Identity Theft Archives - Hanover Mortgages

Apache is functioning normally

February 10, 2024 by Brett Tams

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A credit card number is the specific number attached to your credit card. It includes a major industry identifier number, your account identifier, and a checksum.

The number on your credit card is more than a passcode to payments when you swipe your card. Many of the digits have a specific meaning. Find out what a credit card number is, what it means, and why it matters.

What Is a Card Number?

A credit card number is a unique number that helps identify your account and card. This number makes it possible for you to pay with the card and for money to be taken out of the right account.

Think about it similarly to your checking account number. Your personal checks are printed with a specific series of numbers. First is the routing number, which indicates which bank the check draws on. Next is the account number, which tells which account the money should come from.

I just watched a documentary on the dark web, and I will never feel safe using my credit card again!
Luckily I don’t have to worry about that. I have ExtraCredit, so I get $1,000,000 ID protection and dark web scans.
I need that peace of mind in my life. What else do you get with ExtraCredit?
It’s basically everything my credit needs. I get 28 FICO® scores, rent and utility reporting, cash rewards and even a discount to one of the leaders in credit repair.
It’s settled; I’m getting ExtraCredit tonight. Totally unrelated, but any suggestions for my new fear of sharks? I watched that documentary too.
…we live in Oklahoma.

Credit card numbers work the same way. Each part of that long number has a specific function. These are standardized by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

Need more credit?

Your credit card number is often located on the front of your card above your name, but it may also be located on the back, depending on your card’s style.

What Do Credit Card Numbers Mean?

You can break each credit card number into sections, and each section reveals specific information about the account.

Industry Identifier

The first six to eight digits reveal the credit card network and the card’s industry.

The first digit in any credit card number tells you what type of card it is—Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or Amex. Card numbers of each type always start with the same number:

3: American Express or cards under the Amex umbrella
4: Visa
5 or 2: Mastercard
6: Discover

American Express goes even further by starting card numbers with either 34 or 37, depending on the secondary branding on the card.

If your credit card number starts with any other digit, it refers to the industry that issues the card:

1 – 2: Air travel and financial services
7: Petroleum
8: Health care and telecommunications
9: Government and other industries

That first digit plus the next five in the credit card number is called the Issuer Identification Number (IIN) or Bank Identification Number. This identifies the credit card company and its network, similar to the bank routing number on a personal check.

In some cases, the IIN may be eight digits. To allow for more IINs to support growing needs, the ISO is requiring the financial industry to move to eight-digit IINs.

Account Identifier

The rest of the digits identify the account and cardholder information. This portion of your credit card number changes if your card is lost or stolen and you need a new card.

Within the account identifier, the last four digits are particularly important to you. If you save a credit card in an online account or other database, the information has to be encrypted. Employees of that company can’t just look up accounts and see full credit card information. They’re usually only able to see the last four digits.

You might be asked to confirm those numbers to ensure the right card is being charged. You might also be asked to confirm them when buying something online with a saved card number to ensure you’re really you and not someone who’s hacked into an account.

You can’t tell a credit card number by the last four digits. However, you could find a credit card you’ve saved in an account, such as on Amazon, by the last four numbers. Those are the only digits you’ll be able to see when you look at the saved payment methods in your account.

Checksum

The final digit is the checksum. Sometimes called the check digit, it is a way to verify the validity of a credit card using the Luhn algorithm.

Here’s how it works:

Starting from the first number of your credit card number, double every other digit.
If doubling results in a two-digit number, add those two digits together.
Add up all the doubled numbers.
The credit card number is valid if the number you reached in step three is divisible by 10.

Vendors use this algorithm to determine whether or not your credit card number is valid when you type it in online.

How to Protect Your Credit Card Number

Credit card fraud impacted nearly half a million consumers in 2022 and is the most common type of identity theft. Sadly, scammers can get your credit card number in many ways:

ATM skimming: People install credit card skimmer devices on public card terminals such as gas stations or outdoor ATMs. These devices store the data on your credit card’s magnetic strip for scammers to download and use.
Data breaches: There were more than 2,800 data breaches in 2023. A data breach occurs when secure data is accessed through unauthorized means, often because of a hacker. The largest data breach occurred in 2013 and involved the unauthorized access of more than three billion records.
Discarded documents: While bills and statements often don’t include your full credit card number, people may be able to gather enough information to determine your credit card number.
Phishing: These scams are fraudulent emails, texts, or phone calls that try to convince you to share your personal information to verify your identity.
Public Wi-Fi: Free public Wi-Fi is convenient but often unsecured. Hackers may be able to access your data through spyware or ransomware.

To protect your credit card information, take the following steps:

Avoid using public Wi-Fi when making online purchases or accessing account information.
Shred documents related to your credit card and always cut up old cards.
Don’t give out your account information.
Use strong passwords.
Enable two-factor authentication for your accounts.
Don’t give out personal information over the phone or online without verifying the validity of the request.
Use a virtual card number, which is a unique number connected to your actual credit card number.
Monitor your credit card statements carefully.
Monitor your credit score regularly with Credit.com’s Credit Report Card.

Credit Card Number FAQ

Below you’ll find additional information about credit card numbers.

How Many Numbers Are in a Credit Card?

Typically, credit card numbers are 16 or 15 digits. Only American Express uses the 15-digit format. Around 2020, Visa started issuing some cards with 19-digit card numbers, which aren’t typical in the United States.

What Other Numbers Are on a Credit Card?

You’ll also find a few other numbers on your credit card:

The expiration date: Every few years, credit card issuers will send you a new card for security reasons. This expiration date may be on the front or back of your card and is formatted with two digits for the year, a slash, and the last two digits of the year. For example, if your card’s expiration date is May of 2030, the expiration date would read 05/30. In this case, the card would stop working on May 31, 2030.
Card verification value (CVV): The security code, called a card verification number, is typically a three- or four-digit code on the back of your card. Vendors ask for it whenever they do not physically see your card, such as when you make a purchase online or over the phone.

Finding the Right Credit Card

Before applying for a new credit card, determine what kind of credit card you should get. For example, if you want to maximize rewards, you may want a cash-back card with perks that match your budget. If you’re looking to build credit, you may need to apply for a secure credit card that’s easy to get with lackluster credit.

To understand what options might be right for you, check your credit. This helps you know what type of credit card you might be approved for.
Next, educate yourself about applying for a credit card online. Review options that seem appropriate for you and pick the best one—you can get started in our credit card marketplace. Then, gather all the information you need and apply.

Source: credit.com

Apache is functioning normally

September 29, 2023 by Brett Tams

423 cases per 100,000 resident for state with highest identity theft

This post originally appeared on Finder.com.

As the world continues to cope with COVID-19, America is seeing cases of identity theft soar to record highs. Of the 3.2 million reports to the FTC’s Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book in 2019, 20% — or 650,572 — related to identity theft. And already in the first quarter of 2020, reports of fraud and identity theft are up 20.1% from the previous quarter.

The numbers could rise as more people continue to work from home and new reports of coronavirus-related fraud and scams come in.

Among these all-time-high cases, credit card fraud leads the charge.

I just watched a documentary on the dark web, and I will never feel safe using my credit card again!
Luckily I don’t have to worry about that. I have ExtraCredit, so I get $1,000,000 ID protection and dark web scans.
I need that peace of mind in my life. What else do you get with ExtraCredit?
It’s basically everything my credit needs. I get 28 FICO® scores, rent and utility reporting, cash rewards and even a discount to one of the leaders in credit repair.
It’s settled; I’m getting ExtraCredit tonight. Totally unrelated, but any suggestions for my new fear of sharks? I watched that documentary too.
…we live in Oklahoma.

Identity Theft vs. Account Takeover

Identity theft involves the unauthorized access of personal information, such as your name and Social Security number. Account takeover is when a fraudster accesses account information, such as credit card numbers, with the intent of committing fraud on existing accounts.

In 2019, victims reported $160.3 million worth of losses resulting from identity theft, according to the FBI. Credit card fraud made up the overwhelming majority of that $160.3 million.

This number represents only what was reported through the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. However, and doesn’t account for reports made directly to field agents.

Most Common Types of Identity Theft

Swiping the competition in 2019 was credit card fraud, which accounted for 41.78% of all identity theft reports to the FBI, followed by other identity theft, which includes fraud conducted via email and social media. The least common was government documents or benefit fraud at 3.54%.

Identity Theft and Credit Card Fraud by State

The dubious honor of state with the most identity theft reports goes to Georgia, with the Peach State logging 423 cases per 100,000 people in 2019–176 of those falling under the credit card fraud umbrella.

Florida came in just south of Georgia with 154 cases of credit card fraud per 100,000 people, followed by California and Texas.

The state with the fewest number of reports was South Dakota, with 47 reports of fraud per 100,000 people, followed by Vermont and Wyoming.

Several states in the middle of the country also came in at the middle of the pack, like Missouri and Colorado, with 41 and 45 reports of credit card fraud per capita, respectively.

Credit Card Fraud by Metro Area

Georgia maintains its top spot in individual metropolitan areas, accounting for three of the five areas with the most reports of identity theft per capita–Warner Robins, Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell and Macon-Bibb County. A person convicted of financial transaction card fraud of more than $100.00 within a six-month period in Georgia can be charged with a felony. The ramifications can be a fine of up to $5,000.00 or a prison term of one and five years. On the flip side, Muncie, Indiana, logged the least number of reports at 37 per 100,000 people, followed by Glens Falls, New York, and Tullahoma-Manchester, Tennessee.

Top 10 metropolitan areas with highest identity theft per 100,000 residents – data

Rank	Metropolitan area	Reports per 100,000 residents	Number of reports
1	Warner Robins, GA Metropolitan Statistical Area	661	1,281
2	Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA Metropolitan Statistical Area	570	33,940
3	Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area	556	34,458
4	Macon-Bibb County, GA Metropolitan Statistical Area	455	1,045
5	Memphis, TN-MS-AR Metropolitan Statistical Area	446	6,027
6	Columbus, GA-AL Metropolitan Statistical Area	433	1,322
7	Columbia, SC Metropolitan Statistical Area	411	3,420
8	Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA Metropolitan Statistical Area	410	54,553
9	Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area	367	25,656
10	Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX Metropolitan Statistical Area	367	27,637

Top 10 metropolitan areas with lowest identity theft per 100,000 residents – data

Rank	Metropolitan area	Reports per 100,000 residents	Number of reports
1	Muncie, IN Metropolitan Statistical Area	32	37
2	Tullahoma-Manchester, TN Micropolitan Statistical Area	34	35
3	Glens Falls, NY Metropolitan Statistical Area	34	43
4	Lewiston-Auburn, ME Metropolitan Statistical Area	38	41
5	Appleton, WI Metropolitan Statistical Area	41	97
6	Owensboro, KY Metropolitan Statistical Area	41	49
7	Wenatchee, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area	42	50
8	Bismarck, ND Metropolitan Statistical Area	41	54
9	Ogdensburg-Massena, NY Micropolitan Statistical Area	43	46
10	Eau Claire, WI Metropolitan Statistical Area	43	72

Methodology

Finder sourced all data from the Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book 2019, released by the Federal Trade Commission in January 2020. The Consumer Sentinel Network Data Book uses reports in its Sentinel secure online database available to law enforcement only. These consumer reports are about fraud, identity theft and other consumer protection topics, with more than 3.2 million consumer reports filed in 2019.

The reports in Sentinel are sourced directly from:

People who call the FTC’s call center or report online
Reports filed with other federal, state, local and international law enforcement
Organizations like the Better Business Bureau and Publishers Clearing House

Source: credit.com

Apache is functioning normally

September 28, 2023 by Brett Tams

Having your Social Security number or card stolen isn’t exactly like getting your bank account information taken. You can easily get a new bank account number and have your bank freeze your accounts. On the other hand, it’s a bit more difficult to get a new Social Security number from the Social Security Administration.

What Is a Social Security Number?

The Social Security Administration loosely defines a Social Security number as a nine-digit number for identity-tracking purposes. It’s also used to track wages earned during someone’s lifetime for Social Security benefits.

As of 2011, the selection of this number is randomized. Whenever you start a new job or apply for government benefits, you need your Social Security number. It’s used to verify your identity and keep track of Social Security earnings.

You can locate your Social Security number on your Social Security card. If you can’t find your card, make sure you reach out to the Social Security Administration directly.

What Can You Do with a Social Security Number?

Since the government uses your social security number as a unique identifier, you can use it to do the following.

I just watched a documentary on the dark web, and I will never feel safe using my credit card again!
Luckily I don’t have to worry about that. I have ExtraCredit, so I get $1,000,000 ID protection and dark web scans.
I need that peace of mind in my life. What else do you get with ExtraCredit?
It’s basically everything my credit needs. I get 28 FICO® scores, rent and utility reporting, cash rewards and even a discount to one of the leaders in credit repair.
It’s settled; I’m getting ExtraCredit tonight. Totally unrelated, but any suggestions for my new fear of sharks? I watched that documentary too.
…we live in Oklahoma.

Apply for jobs
Open a bank account
Sign up for a credit card
Apply for a passport
File taxes
Enroll in health insurance
Get a driver’s license

How Social Security Number Theft Occurs: What Happens If Someone Gets Your Social Security Number?

There are a lot of ways someone can steal your identity or Social Security number. Thieves could swipe your Social Security number by exploiting data breaches, going through the trash for personal documents or using any number of other approaches. Thieves can then sell your identity or pretend to be you to open various accounts in your name, access medical care, file fraudulent tax returns or, at worst, commit crimes.

ExtraCredit’s Guard It feature offers dark web monitoring and proactive alerts if it discovers that your Social Security number or other personal information has been compromised or shared online. In addition to alerts, Guard It offers $1 million identity theft insurance to help you with costs associated with identity restoration, legal expenses, and lost wages. Sign up now!

What Can Someone Do with Your Social Security Number?

Once an identity thief has your Social Security number, they can commit all sorts of financial fraud, potentially leaving you on the hook for their misconduct. Social Security numbers are wrapped up in most aspects of Americans’ lives—employment, medical history, taxes, education and bank accounts, to name a few. Below is a list of just a few things someone can do with your SSN if they get their hands on it.

1. Open Financial Accounts

Your Social Security number is the most important piece of personal information a bank needs when extending you credit or opening an account. With that number, a thief can get credit cards or loans. And when it’s time to repay them, they won’t, which will damage your credit score. Those missed payments are tied to your Social Security number, so they’ll end up on your credit report and could impact your ability to apply for any type of loan or new account in the future.

Once you spot suspicious transactions, you can use your credit scores and credit reports to detect fraud and put an end to it. Unfortunately, it could take years for the fraudulent information to be removed from your credit report and, as a result, for your credit scores to recover.

Can Someone Access My Bank Account with My Social Security Number?

Thieves might have a difficult time accessing your bank account if they only knew your Social Security number. Most of the time, to either access an existing account or open up a new bank account, the bank would require additional forms of identification, such as your physical Social Security card, Real ID or passport.

Also, many banks have implemented additional security measures to prevent this, such as requiring security questions to access your bank account.

2. Get Medical Care

Someone using your Social Security number could also undergo medical treatment, effectively tainting your medical records. Inaccurate medical records can have deadly consequences. For example, imagine what could happen if you received treatment based on a false history listing the wrong blood type. Additionally, thieves can poach your health insurance coverage, which could leave you in a bind when you need it.

3. File a Fraudulent Tax Refund

Taxpayer identity theft continues to be a problem in the United States, although theIRS reported in 2018 that incidents were on the general decline, noting a 40% decrease in taxpayer reports of identity theft since 2016. However, in 2017, the IRS still received 242,000 reports of identity theft from taxpayers.

Identity thieves use stolen Social Security numbers to get a fraudulent refund, which then delays any refund the victim is rightfully owed.

So, the sooner you file your taxes, the more likely you’ll get your refund before an identity thief has an opportunity to take advantage of your stolen identity. You’ll know someone stole your identity if your return is rejected as a duplicate. Then, you get to start the process of resolving the fraud and, if necessary, getting the refund you deserve.

4. Commit Crimes

Getting your Social Security number might just be a fraction of the thief’s crimes. If the identity thief gets arrested for another crime and gives your Social Security number to law enforcement, you can become tangled in their criminal history. Their criminal record could prevent you from getting jobs or interfere with anything else that requires a criminal background check.

5. Steal Your Benefits

A thief could also use your Social Security number to file for unemployment or Social Security benefits, depleting those resources and preventing you from accessing that assistance when you need it later on.

How to Find Out If Your Social Security Number Has Been Stolen

Thieves can operate under your identity for years without discovery, and some of these crimes are very difficult to detect. One of the best things you can do is regularly check your credit report from Credit.com’s credit report card. Review your credit report thoroughly for unauthorized accounts or public records not related to you. These red flags could indicate clerical errors or identity theft. Either way, you want to watch out for it and act as soon as you see something suspicious.

If you sign up for an ExtraCredit account, our dark web monitoring feature will alert you of suspicious activity right away. When you get an alert, you’ll know it’s time to check your report and take preventative actions.

Sign Up Now

Privacy Policy

You can also go to IdentityTheft.gov, a website run by the Federal Trade Commission, or call its hotline at 877-ID-THEFT.

Source: credit.com

Apache is functioning normally

September 28, 2023 by Brett Tams

This article originally appeared on Finder.com and has been republished here with permission.

Credit card fraud is becoming more sophisticated, with scammers using devices called “skimmers” that steal and store your information after you swipe or insert your card.

Thankfully, you can visually identify skimmers if you know what to look for. Here are a few low-tech ways you can keep your card safe.

What Does a Credit Card Skimmer Look Like?

A skimmer is a small device that scammers attach to card readers on ATMs, gas pumps or any other device where you insert your card for payment or withdrawal. They look similar to the card reader itself and might increase the length of the reader by a small amount.

These stealthy devices are a highly effective way for scammers to easily steal your info if you don’t know how to spot them.

I just watched a documentary on the dark web, and I will never feel safe using my credit card again!
Luckily I don’t have to worry about that. I have ExtraCredit, so I get $1,000,000 ID protection and dark web scans.
I need that peace of mind in my life. What else do you get with ExtraCredit?
It’s basically everything my credit needs. I get 28 FICO® scores, rent and utility reporting, cash rewards and even a discount to one of the leaders in credit repair.
It’s settled; I’m getting ExtraCredit tonight. Totally unrelated, but any suggestions for my new fear of sharks? I watched that documentary too.
…we live in Oklahoma.

How Does a Skimmer Work?

When you insert or swipe your credit or debit card, the skimming device captures the information found in your card’s magnetic strip. You’re able to complete your transaction like normal, but the crook who installed the skimmer can collect the skimmer later, download your information and make purchases or withdrawals without your knowledge.

What’s in My Card’s Magnetic Strip?

A wealth of information is stored in that little black strip on the back of your card. It contains the name of your bank or issuer, your name and country, your account number and PIN and other details specific to your account, like your account limits and the types of charges your card accepts. In short, enough to make purchases with your data.

How Common Are Gas Pump and ATM Skimmers?

While there isn’t a great amount of data on the prevalence of skimmers, it’s thought that their use is on the rise. A single credit card skimmer can capture information on up to 100 credit cards in a day.

Credit card chip technology has done a lot to prevent skimmers at retailers and most major ATMs, so gas stations and non-major ATMs remain the primary targets of skimmers. This may change since gas stations now must comply with the merchant fraud liability shift from October 2020.

How to Spot and Avoid Credit Card Skimmers

Although skimming can happen almost anywhere you use your card, you can prevent losing your data to a skimmer.

Here are a few simple ways to stay safe:

Study the card reader. Jiggle or shake the card reader before using it. Skimmers are often not securely attached, and moving it around could release and expose it. Look for ATMs, gas pumps and any other credit card readers in well-lit and monitored locations.
Give your card a glance. Scratches, markings or stickiness left on your card after swiping are all signs that your card may have been tampered with.
Manage your card settings. Most offer a way for you to control where your card can be used. For instance, you can set parameters that limit high-total purchases or request notification by text or email if your card is used online rather than in person at a store.
Track your balances. Monitor your account balances to avoid being blindsided by an overdraft or unauthorized purchase. By adjusting notification services, you can be informed if an attempt is made to charge over an allotted amount.
Dip your chip. Using the chip reader, instead of swiping the magnetic strip, significantly lessens the chance of fraud. If your card doesn’t have a chip, request one from your financial institution.
Consider cash. At the pump, pay for your gas inside or with an attendant. For other purchases, sign and save your receipts until you’re able to verify purchases on your next statement.

What to Do If Your Credit Card Has Been Skimmed

If you suspect your credit card information was skimmed during a recent transaction, you should respond with a few common measures. This includes notifying your bank, alerting the FTC and placing an initial fraud alert.

From here, keep an eye on your credit card accounts. Regular monitoring of your account can keep you informed of any unusual activity and let you quickly respond. You can also contact a credit monitoring service to help you maintain oversight of your account. These services automatically notify you if any changes or activity occur on your account.

Most credit cards at this point possess an EMV chip for an additional layer of security. If your credit card doesn’t have this feature, call your bank and see if you can receive a card that has one. While they won’t protect you from skimming, they do help protect against other forms of credit card fraud.

Moving forward, take a closer look at the card reader at any ATM or gas station you use. If it looks unusual, such as misaligned, loose or a different color than the rest of the device, you should skip on using your card there.

How Do I Report a Skimmer?

If you find a skimmer or confirm that you’ve been a victim of one, first call your financial institution to let them know when and where you think it happened. Cancel your card and request a replacement, and follow up by email to further document your claim.

From there, place an initial fraud alert on your card. A fraud alert requires businesses to contact you before issuing credit in your name for up to 90 days.

Filing a police report and alerting the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) are also good practices. The FTC works to prevent skimming rings and catching crooks that skim.

Bottom Line

There’s no sure-fire way to prevent skimming. Every time you swipe your card, there’s a chance someone could be attempting to carry off your info. Be aware of how and where your card is used to significantly decrease the likelihood of your personal and financial details being skimmed. Read more about credit card security to keep your personal finances safe.

When it comes to your overall loss after your ATM or debit card has been stolen or skimmed, the amount of your liability will depend on factors that include how quickly you report it and how much is stolen from your account. Call first and follow it up in writing to start an investigation.

Federal law limits a cardholder’s liability for fraudulent charges, under certain circumstances. For credit cards, generally your liability caps at $50 if you report it within two days. For a debit card, your liability is usually the same within two business days, but $500 if it has been more than two business days after you report it, but less than 60 calendar days after your statement. Anything more than 60 days, and you’re likely liable for all the money in your account. If you report fraud immediately, your liability could be $0.

Frequently asked questions

What does a skimmer look like?

Skimmers vary in appearance based on where they are located. YouTube offers many videos showing how you can spot one.

Do police investigate credit card skimming?

Generally, no. Cases of skimming are best resolved by your bank and FTC. However, you can still call your local police to inform them of recent skimming practices.

Will I have to pay for fraudulent charges made to my credit card?

Federal law limits a cardholder’s liability for fraudulent charges to $50, under certain circumstances. By calling your credit card’s customer service line, you’ll likely find they’ll waive even that amount.

When it comes to your overall loss after your ATM or debit card has been stolen or skimmed, the amount of your liability will depend on factors that include how quickly you report it and how much is stolen from your account. Call first and follow it up in writing to start an investigation.

Source: credit.com

Apache is functioning normally

September 27, 2023 by Brett Tams

Identity theft is a major problem. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), there were more than 650,000 victims of identity theft in 2019, making ID theft the most-reported type of FTC complaint. Chances are good that you will encounter identity theft in your lifetime. That was the case for at least 1 in 10 Americans ages 16 and older in 2016, according to the most recent data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics.

Protecting your identity and privacy should be a priority for you, and knowing what identity theft is can help you prepare. There are many different types of ID theft, which can make safeguarding your personal information even more important—and more difficult. Let’s look at some of the most common examples of identity theft and what you can do to manage the risks.

Defining Identity Theft

The term “identity theft” is used a lot, often interchangeably with “fraud.” Though many instances of identity theft are committed for fraudulent reasons, the two are slightly different. If you are a victim of identity theft, you want to catch it before it becomes fraud.

According to the National Center for Victims of Crime (NCVC), identity theft is “the knowing transfer or use, without lawful authority, of another person’s identity with the intent to commit, aid, or abet unlawful activity.” In simpler terms, ID theft is the act of stealing another person’s information, like through mail theft, phishing, card skimming, unsecure Wi-Fi or a data breach. Fraud is when a criminal illegally uses that information for their own gain.

The NCVC calls the latter “identity fraud,” which encompasses crimes like credit card fraud, medical fraud, and Social Security number theft. Identity fraud can be financially driven, but is also committed out of other motivations. Someone might try to steal your passport or driver’s license information to travel unnoticed by law enforcement, for example.

I just watched a documentary on the dark web, and I will never feel safe using my credit card again!
Luckily I don’t have to worry about that. I have ExtraCredit, so I get $1,000,000 ID protection and dark web scans.
I need that peace of mind in my life. What else do you get with ExtraCredit?
It’s basically everything my credit needs. I get 28 FICO® scores, rent and utility reporting, cash rewards and even a discount to one of the leaders in credit repair.
It’s settled; I’m getting ExtraCredit tonight. Totally unrelated, but any suggestions for my new fear of sharks? I watched that documentary too.
…we live in Oklahoma.

Whether an ID thief uses your credit card or medical insurance, the cost to you can be big. Javelin Research found that the 2018 out-of-pocket costs for victims of identity theft were $1.7 billion.

Different Types of Identity Fraud

As a popular saying goes, “Know your enemy.” Let’s take a closer look at identity fraud types and preventative measures you can take to prepare yourself and protect your finances.

1. Credit Cards

Credit card fraud is by far the most prevalent type of identity theft, according to FTC numbers.

You probably store your credit card information with different vendors or subscription services. If you used your card once at a retail store, they’ll still have your information on file. If a data breach occurs at one of those businesses, someone may gain access to your credit card number and begin to make fraudulent purchases.

While it may be easier to catch a fraudulent charge on a card you have, it could be harder to spot a new account in your name. In the meantime, hard inquiries and high credit utilization due to fraud could wreck your credit score.

What you can do: Requesting a chargeback might help you avoid paying for specific fraudulent transactions, but checking your credit report will show you if the problem is deeper. Sign up for ExtraCredit to keep an eye on your credit report and scores at the same time to make sure that fraudulent accounts aren’t being opened or used. You can also request your free credit report from each of the three credit reporting agencies once a year to keep close control over your identity and credit profile. If you notice anything fishy, request a freeze immediately and file a report with the FTC.

Note: Due to the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, you can currently review your credit reports from each of the three credit bureaus for free each week, through April 2022.

2. Loans and Leases

Somebody with your personal information might try to apply for a loan online. Fraudsters may then be able to get financing to buy a car or real estate. The FTC has also reported fraud instances related to student loans and payday loans.

Loan application fraud is a challenge to track, but the impact is someone racking up debt in your name. When creditors come calling, it won’t be the thief who has to answer the phone.

What you can do: As with credit card fraud, regularly check your credit reports to watch for red flags. If you spot something, immediately contact the responsible financial institution. You may also want to file a police report or contact the office of the attorney general for your state. If you are the victim of loan/lease fraud, consider using credit repair services to help you recover.

3. Phones and Utilities

Mobile takeover fraud is a complicated scheme, but it’s a growing problem. Basically, it involves a fraudster using your information to access your smartphone and then lock you out. In the meantime, they can use your apps, read saved documents, or scam others by impersonating you. They might also harvest your personal and financial information that you have saved. The same might happen for an electricity or water account: A criminal finds a way in and consumes services that are ultimately billed to you.

The common theme with identity theft here is that if someone has your info, they can do just about anything with it. This includes opening up utility accounts in your name, getting free electricity, gas, water, internet or cable.

What you can do: Maintain strong passwords for all the accounts you have. If you need to, use a password manager to help you keep track of all the complex log-in credentials. Never, ever make your passwords using personally identifiable information, like a pet, birthdate, or home street. Should something happen, immediately contact your service provider.

4. Tax Fraud

Come tax time, a refund is a happy surprise for some Americans. Others may get a nasty shock when they’ve learned someone has claimed their return before they even file their taxes. Tax fraud typically occurs when someone has stolen your Social Security number, which they can then manipulate to falsely file a return and claim your refund.

What you can do: Under no circumstances should you give your SSN to anybody but trusted entities like the government, your bank, or your credit card company. Be wary of scammers posing as the IRS who will call or email you demanding your SSN information. This is a surefire sign of fraud. You can also opt to file your taxes early, thereby eliminating the opportunity for thieves to file for you and claim your return.

The IRS recommends watching out for various scams. If you believe you’ve been a victim, file a report on IdentityTheft.gov, call the IRS at 1-800-908-4490, and complete and submit the identity theft Affidavit.

Taking the Next Steps to Protect Your Identity

Identity theft is a constant threat, so you’ll always need to be on your toes.

Guard It from ExtraCredit provides you with proactive alerts, dark web monitoring, account monitoring, and $1 million in ID theft insurance. Sign up today or read more articles about identity theft and fraud.

Source: credit.com

Apache is functioning normally

September 27, 2023 by Brett Tams

According to IBM’s annual Cost of a Data Breach report, the average cost of a data breach to an organization in 2021 was 4.24 million dollars. That’s the highest average figure in its 17-year history. Most of these breaches were the result of compromised user credentials (where an attacker is able to gain unauthorized access to an account) and are often more costly where remote working is involved.

cyber attack

These breaches aren’t just costly for large enterprises, though. Many small organizations fail to recover from a serious data breach (where the average cost is just under $700,000), with 60% of them going out of business within 6 months of an attack.

But of course, we can also fall victim to cyber attacks as individuals, and the cost to us can be significant, too. If you’ve been unlucky enough to have been a victim of a data breach, or (worse), identity theft, you’ll know that you can lose eye-watering and potentially crippling sums: this hacking victim lost over $13k in 2020.

But when we talk about the cost of a cyber attack to an individual, we’re not talking simply about financial losses.

How to Avoid a Cyber Attack

Psychologically, the after-effects of a cyber attack can be damaging. The feeling that you’ve been manipulated by a stranger (and your personal data has been ‘invaded’) can be deeply unsettling. It can lead to a serious loss of confidence, and make you increasingly wary of trusting others. It can cause embarrassment, too, as a victim of a hack can be made to feel as if it’s their fault.

I just watched a documentary on the dark web, and I will never feel safe using my credit card again!
Luckily I don’t have to worry about that. I have ExtraCredit, so I get $1,000,000 ID protection and dark web scans.
I need that peace of mind in my life. What else do you get with ExtraCredit?
It’s basically everything my credit needs. I get 28 FICO® scores, rent and utility reporting, cash rewards and even a discount to one of the leaders in credit repair.
It’s settled; I’m getting ExtraCredit tonight. Totally unrelated, but any suggestions for my new fear of sharks? I watched that documentary too.
…we live in Oklahoma.

In the most extreme cases (where a cyber attack has led to a significant loss of funds or even the loss of a job) the effect can be even more harmful, leading to stress, anxiety and even depression. Whatever the financial cost of an attack, the emotional cost is often far more significant in the long run.

Fortunately, there are a number of steps you can take to secure your data and ensure you’re aware of the threats you might face while online.

Check If Your data Is at Risk

Without knowing it, your data might have already been involved in a breach. A breach usually occurs when a hacker gains access to the database of a service or company which contains users’ private information, including (but not limited to) usernames, passwords, email addresses and, in the worst cases, bank account details. If you’ve been involved in a data breach, some of your personal information might have been made public without you realizing, which could put you at risk of identity theft.

But don’t panic. You can check if your email address or phone number has been exposed in a data breach by going to Have I Been Pwned. If any of your accounts may have been compromised, change those passwords immediately, and make sure you’re not reusing the same passwords across multiple accounts.

Use Strong Passwords

Speaking of passwords, nearly a quarter of Americans have admitted to using a password like “password” or “123456”. These should clearly be avoided, as they’re easily guessable and won’t take long for a hacker to crack. The longer and more complex a password is, the stronger it is. You can check the strength of your passwords at Security.org.

Using a “passphrase” (a series of unrelated words with spaces in between) is often more effective than using a simple combination of letters and numbers, as these can be harder to crack. This can help to protect your accounts from threats like brute-force attacks, in which attackers will submit vast numbers of possible passwords in an effort to guess correctly.

Protect Your Website(s)

This action may not apply to you, of course — but if you happen to run a website (for a small business, perhaps, or even just a hobby such as blogging) then your personal information is inextricably linked to it, and it can be a huge point of vulnerability. If someone gains access to it through a CMS exploit or a comparable weakness, they can learn your passwords, uncover private information, or even hold the site hostage in an effort to extort you.

Keeping extortion efforts at bay is largely a matter of investing in technical safeguards. Top managed hosting platforms are particularly good at keeping ahead of potential attackers, and some (e.g. Cloudways with its 2022-launched Cloudflare CDN integration) are investing in native features that make it all but impossible for run-of-the-mill hackers to gain access. Overall, though, the biggest thing you can do is refrain from storing any sensitive information on your website. Anything intended for public viewing inevitably makes a bad storage vault.

Beware of Suspicious Emails

One of the most common ways individuals fall victim to cyber crime is through phishing attacks, a type of ‘social engineering’ where an attacker sends a fraudulent email to an intended victim enticing them to click a suspicious link or hand over personal information. Phishing emails often appear as though they’re from a legitimate organization (like your bank, for example) but there are some classic signs to look out for.

Check the email domain (the bit after the @ symbol) to see if it looks legitimate. If it’s misspelled (or a public domain like gmail.com) it could be a scam. Next, check for poor spelling and grammar in the body of the email, as phishing attempts are often shoddily written. If you have the slightest suspicion that the email may not be legitimate, do not respond or click any links in the email. To ensure you’re aware of the telltale signs, IT Governance has produced a handy guide on the ways to detect a phishing email.

Update Your Software

Cyber threats are constantly evolving, with hackers developing newer, more sophisticated ways to gain access to our devices and our personal data. That’s why it’s so important that our operating systems and software programs are always updated to the latest available versions. These newer versions will fix previously discovered vulnerabilities and offer greater protection against emerging threats.

If you’re still using an outdated operating system, for example, it may contain weaknesses that can quite easily be exposed by an attacker, especially if those weaknesses are public knowledge. Use a tool like Soft4Boost to check for out-of-date and potentially vulnerable software, and update to the latest supported versions where necessary.

Secure Your Devices

It’s also important to protect our physical devices, as a lost or stolen device could present an easy opportunity for an attacker to gain access to your personal data. Ensure a password or PIN is always required to access the device (and don’t use anything easily guessable like 0000 or 1234). Many devices now enable facial recognition or fingerprint access, so enable these functions where possible. When you’re not using your device, make sure it’s locked.

Backing up your data is essential, too, so that it can be recovered in the event of a data breach. Most computers will include a backup facility, while mobile phone data can usually be backed up using cloud storage. Finally, beware of unsecured public Wi-Fi networks (where no password is required for access) as these are often prime targets for an attacker, and disable your Bluetooth function when you’re not using it.

Source: credit.com

Apache is functioning normally

September 26, 2023 by Brett Tams

Although the number of identity theft cases fell from 16.7 million in 2017 to 14.4 million in 2018, the number of people held financially liable in these cases and the amount of their losses increased, according to the Insurance Information Institute. These identity theft statistics show that identity theft is still a major concern and consumers need to be on high alert to avoid becoming the next victims.

Today, criminals don’t need physical access to your financial documents to wreak havoc on your life. They can simply find your personal information online and use it to steal your identity. Fortunately, in the age of cybersecurity, you can fight back.

How Our Daily Activities Are Digitized and Prone to Data Breaches

Thanks to the Internet of Things, easily accessible Wi-Fi, and other technological advances, we’re almost always connected to others. You can chat with family across the country through video chat, watch a video online for a recipe you’re preparing, and add items to your grocery list all at the same time. While this technology can make our lives easier, in many ways, it can also make us more vulnerable to attack.

Every digital activity leaves a footprint and a possible access point for criminals. Everywhere you go, there’s data stored about you. The International Data Corporation prepared the 2020 Thales Data Threat Report, which revealed that nearly half of U.S. companies have experienced some type of data breach at some point. Furthermore, researchers estimated that at least 26% of U.S. companies have experienced a data breach within the last year.

If that’s not concerning enough, a University of Maryland study found that a hacking attempt occurs every 39 seconds. If you’re not careful, hackers can infiltrate your digital bubble and steal your sensitive information.

I just watched a documentary on the dark web, and I will never feel safe using my credit card again!
Luckily I don’t have to worry about that. I have ExtraCredit, so I get $1,000,000 ID protection and dark web scans.
I need that peace of mind in my life. What else do you get with ExtraCredit?
It’s basically everything my credit needs. I get 28 FICO® scores, rent and utility reporting, cash rewards and even a discount to one of the leaders in credit repair.
It’s settled; I’m getting ExtraCredit tonight. Totally unrelated, but any suggestions for my new fear of sharks? I watched that documentary too.
…we live in Oklahoma.

Common Types of Identity Theft and Their Consequences

According to the 2020 Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR), some of the most common data breach attempts include:

Credential stuffing – Credential stuffing occurs when many username and password combinations are inserted to try to gain access to an account. According to the DBIR, an average of 922,331 attempts were made at organizations that experienced this type of attack.
Malware – Malware is a type of virus that infiltrates your network, often to steal information, such as your personal data and identification. Malware usually relies on exploiting a system’s vulnerabilities.
Ransomware – Ransomware takes a hold of an account and blocks out the authentic user. To regain access, you are instructed to pay a large ransom.
Phishing – Phishing attempts that try to get you to hand over your credentials by pretending to be your bank or other trusted sender are increasingly using social engineering to trick you, according to the DBIR. An example of this type of attack was committed by Chinese hackers who breached an email system of a Mumbai branch to learn the rhythm of the business, identify important members of the business, and learn its vocabulary and customs. The hackers ran off with nearly $19 million.

A newer method to try to steal identities is account takeover fraud in which the criminal gains access to your account and then changes information about it so that you’re not informed of luxury purchases or cash withdrawals.

Identity theft can cause tremendous damage to your credit. It often takes months or longer to learn about the theft and the accounts affected, so by the time you notice, the thief could have been racking up thousands of dollars of debt in your name and not paying on any of it. Additionally, you can face additional legal consequences, such as having your wages garnished or being sued. Once your information is stolen, it can be difficult to stop the damage because your information might be sold on the dark web.

How to Avoid Identity Theft

It’s more important than ever to be vigilant about protecting your identity online since more people are working from home and logging into public Wi-Fi than ever before. Here are some tips to help you avoid identity theft:

Keep an eye on your credit and changes in your score
Avoid accessing any financial data from an unsecured network
Consider using credit monitoring tools
Use strong passwords and don’t repeat passwords across various sites

What to Do If You’re a Victim of Identity Theft

If it’s already too late and you suspect someone has already stolen your identity, it’s time to move on to damage control. You might want to freeze your credit so that no one can apply for new credit in your name. Order a free credit report and carefully review it for any unauthorized accounts or changes.

Report the theft to law enforcement. You might need to make a police report and provide a copy to your creditors. The FTC’s website has additional resources for identity theft victims.

Source: credit.com

Apache is functioning normally

September 26, 2023 by Brett Tams

You’ve probably used Venmo a lot this past year, but is Venmo safe? And if so, what are the advantages of Venmo over other online payment providers? Read answers to these questions and more in our helpful guide below.

In This Piece

What Is Venmo?

Venmo is a type of peer-to-peer—or person-to-person—payment app. Its parent company is money-moving giant PayPal, which had over 377 million registered users in the last quarter of 2020. Think of Venmo like “PayPal lite”—you can receive cash and send money to people, but you can’t send invoices or do anything complex.

PayPal launched Venmo for one reason—to compete in the P2P payment marketplace. Not everyone needs PayPal’s full suite of services, but they appreciate a convenient way to split the bill. You can pay for part of a dinner or your share of the shopping with Venmo, and some online retailers also accept Venmo as a form of payment.

Venmo began offering a cash back rewards debit card—the Venmo Debit Card—in 2018. In late 2020, it launched the Venmo Credit Card. Like the Venmo Debit Card, the Venmo Credit card offers cash back—up to 3% on your “top spend” category.

How Does Venmo Work?

Venmo works a little like PayPal. To use the services you simply:

I just watched a documentary on the dark web, and I will never feel safe using my credit card again!
Luckily I don’t have to worry about that. I have ExtraCredit, so I get $1,000,000 ID protection and dark web scans.
I need that peace of mind in my life. What else do you get with ExtraCredit?
It’s basically everything my credit needs. I get 28 FICO® scores, rent and utility reporting, cash rewards and even a discount to one of the leaders in credit repair.
It’s settled; I’m getting ExtraCredit tonight. Totally unrelated, but any suggestions for my new fear of sharks? I watched that documentary too.
…we live in Oklahoma.

Download and install the app on your phone
Link the app to your bank account, debit card, or credit card
Begin sending payments to friends, family members, and select online retailers

Venmo has an initial $299.99 weekly sending and receiving limit. To lift that limit, you need to provide identification documents. Once your ID is confirmed, you’ll have a $4,999.99 weekly limit.

If you want a Venmo Debit Card, you’ll need to apply online. To get a Venmo Credit Card, you need to be over 18 and a U.S. resident—and you also need to have had your Venmo account for at least 30 days.

Is Venmo Safe? What Are the Risks of Using Venmo?

Venmo is generally very safe—the company uses bank-level encryption to keep your data safe. You can add a PIN number and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) to make your account even more secure. A strong password combined with a PIN and MFA greatly reduces the chance of hacking.

Venmo’s default profile and payment settings are public. Thankfully, you can change your privacy settings to keep your payment settings under wraps. Venmo’s three privacy levels are:

Anyone can find you and see your transactions.
Only you and the person you send payment to will see a transaction.
Friends only. Your Venmo friends can see you and can also see your transactions.

You can set your privacy settings to default to any of these three levels, or you can set levels on a transaction-by-transaction basis. You can also hide your past transactions.

Is Venmo Free?

Depending on how you use Venmo, it can be 100% free. Believe it or not, if you’re strictly using Venmo to transfer payments from one party to another and you’re not using a credit card, you may be able to use it for free.

However, there are some instances where Venmo does charge a fee. For example, if you’re using Venmo as part of your business, you’ll likely need to pay merchant fees. Here’s a look at the various fees Venmo charges account holders.

Instant Transfer Fees

You can transfer money from your Venmo account to your bank account at any time. This process can take 1-2 days to complete. If you need the money faster, you can opt for the instant transfer option, but it will cost you. Venmo charges an instant transfer fee of 1.75%, with a minimum fee of $0.25 and a maximum fee of $25.

Processing Fees

If you choose to make a Venmo payment using your bank account or debit card, you’ll incur no additional fee. If, on the other hand, you use a credit card to make this payment, you must pay processing fees. Venmo’s processing fees are 3%.

Check Deposit Fees

Venmo allows account holders to deposit checks directly into their Venmo account. However, it charges a fee for this service. The check deposit fee is 1% or a $5 minimum when depositing government-issued or payroll checks and 5% or a $5 minimum when depositing all other checks.

Merchant Fees

If you’re using Venmo to accept payments for a business you operate, you must pay merchant fees. Venmo charges business owners a 1.9% merchant fee plus an additional $0.10 per transaction.

What Is Venmo Debit Card and How Does It Work?

If you use your Venmo account quite often or have your payroll or government check deposited into your Venmo account, you might want to consider applying for a debit card with Venmo. This card is similar to any other debit card from a financial institution. It lets you spend the money in your Venmo account anywhere that accepts debit cards.

You can track your deposits and payments directly on the Venmo app, and you can also check the balance in your account. Since this is a debit card, it doesn’t have the same strict credit requirements you might run into when attempting to obtain a credit card. Obtaining this type of debit card can avoid the need to transfer funds from your Venmo account to your bank account.

There can be some fees associated with having a Venmo debit card. For instance, you incur a $2.50 fee when you withdraw funds from your Venmo account via an out-of-network ATM. There’s no fee for using an in-network MoneyPass ATM. A $3 fee applies for an over-the-counter cash withdrawal at a bank. Additionally, you can only withdraw up to $400 per day from your Venmo account.

Venmo and Taxes

If you’re only using Venmo to transfer funds to friends and family members, taxes won’t be an issue. If, on the other hand, you’re using Venmo to collect payments for your business, you may be responsible for paying taxes. If you earn over a certain amount during the year, you need to include any Venmo payments you received for your business on your taxes. Before starting any business, it’s important to understand what your tax responsibilities are.

Venmo Scams to Watch Out for

If you’re wondering “Is Venmo safe to use?” the answer is yes, it’s relatively safe to use. Venmo uses encryption security to protect your personal information from hackers. Its robust security features are in place to keep your money safe.

Even these robust security features can’t stop all scammers. But there are steps you can take to avoid this type of bank account fraud. It’s important to recognize these scams before scammers take advantage of you. Below is a look at the most common Venmo scams.

Fake Products for Sale

One of the most common Venmo scams involves online sales. The scammer pretends to be selling something online. However, once you make a payment, you never receive the product.

Once a Venmo payment is processed, you can’t reverse it and there’s no way to get your money back. This is why it’s so important to only submit payments to people and businesses you know and trust.

Pretending to Be from Venmo

Another common scam involves scammers pretending to be Venmo. If you receive an email or text message claiming to be from Venmo, don’t automatically assume it is. Some scammers send these messages to try to steal your personal information, such as your account number and password. Once they have this information, they can hack into your account and make payments without your permission.

Using Your Phone

There have been reports of strangers asking a person to borrow their phone. Instead, they actually open the Venmo account on your phone to send money to an account associated with them. Unfortunately, trying to do a good deed by letting someone borrow your phone could cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars.

Why Does Venmo Require Identify Verification?

If you open an account with Venmo, you’ll have to prove your identity. This isn’t just a Venmo requirement. According to the Consumer Identification Program under the U.S. Patriot Act, all financial institutions must verify the identities of all their customers.

This program helps prevent terrorists from sending and receiving money and helps to stop money laundering. It can also help reduce the risk of fraud on Venmo. However, even identity verification can’t prevent all forms of fraud. It’s important to always remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to Venmo.

Staying Safe with Venmo

There are several things you can do to protect yourself when using Venmo.

Monitoring Your Account

Be sure to periodically check your Venmo account for unauthorized transactions. If you notice any, report it to Venmo immediately.

Set Up Venmo Notifications

Receiving notifications as soon as there’s suspicious activity on your Venmo account may help prevent a scammer from accessing your account. Always be sure to have your notifications on for Venmo.

Secure Your Account

There are multiple ways to secure your Venmo account if you lose your phone or allow someone to use it. First, turn on the PIN feature. This step requires you to enter a specific PIN number before you can even open your Venmo account. You should also set up the two-function authentication feature to make it even more difficult for someone to hack into your account.

Choose Private Setting

You may not realize it, but Venmo automatically makes all accounts public. While other users can’t see the specific details of your account, they can see how often you use Venmo. To keep your account safe, it’s recommended to switch your account to private so only your friends and family members can see your information.

Don’t Keep a High Balance

It’s recommended to avoid keeping a high balance in your Venmo account. This way, if your account is hacked, you’re not at risk of losing too much money. Instead, take steps to transfer your Venmo balance to your bank account as soon as possible.

Even if you’re using the passcode and two-factor authentication features, it’s recommended not to let a stranger use your phone. Only those you know and trust should have access to your phone.

Only Enter Venmo Through the App or Website

Don’t activate your Venmo account through a link you receive in an email or text message. This could be a phishing email designed to steal your Venmo account information, such as your account number and password. Instead, only access your Venmo account through the Venmo app or website.

Venmo Alternatives

Venmo isn’t alone in the payment marketplace. Like most other payment options, it has a long list of rivals. Let’s line up three formidable adversaries for comparison.

Tip: PayPal is another popular payment app. Check out our safety review for more information.

App Name	*Venmo*	Zelle	Cash App
Parent company	PayPal	Early Warning Services	Square
Need a bank account?	No	Yes—but you can still use and download the app if your bank doesn’t offer Zelle	No
Who can you pay?	Friends, family members and other people you trust	Friends, family members and other people you trust	Anyone, including contractors, utility companies and charities
Debit card available?	Yes	No	Yes
Can you hold a balance?	Yes	No—but Zelle is connected to your bank account by default	Yes
How much does it cost?	Free if you use a bank account, a debit card or your Venmo balance. If you use a credit card, Venmo charges a 3% fee. Instant outgoing bank transfers cost 1%, while standard bank transfers are free.	No fees to send or receive money. Your connected bank may charge fees, however.	Free if you use a bank account, a debit card or your Cash App balance. If you use a credit card, Cash App charges a 3% fee. Instant outgoing bank transfers cost 1.5%, while standard bank transfers are free.
Any limits?	You’ll have a $299.99 weekly peer-to-peer limit immediately after signup. If you confirm your identity, your weekly limit will go up to $4,999.99.	Limits depend on the financial institution. If your bank doesn’t offer Zelle, your weekly transaction limit will be $500.	You can send or receive up to $1,000 during a period of 30 days.

Venmo Versus Credit Cards

What if you don’t want to pay via an app, and you don’t like carrying cash around either? In that case, your best bet might be a credit card. You’ll need to ask your waiter or your cashier to split the bill, but most merchants are happy to oblige.

Look for credit cards with the following perks:

A low APR. Choose a low-interest credit card to save money on interest payments.
Cash back rewards. Why go for a standard credit card when you can get a little money back each time you shop?
Balance transfer offers. Transferring your balance from another credit card? In that case, look for a 0% balance transfer offer.
Credit builder cards. If you don’t qualify for an unsecured credit card, go for a secured card or a credit builder card to boost your credit score.

So is Venmo Safe?

Let’s recap. Venmo is a P2P payment app, and its parent company is PayPal. You can send money to friends, family members and other trusted individuals via Venmo. Some online stores accept the payment method, too. Venmo offers a debit card and—if you qualify—a credit card. You can fund your account with your bank account, a credit card or a debit card.

If you prefer not to pay by app and you don’t feel safe carrying cash, you might want to go with a credit card. Looking for the right credit card for you? Check out ExtraCredit® today. You’ll see select personalized credit offers when you visit your Reward It portal.

Source: credit.com

Apache is functioning normally

September 25, 2023 by Brett Tams

The number on your credit card is more than a passcode to payments when you swipe your card. Many of the digits have a specific meaning. Find out what a credit card number is, what it means, and why it matters.

In This Piece

What Is a Card Number?

A credit card number is a unique number that helps identify your account and card. This number makes it possible for you to pay with the card and for money to be taken out of the right account.

Think about it similarly to your checking account number. Your personal checks are printed with a specific series of numbers. First is the routing number, which indicates which bank the check draws on. Next is the account number, which tells which account the money should come from.

Credit card numbers work the same way. Each part of that long number has a specific function. These are standardized by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

I just watched a documentary on the dark web, and I will never feel safe using my credit card again!
Luckily I don’t have to worry about that. I have ExtraCredit, so I get $1,000,000 ID protection and dark web scans.
I need that peace of mind in my life. What else do you get with ExtraCredit?
It’s basically everything my credit needs. I get 28 FICO® scores, rent and utility reporting, cash rewards and even a discount to one of the leaders in credit repair.
It’s settled; I’m getting ExtraCredit tonight. Totally unrelated, but any suggestions for my new fear of sharks? I watched that documentary too.
…we live in Oklahoma.

How to Tell the Credit Card Type by the First Four Digits

The first digit in any credit card number tells you what type of card it is—Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or Amex. Card numbers of each type always start with the same number:

3: American Express or cards under the Amex umbrella
4: Visa
5 or 2: Mastercard
6: Discover

American Express goes even further by starting card numbers with either 34 or 37, depending on the secondary branding on the card.

That first digit plus the next five in the credit card number is called the Issuer Identification Number (IIN) or Bank Identification Number. This identifies the credit card company and its network, similar to the bank routing number on a personal check.

In some cases, the IIN may be eight digits. To allow for more IINs to support growing needs, the ISO is requiring the financial industry to move to eight-digit IINs.

The rest of the digits in your credit card number, with the exception of the final number, are related to your specific account. They aren’t necessarily the same numbers that appear in the account number on your statement. But this string of numbers is tied to your account so that payment processes use the right account when you make a credit or debit card payment.

The last digit of a credit card number is known as the check digit. This number is applied in an unusual formula that helps determine if your credit card number is valid when you enter it. Using this formula, it takes only a fraction of a second for a computer to confirm that a credit card number is valid.

What Do the Last Four Digits on a Credit Card Mean?

The last four digits of your credit card number don’t actually mean much on their own, but there’s a reason you might be asked for them. If you save a credit card in an online account or other database, the information has to be encrypted. Employees of that company can’t just look up accounts and see full credit card information. They’re usually only able to see the last four digits.

You might be asked to confirm those numbers to ensure the right card is being charged. You might also be asked to confirm them when buying something online with a saved card number to ensure you’re really you and not someone who’s hacked into an account.

You can’t tell a credit card number by the last four digits. However, you could find a credit card you’ve saved in an account, such as on Amazon, by the last four numbers. Those are the only digits you’ll be able to see when you look at the saved payment methods in your account.

How Many Numbers Are in a Credit Card?

Typically, credit card numbers are 16 or 15 digits. Only American Express uses the 15-digit format. Around 2020, Visa started issuing some cards with 19-digit card numbers, but these aren’t typically used in the United States.

Finding the Right Credit Card

Before applying for a new credit card, determine what kind of credit card you need. For example, if you want to maximize rewards, you may want a cash-back card with perks that match your budget. If you’re looking to build credit, you may need to apply for a secure credit card that’s easy to get with lackluster credit.

To understand what options might be right for you, check your credit. This helps you know what type of credit card you might be approved for.

Then educate yourself about applying for a credit card online. Review options that seem appropriate for you and pick the best one. You can get started in our credit card marketplace. Gather all the information you need and apply.

Source: credit.com

Apache is functioning normally

September 24, 2023 by Brett Tams

With most of the year under our belt, the holiday season is just around the corner. No matter what you celebrate, this season is full of food, celebrating and spending time with loved ones.

While you’re hard at work prepping for the holiday season, scammers are too. A survey conducted by Experian found that a full 1 in 4. Americans have been a victim of identity theft or fraud in the holiday season. If you’re worried about scammers this year, don’t worry—we’ve got tips on how to look for holiday shopping scams this season.

When the pandemic hit in early 2020, COVID-19 scams became a popular method for criminals to get access to your information and steal your identity. However, the holidays are when these scammers go into overdrive, meaning it’s important to be extra cautious as you do your online shopping and holiday giving. Here are some of the most common holiday shopping scams to be aware of.

Illegitimate Charities

Many people use the holidays as a reason to be a bit more generous, but be careful before you make that donation. Many scammers create fake charities in an attempt to get you to donate. They get your money—and possibly access to your identity info—and no good ever comes from that generosity.

Check for social media presence, news stories, financial records and proof that any charity you’re considering donating to actually exists and has a good reputation.

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Fake Online Stores

Online shopping is a convenient way to check off all the items on your list without having to actually brave the holiday crowds. However, it’s important to ensure that the sites you’re shopping from are actually legitimate. Scammers create fake online storefronts—sometimes even mimicking well-known retailers—and you don’t know it’s fake until the merchandise never comes or you start seeing evidence of identity fraud.

Empty Gift Cards

Gift cards are the perfect choice if you’re not sure what someone on your gift-giving list wants or if they like to pick out items themselves. But selling gift cards that have a $0 balance or have already expired is a common and remarkably easy scam. This happens most often on local sales sites, such as Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace.

Email Scams

Have you ever gotten an email about something you bought online—but you never actually purchased anything from that retailer? Maybe the email said you needed to reset your password or gave you a link to track your package. These are phishing email scams designed to get you to enter your personal info so scammers can use it for identity theft.

Shipping Problems

One of the biggest worries that comes with online shopping—especially with the supply chain issues that have come as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic—is whether the gifts will arrive on time. Criminals capitalize on this fear by sending out emails, texts and other communications letting you know there’s been an issue with your package. You’re asked to provide personal information such as your address, credit card info and birth date to confirm your order, but all you’re really doing is giving scammers the information they need to steal your identity.

While the holidays are a common time for shopping scams, it doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do about it. Learn what to look for and how to protect yourself from identity theft with these tips.

1. Pay Attention to Website URLs

Online searches can lead you to scammer-run websites that unleash computer malware or collect credit card numbers for identity theft. Carefully read website domain names. Watch for unfamiliar vendors or missing letters, misspellings or other tweaks to the name of a legitimate company. Pay special attention to the last letters. For example, tiffanyco.mn indicates a Mongolia-based website, not the legitimate website for Tiffany & Co., tiffany.com.

2. Make Sure the Site Is Legitimate

Before ordering, check the “Contact Us” page for a phone number and physical address and the “Terms and Conditions” link detailing return policies and such. Unlike legitimate vendors, bogus websites are less likely to post these—or they’ll provide them in a suspicious manner, such as via a faxed request only.

How do you know if a holiday website is legit? Check the Better Business Bureau as well as Facebook and Google reviews before you buy from a new place. If the business doesn’t have any social media or online presence other than the website, that’s a red flag.

3. Only Buy Gift Cards From Retailers

Buy gift cards directly from the retailer and avoid shopping for discount gift cards through local swap sites. You may also want to buy gift cards online or from the checkout instead of the display racks, which are less secure. Fraudsters can peel off stickers to glean gift card codes, replace them in envelopes and wait for an unsuspecting shopper to buy them. Once purchased and activated, they enter stolen codes at the retailer’s website to make online purchases—leaving the intended recipient with a useless card.

4. Look for HTTPS Sites

When buying online, check the URL to see whether the website starts with “http://” or “https://.” The “S” is for “secure” and is your best bet for safe shopping. Some legitimate retailers may use http sites, but your information is much more vulnerable to attack in this case because it’s easier for hackers to get to it. Even with a secure page, avoid using public Wi-Fi hotspots for online shopping or other financial transactions.

5. Use Prepaid Gift Cards for Online Shopping

Consider buying prepaid cards for online shopping instead of using your actual debit or credit card. These cards are often reloadable for ease of use, and if your information does happen to be stolen, hackers will only have access to the amount on the card and not your entire bank account.

6. Take Care on Craigslist

On Craigslist or when answering local classified ads, deal only with sellers who provide a phone number you can verify. Don’t rely solely on email correspondence. Assume any request for wire-transfer payment is a scam, and be suspicious of prepaid debit card transactions. Using PayPal or a credit card is your safest bets.

7. Avoid Deals That Seem Too Good to Be True

Stay clear of prices from private sellers that seem too good to be true or are tied to hard-luck stories, such as a need to sell quickly because of divorce or military deployment. No one is selling the latest gaming console for only $50, no matter how hard up they are. These are common scams to get advance payment—and you’ll likely get no merchandise.

8. Don’t Open Holiday E-Cards From People You Don’t Know

Delete E-Cards or general holiday emails if you don’t know the sender. These mass-sent greetings likely contain malware. Legitimate card notifications should include a confirmation code to safely open the card at the issuing website.

9. Beware of Undeliverable Package Emails

Avoid emails claiming that FedEx, UPS, DHL or the U.S. Postal Service has an undeliverable package with links for details. The links will install malware that can log keystrokes to steal computer files and passwords. Unless you previously provided an email address, courier services won’t contact you this way. This scam baits you to call for details—at which point you’ll be tricked into making an expensive overseas call or revealing your personal and financial information. Look up the callback number yourself if you’re curious.

Gearing up for the holidays? Go ahead and enjoy your holiday shopping this year. Just be a little careful—keep an eye out for anything suspicious and make sure that any website you buy from is legitimate.

If you’re worried that you might already be a victim of identity theft or just want to keep a closer eye on your credit, ExtraCredit can help you know what’s going on with your credit report and spot identity theft as soon as it happens.

Source: credit.com

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