How To Avoid Becoming A Victim of Identity Theft

With identity theft statistics currently at an all time high, and climbing, it just makes sense that we should all be doing everything we can to protect ourselves.

One of the most prevalent yet overlooked ways your personal information and passwords may be being compromised is through the presence of Spyware on your computer.

Note these very disturbing Facts about Spyware and Identity Theft:

- 27.3 million Americans have been victims of identity theft in the last five years, including 9.91 million people or 4.6% of the population in the last year alone.

- Spyware infects 91% of all computers. That equates to an alarming 9 out of 10 computers!

Stop thinking Identity Theft can't happen to you. It can.

Spyware is without doubt the most prevalent threat to online computer privacy and security.

You maybe wondering, exactly what is Spyware?

Spyware applications are programs and files that hide on your PC's hard drive without your direct knowledge. They allow hackers and advertising companies to track your every move, both online and even when you work offline.

Tracking the websites you visit, the items that you buy online, the emails you send and receive, your Instant Message dialog, and worst of all they can even record your credit card number, personal identification numbers, and all of your passwords.

If you use dial-up to connect to the Internet then spyware can be used to bill 900 numbers to your telephone bill.

Spyware allows hackers to take control of your browser and alter your computer system files.

These computer parasites slow down your Internet connection by inundating you with unwanted Spyware pop-up ads.

This is just a short list of the harm that Spyware can cause.

Note: Spyware and Adware cannot be detected by anti-virus and firewall software.

Have you noticed your computer running slower than ever?

The reason for that may have to do with online advertisers adding Spyware, or Adware to your computer without your knowledge.

What is Adware?

Adware works very much like Spyware.

Adware is software that will show you popup ads over and over. These files can also be extremely dangerous to your PC and could cause major problems with your Computer.

If you're still wondering why you should be concerned about adware or spyware, consider this reality.

Through the use of adware and spyware your passwords, credit card numbers and other personal information could end up in the wrong hands.

In an attempt to provide some much-needed information on the subject of spyware, adware and identity theft I've compiled a Special Report called Spyware! How To Get and Stay Safe.

The report is in PDF format and can be had for the asking by visiting the following URL: http://www.easyhow-to.com/identity-the ft-avoidance.htm

Clyde Dennis, a.k.a. "Mr. How-To", is Editor at EASYHow-To Publications and has been contributing articles that help people make their lives better since 1999. At his web site, The "How To" Library, you'll find a collection of the latest tools, tips, and information you need to help you get things done. For more information visit http://www.EASYHow-To.com

---

Which Business Credit Cards with Reward are the Best?

Thinking of applying for a credit card with a reward... Read More

Free Credit Report ? Watch Out for Scams

Many people may still not be aware of an amendment... Read More

How To Save Money On Credit Cards

Some credit cards offer a cash advance option. But how... Read More

Good Credit is King, When Qualifying for Mortgage Programs

If you want to purchase a new home or refinance... Read More

Credit Scores and Loan Applications

Keep Your Credit History Clean - Remove A Negative Credit... Read More

Searching For A Low Interest Credit Card?

These days, people need to very carefully consider what type... Read More

Identity Theft ? Additional Protection for Soldiers on Active Duty

Congress passed the Fair Credit Reporting Act several years ago... Read More

What Are The Most Common Credit Card Mistakes?

Now in a world with so many easy to get... Read More

Preventing Credit Card Mess

Credit card debts problem is extremely common today. It is... Read More

Which Citi Mastercard Is Right For You?

You've decided to apply for a Citi MasterCard, but with... Read More

Finance - Money, Money

Finance is a big word for some of us. It's... Read More

Building Business Credit

Most businesses want to be able to borrow money when... Read More

Shoppers Beware - Tis The Season

It's the number one complaint from consumers and it only... Read More

Credit cards

If gold medals were awarded for marketing consistency, the credit... Read More

Know Your Credit Card Rights

When you apply for a credit card, the application that... Read More

What Is the Fair Credit Reporting Act and What You Should Know About It

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and the recent update... Read More

Credit Card Traps: How To Spot Them On The Spot!

They arrive in your mail - a conspicuous looking mail... Read More

Credit Score ? for Scoring the Right Loan

Somebody once said, "There is always a way of knowing... Read More

10 Tips To Prevent Credit Card Fraud

Imagine opening your credit card statement one morning and discovering... Read More

Repair Your Credit - The Right Way!

How to Repair a Bad Credit Rating?The Right Way!If you... Read More

Make Sure Your Credit Report Is Correct to Improve Your Interest Rates And Lower Insurance Premiums

Did you know that you could make sure to get... Read More

Credit Card Incentives

Credit card companies want your business. After all, lending money... Read More

Recognizing the Signs that You Might Need Credit Counseling

Most families in America today have a credit card; some... Read More

3 Ways to Improve Your Credit Score by 50 Points In Less Than 30 Days

In Less Than 30 Days. "What can you do to... Read More

Credit Repair Companies and Credit Counseling

Let's be crystal clear, right up front. Paying someone to... Read More

Credit Repair Myths and Facts

There are no secrets to repairing your credit. Many shady... Read More

5 Ways To Raise Credit Score

It's not as hard as you think to raise credit... Read More

10 Signs You May Need Credit Counseling

Debt management programs can be of real help for people... Read More

Warning: Todays Non Profit Credit Counselors Are Yesterdays Bill Collectors!

Here's a dirty secret, today's "non profit credit counselors" are... Read More

How Does a Creditor Determine Whether to Grant You Credit?

Credit 101How does a creditor determine whether to grant you... Read More

How Creditors Measure Your Credit Rating

Creditors will measure your credit rating based on the following... Read More

The FICO Score Misconceptions

There are many misconceptions about credit scores out there. There... Read More

Pitfalls of the Credit Industry

The credit industry if rife with pitfalls. If you have... Read More