In this holiday week, we’ll do a little lighter post than usual and focus on some fun facts about paper. Even with the push to make all things digital, between 1997 and 2011 the world consumption of paper grew by 400% (according to Ecology Global Network). Seems like the paper industry need not worry about…
With Florida topping all states in identity theft complains (361 complaints for every 100,000 residents according to a recent report by Equifax), it’s no surprise that a major target for ID theft transgressors is senior citizens. Seniors are attractive to criminals because they have built up very good credit records over the years and are…
We like to use this blog to keep our community informed of the latest information regarding identity theft. Along those line, The Internet Crime Complaint Center has received numerous reports of phishing attacks targeting various telecommunication companies’ customers. Individuals receive automated telephone calls that claim to be from the victim’s telecommunication carrier. Victims are directed…
In a recent press release, the IRS published its Dirty Dozen tax scams. Topping the list this year is Identity Theft. Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information such as your name, Social Security number (SSN) or other identifying information, without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes. In many cases, an…
According to a recent report from Reuters, stock brokerages, mutual funds and investment advisers will be required to establish programs to help detect identity theft under new rules adopted by U.S. securities regulators. The vote by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission at a public meeting marked the first official action by its new chairman,…
The Associated Press recently reported that the President’s 2014 budget includes measures to combat Identity Theft particularly ID Theft related to IRS tax refund fraud- the fastest growing type of identity theft. Identity theft has been the #1 consumer complaint for 13 consecutive years. Tax refund fraud made up over 40% of all identity theft…
Despite the nasty weather Friday, the Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union members came out in scores and actually filled our shred truck with over 4 tons of confidential paperwork. The turnout saved over 60 trees and over 10 cubic yards of landfill. We are well on our way to match and possibly beat last year’s…
Every day is Earth Day for HV Shred and every month is Earth Month; still the world makes a point to recognize the fragility of our natural environment during the month of April. Especially in the Hudson Valley, this is the month we wake up from the dark, sleepy winter days and remind ourselves how…
Regular readers of the HV Shred blog know we consider the Identity Theft Resource Center a valuable source of helpful information regarding best practices to avoid identity theft. In the latest installment, we borrow from their recent “myth vs. fact” post. Myth: “No one would want my identity because my credit is terrible.” Fact:…
We have already used this space to share why and how checking reports helps Americans when it comes to identity theft. Of course, the key to education is repetition; for emphasis, we need to check our credit reports to detect unauthorized accounts. Beyond that, inaccuracies can lead to all kinds of problems getting access to…