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Government Shutdown Leaves Americans More Vulnerable to Identity Theft, Scams

Adam Levin

citizens are more vulnerable to the effects of identity theft and scams as a result of the ongoing government shutdown. This effectively leaves victims unable to file reports or get documentation of their stolen identities, which is typically a first step for mitigating damage to credit and financial accounts. .

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Business ID Theft Soars Amid COVID Closures

Krebs on Security

This story is about the victims of a particularly aggressive business ID theft ring that’s spent years targeting small businesses across the country and is now pivoting toward using that access for pandemic assistance loans and unemployment benefits. For 2020, the company estimates an overall 258 percent spike in the crime.

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Credit Card Fraud VS. Debit Card Fraud: Are you Protected?

Identity IQ

Consumer protection laws differ in each case and knowing the differences can help to keep your accounts safe from identity theft. While there are protections for both, you can face more liability for fraudulent charges than if you’d used your credit card instead. They can advise you on your next steps.

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FTC Warns US Citizens of ‘Instant Cash Payments’ Scammers Impersonating the Agency

Hot for Security

The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has released information on scammers impersonating the agency, warning the public that the criminals operate a spoofed website to trick consumers into disclosing financial information, with a tantalizing promise of instant cash.

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Can “Buy Now, Pay Later” Apps Be Trusted with My Personal Data?

Identity IQ

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recently asked several buy now, pay later, or BNPL, providers for information related to some concerns it has about short-term installment plans. The companies have until March 1 to send the information to the CFPB. Those consumers’ credit scores increased by 13 points, on average.

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Scary Fraud Ensues When ID Theft & Usury Collide

Krebs on Security

Jim told MSF and others who called or emailed that identity thieves had applied for the funds using his name and information; that he would never take out a payday loan; and would they please remove his information from their database? Jim says MSF assured him it would, and the loan was never issued. Then on Nov.

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Common Holiday Scams and How to Avoid Them

Identity IQ

Be wary of these common online shopping scams: Fake websites and online stores: Scammers often create fake websites that mimic legitimate retailers, hoping to trick unsuspecting shoppers into entering their personal and payment information. Look for typos in the URL, poor website design, and a lack of contact information as red flags.

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