Most New York consumers know about malware and phishing schemes, so they’re cautious about where they click. For example, you may receive an unsolicited email. If so, verify the identity of the sender before clicking on any embedded links. However, fraudsters are always coming up with new and improved ways to commit identity theft. As security experts and consumers get wise to their tricks, they develop newer and harder-to-detect ways to steal personal data from internet users in New York. For example, you can now infect your phone, tablet, or desktop computer with malware just by downloading pictures.
How New York Hackers Use Pictures to Commit Identity Theft
Steganography is defined as “the art and science of hiding information.” Translated from Greek, the word literally means “secret writing.” Historically, all types of individuals have used steganography to hide messages in paintings and pictures. Now, however, fraudsters utilize an updated version of this encryption technique to sneak malware into internet images.
Often, consumers must download infected images sent by hackers. Yet, advanced scammers can arm favicons with malware. For New York consumers unfamiliar with the term, a favicon is one of those little pictures that appear in the tab next to the URL when you visit a website. Unfortunately, infected favicons download automatically when you pull up a site on which they’re lurking.
Normally, when New York consumers accidentally allow malware into their devices, one of two things happen. In some cases, the hackers controlling the malware simply use it to steal payment information and personal data from the victim. In other cases, fraudsters use a type of malware called ransomware to steal data and hold it for ransom. Then, the victim must pay the thief a sum of money to get the data back. Unfortunately, though, even if New York consumers successfully retrieve stolen files, thieves can still copy the data and commit identity theft.
How New York Consumers Can Protect Themselves Against Advanced Identity Theft Tactics
Now, more than ever, internet users in New York should exercise caution when exploring websites. Don’t just follow any link, and if a site seems “sketchy” in any way, back out immediately. In addition, New York consumers should avoid downloading images unless they are 100% sure about the source. Still, one of your friends may unknowingly download an infected image, then try to pass it on to you, so you can never be too careful.
Finally, no matter how many precautions you take against identity theft, fraudsters may still manage to take your information and use it against you. However, you can minimize the damage of identity theft by catching the signs early. So, all consumers in New York should regularly check their financial statements and credit reports for suspicious activity.
Why New York Consumers Should Regularly Check their Financial Statements and Credit Reports
Consumers in New York should look over their bank and credit card statements weekly – or even daily – if they have online access. Then, they should check their credit reports at least once every 12 months. Fortunately, the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA) entitles all consumers to free annual copies of their credit reports from the three major credit bureaus. Just go to www.annualcreditreport.com to request credit reports from TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian.
Then, while reviewing your credit reports, if you spot signs of identity theft such as fraudulent transactions or bogus accounts, file a police report immediately. You’ll need a copy of this report in order to fully recover your credit reports and credit score. Next, contact Credit Repair Lawyers of America in New York.
When you trust our firm with your identity theft issues, our team of credit pros will handle the entire recovery process from beginning to end. This saves you the frustration of dealing with creditors and the credit bureaus on your own. You’ll also get immediate access to an experienced credit attorney who will do whatever it takes to get you clean credit reports – legally and for FREE.
The Free and Legal Way to Repair Your Credit Reports After Identity Theft in New York
Don’t let identity theft damage on your credit reports bring your credit score down. At Credit Repair Lawyers of America, we’ve been cleaning up credit reports for consumers since 2008 for free. How do we do it? All of our fees come from the defendants in settled cases. This is why our clients pay nothing for the work we do.
Let’s start the conversation about what we can do for your credit. Set up your free consultation today by calling Attorney Carl Schwartz at (646) 859-3045 or sending him a message through our contact page.
For more information about Free Credit Repair After Identity Theft, please visit https://creditrepairlawyersam.com/fixing-identity-theft/.