No More Thieves

While online shopping, banking and even socializing allows users to avoid painstaking errand runs and the unnecessary rendezvous, this heightened level of convenience can come crashing down if secure online information is compromised by tech savvy identity thieves. With every new frontier of innovation and possibility sadly comes another means by which conniving and deceitful individuals can take advantage of nave, uninformed victims. The technological revolution has altered the way we think about theft transforming busy-street pickpockets and back-alley muggers into far away criminals hiding behind only a computer screen. In order to protect yourself in an increasingly online era, with more and more information being readily available at the fingertips of the keyboard, it is important to know how to keep your personal info safe. Here are a few helpful tips:

1. Avoid clicking time saving “remember me” boxes Why lay out a roadmap for potential thieves directly to private or purchasing information? This is especially important on public computers. It is better to avoid using these all together just in case your home computer is stolen or compromised, after all, what’s a few seconds compared to the potential time spent recovering lost funds and ruined credit were your identity fall into the wrong hands. (more…)

Every day when walking down busy sidewalks or cramming into overcrowded public transportation trains and buses, people place their possessions at risk, even if safely tucked away on their person. Vacationers and tourists are particularly vulnerable, partially because they are less familiar with their surroundings and are often carrying more items of value that can be easily lifted. Between airplane tickets, passports and wallets, an international traveler has a lot of valuables on his or her mind that he or she must be able to keep track of at all points of the journey. Here are some tips and recommendations to help keep your possessions exactly where you put them and steer clear of potential pickpockets and thieves both at home and abroad.

1. Research the area If you are out of town, be sure to know where you are going and what type of area it is. Well respected travel guide books and websites, friends familiar with the area and other reliable 3^rd party information sources should be thoroughly put to use in order to avoid unnecessary risks. Newly acquainted locals may offer advice but could actually be in on a plan to scam or pickpocket tourists. Tourism offices and even travel agents may be paid to promote a certain area despite theft risks, so take seemingly reassuring words with a grain of salt. (more…)