CYBERCRIME CONSUMER PROTECTION RESOURCES

Listcrime is a one-stop-shop for reliable, up-to-date information about cyber crime, we at Listcrime.com want to give home users and small businesses the advice they need to use the Internet safely. For the most part, references within this web page appear as links to the actual site that the information came from. I revert to customary referencing when citing non-WWW based sources. A bibliography of any sources not linked will appears at the end of this web page.

 

 

 

 

CLICK HERE: LISTCRIME Comsumer Protection Tips

LETS ASSUME YOU ARE A VICTIM OF CYBERCRIME LETS LOOK AT SOME RESOURCES TO HELP YOU MOVE FORWARD.

KEEP RECORDS & BE POLITE

In dealing with consumer resource companies, law enforcement and financial institutions, keep a log of all conversations, including dates, times, names and phone numbers. Note the time spent and any expenses incurred. Confirm conversations in writing. Send correspondence by certified mail (return receipt requested). Keep copies of all letters and documents.

According to the Consumer Action Website, When filing a complaint, keep these things in mind:

  • Start with the seller first. You can resolve many problems by calling a company's toll free number. Even on the phone, you should know the details of the complaint. If necessary, ask to speak to a manager.
  • If that doesn't work, send a letter or e-mail to the manufacturer's national headquarters or consumer affairs office. Some experts suggest that a letter is the most effective method for contacting a company. If e-mails and phone calls don't work, try the old fashioned way.
  • If the problem still isn't resolved, try your local Better Business Bureau.
  • If all else fails, consider filing a small claims suit or hiring an attorney.
  • Remain calm. The person who can help didn't cause the problem.
  • Don't use an angry, threatening or sarcastic tone.
  • State exactly what you want done about the problem.
  • Document each step, and keep copies.

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act you have the right to dispute the completeness and accuracy of information in your credit file. Under the FCRA, creditors may only report information to the credit rating agencies under the following guidelines:

  1. They must provide complete and accurate information to the credit rating agencies.
  2. The duty to investigate disputed information from consumers falls on them.
  3. They must inform consumers about negative information which has been or is about to be placed on a consumer's credit report within 30 days (they must correct the error or explain why the credit report is correct within 90 days).

When a credit reporting agency receives a dispute, it must reinvestigate and record the current status of the disputed items within a "reasonable period of time," unless it believes the dispute is "frivolous or irrelevant." If the credit reporting agency cannot verify adisputed item, it must delete it.

SET YOUR OWN PASSWORDS WITH BANKS AND CREDIT CARD COMPANIES

Whether you are a victim or not a good offense is the best defense.  A good policy for any account holder is to establish a personal security code with all your bank accounts and credit cards.

If someone gets a hold of your credit card number, expiration date and code on the back of your credit card they can call up the bank posing as you and give them a change of address. Then proceed to have all the purchases shipped to the new address.

The address verification is one form of security merchants use, but if the address has been changed the BAD GUYS can bypass this standard security and began to purchase using your credit.

By establishing this personal security code no one will have access to your accounts without giving them this personal information.

This is a form of security which goes beyond your SSN, Zip Code, Date of Birth or Mothers Maiden Name to give you a whole new tier of personal security. This is a unique number or group of letters and numbers which you create and give to every credit card provider you have. For example. The number could be as simple as “Karen#234Melrose” which is a combination of your sisters first name and address of your chidhood home. By establishing this auxiliary passcode with all your credit card providers no one will be granted access to your accounts without it providing it to them. Since you are the only one who knows it and it is non public it is truly secure. No company should have a problem with you adding a extra layer of security.

 

                                                                                   NEXT PAGE »»»

CONTACT US       ABOUT US     DISCLAIMER

COPYRIGHT ©LISTCRIME 2008 ALL RIGHTS ®RESERVED