;

Legence Bank, Evansville, IN;

Liberty Bank, Cheshire, CT;

Liberty Bank, South San Francisco, CA;

Marine Bank and Trust, Carthage, IL;

Merchants & Southern Bank, Gainesville, FL;

Mercy Family Credit Union, Mason City, IA;

Michigan Catholic Credit Union, Troy, MI;

Mid America Bank & Trust Co., Rolla, MO; (200)

MidFirst Bank, Tulsa, OK;

Mid-Oregon Credit Union, (4,000);

Monad Federal Credit Union, Pasco, WA;

Monroe Bank & Trust, Monroe, MI;

Mt. McKinley Bank, Fairbanks, AK;

M & T Bank, Buffalo, NY;

NAFT Federal Credit Union, Pharr, TX (250)

Nebraska Land National Bank, NE (150);

North Country Savings Bank, Canton, NY;

North Iowa Community Credit Union, Mason City, IA;

North Star Community Credit Union, Maddock, ND;

Notre Dame Credit Union, South Bend, IN (2,000);

Oak Valley Community Bank, Oakdale, CA;

O Bee Credit Union, Tumwater, WA; (See what O Bee told its members: http://www.obee.com/)

Ohio Valley Community Credit Union, Clarington, OH (690);

Oklahoma Central Credit Union, Tulsa, OK;

Old National Bank, Evansville, IN;

Oregon Territory Federal Credit Union, Salem, OR;

Patriots Bank, Kansas City, MO;

Patterson State Bank, Patterson, LA;

Pentagon Federal Credit Union, Alexandria, VA;

PeoplesChoice Credit Union, Saco, ME. (500);

Piedmont Credit Union, Danville, VA (15);

Pine Bluff National Bank, Pine Bluff, AR;

Pinnacle Bank, NE;

Pinnacle Federal Credit Union, Edison, NJ;

The Pittsfield Cooperative Bank, Pittsfield, MA;

Planters & Citizens Bank, Camilla, GA (340);

Platte Valley National Bank, Scottsbluff, NE; (388)

Poplar Bluff Federal Credit Union, Poplar Bluff, MO (998);

Port Alliance Federal Credit Union, Norfolk, VA (700);

Premier Bank, Dubuque, IA;

Provident Bank, Baltimore, MD;

Public Service Credit Union, Denver, CO;

Rainier Pacific Bank, Tacoma, WA (5,700);

Regions Financial Corp., Birmingham, AL;

Rivermark Credit Union, Portland, OR;

Rocky Mountain Law Enforcement Federal Credit Union, Denver, CO;

Schertz Bank & Trust, Schertz, TX (600);

Schools First FCU, Orange County, CA;

Shelby Savings Bank, Center, TX (600);

Shore Community Bank, Toms River, NJ (283);

Simmons First National Corp., Pine Bluff, AR;

South Central Credit Union, Jackson, MI (650);

Southside Credit Union, San Antonio, TX (775);

Sovereign Bank, Northeast U.S.;

Spokane Media Federal Credit Union, Spokane, WA; (330)

The State Bank, La Junta, CO (2075);

State Bank of Texas, Irving, TX;

State Employee's Credit Union (SECU), Raleigh, NC; (60,000)

St. Mary's Bank, Manchester, NH;

The Stock Exchange Bank, Woodward, OK;

Stockman Bank, Billings, MT;

Summit Federal Credit Union, Rochester, NY (500 cards);

Surrey Bank & Trust, Mount Airy, NC;

TD Bank, Portland, ME;

TD Bank North, Portland, ME;

Tinker Federal Credit Union, Enid, OK;

Town & Country Bank, Ravenna, NE;

Triangle Credit Union, Nashua, NH;

TrustCo Bank Corp., Glenville, NY;

Trustmark Bank, Jackson, MS; (75,000)

Tulsa Teachers Credit Union, Tulsa, OK;

United Mississippi Bank, MS (200);

United Savings Credit Union, Fargo-Moorehead, ND, (450);

University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Credit Union, Oshkosh, WI;

U.S. Bank, St. Louis, MO;

Valley Bank & Trust, Gering, NE (16).

Valley View Bank, Kansas City, MO;

Warren Federal Credit Union, Cheyenne, MT; (1,400)

Washington State Employees Credit Union, Olympia, WA (4,000)

Wells Fargo, Utah

Wells Federal Bank, Wells, MN; (160)

WESC Federal Credit Union, Casper, WY (140);

West Iowa Bank, West Bend, IA

Western Illinois Credit Union, Macomb, IL;

Wright-Patt Credit Union, Dayton, OH; (17,200)

To learn more about Identity Theft and what to do if you are a victim, visit www.StopIdTheftCrime.com and subscribe to the newsletter to obtain your free 46 page eBook "Fighting Back Against Identity Theft".

Remember, estimates are that every 2-4 seconds an Identity is compromised. Why take chances? Why not protect yourself and your loved ones with the best suite of services provided (including restoration) by the best NYSE company in the field? Educate yourself and visit the shameless plug below or call me at (909) 208-3728!

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It Happenned To Me Again!

I am in Las Vegas this week conducting an Identity Theft presentation at a convention for a large nationwide organization. Today, I received a call from my Credit Union that my Debit Card was shut down because Mastercard had called them and said my card had been compromised.

Here I am with no credit cards with me and a useless debit card. Luckily, my room was already paid for and for friends with me or I would have had to have somebody wire me some cash.

I always tell people, it's not if Id Theft will happen to you BUT WHEN!

Here's a video on how thieves card easily get your credit/debit card info.



To learn more about Identity Theft and what to do if you are a victim, visit www.StopIdTheftCrime.com and subscribe to the newsletter to obtain your free 46 page eBook "Fighting Back Against Identity Theft".

Remember, estimates are that every 2-4 seconds an Identity is compromised. Why take chances? Why not protect yourself and your loved ones with the best suite of services provided (including restoration) by the best NYSE company in the field? Educate yourself and visit the shameless plug below or call me at (909) 208-3728!

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Average Cost of a Data Breach is Now $202

Average Cost of a Data Breach is $202 Per Record

Annual Study Shows 2.3 % Increase Over 2007

February 2, 2009 - Linda McGlasson, Managing Editor

The news of the Heartland Payment Systems (HPY) data breach gives new meaning to an annual study of what such a breach truly costs a business.

The average cost of a data breach was $202 per compromised record in 2008, according to the Ponemon Institute's Cost of Data Breach study. This represents a 2.3 percent increase from 2007, when a data breach cost an average of $197 per record. In 2006, the average cost was $182 per record.

The average total cost per reporting company was more than $6.6 million per breach, ranged from $613,000 to almost $32 million.

The study also shows that the cost of lost business continues to carry the highest impact, averaging $4.59 million, or $139 per record compromised, notes Larry Ponemon, chairman and founder of the Ponemon Institute. Lost business now accounts for 69 percent of data breach costs, up from 65 percent in 2007 and 54 percent in the 2006 study.

Third-party data breaches are on the increase, and they cost more. Breaches by third-party organizations such as outsourcers, contractors, consultants, and business partners were reported by 44 percent of respondents, up from 40 percent in 2007, 29 percent in 2006, 21 percent in 2005. Per victim cost for third party flubs is $52 higher, says Ponemon -- $231 compared to last year's $179. (Full text at bankinfosecurity.com)

To learn more about Identity Theft and what to do if you are a victim, visit www.StopIdTheftCrime.com and subscribe to the newsletter to obtain your free 46 page eBook "Fighting Back Against Identity Theft".

Remember, estimates are that every 2-4 seconds an Identity is compromised. Why take chances? Why not protect yourself and your loved ones with the best suite of services provided (including restoration) by the best NYSE company in the field? Educate yourself and visit the shameless plug below or call me at (909) 208-3728!

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Heartland Data Breach: 27 New Institutions Linked

The latest institutions to announce their connection to the breach are:

• Warren Federal Credit Union, Cheyenne, MT;
• Idadiv Credit Union, Nampa, ID;
• Gate City Bank, Fargo, ND;
• Provident Bank, Baltimore, MD;
• MidFirst Bank, Tulsa, OK;
• HealthFirst Federal Credit Union, Waterville, ME;
• Sovereign Bank, Northeast U.S.;
• Trustmark Bank, Jackson, MS;
• Platte Valley Bank, Scottsbluff, NE;
• Monroe Bank & Trust, Monroe, MI;
• Bank of Oklahoma, Tulsa, OK;
• BancFirst, Oklahoma City, OK;
• CU Community Credit Union, Springfield, MO;
• First Bank Blue Earth, Blue Earth, MN;
• Wells Federal Bank, Wells, MN;
• St. Mary's Bank, Manchester, NH;
• Triangle Credit Union, Nashua, NH;
• Bellwether Community Credit Union, Manchester, NH;
• State Employee's Credit Union (SECU), Raleigh, NC;
• Innovations Federal Credit Union, Bay County, FL (400 cards);
• Summit Federal Credit Union, Rochester, NY (500 cards);
• The Bank of Fayetteville, Fayetteville AR;
• Farmers and Merchants Bank, Stuttgart, AR;
• Arkansas County Bank, Stuttgart, AR;
• The Central National Bank and Trust Company of Enid, Enid OK, (1600);
• Adams Bank & Trust, Grant, NE;
• Valley Bank & Trust, Gering, NE (16).

To learn more about Identity Theft and what to do if you are a victim, visit www.StopIdTheftCrime.com and subscribe to the newsletter to obtain your free 46 page eBook "Fighting Back Against Identity Theft".

Remember, estimates are that every 2-4 seconds an Identity is compromised. Why take chances? Why not protect yourself and your loved ones with the best suite of services provided (including restoration) by the best NYSE company in the field? Educate yourself and visit the shameless plug below or call me at (909) 208-3728!

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Monster.com Data Breach

I missed this one last month. Monster.com announced they had a data breach. Below is their official breach alert.

Monster Database Security Breach Official Alert
January 23, 2009

As is the case with many companies that maintain large databases of information, Monster is the target of illegal attempts to access and extract information from its database. We recently learned our database was illegally accessed and certain contact and account data were taken, including Monster user IDs and passwords, email addresses, names, phone numbers, and some basic demographic data. The information accessed does not include resumes. Monster does not generally collect – and the accessed information does not include - sensitive data such as social security numbers or personal financial data.

Immediately upon learning about this, Monster initiated an investigation and took corrective steps. It is important to know the company continually monitors for any illicit use of information in our database, and so far, we have not detected the misuse of this information.

In order to help assure the security of your information, you may soon be required to change your password upon logging onto the site. Please follow the instructions on the site. We would also recommend you proactively change your password yourself as an added precaution. We regret any inconvenience this may cause you, but feel it is important that you take these preventative measures.

As a further precaution, we want to remind you that an email address could be used to target “phishing” emails. Monster will never send an unsolicited email asking you to confirm your username and password, nor will Monster ask you to download any software, “tool” or “access agreement” in order to use your Monster account. Monster’s security page, http://my.monster.com/securitycenter, provides users with a substantial amount of information about different types of Internet fraud. We encourage you to review the information to learn more about what you can do to protect yourself on the Internet.

The protection of your data is a high priority for Monster. Our newly redesigned Web site has, and will continue to add, safety and security features to protect your information and we want you to feel confident using it.

We continue to devote significant resources to ensure Monster has appropriate security controls in place to protect our infrastructure, and while no company can completely prevent unauthorized access to data, Monster believes that by reaching out to job seekers, the company can help users better defend themselves against similar attacks.

We truly value the trust you place in Monster and appreciate the opportunity to continue to serve as your online career resource.

Sincerely,
Patrick Manzo

Senior Vice President, Global Chief Privacy Officer
Monster Worldwide

Subject: Resetting passwords
In an effort to ensure data security for our customers, starting Wednesday, January 28, 2009, at approximately 10:00 PM Eastern Standard Time, we will be instituting a mandatory password reset for all accounts that could potentially be affected. Those affected users will be prompted to change their password on their next login to the site, and will be notified that an email has been sent to their email account of record with a one-time password. To complete the change password process, please use this one-time password to log into your account and create a permanent password that is in compliance with Monster's password standards. Requiring these password resets helps us ensure that accounts are secure from any fraudulent activities. If you encounter any difficulties, please contact Monster Customer Service or your sales representative who can assist you.

An important thing to note is that the password change process is only initiated when you come to the Monster website and as a result an email is sent to you. Do not respond to any other unsolicited emails regarding password changes from Monster. Monster will not contact you by email regarding a password change unless you initiate such a change on the Monster website in accordance with the instructions above.


FAQ

Are you contacting consumers directly?

Monster elected not to send e-mail notifications to avoid the risk those e-mails would be used as a template for phishing e-mails targeting our job seekers and customers. We believe placing a security notice on our site is the safest and most effective way to reach the broadest audience. As an additional precaution, we will be making mandatory password changes on our site.

Have you contacted law enforcement?

We are working with appropriate law enforcement officials.

What security measures do you have in place?

Monster has made, and will continue to make, a significant investment in enhancing data security, and we believe that Monster’s security measures are as, or more, robust than other sites in our industry.

Monster has a full-time worldwide security team, which constantly monitors for both suspicious behavior on our site and illicit use of information in our database. To maintain the integrity of these security and monitoring systems, we cannot provide further details.

Will you be providing additional details about the breach?

Monster is sharing the information necessary to assist and protect our job seekers and customers. As previously mentioned, we cannot disclose specific details of the situation because we need to protect the integrity of our security systems and our ongoing inquiry into this situation.

To learn more about Identity Theft and what to do if you are a victim, visit www.StopIdTheftCrime.com and subscribe to the newsletter to obtain your free 46 page eBook "Fighting Back Against Identity Theft".

Remember, estimates are that every 2-4 seconds an Identity is compromised. Why take chances? Why not protect yourself and your loved ones with the best suite of services provided (including restoration) by the best NYSE company in the field? Educate yourself and visit the shameless plug below or call me at (909) 208-3728!

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Heartland Update: Class Action Suit Filed

Heartland Update: Class Action Suit Filed

Processor Charged with 'Belated and Inaccurate statements' about Breach

January 29, 2009 - Linda McGlasson, Managing Editor

Exactly one week after the Heartland Payment Systems (HPY) breach was first announced to the public, the first lawsuit has been filed against the payments processor.

The class action lawsuit filed Tuesday by Chimicles & Tilellis LLP of Haverford, PA in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey on behalf of Woodbury, MN resident Alicia Cooper, asserts that Heartland "made unreasonably belated and inaccurate statements concerning the breach."

The complaint says Heartland does not appear to be offering any credit monitoring services or other relief to consumers affected by the breach. Chimicles & Tilellis' complaint also says in addition to the questionable timing of the announcement of its breach, (Read Heartland Class Action suit PDF) "there are materially misleading statements and omissions in Heartland's public description of the breach and its consequences."

Heartland announced the breach in a press release on the same morning of President Barack Obama's inauguration. (Full text at www.bankinfosecurity.com)

All I can say is that Heartland better contact the best in the world for their HUGE new problem, if they haven't already, and that is Kroll Fraud Solutions. This is what they do best, protecting people from id theft and offering restoration services if an identity is compromised.

I will actually be surprised if this doesn't bankrupt Heartland because fixing the situation (helping the victims) will cost more than the fines from the FTC for the violation.

To learn more about Identity Theft and what to do if you are a victim, visit www.StopIdTheftCrime.com and subscribe to the newsletter to obtain your free 46 page eBook "Fighting Back Against Identity Theft".

Remember, estimates are that every 2-4 seconds an Identity is compromised. Why take chances? Why not protect yourself and your loved ones with the best suite of services provided (including restoration) by the best NYSE company in the field? Educate yourself and visit the shameless plug below or call me at (909) 208-3728!

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Heartland Payment Systems Breached

Heartland Payment Systems is the 6th largest in the US. They process over 100 million credit card transactions a month for over 250,000 merchants. Hackers had been in their system for at least 2 months capturing info and transactions.

Heartland Payment Systems, Forcht Bank Discover Data Breaches

Both Companies Might be Victims of Larger Fraud Schemes

January 21, 2009 - Linda McGlasson, Managing Editor

Heartland Payment Systems, the sixth-largest payments processor in the U.S., announced Monday that its processing systems were breached in 2008, exposing an undetermined number of consumers to potential fraud.

Meanwhile, Forcht Bank, one of the 10 largest banks in Kentucky, told its customers it would begin reissuing 8,500 debit cards after being informed by its own card processor of a possible breach.

In the case of Heartland, while the company continues to assess the damages inflicted by the attack, Robert Baldwin, the company's president and CFO, says law enforcement has already noted that the attack against his company is part of a wider cyber fraud operation.

...Heartland, headquartered in Princeton, NJ, handles approximately 100 million transactions per month, although the number of unique cardholders is much lower. "It is still a question as to the percentage of the data flow they were able to get," Baldwin says, adding he would not speculate on the number of cards potentially exposed..(Full text at www.bankinfosecurity.com).

So far. Heartland sounds pretty smug about it all. They haven't offered Id Theft protection yet but said this: "Consumers will know if their card account numbers have been used by reviewing their monthly statements. Cardholders should report suspicious activity to their issuing banks (the bank that issued the card, not the card brand). If unauthorized use is confirmed, cardholders are reimbursed for the fraudulent purchases and are not held financially responsible. (Read whole statement at www.2008breach.com)

To learn more about Identity Theft and what to do if you are a victim, visit www.StopIdTheftCrime.com and subscribe to the newsletter to obtain your free 46 page eBook "Fighting Back Against Identity Theft".

Remember, estimates are that every 2-4 seconds an Identity is compromised. Why take chances? Why not protect yourself and your loved ones with the best suite of services provided (including restoration) by the best NYSE company in the field? Educate yourself and visit the shameless plug below or call me at (909) 208-3728!

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ACLU Challenging Identity Theft Investigation

Most people in Law Enforcement refer to the ACLU as the All Criminal Lover's Union. I can't remember when the ever helped someone who was not under arrest. In this case, the will challenge the validity of a search warrant in one of the biggest cases of Identity Theft in Colorado history.

ACLU questions massive ID theft case in Greeley
By Howard Pankratz
The Denver Post

A probe of one of the biggest identity theft cases in Colorado history will be undertaken by two grand juries although the ACLU of Colorado says it is "highly likely" it will challenge the legality of the investigation.

The grand jury probe stems from the seizure last October of 4,900 tax files from Amalia's Translation and Tax Service in Greeley by the Weld County Sheriff's Office.

...Sheriff's deputies discovered that out of the nearly 5,000 files seized, there were 1,338 suspected cases of identity theft or criminal impersonation on tax returns filed in 2006 and 2007.

At the time, investigators said many people using the tax service were obtaining false names and Social Security numbers in a massive identity-theft scam.

Authorities traced approximately $2.6 million in payments to illegal immigrants using phony Social Security numbers who used the tax service, said Weld County District Attorney Ken Buck.

...Specifically, Weld County District Judge James Hartmann said he didn't believe that a state court had jurisdiction to issue a search warrant for federal tax files. Federal tax return information in the possession of a tax preparer falls within the confidentiality mandates of federal statute, said Hartmann.

....In a letter to Klein, Silverstein said it is "highly likely" that the ACLU will file a civil lawsuit on behalf of Cerrillo seeking the return or destruction of copies of the materials seized from her business.

"We are concerned about what appears to be an illegal search and seizure and an illegal invasion of the constitutional rights not only of Amalia but also her 5,000 clients and customers," said Silverstein. (Full text at www.DenverPost.com)

To learn more about Identity Theft and what to do if you are a victim, visit www.StopIdTheftCrime.com and subscribe to the newsletter to obtain your free 46 page eBook "Fighting Back Against Identity Theft".

Remember, estimates are that every 2-4 seconds an Identity is compromised. Why take chances? Why not protect yourself and your loved ones with the best suite of services provided (including restoration) by the best NYSE company in the field? Educate yourself and visit the shameless plug below or call me at (909) 208-3728!

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Big Brother Helping ID Theft Victims in New York

A new State law in New York will assist victims of Identity Theft. The State Consumer Protection Board must help clean up your credit. A victim will get financial compensation for the time they spend fixing their credit (which could be in the 100's of hours). Victims will also now be able to freeze their credit via the telephone or the internet.

I tried to import a news video of the story but had problems. You can see the video by clicking here. The story starts at 1:15. After the commercial.

To learn more about Identity Theft and what to do if you are a victim, visit www.StopIdTheftCrime.com and subscribe to the newsletter to obtain your free 46 page eBook "Fighting Back Against Identity Theft".

Remember, estimates are that every 2-4 seconds an Identity is compromised. Why take chances? Why not protect yourself and your loved ones with the best suite of services provided (including restoration) by the best NYSE company in the field? Educate yourself and visit the shameless plug below or call me at (909) 208-3728!

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16,000 Katrina evacuees personal information posted on two Web sites

FEMA's Katrina evacuee info on Web sites spurs probe
By Mike Hasten • mhasten@gannett.com

BATON ROUGE — An investigation into a security breach in Texas has found that an agency providing services to Hurricane Katrina evacuees inadvertently allowed the names and personal information of more than 16,000 evacuees to be posted on two Web sites.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency was not responsible for the breach but has taken steps to prevent the evacuees from becoming victims of identity theft, said spokesman Andrew Thomas, of FEMA's office in Baton Rouge.

...An investigation found 16,857 lines of data had been posted on a site publicly displaying information about evacuees from Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama who had been transported to Texas....

..."We immediately worked to have it removed from public view," Thomas said.

A few days later, FEMA found another Web site had the same information.

The agency was able to get that information pulled down, too.

"FEMA did not release this information," Thomas said...

...Regardless, FEMA notified all of the 16,857 people by telephone and later by letter that the breach had occurred.

The federal agency purchased identity theft insurance and enlisted the services of an identity theft protection service...(Full text at Shreveporttimes.com)

To learn more about Identity Theft and what to do if you are a victim, visit www.StopIdTheftCrime.com and subscribe to the newsletter to obtain your free 46 page eBook "Fighting Back Against Identity Theft".

Remember, estimates are that every 2-4 seconds an Identity is compromised. Why take chances? Why not protect yourself and your loved ones with the best suite of services provided (including restoration) by the best NYSE company in the field? Educate yourself and visit the shameless plug below or call me at (909) 208-3728!

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Dumb and Dumber

You tell me who is Dumb and who is Dumber after reading this article. An illegal immigrant uses someone else's social security number to obtain employment, buy a $33k truck, obtained $787,000 in loans and had bought 2 cars since 2001 with the same SSN.

Illegal immigrant pleads guilty to ID theft
Mike Sakal, Tribune January 8, 2009 - 2:19PM

An illegal immigrant from Mexico who was living in Mesa, is facing at least two and a half years in prison for identity theft-related offenses after he bought a $33,000 truck and racked up nearly $800,000 in loans by using another person’s Social Security number, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office announced today.

Adan Guerrero, 37, pleaded guilty to one count each of identity theft and fraudulent schemes and artifices in Maricopa County Superior Court on Thursday....

...At the time of his arrest in June, Guerrero told police they should be arresting real criminals and not a good family man, according to the county attorney’s office...(Full text at www.eastvalleytribune.com)

Now who is dumber, the victim who allowed somebody to use their SSN for almost 8 years, or the criminal. Personally, I check my credit report 3 times a year. What I don't understand is how the victim dealt with IRS since obviously there were tax returns involved.

unless..it was an inside job.

To learn more about Identity Theft and what to do if you are a victim, visit www.StopIdTheftCrime.com and subscribe to the newsletter to obtain your free 46 page eBook "Fighting Back Against Identity Theft".

Remember, estimates are that every 2-4 seconds an Identity is compromised. Why take chances? Why not protect yourself and your loved ones with the best suite of services provided (including restoration) by the best NYSE company in the field? Educate yourself and visit the shameless plug below or call me at (909) 208-3728!

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Postmaster Justice will get Justice

Times must be getting hard for everyone because now the Postmaster, Jennifer Justice, in Bethel, Ohio has been charged with identity theft.



To learn more about Identity Theft and what to do if you are a victim, visit www.StopIdTheftCrime.com and subscribe to the newsletter to obtain your free 46 page eBook "Fighting Back Against Identity Theft".

Remember, estimates are that every 2-4 seconds an Identity is compromised. Why take chances? Why not protect yourself and your loved ones with the best suite of services provided (including restoration) by the best NYSE company in the field? Educate yourself and visit the shameless plug below or call me at (909) 208-3728!

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Ex-Diplomat from Pakistan Victim of Identity Theft in Canada

Ex-diplomat falls victim to identity theft
Tuesday January 6 2009
By NOUMAN KHALIL

An ongoing hush-hush investigation into a suspected case of identity theft that has just surfaced - and which had shaken the diplomatic mission of Pakistan in Canada in 2007 - is raising doubts and fears among the community.

The issue came to light after more than a year when Shoaib Sarwar, former vice consul of Pakistan in Toronto, went public to say he had fallen victim to identity theft.

"I was shocked to hear that I own a property in Canada," Sarwar informed SA Focus this week via an email from New York where he is currently pursuing higher studies.....

...The Pakistani mission in Toronto refused comment. Sarwar said he had officially informed Canadian and Pakistani foreign ministries and reported the matter to Toronto Police in Nov. 2007... (Full text as SouthAsianFocus.com)

To learn more about Identity Theft and what to do if you are a victim, visit www.StopIdTheftCrime.com and subscribe to the newsletter to obtain your free 46 page eBook "Fighting Back Against Identity Theft".

Remember, estimates are that every 2-4 seconds an Identity is compromised. Why take chances? Why not protect yourself and your loved ones with the best suite of services provided (including restoration) by the best NYSE company in the field? Educate yourself and visit the shameless plug below or call me at (909) 208-3728!

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Data Breach reports increased dramatically in 2008

The Identity Theft Resource Center’s (ITRC) 2008 final breach report reached 656 reported breaches at the end of 2008, reflecting an increase of 47% over last year’s total of 446. In terms of sub-divisions by type of entity, the rankings have not changed between 2007 and 2008 within the five groups that ITRC monitors. There was a total of 35,691,255 records exposed.

According to ITRC reports, only 2.4% of all breaches had encryption or other strong protection methods in use. Only 8.5% of reported breaches had password protection. It is obvious that the bulk of breached data was unprotected by either encryption or even passwords.

Clicking on the above title will take you to the whole story at IRTC. Click here to read the breach list report, all 201 pages.

To learn more about Identity Theft and what to do if you are a victim, visit www.StopIdTheftCrime.com and subscribe to the newsletter to obtain your free 46 page eBook "Fighting Back Against Identity Theft".

Remember, estimates are that every 2-4 seconds an Identity is compromised. Why take chances? Why not protect yourself and your loved ones with the best suite of services provided (including restoration) by the best NYSE company in the field? Educate yourself and visit the shameless plug below or call me at (909) 208-3728!

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RBS Worldpay Breach - 1.5 million victims

This is probably the largest security breach at the end of 2008. RBS WorldPay (formerly RBS Lynk), the U.S. payment processing arm of The Royal Bank of Scotland Group, announced on 12/23/08 that it had an unauthorized access to its system and about 1,5 million people may have had certain information taken with 1.1 million possibly having their social security numbers accessed. The event actually occurred on 11/10/08.

1.5 million individuals affected in RBS WorldPay breach
Angela Moscaritolo

Electronic payment processing service, RBS WorldPay, last week disclosed a data breach affecting 1.5 million cardholders.

Atlanta-based RBS WorldPay processes electronic payments, such as debit, credit and ATM transactions. It also processes gift card and payroll card transactions.

An unauthorized user accessed the company's computer system, and personal information of 1.5 million gift card and payroll cardholders may have been compromised, a company spokesman told SCMagazineUS.com on Monday. Personal information of payroll cardholders – including names, addresses, dates of birth, Social Security numbers – may have been accessed....

...Since the breach, identified Nov. 10, there have been approximately 100 instances of actual fraud, where cards were used to conduct fraudulent transactions. Victims will not be held financially responsible for fraudulent withdrawals, the spokesman said.... (Full text at SCMagazine.com)

To learn more about Identity Theft and what to do if you are a victim, visit www.StopIdTheftCrime.com and subscribe to the newsletter to obtain your free 46 page eBook "Fighting Back Against Identity Theft".

Remember, estimates are that every 2-4 seconds an Identity is compromised. Why take chances? Why not protect yourself and your loved ones with the best suite of services provided (including restoration) by the best NYSE company in the field? Educate yourself and visit the shameless plug below or call me at (909) 208-3728!

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