Reducing Identity Fraud

I used to laugh when I would watch those silly Capital One commercials where there was an old man speaking in the voice of some young teenage girl who had just stolen his identity and bought numerous things. In reality, it's not funny at all. I've never really thought of what I would do or how I would handle that situation. I read an article called; Coping with Identity Theft: Reducing the Risk of Fraud. One thing I received from this article was the cation of using Debit cards (I use mine at least once a day-oops!) Although there is no defined way to keep thieves from your identity, there are many things to do to help lower the likelihood. I found this article very useful.

http://www.privacyrights.org/fs/fs17-it.htm

CIP

Further reading the article; Customer Identification Programs: Getting to Know You, I learned that banks must check your identification against names on a list of terrorist! Interesting. Due to the PATRIOT act, anytime you open a new financial account, you're background information is ran to insure that you aren't a terrorist or you're not laundering money to someone who is. Just a thought, if I were a terrorist and I was going to open up a new account I probably wouldn't use my real name!

http://www.privacyrights.org/fs/fs31-CIP.htm

Reducing Junk Mail

The first thing I do when I get to work every day is check my email. Just like sorting through my paper mail, my mailbox is full of useless junk that I trash immediately. It's not that big of a deal but it is a nuisance. I read an article titled: Anti-Spam Tips and Resources: Reducing the Flood of Junk E-Mail. This article explained how spammers get your email address, what the government is trying to do about it, and tips on what people can do to stop the junk mail. Although most of the tips I already do, such as not opening Spam mail or responding to it, but one thing I will try after reading the article is to use a secondary email verses my work email when signing up for things on the web.

http://www.privacyrights.org/fs/fs20-spam.htm

Prevent Hacking

I read the article How to Prevent Hacking of your PC? by Jay HS. Jay says the key to keeping hackers off your computer is to install a anti-virus, firewall and anti-spyware solution. Another way to stay hacker free is to avoid strange emails and attachments from people or companies you don't know and visiting cracks, warez, and keygen websites. If your computer is acting strange, such as pop-up ads appearing, shutting down applications, slow or nonexistent Internet connections, chances are your computer is infected.

http://www.hotscams.com/articles/69/1/How-to-Prevent-Hacking-of-your-PC/Page1.html

Work at Home Scams

The article, Work at Home Scams-3 Ways to Avoid Being Their Next Victim by Alan Lim explains to readers how not to get taken. The first sign that company is a scam, there are spelling or grammatical errors on their website or emails. If the company request that you must pay ANY type of money-it is a scam! Also, if the company is not listed on the Better Business Bureau, it is a scam. Lastly, read the fine print. Look over every single detail that this business is offering. If there are any holes or things that look suspicious-don't do it.

http://www.hotscams.com/articles/2006/1/Work-at-Home-Scams--3-Ways-to-Avoid-Being-Their-Next-Victim/Page1.html

The Blue Nowhere part 2

This book is driving me crazy! I can't ever be sure of Gillette, can you trust him or not? Just when I think he's truly trying to help, something is uncovered to make me think is in with Shawn!

Technology Brings False Promises to Schools

Author, Todd Oppenheimer says technology brings false promises to schools. I see where Oppenheimer is coming from but I have to disagree with many of the things he brings up in the article written at http://www.educationworld.com/a_issues/chat/chat097.shtml. Oppenheimer says that schools need to be careful when purchasing technology to ensure that it accomplishes the desired task. He also believes that using technology takes away from critical thinkers, reasoning and listening skills. Personally, I incorporate technology in my classroom as much as possible when it goes along with the skill I am trying to master. It is never my focus or my main sense of teaching. It is up to the professional to make the decision on how and when to use technology in the classroom and I think most would agree that learning must come from multiple modes.