Identity theft and internet crimes on the rise

Internet users are being urged to protect their personal information online by being selective on the people and sites they release personal information to.

[ClickPress, Tue Jul 29 2008] Reports have shown that identity thieves are becoming more ruthless and creative in the way they obtain personal data online. Internet users are being urged to aware and install internet filters such as Integard to prevent the incident of identity theft.

Identity thieves have been known to form online friendships until personal information is obtained. Other cases involve victims releasing personal details such as credit card numbers, phone numbers or addresses to unauthorised or illegitimate websites.

The best preventative to identity theft is the installation of internet filters such as Integard. A filter will ensure that internet users think twice before releasing personal information online.

Spokesperson for Race River Corporation, Mr Daniel Millerson said that internet users should not underestimate the intelligence of hackers or the persuasive methods used by identity thieves.

“Victims of identity theft have said that they hardly realised that they gave personal information to their ‘online friend’ because he or she seemed so genuine.” Mr Millerson said.

Integard can block the release of credit card numbers and other personal details to illegitimate websites and makes sure that both kids and adults don’t give their phone number or address to strangers in chat rooms or on websites.