When I get bored, I start asking unusual questions, like "how do you get your identity stolen?" "How do you even protect yourself from something like that?" So, I decided to do what any rational person in my situation would do: I Google'd it.
The smallest piece of information can open you up to the possibility of identity theft. A common activity amongst identity thieves is 'dumpster diving.' Thieves search through your trash, and look through mail that could contain that bit of information they need, like a bank account or credit card statement, medical information, or any kind of bill.
Another method is called 'skimming,' where the theft takes your credit card, swipes it through a special storage device, and pulls all your information off of your card to store it. Then, they transfer that information into another card with a magnetic strip (like a hotel key card) and then they purchase items with that mock credit card.
Then there’s 'phishing,' where someone pretends to be from some sort of financial company and send spam, hoping to coax your personal information out from you. Most college students know this is a gimmick and delete the message, but this kind of identity theft is still rampant in the ranks of neophyte internet users.
It’s just as easy as stealing your stuff. Someone steals your wallet and uses your credit card. Keeping your social security card in your wallet gives them even more access to your personal accounts; they could even set up another account in your name using your social security number.
They might use false pretenses in order to get your information out of someone who would know it. This happened to me. My mom received a call, claiming to be from the school, requesting information that they should have already had. Naturally, she hung up. I’ve heard other stories like this claiming that they're from the person’s credit card company and they’re updating information. If this happens to you, ask that they repeat your information to you and you’ll tell them whether anything has changed.
So just be smart.
Shred any mail that could contain information identity thieves could steal and use, memorize your social security, and delete spam emails and questions asking for your personal information.
Occasionally check your credit if you have your own credit card and make sure nothing weird is going on. If anything seems unusual, check with your bank. Catch identity thieves before they can crash your credit.
Us students already have too many financial-related worries; let’s keep another one off of our plates.
Image source: http://blog.kikscore.com/2011/
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Console Rumors
With Nintendo already offering their supposed "next-gen" console, the Wii-U, rumors about Sony's and Microsoft's new systems were soon to follow. Sony's new machine is codenamed Orbis, while Microsoft has gone with Durango, and each machine has undergone some spec leaks just in time for E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo), which will most likely house an official unveiling. So far, VGLeaks claims to have the world exclusive on Durango's specs, and plans on doing the same for Orbis in the coming weeks. In the meantime, they've put up an Orbis devkit roadmap showing that development started in the middle of 2012, if not sooner. If you're completely clueless about what to expect from the new gaming consoles, Edge magazine spoke with senior analyst, Piers Harding-Rolls, about launch times, pricing, indie support and more.
Illegal Unlocks
By the time you read this, it'll already be too late. That's right, unlocking your phone for use on another carrier is now officially illegal... unless you ask your service provider first. So if your contract is over, the DMCA essentially wants you to ask for permission to use your phone on another carrier's network. That being said, you can still legally purchase an unlocked phone for a premium price or, if you're feeling lucky, unlock the phone yourself and pray that a SWAT team doesn't tear your door down.
Sadie’s Letter
A young transgender girl, Sadie, decided to write the president a letter following his inauguration speech wherein he mentioned the need to embrace the homosexual community. Wondering why transgender individuals were not included, Sadie took it upon herself to write Obama and state her position.
“The world would be a better place if everyone had the right to be themselves, including people who have a creative gender identity and expression. Transgender people are not allowed the freedom to do things everyone else does, like go to the doctor, go to school, get a job, and even make friends.”
Apparently Sadie also likes to introduce herself as a transgender and as a vegan. I'm still not sure why vegans still feel the need to tell people their vegan, but I ain't even mad.
Quick Hits
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"It is going to be so hard to restrain myself when I knock her out, but I am aspiring to be a professional kidnapper and that's business. But I will really get off on knocking her out, tying up her hands and bare feet and gagging her..."
This dude’s been watching a little too much Dexter methinks.
