Computers Held for Ransom & Back to School ID Theft – Monday, August 31, 2015
There are ways to prevent identity theft. 99% of users will click “yes” on a pop up on their computer if it says that there is a problem and clicking yes will fix it. By clicking “yes” you may be giving someone access to your computer and everything on it. These hackers can ask for a ransom. Catching these thieves is nearly impossible because the culprits are often overseas.
There are ways you can fix your computer if this does happen. If you take in your computer to get it fixed, they can do what’s called a “factory reset.” This will go in and erase everything and set if back to factory settings.
Experts recommend downloading anti-virus software and to beware of pop ups from big names like Microsoft because they are often used in this hacking process.
Even children can get their identities taken. 1 out of every 40 families with children have had that child’s identity compromised. Parents should be monitoring what their kids are doing and when they are giving their social security numbers out and to whom.
Experts also say that parents should freeze their children’s credit. In order to do that they must:
- Give 3 credit agencies SSN and birth date
- The information is needed to create a credit report
- $10 for each agency
- Sign up online
As kids are going back to school, it is important for parents to protect their children’s identity. Even writing their full names on their backpacks could hinder their safety.
