identity theft Archives - Page 2 of 2 - Consumer Insurance Guide

Watch out for cyber scams during online shopping

By Consumer Insurance Guide Staff
November 20, 2012December 5, 2012

It’s expected that 70 percent of Americans will shop online this holiday season. While technology might be convenient for them, it’s an opportunity for scammers as well. Cyber Scrooges will be working overtime and online shoppers face new threats on their mobile devices, email and the Internet itself, according to McAfee, the technology security company. It warns consumers to be wary of the most common “12 Scams of Christmas.” “Using multiple devices provides the bad…

Identity theft is on the rise

By Consumer Insurance Guide Staff
October 26, 2012November 6, 2012

Criminals continue to find innovative ways to steal personal information, causing consumers to look for ways to prevent and insure against it, according to the Insurance Information Institute. According to Javelin Strategy & Research, there was a 13 percent increase in this type of illegal activity in 2011. To protect against identity theft, it’s a good idea to review bank balances and credit card bills to confirm that all the transactions listed are legitimate. Consumers…

Beware of fraud during Medicare enrollment

By Consumer Insurance Guide Staff
October 16, 2012November 6, 2012

Scammers love to target seniors and that’s especially true during the 2012 annual open enrollment period for Medicare Advantage Plans and the Medicare Prescription Drug Program. During the enrollment period, which runs through Dec. 7, scammers typically call claiming to be a Medicare representative and attempt to get seniors to part with their financial information. The Better Business Bureaus reports its offices across the country have received calls from seniors being targeted for Medicare fraud. Seniors…

Beware of scammers using healthcare information ruse

By Consumer Insurance Guide Staff
July 23, 2012July 23, 2012

A group of scammers are using the Affordable Care Act to try and dupe consumers into giving out information that can be used to steal their identities. According to the Federal Trade Commission, these scammers claim to be from the government and say that under the ACA they need to verify some information. For example, they might have the routing number of the person’s bank, and then use that information to get the person to reveal the…