Summer Vacation is Prime Time for Identity Theft

While you’re away, identity thieves are prowling for your personal information on unsecured wireless networks, at hotels, and in your mailbox, McAfee warns
Identity theft is a problem that has already affected 11 million adults in the U.S. alone. In fact, by the time you finish reading this sentence, yet another identity will be stolen. But, what many of you may not realize is that summer is a prime season for identity theft since you are often away from home and more lax with your behaviors both online and off.
Identity thieves know that when you go on vacation there’s a higher chance that you will logon to unsecured wireless networks at hotels and cafes. They also know that you are more likely to leave sensitive documents at home unattended. Consider this—the most typical methods of identity theft include stealing wallets, rummaging through trash and mail, and stealing information from an unsecured computer. Before you head out of town this summer, learn which behaviors are risky and how to keep your personal information safe year-round.
The Hook: You go out of town and leave your mail piling up at home. Meanwhile, you bring your computer with you and login to banking and other password-protected Web sites from unsecured wireless networks, where cybercrooks can potentially access your personal information. Other vulnerabilities can be accidental when you leave your (continue reading...)