AP9 Articles

Privacy Matters Identity Warns, A Wallet Holds a lot More than Money

Privacy Matters Identity (SM), a leading security and privacy membership program from Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, knows that a lost wallet can mean instant panic. And those first few seconds of helplessness — followed by everything from self-deprecation to worry, even to anger — are perfectly normal. Still, if it happens, consumers need to have a recovery plan in place.

In today’s world, it’s just too easy for personal information to fall into the wrong hands, notes PMIdentity. So, first and foremost, make sure to stash away all important account numbers elsewhere, separate from that wallet or purse — especially your Social Security number. Just in case someone else has the chance to go on a no-holds-barred shopping spree or clean out a personal bank account with no reprisals.

Sure, it’s inconvenient to have to deal with the loss of critical and personal items — not to mention cash — but no one else will do the legwork. So if that trusty billfold or favorite hand bag should suddenly goes missing, PMIdentity recommends creating some semblance of the following “Lost Wallet” recovery plan:

-- Practice the three “Cs.” Easier said than done, but this is a good time to try to be cool, calm and collected. Count to 10, and think about retracing those steps to the last time the wallet was accounted for. Anyone can freak out or punch a hole in a wall in a fit of rage. Dare to be different, and breathe deeply instead.

-- Dial for dials. Don’t give up “the hunt” right away, but don’t dally either. If there’s sensitive and personal information in that wallet, anyone who can read can use it for personal gain. Keep those phone skills sharp, think about canceling all the credit and charge cards, and get replacement account numbers. A lost wallet will mean some extra time on the phone, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

-- Sound the alarm. So once those account numbers have been canceled through the individual credit companies, call up the major credit reporting agencies, and ask them to flag accounts with a “fraud alert.” In case the cards have already been used by someone else, adding a “victim’s statement” to the account history will build in added protection.

-- Meanwhile, back on the busy phones … Once all the financials have been handled, get on the phone with everybody else — utility companies, the bank and the phone company — just in case someone out there feels like becoming an identity thief might be an interesting career move.

So before panic takes over, reconstruct the situation. Maybe that missing wallet is in another pair of pants or in the glove compartment of the car. If not, play it safe and get ready to borrow a tip or two from IK9 Privacy Matters Identity.

Privacy MattersSM Reminds Consumers About the Do’s and Don’t of Password Safety

Privacy Matters, a leading security and privacy membership program from Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, prompts its members and all consumers alike to create safe passwords for their online accounts. The damage an online hacker can do to someone’s life once his or her password has been decoded is infinite.

These hackers don’t even need high-tech tools to guess the passwords. Once they have access to a computer, all the stored files and family photos can give them the clues to simply guess by trial and error. That’s why Privacy Matters encourages consumers to go beyond the pet names and birth dates when deciding which passwords to use for online accounts.

Here are some valuables do’s and don’ts of password security, from PrivacyMatters:

Do:

-- Create an atypical mix of characters. The possibilities of creating a unique password are endless. Choose a sonorous word, or perhaps one in another language, and change it by replacing letters for special characters such as %, @ or &. Adding a couple of uppercase letters will also make it more difficult to decipher.

-- Use a pass phrase. If a made-up word isn’t easy to remember, try using the first letter from each word of a sentence. Think of a famous line from a movie, a poem or a song. For example, “Say hello to my little friend,” from the 1983 movie “Scarface,” will be something like: shtmlf1983. To make it more difficult to decode, use some other tips from this list: $htm!f1983 or 19$Htm!f83, etc.

-- Create different passwords. Ideally, online travelers should have a different password for each application or site, especially for those that involve financial and personal information. The longer the password, the more time hackers have to spend decoding it, suggests Privacy Matters. Experts recommend a minimum of six letters and at least one number.

-- Change passwords frequently. Passwords should be changed every 30 to 90 days and should not be reused for at least a year.

-- Employ technology. There are password management tools in the market that are easy to install and easy to use. These programs maintain a list of user names and passwords in encrypted form, to increase the security of all personal information.

Don’t:

-- Use family names or nicknames. Personal information should be banned from all passwords. Information thieves can easily guess pets’ name, special dates and others.

-- Utilize single words. Hackers can try with every word on the English dictionary until they find the one that will “open the door” to all the information they need. Even if the chosen one is in another language, it should be changed drastically by using numbers or other characters on the keyboard.

-- Be so obvious. Using the same user name and password for one site or creating passwords based on keyword layout are simply “Internet rookie” mistakes. These are some of the patterns hackers try first before moving on to more complicated tactics.

Privacy Matters helps members manage, monitor and protect their personal credit information. Continuous access to their credit report and scores, at the click of a button, is another advantage of a membership in PrivacyMatters.

AP9 Privacy Matters Says, “If Your Wallet is Swiped, Don’t Sit Around”

AP9 PrivacyMatters, a leading security and privacy membership program from Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, knows it’s no fun getting ripped off. Still, if it happens, consumers need to have a plan of action in place. Fighting back effectively against any theft calls for speed and efficiency.

It seems that no one knows the actual origins of “Pull yourself up by your bootstraps,” but it’s definitely sound advice when it comes to having a wallet or purse stolen. Irish author James Joyce used it in his 1922 Ulysses, and in the modern lexicon it has come to mean an improvement of one’s situation through personal effort. Sure, it’s inconvenient to have to deal with the theft of critical and personal items, but no one else will do the legwork. That’s on you, notes AP9 Privacy Matters.

So taking that first proactive step is key. And once those proverbial bootstraps have been pulled up, AP9 PrivacyMatters has some definite ideas on how to recover from theft effectively and with fewer headaches:

-- “Calling all cars.” If theft happens, first and foremost, don’t panic or get enraged. After all, what will that do? Instead, act fast and file a police report for the stolen item. And be sure to get a copy of the police report, in case the bank, credit card companies or insurance companies need proof of the crime.

-- Call up and cancel. Cancel all credit and charge cards, and get new account numbers. AP9 PrivacyMatters warns that victims will spend a lot of time on the phone dealing with customer service people right after a theft. So keep those phone skills sharp.

-- Stay in the fight. Again, no one likes to deal with being ripped off, but don’t wallow in it. Instead, fight back, act fast, and make some more phone calls. Once those stolen account numbers have been canceled through the individual credit companies, call up the major credit reporting agencies and ask them to flag accounts with a “fraud alert.” In case the cards have already been abused, ask those at the reporting agencies to add a “victim’s statement” to build in some more protection.

-- Check in with the bank. Call the bank ASAP, and tell them what’s happened. Have them cancel checking and savings account numbers and arrange for new ones. Also arrange for stop payments on any blank checks that might have been stolen from a purse or billfold. Cover all the bases. Thieves don’t miss much.

-- Call the haul. Once you’ve dealt with all the finances, get on the phone with everybody else — utility companies and the phone company. Tell them that someone may well try to get new service, masquerading as you.

The worst thing theft victims can do is sit around feeling sorry for themselves. It’s better instead to pull up those bootstraps and fight back — quickly, efficiently and thoroughly. And take heed of these theft-recovery tips from AP9 PrivacyMatters.

AP9 Privacy Matters Warns Parents: “Your Kids Are Identity Theft Targets”

AP9 Privacy Matters, a leading security and privacy membership program from Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, offers its members valuable tips on protecting their children from identity theft.

Identity theft has become such a rampant problem recently that cyber thieves have even stooped to ripping off kids. In fact, just last year, The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported that 400,000 American children had their identities stolen, reports AP9 PrivacyMatters.

Further, and according to the FTC, children are perfect targets for opportunistic identity thieves. In simple terms, there is almost no documented information available on kids — except, of course, their all-important and valid Social Security numbers. That’s how an identity thief tends to view a child: as a virtual “clean slate.” The logic is clear: if a person doesn’t have much of a personal history, then why not just make one up?

When a child’s Social Security number is stolen, the perpetrator has carte blanche to do everything from opening up a credit card account to casting a legitimate vote for a government official. AP9 Privacy Matters warns that any valid Social Security number is fair game to an identity thief, as long as he or she can attach a name to it.

Speaking of that, AP9 PrivacyMatters knows a little something about the mind of an identity thief. That’s why they offer their members these four important ways to make sure kids get a chance to be kids:

-- Be skeptical. Don’t give away your child’s Social Security number unless you’re required to do so by an organization or person that can be held accountable. And if, for example, you are asked to provide a copy of a birth certificate or a Social Security number, ask how long it will be before such information is properly discarded. In short, don’t be afraid to ask questions.

-- It’s all a numbers game. Don’t carry your kid’s Social Security number in your wallet. Instead, memorize the numbers, and put the original documents in a safe place.

-- When in doubt … ask an adult. Teach kids, both young and old, NOT to give away personal information online or offline. For example, if kids want to be part of socially oriented websites such as www.MySpace.com or www.Facebook.com, check things out first. Identity thieves often lie in wait at such sites, just licking their online chops.

-- Give the kids a credit check-up. Taking care of a kid’s teeth isn’t the only important type of check-up they need these days. Give kids a credit check-up to make sure their identity is safe and their credit hasn’t been compromised.

Take heed of some of these timely anti-identity theft tips, and protect those kids — especially those who aren’t even old enough to walk, talk or write yet. Safeguard a kid’s future with a little help from AP9 Privacy Matters.

AP9 Privacy Matters Provides Tips on How to Prepare for Renting a House or Apartment

“Location, location, and location” are the three most important factors when purchasing real estate, states AP9 Privacy Matters, a leading security and privacy membership program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, but what are the important factors when you’re looking to rent a residence?

Renting is differing from buying in any number of ways, including the fact that you and the landlord have to convince each other that you’re both trustworthy, notes AP9 PrivacyMatters. Simply showing up with a current bank statement as evidence of a steady income usually isn’t enough — nor is a verbal agreement from the prospective landlord that you won’t be billed for structural repairs to the property.

Trust is a two-way street in rental agreements, and when it comes to renting a place to live, you need to give as well as receive. AP9 Privacy Matters has a few suggestions for ensuring that you end up with an equitable arrangement for both sides:

-- Document your past. Prospective landlords, like prospective employers, want proof that you’re a reliable individual, proof that can’t be found in a quick conversation as you tour a rental unit. Before you start looking at places, prepare a resumé of your previous living arrangements and employment status. Be sure to include names, addresses and phone numbers of former landlords; information about your current job, including your salary and length of employment; and personal references, i.e., friends, employers and previous landlords who will verify that you’re a person who can be trusted. Bring this resumé along whenever you meet a potential landlord; having the information readily available may put you one step ahead of other rental applicants.

-- Check your credit report. Landlords can — and often will — access your credit report themselves; the law allows them to use your credit history as a factor in evaluating your application. You’ll want to check your credit history beforehand, partly to ensure that your credit is good and partly to avoid any surprises. It’s usually a good idea to include a copy of your credit report in your resumé. If your credit history is solid, you can use it to your advantage. If your credit history is spotty, you can explain any rough patches to the landlord rather than leaving the circumstances behind those rough patches to his or her imagination — you may even get “credit” for your honesty.

-- Put everything in writing. And by “everything,” we mean “everything.” Talk is cheap; the terms of a signed lease or other form of contract tends to hold sway in a court of law. If a prospective landlord verbally promises to repair faulty plumbing or fix a bum furnace, thank him or her — but make sure the promise is explicitly stated in the lease. When push comes to shove, the most compelling proof of the terms agreed to by the landlord and tenant is what’s written in the signed contract.

-- Pick up renters’ insurance. The landlord undoubtedly has property insurance, but that insurance covers only the landlord’s property — not yours. If you lose your possessions to theft, fire or some other cause, renters’ insurance can reimburse you for your losses. It can also cover you if someone claims in a lawsuit that they’ve been injured in your rental unit due to your own carelessness.

Finding the ideal house or apartment to rent can take a lot of time and effort. To ensure that you get the place you want as soon as you find it, prepare yourself in advance, suggests AP9 PrivacyMatters.

AP9 Privacy Matters Offers Insights on How Credit Scores Can Affect Your Financial Future

Credit scores are often the missing piece of the puzzle that is a credit report, notes AP9 PrivacyMatters, a leading security and privacy membership program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®. While a credit report can offer a fairly comprehensive look at your credit past, it doesn’t provide a measure for determining what that credit history means to the people and institutions that can affect your financial future.

That’s what credit scores can provide, notes AP9 Privacy Matters. By assigning a numeric value (generally ranging from 350 to 850, with higher scores being better scores) to your credit and other financial behavior over the past seven to ten years, a credit score can help you compare your credit worthiness to the general population. Even if you have a low score, knowing that can inspire you to create an action plan that can improve your score and your prospects.

And make no mistake: Credit scores play a big role in your financial options. Unfortunately, even though federal law now mandates that consumers can receive a free credit report every year from each of the major credit bureaus (TransUnion, Equifax and Experian), the legislation does not require that free credit scores be made available to consumers as well.

While requesting your credit score therefore isn’t free, it’s a small and worthwhile expense, and AP9 Privacy Matters can tell you why:

-- Credit card issuers, loan companies and other financial institutions use your credit score to determine how big a credit risk you are. High-risk applicants generally have access to smaller loans or lines of credit than low-risk applicants do.

-- The lower your score is, the higher your risk is in the eyes of the decision makers, and that typically results in higher interest rates on the loan or credit card. Every dollar you spend on interest payments is a dollar you can’t put into, well, anything else, including home needs, college funds, retirement and other investments, or even just a meal out.

-- Banks and credit card companies aren’t the only parties that factor credit scores into decisions that can affect you. Employers, especially in high-security industries or positions, can use your credit score to assess the risk you might pose as an employee. (Someone in the high-risk credit category may be more prone to leaking sensitive information for money.)

-- Landlords can also use credit scores to measure the likelihood of a tenant running out on his or her lease without paying it. A good credit history, as determined by the applicant’s credit score, can help land a desired apartment or home, while a low credit score can result in a denied application.

Clearly, credit scores can play a major role in your financial future, in a variety of different ways. If you don’t know what your credit score is, now is the time to find out, reports AP9 PrivacyMatters.

AP9 PrivacyMatters Looks at How Marital Status Can Affect Credit Scores

Credit score compatibility probably isn't tops on the list of factors to weigh before popping (or answering “yes” to) the big question, reports AP9 PrivacyMatters, a leading security and privacy membership program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®. Nevertheless, the influence that credit scores can hold over your financial future raises a legitimate question about whether your marital status can have unforeseen credit consequences.

Banks and other financial institutions use credit scores to help determine whether someone is worthy of receiving a loan or a line of credit — and at what interest rate, notes AP9 Privacy Matters. A higher credit score can lead to a more favorable (i.e., lower) interest rate. A lower score suggests a higher credit risk and typically results in a higher interest rate. Should you therefore hold off on marrying the love of your life until his or her credit score can promise more favorable credit terms?

AP9 PrivacyMatters prefers to leave any and all marriage decisions up to each couple, but we can offer a few insights about how your marital status can (and can’t) affect your credit score:

-- Your marriage is none of their business. Per the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA), credit scoring systems are not allowed to use marital status as a factor. Along the same lines, banks, credit card issuers, real estate brokers and other parties who arrange financing aren’t allowed use your marital status as a factor in deciding whether to extend you credit — they’re not even allowed to inquire as to whether you’re divorced or widowed. There are exceptions to the “no questions allowed” rule (in the event, for instance, that you're applying for a joint account or a loan that uses property as collateral), but even then, they’re limited to the terms “married,” “unmarried” or “separated.”

What this means is that your marital status won’t affect your personal credit score. However, as noted above, a bank or other creditor can include your spouse's individual credit rating as a factor in a decision regarding joint loans or joint accounts.

-- Divorce, on the other hand, can influence your credit score. It’s not the divorce itself that can affect a credit score so much as the financial behavior that occurred during (and, sometimes, after) the marriage. A credit score is a measure of a person’s credit history, and oftentimes, a married couple will set up accounts in one spouse’s name rather than in both names. The “unnamed” spouse’s credit history can all but disappear from the credit bureaus’ radar, especially for a wife who takes her husband’s name in marriage. Divorced, separated and even widowed spouses should therefore contact the three credit bureaus (TransUnion, Equifax and Experian) to ensure that his or her credit information is in his or her own file.

Alimony, child support, and other financial arrangements of a divorce can be used by creditors when making a loan or credit decision — as can late payments in any of these matters, which can be a strong motivation for making payments on time. Other factors to keep an eye out for during the divorce process include divvying up open accounts (including bank accounts and utility bills) to one party or the other; informing certain creditors that their accounts are no longer in your name; staying up-to-date on all bill payments (even those that will ultimately be assigned to your ex-spouse) to ensure that creditors don’t come after you; and closing joint accounts or removing one party’s name from them.

If you’re about to get married, you deserve wishes for a lifetime of happiness and good fortune. In any event, it’s always a good idea to keep your finances in order, reports AP9 Privacy Matters.

AP9 Privacy Matters Preaches Patience — Pitfalls to Avoid in Home Buying

AP9 Privacy Matters, a leading security and privacy membership program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, helps its members safeguard their credit and identity — while also offering valuable tips on everything from making major purchases to getting low home mortgage rates.

AP9 PrivacyMatters understands that homebuyers — especially first-timers — often get so excited about a new home, they tend to forget about other financial responsibilities. AP9 Privacy Matters seeks to steer would-be buyers in the right direction, offering five helpful hints/friendly warnings — a short list of what NOT to do when it comes time to buy a new home:

-- Don’t overdo it. It’s perfectly natural to get excited when it comes time to purchase a home. It’s also perfectly natural to go on a spending spree at the same time. Avoid this at all costs. Don’t make a major purchase (a car, boat, etc.) when it comes time to close on a new home. Being up to your eyes in debt is no fun.

-- Don’t jump jobs. If possible, don’t change jobs as closing day approaches. A sketchy job history tends to make lenders nervous. Sometimes a job change can’t be avoided, but lenders and creditors crave stability.

-- Don’t pay the seller directly. Even if a home is listed as “For sale by owner,” take that with a grain of salt. Its better to have deposits go into a trust account, or to an attorney or another neutral party that can keep those good-faith dollars safe until closing.

-- Don’t boil over. Getting a new home can be a prideful and fulfilling experience. It can also be both aggravating and frustrating beyond compare. During the inspection process, for example, be realistic. No home is without problems and needed fixes. If emotions do run high, take a deep breath. And if potential repairs seem extensive, make sure buying the house still makes sense.

-- Don’t be a hero. When working with an agent, let him/her do their job. Make sure he/she keeps on top of things from a scheduling standpoint. And when it comes time to schedule the final walkthrough, make sure a firm date (plus a back-up) is secured.

Get excited about a new home. Just don’t get too excited. The home buying preparation taken now will pay off in the long run. For these and all other credit-related issues, just call on AP9 PrivacyMatters.

AP9 PrivacyMatters Helps You Get Ready for Tax Time

If it’s a new year, it must be time to start finishing up and filing all the paperwork from the previous year — i.e., tax returns, reports AP9 Privacy Matters, a leading security and privacy membership program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®.

Even with the constant political wheeling-and-dealing over taxes, the number of tax-related questions never seems to decrease. How much are child credits worth this year? Does time spent as a volunteer coach for a youth soccer team qualify as a charitable deduction? How come IRA contributions made before April 2007 can be counted on 2006 returns but charitable donations made in the same timeframe can’t?

Because each tax return is a lot like a snowflake in its unique nature, hiring a qualified, professional tax preparer is often the wisest path toward peace of mind when it comes to tax returns. Still, as the midnight deadline on April 15 starts inching into view, AP9 PrivacyMatters has a few useful tips for fretful tax filers:

-- Extend the deadline as needed. Taxpayers who can’t file their tax returns on time can file for an automatic four-month extension using Form 4868, which is available at IRS district offices and by calling 1-800-TAX-FORM (1-800-829-3676). However, they’ll need to file that form with the Internal Revenue Service by April 15 — AND they’ll need to pay at least 90% of their owed taxes by that date to avoid an ongoing monthly fine (equal to 0.5% of the outstanding tax bill).

-- File something by the deadline. It’s a crime for anyone who owes taxes not to file a return by April 15. Therefore, even folks who can’t pay the taxes they owe should file their returns (or an extension request) by the deadline. The good news is that it’s not a crime to file a return without paying the taxes owed. People who do so still face interest charges and other penalties, but they won’t face jail time or criminal fines.

-- Pay as much as possible. Even upstanding citizens can run into financial difficulties at tax time. Filers who can’t pay the entire tax bill should send in a payment for as much of the tax bill as they can afford to pay, then speak with an IRS agent as quickly as possible to explain their situation. For a one-time user fee of $43, partial-payment filers can set up an Installment Agreement with the IRS to cover their outstanding debt, using Form 9465. A caveat: Installment Agreements typically include interest and penalty fees.

-- Know your rights. Taxpayers have the right to review IRS decisions that affect them, as well as the right to representation by a lawyer, a CPA, and/or other qualified advocates. For a complete list of taxpayer rights, visit http://www.irs.gov and enter “taxpayer rights” into the search engine.

AP9 Privacy Matters encourages its members to visit PrivacyMatters.com to order an updated single bureau credit report before filing their tax returns. Access to unlimited, single bureau credit reports and scores and continual credit monitoring are just some of the financial safeguards enjoyed by members of AP9 PrivacyMatters.

AP9 PrivacyMatters Alerts Consumers to Identity Theft Threats at Automatic Teller Machines

As the number of identity theft cases either on the personal or financial level continues to rise, more members of AP9 PrivacyMatters, a leading security and privacy protection membership program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, are turning to the program for increased security and peace of mind surrounding their identities.

“Dumpster diving” (i.e., rummaging through the trash for personal information) has been the most prevalent form of identity theft for years. However, with technology increasing by the day, it seems like thieves are finding new ways to steal personal information. ATM personal identification numbers (PINs) and ATMs themselves are being used more and more by thieves as perfect tools/places to steal identities. This evolution of tactics reinforces the need for secure safeguards of personal information like those offered by AP9 Privacy Matters.

According to AP9 PrivacyMatters, there are potential identity theft risks consumers need to be aware of when using ATMs and ATM cards. AP9 Privacy Matters recommends consumers to be aware of the following:

-- Look out for “shoulder surfers.” These are people who steal information simply by looking over people’s shoulder while they enter an ATM PIN number.

-- Be aware of fake ATMs. They are used to dupe consumers into trying to withdraw money from an ATM, forcing them to enter their PIN number one or more times while their card is “locked” inside the machine. Thieves will either “shoulder surf” or videotape consumers as they enter their PIN, then use that information and the stolen card to drain their bank account.

-- Be careful even with legitimate ATM machines, they can also be used against consumers. Thieves will place a thin, plastic sheet into the card slot, which will then capture their card while they enter their PIN number repeatedly under the watchful eye of the thief. When they walk away in frustration, the thief will pull the card out and use their PIN.

-- Don’t forget the “skimmers.” These devices steal financial information from consumers when they purchase items with their ATM debit card. ATM skimmers can fit almost seamlessly into legitimate ATM machines to read the data on the magnetic stripe when a card is swiped. This information is then sent to associates who use the recorded data to purchase items or create counterfeit cards.

After reading this information, it seems like we better start looking behind our shoulder every time we walk out the door. However, the situation is not as frustrating as it may seem. AP9 Privacy Matters suggests the following guidelines to reduce risks that come with using an ATM card: shielding the keypad when entering a PIN number; checking the card slot for a plastic sheet before inserting a card; using ATM machines only in trusted locations, like local banks; using a debit card that has a cap on losses for which owners may be liable; and asking banks to set a daily withdrawal limit on debit cards. Of course, checking bank statements and credit reports regularly can also alert consumers of identity theft signs. And remember, life doesn’t have to be too hard when the right precautions are taken.

Members may log on to PrivacyMatters.com for immediate access to a wide range of benefits designed to protect their personal information, credit, assets, physical property and more provided by AP9 Privacy Matters.

AP9 PrivacyMatters Plots a Course for Safe Shopping

Even though the Internet has revolutionized how many of us shop, some people still enjoy the occasional jaunt out to retail land. AP9 Privacy Matters, a leading membership security program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, offers its members some helpful hints on how to stay protected, safe and aware while out on an offline-shopping run.

In addition to learning offline-shopping practices geared to keeping things safe and secure, members of AP9 Privacy Matters may access their benefits at PrivacyMatters.com, a secure members-only online portal.

Hitting the local shopping mall, specialty retail store or supermarket can certainly be fun at times, but it can also be dangerous. AP9 PrivacyMatters offers the following important tips and cautionary notes for when it’s time to leave the online shopping environment and hit the stores:

-- Just carry the essentials. It may sound silly, but a lot of people start the day deciding how many different people they’re going to rob. Be smart. Carry only the essentials in a purse or wallet. Carry an ID and any needed credit cards, but leave the non-essentials (and large amounts of cash) at home. Thieves are opportunists, and, like poorly lit ATM machines, large shopping outlets are notorious havens for stickups and the like.

-- Let there be light. Park in well-lit areas. Those same thieves love to strike in parking lots. Park near other cars — not out in “no man’s land.”

-- Stand by on the panic button. Most of today’s cars feature automatic locking devices that include an audible “panic” mode. If it seems like there might be trouble, press that button. Having the keys out and ready to go before arriving back at the car is another good preventative measure.

-- Stash the stuff. Most people make multiple stops when shopping. Keep would-be thieves honest by obscuring purchases left in your vehicle from plain view. Additionally, stopping at home to drop off recent purchases before the next errand is always smart.

Every consumer is a potential target for thieves. So let AP9 PrivacyMatters help keep offline shopping fun and safe. Members can also get comprehensive credit monitoring, easy access to critical information and computer protection. Life affords enough worry. So why not keep that worry in check with a little help from AP9 Privacy Matters?

AP9 Privacy Matters Offers Safety Tips for Shopping Online During the Holidays

For millions of consumers, the Internet has become the ultimate shopping destination. The hours are great (24/7), you can leave the car in the driveway, and you don’t have to wait in line for a price check. Instead, web-savvy consumers can cruise from one e-tailer to the next with a mere click of the mouse. But while the Internet provides convenient shopping, AP9 PrivacyMatters, a leading security and privacy membership program, warns that it might not always be safe shopping.

The holidays are quickly approaching. Gift lists need to be created and presents need to be purchased – so much to do in what seems like so little time. With busy work and school schedules mixed with bad weather conditions, it’s no wonder why people all over the world turn to the Internet for shopping. And while the vast majority of identity theft crimes take place outside of the virtual world, there are still millions of consumers who get their personal and private information stolen online every year, reports AP9 Privacy Matters.

Before you make another online purchase, AP9 Privacy Matters suggests following these basic steps to help make certain that your shopping experience is not only convenient, but safe:

--Make sure your online transaction is secure. Reputable companies will encrypt your credit card information with security software, such as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). During secure transactions, Netscape NavigatorTM and Microsoft Internet Explorer both display icons of a lock or padlock.

--You can verify that your transaction is going through a secure server by checking the web page that’s requesting your credit card information -- the web address should begin with “https” rather than “http.” The “s” stands for secure.

--Know who the e-tailer is. Before shopping from an unfamiliar company, do your homework by checking trusted business sources. Another simple way to verify that the company is truly an established business is to ask whether they have a retail location or a catalog you can receive. If they are solely an online company, exercise greater caution.

--Read the privacy, shipping and handling and refund policies. You should do this for every company you transact with, even if it’s a well-known retailer. These policies will tell you how they may use or share information about you, and will explain your recourse if you wish to make a return or lodge a complaint. If you don’t find these policies on their website, send them an email requesting it.

--Keep a record of your transaction. Print out your order confirmation, the terms and conditions and even the description of your purchase. You should also know that unless a company states otherwise, they must ship your order within 30 days. If there are delays, they are required to notify you.

--Approach online auctions with caution. You can find great bargains through online auctions. Before you bid, though, you need to make sure you know the rules and policies of the auction site as well as the seller’s terms for items that you wish to bid on, including warranties, the refund policy and shipping policy.

Members of AP9 Privacy Matters have access to unlimited, online credit reports, a credit monitoring service and many more tools to help protect what they have worked so hard to achieve. They can do this easily and conveniently at privacymatters.com.

This article was brought to you by AP9 PrivacyMatters.

AP9 Privacy Matters, IK9 Privacy Matters Offers Travelers a Few Tips to Avoid Getting Taken for a Ride

Few things can perk up a dreary day more than the offer of a free trip to a tropical destination. Unfortunately, notes AP9 PrivacyMatters, IK9 PrivacyMatters, a leading security and privacy membership program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, too often those “free” trips come attached to strings a mile long -- and that’s if you’re lucky. Sometimes, the offers aren’t even attached to reality.

Media coverage of the increase in fraud crimes has focused mostly on credit fraud and identity theft. While both of those crimes are deserving of attention, reports AP9 Privacy Matters, IK9 PrivacyMatters, other fraudulent activities tend to go under-reported. Perpetrators of travel scams, for instance, can use the same technology -- e-mails, fake websites, robo-calling and more -- that credit fraudsters and identity thieves use to cast a wide net in the hopes of attracting unsuspecting prey. And their intentions are the same: To put your money into their pockets for free (or as close to free as possible).

AP9 Privacy Matters, IK9 PrivacyMatters offers some practical advice to help travelers avoid those tempting forks in the road that lead to frustration, aggravation or worse:

-- Remember what “free” means. It means “costing nothing.” If a company offers you a “free trip” in exchange for anything, it’s not free. Research any company that offers you a travel deal that sounds too good to be true, and be sure to read the fine print before agreeing to -- or especially signing -- anything.

-- Surf the Internet with a wary eye. Whether it comes in the form of an e-mail, a pop-up window, a banner ad or an unfamiliar website, an unsolicited travel deal from an unknown entity should always raise a red flag in your mind. If it’s too attractive to delete at once, again, do your research and read the fine print.

-- Research the offer, and read the fine print. Is that beginning to sound repetitive? It should; it’s intended to. It can’t be emphasized enough. Deals that sound too good to be true usually are. Your mission, should you choose to accept the invitation, is to confirm beforehand that the deal is indeed true. If your research or your reading turns up even just a hint of ambiguity in the offer or the company making it, walk away. Beyond that, the fine print is where the offer restrictions are usually found. A week’s vacation for the family on the warm, sunny beaches of Florida may seem like a great idea, until you find out that the only weeks available are smack in the middle of the spring school calendar, or that you need to pay double if you want to reserve dates during the holidays.

-- Don’t trust; verify. If you do your research and decide that the company offering a vacation package is on the up-and-up, go the extra mile for your peace of mind. Ask for the names and phone numbers of the airline and hotel involved, then call those numbers to confirm that your reservations have indeed been made, or ask them to confirm that they’re involved in travel packages from the company that contacted you.

-- Give your card issuer credit. The goal of any scammer is to get away with taking as much money from you as possible. Fortunately, federal law says that you’re only liable for the first $50 of any unauthorized charges to your credit card account, and many issuers won’t even charge you for that if you report the problem immediately. Therefore, your safest payment option for online purchases is usually your credit card, assuming you monitor your statements each month.

While some companies can afford to offer something for free as a way to increase brand awareness or store traffic, most “unbelievable” offers are unbelievable for one simple reason: They’re not true. Let caution and common sense be your travel guides as you navigate through scam offers.

Members can log on to their members-only website at PrivacyMatters.com for immediate access to a wide range of benefits that will help them protect and plan their financial future, including 3-in-1 credit reports, computer protections, credit monitoring and much more, concludes AP9 Privacy Matters, IK9 PrivacyMatters.

AP9 Privacy Matters Offers Suggestions for Reducing Your Risk of “Friendly” Identity Theft

Identity theft is not just a crime perpetrated on strangers, reports AP9 Privacy Matters, a leading security membership program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®; it’s also increasingly a crime inflicted upon friends, neighbors, co-workers and family members.

According to recent studies looking at the link between criminals and their victims, identity thieves are just as likely to target their friends, co-workers and even relatives as they are to target strangers. In some ways, this makes sense: A friend or acquaintance of yours probably has easier access to your identifying information than a total stranger might. Beyond that, this person may be counting on his or her relationship with you to avoid being arrested or prosecuted for stealing your identity (victims of identity theft are more reluctant to have the perpetrator punished when it’s a family member or close friend), reports AP9 Privacy Matters.

These “friendly” identity thieves are often driven by the same motives as unknown ID thieves: simple greed, an addiction that needs to be fed, disinterest in working for a living, or even perceived necessity or a desire for compensation. For instance, adult caregivers may justify the theft of a parent’s identity as an effort to purchase items needed to care for their parents, such as a car to drive the parent to and from medical appointments, or even a new wardrobe as “payback” for their efforts.

So what can you do to protect yourself from friends, family or acquaintances who may feel the urge to make off with your identity? AP9 Privacy Matters offers a few practical measures:

--Lock up your personal information. From Social Security cards and checkbooks to credit card and bank account statements, store all of your sensitive data in a locked filing cabinet, safe or safety deposit box. Be careful about sharing access to these documents; make sure you share it only with those people you truly trust.

--Lock down your computer. Password-protect any and all sensitive data -- especially financial information -- that you store on your PC. Your children may not be prone to stealing identities, but their friends might be.

--Treat your credit and debit cards like large sums of cash. Most folks wouldn’t hand over $400 to an acquaintance (at least, not without solid collateral). Credit and debit cards offer access to large amounts of money -- your money -- so protect them as you would cash. And for goodness sake, don’t share your PINs with anyone; that’s like leaving your front door open when you leave the house.

--Screen your help. From once-a-month cleaning services to your vacation housesitters/mail collectors, anyone who can access your home without supervision represents a potential threat. Just because your neighbor is “always home” doesn’t mean you can trust him to water your plants while you’re away. If need be, ask the post office (and any newspaper subscription service) to suspend their delivery when you’re traveling.

--Monitor your financial statements and credit reports regularly. Checking for unauthorized activity in these documents is one of the best ways to detect potential identity theft. You’re entitled to one free credit report from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion every year, but more frequent monitoring of credit reports, bank statements and credit card accounts can help you catch ID thieves more quickly. The sooner you uncover suspicious activity, the sooner you can stop it.

Identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes of the new millennium, and, unfortunately, it’s a get-rich-quick scheme that can appeal to even the people you love and trust. To be on the safe side, keep a close guard on all of your sensitive information, suggests AP9 Privacy Matters.

AP9 Privacy Matters Offers Students Advice on How to Manage Their College Loans

While the value of a college education remains high, so does the monetary cost of acquiring one, reports AP9 Privacy Matters, a leading security membership program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®. As a result, millions of college students take out loans each year to cover their tuition, board, books and other college-related costs, signing promissory notes long before taking on their first full-time jobs.

Studies indicate that about half of all recent college graduates have student-loan debts, totaling, on average, about $10,000. That may not seem like a high debt load when one considers that college costs have been increasing at twice the rate of inflation and that public colleges and universities cost about $13,000 a year while private schools cost about $28,000 a year.

However, when one factors starting salaries and the cost of living into the equation, a $10,000 debt can often seem like an insurmountable sum to a recent college graduate. To help everyone from incoming students to recent graduates handle their debt loads as painlessly and responsibly as possible, AP9 Privacy Matters offers a few tips:

-- Shop around for colleges. College enrollment figures are dropping, so if you’re still in the college application stage, you may be able to find schools willing to offer you a scholarship or financial aid to attend. A degree from a renowned university can offer you greater job opportunities right out of the box, but a degree from a lesser university, coupled with lower debt, can offer you a better short-term financial outlook, and it’s ultimately your performance in the real world, not the school name on your sheepskin, that will determine your long-term earnings.

-- Shop around for loans. From public assistance to private lenders, there are a bevy of financial aid sources that can help you pay for college. Start your search at the Student Aid Wizard, a federal website designed to help you plan your educational finances -- but don’t stop there. Your high school guidance counselor should be able to offer you a variety of college-aid resources, and private lending institutions in and around your hometown should be able to offer you additional possibilities. Generally speaking, though, federal loans can be more financially advantageous than private loans, because the interest on federal loans is tax-deductible, you can sometimes get a deferral on federal loans if you go back to school, and the loan is occasionally forgiven for certain types of services.

-- Consolidate your loans. Once you’ve graduated and reached the “grace period” or active payment stages of your loans, you can usually consolidate loans if you owe more than $10,000. As noted above, federal loans differ from private loans, so be sure to consolidate them separately. (Consolidating federal loans with private loans usually requires taking out a single, private loan, which strips you of the benefits of federal loans.) Provided you have a good payment history, consolidated loans can carry much lower interest rates. A consolidated loan will also lower the number of creditors you have, so you can track your payments more easily, and you’ll have only one creditor to deal with if you need to renegotiate your loan or payment arrangements.

-- Increase your monthly payments. This is only an option if you can afford larger monthly payments, but if you can, you’ll save a lot of money in the long run. For instance, a $20,000 student-loan debt might charge $5,809 in interest payments alone over 10 years; over 20 years, that interest would increase to $12,681.

-- Read the fine print. Know exactly when each monthly payment is due, and be sure to get your payment in on time. If you’re eligible to receive special discounts for, say, automatic payments from your bank account, make sure you know about any specific criteria (for instance, a minimum account balance) that you need to meet to qualify for the discount.

It’s almost a Catch-22 situation: Educated consumers tend to manage their finances better than uneducated consumers, but the price of that education can be very high. That’s why it’s important to get a handle on your student loans and all of the options available to you as quickly as possible, notes AP9 PrivacyMatters.

AP9 Privacy Matters Unveils the Truths and Myths About Mystery Shopper Scams!

Companies all over the world hire secret or mystery shoppers to gather information anonymously on corporate concerns like customer service, employee integrity and operations, among others. But as AP9 PrivacyMatters points out, this legitimate marketing tool is being used by fraudulent mystery shopper promoters who have plagued the Internet with false promises of easy cash to consumers.

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), marketers who promise lucrative jobs as mystery shoppers often don’t deliver bona fide opportunities. Professionals in the field consider this job a part-time activity that, although it pays well, is not going to make anybody rich, like some of those con ads suggest. There are, indeed, many reputable companies that employ mystery shoppers, and those opportunities are usually posted online by marketing research or merchandising companies.

AP9 Privacy Matters, a leading security membership program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, urges consumers to be more vigilant when responding to enticing ads or emails that promise a bundle of riches just for becoming a secret shopper. To help you take good care of your finances, credit status and personal information, AP9 PrivacyMatters has put together a list of things to consider when one of those secret-shoppers emails reaches your email inbox:

-- Don’t register. If the ad or banner you see or click on asks you to register and pay a fee to get more information or to get a certificate to become a secret shopper, it’s definitely a hoax. Legitimate companies don’t charge any application fee. They accept applications online, like they would for any other regular job, and won’t charge you anything for that application.

-- Do your research. Don’t believe everything you see. Carefully read the email, and look for more information about the solicitor online or through the Better Business Bureau, your local consumer protection agency and/or the State Attorney General office.

-- Learn about it. If you are interested in becoming a secret shopper, read as much as you can about the industry, so you can learn how to identify the scam artists when they approach you. A legitimate company should offer you training to perform specific evaluations, and the tools required to do so. Visit the Mystery Shopping Providers Association website (www.mysteryshop.org) for all sorts of information about the industry.

-- Know before you click. Scam artists use a variety of names in the emails and ads they create, so stay alert if you get an email offering opportunities for Spotters, Mystery Customers, Virtual Customers, Telephone Checks, Performance Audits or Anonymous Audits.

-- No guarantee. Genuine companies won’t “guarantee” a position without training. Avoid falling for offers like those, as well as those that ask you to purchase any training materials or a directory of companies that hire secret shoppers.

-- Don’t spend money. Don’t trust any newspaper ads that allow you to “work-from-home” and purchase something upfront with the promise of reimbursement. Many Americans who have fallen for the hoax never get their money back, and when they call to complain and somebody answers the phone, it’s often to receive another pitch, not to discuss the reimbursement.

AP9 Privacy Matters members know how important it is to protect what matters most to them. They can log on at PrivacyMatters.com to access a members-only website with a wide range of benefits tailored to protect their privacy, credit ratings, personal information, possessions and more available through AP9 Privacy Matters.

AP9 Privacy Matters Cautions Consumers About Home Improvement Fraud

While the warmer weather is thawing out most of the nation, property owners from coast to coast are also taking their wallets out of the deep freeze in hopes of completing some much needed home improvement projects. Many of the projects will take a good chunk out of the home repair budget this season, so AP9 Privacy Matters, a leading security and privacy membership program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, provides consumers with a few tips on making sure they get what they pay for.

AP9 PrivacyMatters reports that billions of hard-earned dollars will be spent this year on home improvement projects, and of those dollars, thousands will go into the pockets of unscrupulous scammers posing as home-repair experts preying on unsuspecting citizens. Whether it is cleaning out the gutters or building a new retaining wall, consumers need to complete a thorough investigation before hiring someone for the job.

AP9 Privacy Matters provides these simple yet effective tips when searching for home improvement labor:

-- If the home improvement project is large and requires extensive plans, before making any phone calls, scope out the details of your project. Map out what you want to do and how you want to have it done. This will help you stay within your budget and keep the progress of the job in check once the contractor has begun working.

-- Do your research. Don’t talk to just one service provider. Make a list of a least three and ask for and contact at least two references. Ask your family, friends, neighbors or even your insurance agent if they could recommend someone who is reputable, fair and reliable. Be cautious about door-to-door home repair service providers – reputable workers usually use paid advertisements or word of mouth to acquire business.

-- Check licenses. A professional contractor should have a license to run his business and a certification of professional competence. These personal designations don’t always guarantee success on the job, but you can take comfort in knowing that a governmental institution has certified the contractor.

-- Do not pay for the work in full before it is complete and avoid paying a large upfront fee – work should be done to your specifications and liking before the final check is cut. You should also have some type of signed contract with the party you hire – even if it is a small project.

-- If you have only spoken on the phone with the person you hired, before letting anyone in your home, check their ID and the ID’s of the entire team. Make sure someone is home at all times when the work is being done and that personal and private information is tucked away in a safe place.

In addition to these home repair safety tips, members may log on to PrivacyMatters.com to access unlimited, online credit reports and receive credit monitoring alerts, which will come in handy if you are taking out a loan for your home repair projects this year and will help you keep track of your personal and private information. These benefits and many more are available through AP9 PrivacyMatters.

AP9 Privacy Matters Provides Tips on Purchasing a Paper Shedder

Looking for the right paper shredder entails more than just a simple visit to the local office supply store. Adaptive Marketing LLC^®'s membership discount program AP9 PrivacyMatters reveals that savvy shoppers should consider a few important points that will help determine which model will best aid in the prevention of identity theft.

AP9 Privacy Matters members enjoy peace of mind and safeguards on their publicly-used information and personal assets. Every time members use their benefits that help prevent identity theft, they save money. AP9 Privacy Matters members have access to discounts on credit monitoring, identity theft insurance, and legal and financial services. And saving money on these products and services is as easy as logging on to DealPass.com -- the gateway to Adaptive Marketing LLC^® membership programs.

AP9 PrivacyMatters suggests you consider these features before buying a paper shredder for your home or office:

-- It’s all in the cut. Not all paper shredders cut paper the same way. Strip-cut shredders cut paper in vertical strips, while crosscut shredders produce a confetti-like effect. If the need for security is high, or if sensitive or confidential documents are destroyed regularly, the crosscut shredder may be more appropriate.

-- How much is too much? Paper shredder models vary in capacity. That is, some shredders can destroy only a few sheets of paper at a time, while others can handle dozens of pages. When shopping, think about the volume of paper that will be shredded on a regular basis; this will ensure a longer lifespan for the shredder’s motor. Smaller models can rest over a kitchen trashcan, while larger free-standing models include their own disposal containers.

-- Paper and plastic. Many high-capacity paper shredders can also destroy credit cards, CDs, staples and more. This is an important factor to consider, as identity theft affects more than just bank statements, healthcare documents and other hardcopy information.

-- Cut safely. Various features and functions are available and include conveniences such as auto shut-off, reverse feed and child-safe locking mechanisms. Figuring out who and how many people use the shredder on a regular basis may help determine what model is most appropriate for your home office.

-- Shred on the spot. Both size and need will determine the type of shredder that’s right for the job. Capacity largely affects the size of the shredder. As that feature increases, so will the size of the shredder. Size will therefore be a factor in deciding which location in the home is most convenient. You may want one that can fit under a desk for daily use; if you’ll use it only occasionally, you can find models that can be stored in a closet. Some manufacturers offer uniquely shaped models for easier storage.

With AP9 Privacy Matters, members can save on easy storage for and quick access to their important personal information, credit monitoring services, and computer protection programs. Members can conveniently access these priceless benefits, check their credit rating and protect their identities 24 hours a day by logging on to DealPass.com. Take the proper steps in safeguarding against the ever-increasing threat of identity theft, advises AP9 Privacy Matters.

AP9 PrivacyMatters Provides Important Information for Consumers When Choosing a Financial Planner

Finding the right financial planner can be a considerable amount of work. After all, your financial planner is maybe the only one outside your family with access to your money and your private, personal information. AP9 PrivacyMatters, a leading security and privacy membership program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, says you can protect your family’s financial future by asking the right questions when brining in an outsider to help manage your money.

Since the term "financial planner" is used by many financial professionals, it could refer to a variety of fields, including insurance, tax planning, investments, estate planning or retirement planning, each of which requires its own licenses and credentials. In addition, each field goes through numerous legal and regulatory changes each year, so it’s critical to find a professional who stays current in his or her field.

AP9 PrivacyMatters advises members to ask the following essential questions before hiring a financial planners:

1. What is your approach to financial planning?

Some planners use a broad approach to meet their clients’ goals, while others use fewer, more specific tools. Get a sense of the planner’s style to make sure he or she is neither too cautious nor too aggressive with your money.

2. Will you be the only person working with me?

Some financial planners work solo. Others depend on in-house staff or other outside professionals, such as attorneys, insurance agents or tax specialists, to help meet your goals. Be sure to get acquainted with all parties working on your account, or get a list of names so you can check their backgrounds.

3. How much do you charge, and how will I pay for your services?

As part of your financial planning contract, the planner should tell you how he or she will be paid for services provided — whether it’s by salary, fees (hourly or flat rate), third-party commissions or a combination of all three. Be sure to get this in writing.

4. Do you have any potential conflicts of interest?

Sometimes, a planner will have another client or business partner, such as a law firm or insurance company, that could influence his or her recommendations to you. Ask about potential conflicts of interests up front so you’ll know he or she is acting in your best interest.

5. Have you ever been publicly disciplined in your professional career?

This may be difficult to ask in person, but in today’s world, financial professionals are glad to answer it. Be sure to ask your planner which agency oversees his or her practice, and then follow up with your own background check to see if there is any record of unethical or illegal activity.

As with any important decision, AP9 PrivacyMatters says, the key to selecting the right financial planner lies in a mixture of research and meetings in person. The more data you have, the more trust you’ll have in your decision.

Members can log on to a members-only website at DealPass.com for instant access to a ample number of benefits that will assist them in planning for their future, including credit reports and tax and legal services, concludes AP9 PrivacyMatters.

AP9 PrivacyMatters Reports The Less You Carry in Your Wallet The Better