Guest Speaker Max A. Davis - July 14, 2015

At our July 14 meeting Max A. Davis, Public Affairs Manager, spoke to the club assembly about Identity Theft. 

 

Top Consumer Complaints: It is estimated that approximately 13 million identities were stolen last year totalling $18 billions, either through identity theft or other fraud complaints.

 

Following are some of the scenarios Max covered:

 

Phishing: An attempt to acquire information such as username, passwords and other personal information via e-mails acting as a trustworthy company.

 

Vishing: Typically, computer automated telephone calls asking you to verify account numbers and passwords.

 

Smishing: Scam text messages on your phone that try to lure you in by saying you have won a prize. Once you click to claim the "gift", you could be asked for credit card information "just" to cover the costs of shipping and handling for your prize.

 

Spoofing: The spoofer creates a false copy of a legitimate website or e-mail that misleads the reciipient.

 

WI-FI: A wireless Internet connection where hackers can access information. Be sure your network is secured and password protected.

 

Pretexting: False pretense to obtain personal information usually by phone.