AP9 Articles

Privacy Matters 1-2-3SM Says Practice Online Banking Safety Every Day

Privacy Matters 1-2-3, a leading security and privacy membership program from Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, reminds its members that online banking safety has never been more important. With online thieves waiting for any opportunity to swipe banking and other personal information and spin it into instant profit, PrivacyMatters123 offers its members valuable tips to improve online banking security.

Computer hackers, identity thieves and other online miscreants can certainly be called "lowlifes," yet the folks at PrivacyMatters 123 know that they're anything but stupid. In fact, the art of "making something out of nothing" seems to have been perfected by these resourceful opportunists. Why spend time and energy "working" when it's easier just to make money ripping off the bank codes and passwords of others? Right?

That's why Privacy Matters 1-2-3 offers these watchwords and safeguards, designed to keep personal banking and financial information with its rightful owners:

-- Keep it private. The thing about public computers is that they're usually crawling with online thieves, those same people who can convert careless mistakes into big bucks instantly. So to beat hackers at their own game, don't make financial transactions on public computers, many of which may be located in libraries and full-service copy facilities. Also, try to avoid using wireless service when doing banking business. When in doubt, stick to a private, home computer.

-- Go with a middleman. When making purchases online, try to avoid using debit cards, and consider using credit cards instead. Better to have a middleman like an established credit card company between an online thief and a personal checking account. Besides, many credit card companies offer no-liability fraud protection as part of their service.

-- Don't get rooked. Online scams are so feared because they've been proven to work. Just ask the millions of people who get ripped off every year providing sensitive financial information to phony online bank operations. If a financial institution sends an e-mail relating to some sort of "urgent problem" with a bank account, use caution before relinquishing any information. It could be a trap.

-- Mix 'em up. Don't use the same user ID and passwords at different banks and other financial institutions. If a thief grabs one password that works the same for all accounts --- including any accounts with online merchants --- then he's got them all. So mix things up.

For these and other handy credit, identity theft and financially-oriented tips, finding help is as easy as PrivacyMatters123.

Privacy Matters 1-2-3SM Says Listen to the Credit Experts: Haste Makes Waste

Privacy Matters 1-2-3, a leading security and privacy membership program from Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, tells its members that paying close attention to credit scores and credit history has never been more important. In fact, Privacy Matters 1-2-3 urges members to listen to the credit experts — your credit score can ultimately be the most important three-digit number in your life.

Fairly or unfairly, banks, landlords and lending institutions put a tremendous amount of weight on your credit score. Your “credit worthiness” — which determines your ability to get a home mortgage, rent an apartment or town house or get some other large loan — depends on that three-digit credit score. With today’s average scores holding steady at about 670 (with 600 generally considered good and 700 or higher considered excellent), knowing where you stand credit-wise is important — especially if you are poised to try to buy a home or secure a car loan, reports PrivacyMatters123.

Privacy Matters 1-2-3 reminds its members that a better credit score can depend on several different factors. The following are a few important thoughts to keep in mind when dealing with credit:

-- Set your watch by it. One thing is certain when it comes to credit matters: Being late on payments is a major “no-no.” So when it comes to your bills, be organized, and pay attention to payment due dates. Being late or skipping a payment will definitely damage your credit score.

-- Do the math. There is an unwritten rule in the credit game, sometimes referred to as the 20/10 Rule. When it comes to credit card bills, for example, it’s not smart to let credit debt exceed 20% of yearly income tax. On a more regular basis, try to ensure that you have less than 10% of your monthly income tied up in credit bills. It’s simple math, yes … but financial problems might not be so simple if credit debts begin to mount.

-- Up the ante. Not only do credit companies like it when bills are paid on time, some may even reward you when they receive payments that exceed the minimum amount due. Paying more than the minimum may help keep down finance charges, and with finance charges approaching 20%, every little bit helps.

-- Speak now or forever hold your lease. A good credit score won’t guarantee an outstandingly low home mortgage rate, but you DON’T want to consider the alternative. When it comes to home buying — and any disputable credit issue, for that matter — it’s your legal right to argue credit negatives. Since you are what your credit says you are, check your credit report frequently, and make sure it’s error-free. If you don’t speak up on behalf of your credit, no one else will.

For these and other handy credit tips, finding help is as easy as PrivacyMatters123.

AP9 PrivacyMatters 123 Says, “Don’t Get Hooked – Phishing Can Ruin Your Day”

AP9 Privacy Matters 123, a leading security and privacy membership program from Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, offers its members advice and insights on how to stop today’s identity thieves.

As if there weren’t enough identity theft scams out there already, it seems that phishing has quickly emerged as one of the most damaging forms of online identity theft. And, no, that’s not a misprint, reports AP9 PrivacyMatters 123. It’s “phishing,” not “fishing,” but it’s a good bet that right now, plenty of identity thieves are busy baiting their collective online hooks, in hopes of reeling in confidential information.

Phishing scams can be complicated, but their aims are simple, notes AP9 Privacy Matters 123. Try thinking of these scams as — what else? — a ruse to coax the surrender of personal information. The … pardon the pun … catch is that expert phishers masquerade as legitimate and well-known companies (often banks and credit card companies) and tell unsuspecting online users that they are verifying or updating account information. And — big surprise — they need to confirm that information or the account will become inactive.

Well, two can play at that game. Or, even better, to borrow a quote from the 1970s’ comedy cult classic Animal House, “Don’t get mad … get even.” AP9 PrivacyMatters 123 offers just a few ways to frustrate an online phisher and keep personal information, personal:

-- Don’t touch that mouse. Never provide any personal or security information in an e-mail. Phishers may be despicable, but they can also be pretty convincing. If the e-mail claims to be asking about existing account information, call the company’s customer service number instead.

-- It’s a family affair. Tell everyone in the family about phishing threats, and warn them to keep an eye out for such online scams. It only takes one online user per computer to open up the information flood gates for all.

-- Read the fine print. When typing in a URL or web address, make sure it’s the right one. Many online addresses are very similar, and it takes only one slip on the keyboard for personal information to fall into an opportunistic phisher’s hands.

-- Big brother is listening. Not to be too paranoid, but maybe George Orwell was right. The calendar reveals that “1984” has clearly come and gone, and it’s still not clear how much personal information is freely floating out there. For that reason, don’t ever volunteer personal information over the phone — until it’s clear that you’re dealing with a reputable organization.

So when it comes to phishing, stick to the “deep sea” variety. More to the point, stay alert, and see to it that online phishers suddenly feel compelled to head out to sea for the afternoon — and not back to their computers. For these and other anti-identity theft tips, finding help is as easy as AP9 Privacy Matters 123.

AP9 Privacy Matters 1-2-3 Alerts College Students to the High Risks of Identity Theft

Identity theft is a serious crime that affects thousands of people across the nation every year, reports AP9 Privacy Matters 1-2-3, a leading security and privacy membership program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®. And perhaps surprisingly, college students make up a big part of the demographic group that faces the greatest risk of ID theft.

According to a recent study conducted by the Javelin Strategy and Research Institute, adults between the ages of 18 and 24 are the most at risk of having their identities stolen. The study revealed that 5.3 percent of people in the 18-24 age group reported being victims, compared to the national average of 3.7 percent. College students may be the perfect targets for identify thieves to prey upon, since they’re less likely to take precautionary steps such as shredding banks statements and using virus protection on their computers.

Recovering from identity theft can be expensive and time-consuming, so it’s vital that everyone take the appropriate steps to protect their identity from thieves. Because college students are at greater risk, AP9 Privacy Matters 123 offers the following tips for avoiding the perils of identity theft:

-- Destroy any paperwork with sensitive information. Make sure to shred all college loan documents that you no longer need, along with credit card offers, suggests AP9 Privacy Matters 1-2-3. Since credit card companies first start contacting young adults when they begin college, it is imperative not to let anyone else access credit card mailings with your name on it. Don’t just throw junk mail that includes personal information into the trash by the campus mailbox—shred it first. Identity thieves can use the mailings to open up an account in your name.

-- Don’t write your Social Security number on checks or college loan documents. Be sure to keep the number out of any paperwork that may fall into unauthorized hands. Social Security numbers are needed to fill out paperwork for your college institution and W-4 forms for employment purposes, of course, but consider these exceptions to the rule.

-- When leaving campus to go to a club or a restaurant, only carry the credit or debit card(s) that you need. This will prevent a lot of headaches if your wallet is lost or stolen. Also, do not carry your Social Security card around, especially in your wallet or purse.

-- Don’t use obvious passwords or PIN numbers for your bank accounts. “Obvious” passwords/PINs include birthdays and family names. Every time you use an ATM, guard the keypad when entering your PIN. If you need to store your passwords, be sure to hide them in a safe place, cautions AP9 Privacy Matters 123.

-- Monitor your credit card and bank statements on a regular basis. If you see any suspicious charges, investigate immediately.

College graduates often remember those years spent on campus as “the best years of their lives.” Current college students who want to make the same claim should take the necessary steps to guard their identity, suggests AP9 Privacy Matters 1-2-3.

AP9 Privacy Matters 123 Offers Advice on Protecting Yourself Against Identity Theft in the Workplace

Identity theft is complicated enough, notes AP9 PrivacyMatters123, a leading security and privacy membership program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, but when the theft occurs in the workplace, it can have even wider implications, raising questions about employer screening methods and security practices, not to mention the issues it can raise regarding the victim’s future career path.

Identity theft can be a rewarding crime, unfortunately, offering perpetrators access to potentially unlimited assets through illegal actions that, when performed by a skilled criminal, are designed to be as difficult to trace as possible. The “money for nothing” allure of identity theft tends to appeal to a broad swath of people, regardless of their race, gender, education level, employment level or other demographic category. Simply put, an identity thief can lurk anywhere — even in your office, cautions AP9 Privacy Matters 123.

While there’s no way to “profile” or otherwise identify someone who may be an identity thief, AP9 Privacy Matters 123 does have a few suggestions for protecting your identifying information as much as possible in a work environment:

-- Guard your Social Security number religiously. Some company documents, including job applications, W-9 forms, health insurance policies and more, need a Social Security number for processing purposes, so be sure to store copies of those documents securely. Other corporate documents — sick day logs, vacation requests, expense reports and others — shouldn’t require a Social Security number. Don’t be afraid to question a request for a Social Security number on such materials. Work with Human Resources and other departments to find ways to replace Social Security number requests with less vital identifying information.

-- Practice safe computer skills. Your computer probably stores a lot of personally identifying information about you, from your name and address to your credit card and even Social Security numbers, cautions AP9 Privacy Matters 123. Don’t leave your computer on and unguarded for any significant period of time; a computer-savvy ID thief can swipe information from your hard drive in less time than it takes to sit through a staff meeting. Also, if you’re receiving a new computer, make sure the information on your old hard drive will be permanently erased once your new computer has been installed.

-- Keep your password(s) to yourself. An effective corporate security policy should never require you to share passwords with co-workers, even if they’re working on projects with you. A password in the wrong hands can potentially cost you every piece of data on your computer, including information that’s unique to you. Memorize your passwords, and, if others need access to information on your computer, key your password in yourself rather than sharing it, even with your boss.

-- Protect your personal materials. Storing your purse or wallet in your office desk is fine — as long as you’re sitting in your office. If you’re in and out of your office all day, you’re at risk for theft unless you can lock your office drawers with a key that no one else has. If security in your office is poor, consider bringing in only those items you need to get through the day (i.e., driver’s license, lunch money, personal grooming items, medications) and leaving everything else (credit cards, Social Security cards, other personally identifying materials) stored securely at home.

Restoring your identity after it’s been stolen can require a lot of your time and resources. Your best course of action is to take pre-emptive steps to protect your identity, even in your workplace, reports AP9 PrivacyMatters123.

AP9 Privacy Matters 123 Offers Tips on How Credit Monitoring Can Further Protect Against Identity Theft

Identity theft is the crime that keeps growing, notes AP9 Privacy Matters 123, a leading security and privacy membership program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®. Various reports estimate that approximately 27 million people have had their identities stolen in the last five years, and that number is only going to rise as identity thieves find new ways to pilfer personal information from unsuspecting -- and even vigilant -- victims.

Monitoring your credit reports on a regular basis is still one of the best ways to uncover signs of identity theft, reports AP9 PrivacyMatters123. Such signs on your credit report can include accounts opened in your name but without your permission; inquiries about your credit history from a source with which you’ve had no contact (a credit card issuer, a loan officer, or even a landlord or employer); and addresses connected with your name that have no bearing on your own life.

Credit monitoring can help you uncover evidence that your identity has already been stolen, but it can’t protect you from the initial act of theft. While there is no iron-clad, surefire way to eliminate the risk of identity theft, AP9 Privacy Matters 123 offers some steps you can take to reduce that risk:

-- Destroy documents that contain personal, identifying information about you. If a document isn’t important enough to merit safe storage, shred or burn it. This includes the obvious -- financial statements as well as documents that display your Social Security number, birth date and more -- and the not-so-obvious, such as unsolicited credit card offers and even utility bills. Identity thieves will use just a little bit of information about you to open doors and uncover a wider range of data that can leave your name -- and finances -- vulnerable. Destroying documents is the safest way to keep them out of the wrong hands.

-- Keep your Social Security number to yourself. While some official documents -- W-9 forms and passports, for instance -- legally require you to list your Social Security number, most documents do not. As a good rule of thumb, NEVER volunteer your Social Security number unless obligated to do so by law. Social Security numbers are the holy grail for identity thieves because they can be used to open bank accounts, take out loans and much more. Protect yours as if your identity depended on it -- because it does.

-- Fortify your computer safeguards. Install firewalls and other protective software to protect against hackers and spies; delete spam e-mails without opening them; don’t click on links in unsolicited e-mails; and don’t use obvious passwords like birthdays, maiden names or other easily traceable references.

As noted earlier, there is no guaranteed method for protecting yourself from identity theft. Due diligence in guarding your personal information can decrease your risks, though, and credit monitoring can alert you to potential threats, concludes AP9 PrivacyMatters123.

AP9 Privacy Matters 123 Says, “Wise up” — Identity Theft is Real

AP9 Privacy Matters 123, a leading membership program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, offers its members advice and insights on how to stop today’s identity thieves.

Just as it once was in old espionage films, disposing of top-secret and sensitive personal documents is now more important than ever. AP9 PrivacyMatters123 reminds consumers that more than 27 million people have had their identities stolen in the last five years.

Identity thieves are opportunists, and they’ll do anything to make a dishonest buck. For that reason, AP9 Privacy Matters 123 counts identity theft prevention among its key missions. Here are four pivotal tips to help stop burglars from stealing your identity:

-- Chop it up. Don’t throw it out. Keep thieves from turning trash into cash. Don’t get careless with personal records. Invest in a document-shredding machine, and don’t leave sensitive materials lying around. The greatest handwriting analyst in the world can’t decipher information that simply isn’t there.

-- “Dumpster divers” swim in the deep end. Thieves known as “dumpster divers” make a career out of literally picking through garbage — looking for partially legible credit card applications, receipts and canceled checks. Recycling this information is dishonest, risky and illegal, but lucrative. Don’t become a statistic. Keep private documents private, and dumpster divers will get the idea — the information pool is definitely closed.

-- Outfox the fox. Practicing smart home security can actually be fun. Part of the deal is learning to act like a thief — to out-think them at their own game. Start with common sense. If you’re scheduled to leave town, don’t advertise: Put lights on timers, stop newspaper delivery, and ask a neighbor to pick up the mail.

-- Make sure it’s the one and only you. It may sound a little “cloak and dagger,” but there are people out there who have stolen millions masquerading as someone else. To keep this from happening, safely store any documents that list your Social Security number separate from a wallet, billfold or pocket book. Making a Social Security number readily available to other people sends a simple, two-word invitation — “steal me.”

Don’t get caught in what is fast becoming the classic identity theft trap. Plain and simple, IT CAN happen to you. Take the necessary steps to protect personal information by heeding these crucial, safeguarding tips from AP9 PrivacyMatters123.

AP9 PrivacyMatters123 Offers Insights into the Value of a Good Credit Score

Unless you’ve been living in a cave for the last five years or so, you’ve probably been bombarded with advertisements and offers for free credit reports, notes AP9 PrivacyMatters123, a leading membership security program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®. As important as credit reports are, there’s another piece of related financial data that consumers should keep their eyes on -- their credit scores.

AP9 Privacy Matters 123 members can access benefits designed to help them be aware of their credit histories by ordering triple bureau credit reports, credit scores and daily credit monitoring plus much more, at PrivacyMatters.com, an online portal provided by Adaptive Marketing.*

While credit reports offer a snapshot of a consumer’s credit history, credit scores provide a measurement that’s far more valuable -- to both the consumer and the companies that may do business with the consumer. AP9 PrivacyMatters123 explains why credit scores carry so much weight in today’s economy:

-- Credit scores define credit risks. A credit score places a numeric value, ranging from about 400 to about 800, on a person’s credit history. The higher the score, the better, for both consumers and companies. A low score suggests that a person may have serious problems paying off a loan, paying credit card bills on time, even paying monthly rent. A high score, on the other hand, signals that a person has demonstrated fiscal discipline over the years and can be expected to pay off loans and other bills on a timely basis.

-- Credit scores help determine interest rates. Credit card and mortgage companies are in the business of offering consumers money that consumers don’t have on hand -- with the expectation, of course, that consumers will pay that money back, with interest. Consumers with high credit scores are the most trustworthy and, as such, are more desirable customers, so financial institutions will compete for their business by offering lower interest rates. Consumers with low credit scores are bigger risks, though, so these companies -- who still want to do as much business as they can -- will “penalize” those consumers with higher interest rates in order to encourage them to pay off their loans or their credit card charges on time. If they fail to pay off these debts on time, consumers then have to pay even more down the road.

-- Landlords can access credit scores. Just as mortgage companies don’t want to be left holding the bag on a loan, landlords want to be sure their tenants can afford the lease on an apartment or house. Potential renters with high credit scores have demonstrated an ability to manage their finances; rental applicants with low credit scores haven’t shown that ability and therefore are more likely to renege on their obligations.

-- Even employers can check credit scores. Employers are looking for reliable candidates to fill job openings. One way to determine that reliability is financial discipline, which can be measured using credit scores. Applicants with high scores are presumed to be less likely than candidates with low scores are to face financial problems that could prompt them to act unethically.

Clearly, building and maintaining a high credit score is of vital importance in this credit-centered economy, which is why many consumers who want to manage their credit history -- and credit future -- head to AP9 Privacy Matters 123.

*AP9 PrivacyMatters123 provides you with the tools you need to access and monitor your financial/credit information through the program's credit reporting and monitoring benefits. AP9 Privacy Matters 123 and its benefit providers are not credit repair service providers and do not receive fees for such services, nor are they credit clinics, credit repair or credit services organizations or businesses, as defined by federal and state law.

AP9 Privacy Matters 123 Presents Tips on Money Management for Teens

It seems like parents and their teens always have important things to talk about – also known as “serious talks.” These talks can be challenging and parents often don’t want to follow through. However, parents should not be afraid of discussing money management and early financial responsibility with their teens, advises AP9 PrivacyMatters123, a leading program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^® that’s designed to help members manage their credit.

The first money management opportunity comes with a monetary incentive widely known as an allowance. Most parents in the U.S. give their children a weekly or monthly allowance as a reward for good behavior, chores, responsibilities, or to simply teach them the value of money. AP9 Privacy Matters 123 believes the first lesson teens should learn about money is that even though saving money may not be as much fun as spending money, it is the foundation of financial success. The next lesson: Learn to invest it wisely.

Today, teens have access to more money than ever before through allowances, monetary gifts, and income from chores, summer jobs or part-time jobs. Teens are also expanding their horizons to online shopping or even selling – from school books to games, jewelry, CDs, etc. It is becoming more and more important for teens to learn to manage their income from an early age. AP9 PrivacyMatters123 provides parents with the following tips to get their teens started on the path to financial success.

-- Give an allowance that includes financial responsibility: Making sure teens take full responsibility for managing their own money is key. One way to do so is to make them responsible for buying their lunch at school or saving their money to buy that special something they have always wanted -- like their first car. Such responsibilities will help them learn to allocate their money to pay for some of their own wants and needs.

-- Open a savings account: Make teens aware that when they regularly put even a small amount of money into their savings account and leave it untouched for years, the results can be surprising. Through the magic of compounding interest, their savings and their interest payments will make their account grow faster than if they just left their money in their piggy bank.

-- Talk about investing young: Don’t stop at a discussion about saving money – talk about investing money wisely. Teens (or anyone for that matter) don’t need to invest big to see results. Some of the most popular types of investment options include stocks, bonds, and mutual funds. Teach them the pros and cons of each option then let the young adult make the decision of how much to invest and where to invest it. (If they’re under 18, they’ll need the consent of a parent or guardian.)

-- Teach them to spend less by shopping smart: Today, many teens are more concerned about designer labels than they are about the quality of the garments. But if they are committed to hard work and have developed a saving-conscious mindset, they should reward themselves from time to time. Every once in a while it is okay to splurge as long as they take care of their investment.

-- Help the less fortunate: Even though the primary goal of proper money management is usually to ensure a comfortable future, parents should also teach teens to give back to the community. They can choose whether to donate money or time, but community involvement can help them better appreciate what they have.

Some parents are financial experts for whom budgeting is second nature. But for other parents, money management can be difficult to handle and even harder to discuss with their teens. Still, it’s important for their children’s future that parents teach them how to save, manage and spend their money wisely. It is possible that “the talk” about money can end up being useful not only for their teens but for the parents as well, concludes AP9 Privacy Matters 123.

AP9 Privacy Matters 123 Helps Consumers Safeguard Their Identities On the Road

Losing something along the way is a constant concern for travelers — especially when that “something” is your identity. Fortunately, with a little planning and due diligence, you can reduce your risk of identity theft while traveling, notes AP9 Privacy Matters 123, a leading membership security program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®.

In addition to benefits that help them keep their financial information in order, AP9 PrivacyMatters123 members can access benefits designed to help keep their identities secure at PrivacyMatters.com.

Wherever you go, there you are — and so are identity thieves, whether it’s a vacation destination or a business locale. AP9 PrivacyMatters123 therefore suggests that travelers take the following steps to ensure that their identities don’t stray from them when they’re on the road:

-- Look into travel assistance. A lot of credit card issuers and other financial institutions offer programs to help travelers access emergency assistance if their passports, credit/debit cards and other personal identifiers are lost or stolen. While these programs may not aid in recovering the missing items, they can reduce the replacement time significantly.

-- Book your accommodations wisely. A cheaper hotel rate may seem like a financial godsend to travelers — until someone breaks into their room and steals their wallet, their laptop and other personal items. To reduce the likelihood of a break-in, look for lodging at reputable hotels and motels.

-- Lock down your home. Beyond simply securing the doors and windows, alert the police and trusted neighbors or friends to impending travel plans. Some local police departments offer drive-by vacation checks to town residents, and having a close friend pick up the mail and newspapers can serve to hide obvious signs of absence. Putting timers on indoor lights to suggest that someone is home at night can also help mask travel plans.

-- Secure your documents. This applies to papers that are needed for traveling as well as those that are left behind. Any important documents left at home — including bills, credit card and bank statements, and more — should be put in a safe, secure place (like a home safe or even a bank safe) before departure. Personal documents that are taken on the road should be kept in the hotel safe whenever they’re not being used. While hotel safes aren’t foolproof, rental cars and hotel rooms simply don’t offer the protection against identity thieves that personal documents require.

-- Use computers cautiously. Make sure the security software is fully updated before taking a laptop on the road, and think twice before accessing personal accounts from or inputting personal data into a public computer. Identity thieves are clever, and they’re not above putting spyware on a computer in the business center of a hotel.

Whether you’re at home or on the road, it’s probably safe to assume that identity thieves are around every corner. Even if they’re not, acting as if they are can help keep you safe rather than sorry, notes AP9 Privacy Matters 123.

AP9 Privacy Matters 1-2-3 Advises Consumers to Take Inventory of Their Wallets

If your wallet has been labeled the “George Costanza Wallet” from the hit series Seinfeld, you may just be an identity thief’s ideal target. AP9 Privacy Matters 1-2-3 reports that according to the Federal Trade Commission, of the estimated 10 million Americans victimized by identity theft each year, the majority of the victims’ personal information was stolen not via the World Wide Web, but by non-computer related crimes such as purse and/or wallet snatching.

AP9 PrivacyMatters1-2-3, a leading security and privacy membership program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, assists consumers with staying on top of their personal information by providing instant access to their triple credit reports and scores as well as members-only access to weekly credit monitoring alerts. And for those consumers who have not checked their credit report in over a year, many top governmental agencies highly suggest obtaining a copy of your credit report once a year if not more. Knowledge is key when dealing with ID theft criminals.

Since many Americans have a misconceived notion that ID theft crimes only happen over the Internet, AP9 PrivacyMatters1-2-3 suggests that it is a good time to take inventory of what is in your wallet and to clean it out as much as possible -- the less personal information you carry, the less chance ID thieves will have to damage your good name. AP9 Privacy Matters 1-2-3 offers a few helpful suggestions to get you started:

-- Social Security Card. If you find your Social Security card in your wallet or purse, remove it promptly. If stolen, ID thieves will be able to apply for credit cards and bank loans easily, which will result in nothing but months of stress trying to clean up the mess. Only take your Social Security card with you when you need it – applying for a job, making financial transactions, or going to see your accountant during tax season.

-- Extra Credit Cards. Remove all of your credit cards except for 1 or 2. We also suggest making photo copies of all your credit cards -- front and back -- but don’t carry them with you. Leave the copies at home or somewhere they are safe and secure. In case your wallet or purse is stolen, you will have copies of your credit card numbers and the toll-free telephone numbers where you can call to report your cards stolen.

-- Receipts. It might be a good idea to clear out some of your receipts as they may contain your credit card number. If you need them for tax purposes, start a filing system at home. This way you won’t have to carry so much around with you.

In addition to receiving instant access to your credit report and score along with credit monitoring alerts, the security and privacy membership program also offers a discount on Internet security software and anti-virus software – all through AP9 PrivacyMatters1-2-3.

AP9 Privacy Matters 1-2-3 Offers Seniors Tips to Guard Against the Dangers of Identity Fraud

As reported cases of identity fraud continue to grow, the number of seniors getting taken in by fraudulent offers climbs ever higher as well, reports AP9 Privacy Matters 1-2-3, a leading security membership program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®.

Whether it’s because they were raised during a kinder, more trusting era or it’s due to the lapses in concentration that sometimes come with age, senior citizens tend to be easier targets for identity fraud than the overall U.S. population. (That’s not to say that younger folks have less to worry about, of course. Identity thieves can and will target anyone at any time.) Because many seniors live on fixed incomes, identity fraud can hit them the hardest, emptying their bank accounts and leaving them with little or no way to recoup their losses.

Prevention and quick detection are often the best defenses against identity fraud. AP9 Privacy Matters 1-2-3 therefore offers a few tips to help seniors protect themselves against this crime:

--Don’t trust incoming calls. Even if you have an unlisted number, anyone on the planet can stumble across your number and call you. The chances that a stranger is calling to offer you a great deal are low. If the caller is offering you something that appeals to you, ask for the name of his or her company and a callback number. Research the company before returning the call. If you can’t find any information or if the company seems questionable, throw away the phone number.

--Guard your personal data diligently. Never give your Social Security number, credit card number, bank account number or even your home address to incoming callers. Only share your financial information if you’re making a purchase with a legitimate company during a phone call that you initiated.

--Shred the evidence. Use a paper shredder to destroy any unnecessary or duplicate documents that may contain sensitive, identity-specific information, including unsolicited credit card offers and other direct-mail pieces that thieves can use to create accounts in your name.

--Build firewalls. Install computer software programs to protect your computer from spyware, hackers, viruses and other Internet threats. A small investment now can save you thousands of dollars down the road.

--Safeguard your mailbox. Don’t leave outgoing mail in an unprotected mailbox overnight or over the weekend. Thieves can steal rent checks, credit card payments and other valuable or identity-specific materials from unlocked mailboxes.

--Monitor your credit reports regularly. As soon as you spot questionable or unauthorized activity on your credit report, contact the credit bureau to place a fraud alert on your credit report, and investigate the matter immediately.

While it’s impossible to wipe out identity fraud as long as there are potential victims, there are a number of measures you can take to avoid being taken in yourself. The first step is to recognize that your identity is potentially at risk in a variety of situations, and the next step is to get into the habit of protecting yourself wherever such a risk exists, notes AP9 Privacy Matters 1-2-3.

AP9 PrivacyMatters123 Offers Tips for House-Hunting Retirees

As you may know, a large population of baby boomers will be coming into their retirement years within the next 20 years. With such a large number of people being added to the list of retirees, it’s never too soon to begin finding a place to settle down in your golden years, according to AP9 PrivacyMatters123, a comprehensive program, offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, designed to help members protect their identities and guard and monitor their credit rating and good name.

In an era where episodes of identity theft and credit card fraud continue to rise, the ability to discover and safeguard yourself against such crimes is becoming even more important. Members of AP9 PrivacyMatters123 can save on credit reports and scores, which can assist them in detecting possible signs of identity theft. They can also save on services created to shelter against the hefty costs of identity theft, and, if needed, help restore their credit standings. These services, which can be accessed at PrivacyMatters.com, are useful tools in your effort to create a happy, secure retirement life.

AP9 PrivacyMatters123 recommends a few helpful steps as you start your hunt for a home that fits into your retirement plans:

-- Actively monitor your credit report and score. Credit reports and scores play a huge role in your purchasing power at any age, especially if you’re trying to lock in a loan for a new home or even for household repairs that you might want a bank to fund. Keeping a watchful eye on your credit report can also alert you to signs of identity fraud, a crime that can severely hinder your chances of getting a decent line of credit.

-- Look into pre-qualifying for a mortgage. Online real estate sites like Bargain.com can help you verify your credit rating and find a mortgage that caters to your financial limitations. Having a pre-qualified mortgage as you begin your search can also assist you in negotiations and keep you from buying outside of your budget.

-- Find a real estate agent you can trust. Unless you already have an agent that you trust, be sure to interview several agents. Ask your friends for recommendations, and/or visit the National Association of REALTORS® website at Realtor.org for a list of licensed realtors in your chosen area.

-- Check comparable properties. Once you find a home you adore, be sure to compare its list price with those of like homes in the area to make sure the price is in line with the value of other homes in the neighborhood. You’ll also want to order a detailed property report to check out the history of renovations and other potential issues with the property.

One last tip, and a small word of warning: Visit the properties you like as often as you see fit. Since it’s possible it will be the last home you’ll ever own, you need to be as happy with your purchase as possible. If that means taking several outings to look at a property, do so -- but keep an eye on the property’s availability. The real estate market can change dramatically over time, and homes in certain areas, including several prime retirement locations, tend to sell much faster than homes in other areas, concludes AP9 PrivacyMatters123.

AP9 PrivacyMatters123 Gives Discounts to a Variety of Safeguards That Keep the Virtual Bad Guys at Bay

Computer software and tools supplied by various companies have made great strides in helping to stop the risk of computer viruses and virtual fraud. However, AP9 PrivacyMatters123 reports that the best defense against online criminals and other Internet dangers to children’s safety is watchful parenting. Software created to defend against viruses, phishing and other Internet scams can provide extra security but will never take the place of parents keeping a close eye on their children’s daily activites, explains AP9 PrivacyMatters123, a premier security program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®.

AP9 PrivacyMatters123 members can take advantage of their benefits at PrivacyMatters.com, a secure gateway that gives members immediate access to savings and services on a wide range of personal protection products and services for their families, homes, assets and, of course, computers.

AP9 PrivacyMatters123 is dedicated to helping consumers with defendinging themselves and their loved ones against serious threats, both in the real and virtual world. To help support parents in building a protective barrier around their computer-savvy children, AP9 PrivacyMatters123 provides a few helpful tips:

-- Help children understand the possible risks the Internet can pose. The same basic principles that they were taught to follow at home, school or anywhere in public should also apply to their online behaviors: Never talk to people they do not know, never consider meeting with or traveling with strangers, and never take gifts from strangers.

-- Investigate and use all of the parental controls provided by your Internet service. These controls can assist you in developing a list of acceptable online contacts for your children, whether they’re using instant messaging or e-mail -- all while blocking inappropriate content like spam.

-- Keep your children’s computer(s) in a place where the family seems to gather the most, such as the family room. This will allow parents not only to keep an eye on their activities, but also interact and spend some quality time with them. In addition, parents should take the time to monitor their children’s instant messages and chat room correspondence at random intervals.

-- Check phone bills, caller ID logs and regular mail, because online stalkers can use a number of ways to get (and stay) in touch with their victims.

-- Stress with all members of the family the importance of keeping personal information private, whether it’s a password, home address, the name of your children’s school, personal or family phone numbers, a family birthday or even a last name. This type of data can by used by online predators to elicit contact from an unsuspecting victim, not to mention helping identity thieves access your family’s personal and financial information.

-- Inquire about computer safety guidelines that are (or should be) enforced at the local schools, the library, the homes of relatives and friends or wherever else your children have access to a computer.

In addition to computer protections, AP9 PrivacyMatters123 provides members with instant, online access to their credit reports, and members also have access to a credit monitoring service that is designed to alert them of any possible fraudulent activity. Protect the things that matter to you most by accessing benefits offered by AP9 PrivacyMatters123.

AP9 PrivacyMatters123 Gives 2005 Tax Filing Tips

The tax-filing date of April 15th is quickly approaching. AP9 PrivacyMatters123, a leading security and privacy membership program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, offers useful filing tips for tax payers across the United States.

Millions of U.S. citizens every year rush to get their tax returns completed by the tax deadline. Caught up by new tax laws, questions about deductions and other uncertainties, for many tax payers, it’s no surprise why thousands put off filing until the very last day. If the idea of preparing your own taxes makes your head ache, there are plenty professionals in virtually every community that do it for their bread and butter. Before giving the job -- and your personal information -- to a person who is unfamiliar, make sure to do a little background check on them and the firm they work for. If your taxes are very complex, you might consider finding someone a little more “seasoned” than the “seasonal” tax preparer.

As the tax deadline get closer, AP9 PrivacyMatters123 provides helpful tips for those taxpayers who are attempting to complete their own 2005 tax forms:

-- If you are confident in doing so, file your 2005 federal tax return electronically — it’s free, accurate, secure and quicker than waiting in the lines at the post office on April 15, plus e-filers usually get their refunds earlier than paper filers. Check the IRS.gov website for details.

-- Look for “hidden” deductions and credits — child credit, child- and dependent-care credit, adoption expenses, IRA contributions, alimony, pension plan deductions, interest on student loans, mortgage-refinancing points, college tuition deduction and more.

-- Check into no-cost, IRS-sponsored, volunteer tax return preparation services like the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly Program. Type “Community Network” into the keyword search on the IRS.gov home page to learn more.

-- It may seem like stating the obvious, but make sure to enter all required Social Security numbers on your return, and be sure to sign and date your return. When filing a joint return, remember that both spouses must sign it.

-- An important reminder to all: While there is no late filing penalty on a refund return, you generally lose the right to that refund if you fail to claim it within three years of the filing deadline.

Tax season is also a good reminder for members of AP9 PrivacyMatters123 to order an updated credit report from all three credit bureaus. Simply visit PrivacyMatters.com to find out what is on your credit file. Unlimited, online credit reports and credit monitoring are just a couple of the security and protection benefits offered by AP9 PrivacyMatters123.