Protect Your Identity in 2023

A close up of a corner of a UK driver's license

One resolution we should all have for the new year is to better protect our identities. Fraud and identity theft-related scams continue to rise each year, so it is important to build better habits - online and off - to protect ourselves from crime, fraud, scams, and identity theft. We offer a comprehensive Identity Theft Protection Service that provides continuous monitoring, unlimited recovery of your identity if you are compromised, and we help educate you on ways to protect yourself from identity theft. Learn more about our Identity Theft Protection Service and read on for a few Identity Theft Protection tips:

A scammer who steals your personal information can do many things with the data, including buying houses or vehicles, get medical services or change your medical records, open bank accounts, get credit cards, rent properties, and even get in trouble with the law, all using your name and personal information. Identity theft can happen to anyone; your personal information can be hacked from a store's database after you've made a purchase, for example, but there are a few things you can do to lessen the chances of being the victim of identity theft:

• Don't carry your Social Security Card with you. Put it in a safe place and only give the number out when absolutely necessary.

• Vet people and organizations you give your personal information to; don't share your personal information (SSN, birthday, bank account number, driver's license number) with someone just because they ask for it.

• Don't let your mail build up in an unsecured location. Make sure to pick it up every day or put your mail on hold at the Post Office if you're going to be away from home.

• If your phone has security features, use them!

• Use a VPN when using public WiFi, and make sure your firewalls are updated.

• Periodically review your bank and credit card statements to reconcile receipts and transactions.

• Keep track of your billing cycles, and if a bill is late, contact the issuer to find out why.

• Shred credit card offers and expired credit cards, and, when you're through with them, shred account statements and receipts, as well, as scammers can (and do!) dig through trash for personal information.

• Keep all your personal information in a safe place.

• Install firewalls and anti-virus/anti-malware software on your computers.

• Use unique, complex passwords for each different site you log in to.

• Change your password at a site if they tell you they've had a data breach.

• Review your credit reports periodically to make sure they don't include accounts you haven't opened

• Freeze your credit files with the credit reporting bureaus. This is a free service that will prevent a scammer from applying for credit or utilities in your name.

If your identity is compromised, we are the ONLY company with dedicated Licensed Private Investigators who will immediately begin restoring your identity back to exactly the way it was. Worry less and live more with our Identity Theft Protection Services!

Your Finances This Holiday Season

A display featuring a plain wreath made of white branches on the left, a decorated wreath made from evergreen boughs on the right, pinecones, ornaments, pine garland, and stockings on a fireplace mantle

According to a recent poll, more shoppers are paying for holiday purchases with credit, and of those, more than 50% couldn't pay off those purchases. Overspending is nothing new during the holiday shopping season, but with recent inflation and other economic downturns, how can you take control of your holiday spending? If you ever have questions about consumer finance issues - from agreements for store credit or memberships to credit card fraud or identity theft - your attorney through our Legal Protection Plans for Individuals & Families can give you advice for your specific situation, read through agreements and contracts, and help you if you become a victim of identity theft, fraud, or other consumer finance legal issues. Learn more about the benefits of membership and read on for a few spending tips this holiday season.

Set A Budget

Plan your budget by setting a realistic limit and sticking to it. Make a list of everyone you want to get a gift for and make a plan for what you want to spend overall and for each person or event. Discuss spending limits for gifts with friends, family, and co-workers, if needed.

Thoughtful Gifts Vs. Expensive Gifts

Not every gift needs to be expensive to show someone you care. Creative, thoughtful gifts are often more special than pricey presents. Think about the things that those on your gift list are into, and look into customized, simple gifts, like a customized apron for the baker in your life.

Coupons & Sales

There are more - and sometimes better - options than shopping on Black Friday or Cyber Monday. Keeping your eyes peeled for December sales events outside of the big sales days sometimes gets you even better deals!

Make A Shopping List

Create a list with everything you plan to buy for the holiday season and what you will spend on those items, and then stick to it. While you're out shopping, try not to get distracted by the holiday displays... they're put there precisely for that reason: to distract you and get you to buy things you don't need on impulse.

Baked Goods & Cards

While we want to buy a gift for everyone in our lives, sometimes, a great way to do that and stay in budget is to make goodie bags with cookies and other treats for co-workers and others, and a heartfelt card is also a good choice to spread holiday cheer.

Sometimes Last Minute Shopping Works

While we try to get everything done for the holidays well in advance, sometimes good deals can be had by waiting until closer to the holiday before we buy. Certain holiday items will almost certainly go on sale as the holiday nears - wrapping supplies and candy are two examples of this - and, those after holiday clearance sales can get you a major jump for next year without breaking the bank.

The old saying goes, it's the thought that counts, and we are all watching our budgets this year. If you find yourself needing advice about debt, your provider attorney through our Legal Protection Plans for Individuals & Families can give you advice and answer questions about credit card debt, bankruptcy, store membership agreements, credit accounts, and more consumer finance topics, all for one low, monthly subscription fee. Learn more about all the benefits of membership or sign up now!

How To Avoid Traffic Ticket Scams

A police officer sits in her cruiser flipping through papers with a pen in her hand

Traffic ticket scams are on the rise, and they go something like this: you get a ticket in the mail that includes a picture of your license plate running a red light. But you don't remember being at the intersection named in the ticket. Dozens of victims have reported receiving traffic tickets in the mail that appear legitimate but are actually part of a scam. Our network of attorneys through our Legal Protection Plans for Individuals & Families can answer your questions and give you advice for your specific situation. In the meantime, if you receive a traffic ticket in the mail, here are six ways to tell if it is real:

Carefully Read The Whole Ticket

A careful read of the entire ticket and anything else that comes with it may give you clues as to the legitimacy of the ticket. One woman noticed that the supposed date of the traffic infraction was on February 30th, for instance. Some clues aren't as blatant as that obvious lie, though, so try to remember where you were on the date in question, whether you were near the location named on the ticket, or if you even drove that day. Taking a few minutes to really read through what you've been sent can reveal the scam right away.

Contact The Authorities

Don't call the number listed on the ticket you received, but call the local law enforcement where the infraction supposedly occurred. Do a quick web search to get the proper contact information and compare it to the numbers you received. When you call, make sure to ask if the number printed on the ticket you were mailed is an actual number for the law enforcement agency in question. The police will be able to tell you whether the ticket is valid and take a report for your false ticket, as well, if the ticket is not legitimate.

Don't Click Any Links

If the ticket came to you via email, it is almost certainly a scam and visiting any link sent to you is taking a risk of the scammers stealing your personal information or installing malware on your machine without you knowing. Clicking on links can also lead to identity theft or scamming you out of money.

Don't Reveal Personal Information

Make sure to investigate by calling the law enforcement agency supposedly responsible for your ticket to verify its veracity before filling out any forms with your personal information, such as credit card information, Social Security numbers, your address, or any other sensitive information. Legitimate law enforcement will not ask for this kind of information (outside of your name) or your credit card  or other payment information over the telephone.

Make Sure All Web Sites Are Official

Only pay tickets online through official web sites that begin with "https." The "s" tells you that web site is secure.

Get Legal Advice

Criminals are always looking for new ways to steal honest people's money and information, so it is critical that you protect yours and your family's privacy, rights, and personal information. Getting legal advice in cases such as this is easy with our Legal Protection Subscription Plans; asking questions doesn't cost you anything more than your monthly subscription fee.

Scams aren't always easy to spot, and even vigilant people are sometimes taken in. With ticket scams like these on the rise, having a lawyer in your pocket is a real benefit. Get legal support, consultation, answers, and advice from our network of dedicated, experienced lawyers for just $29.95 per month. Learn more about all the benefits of our plans or sign up today!

Avoiding Pitfalls of Online Sports Betting

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As sports seasons come and go, millions of fans obsess over brackets, picks, and put down real money on the outcome of games and matches. It is now legal in many states to engage in online sports betting, and the industry is growing exponentially. Americans wagered nearly $53 billion last year and the online sports betting industry doubled in size. As when any market grows, legal questions come with it. You can always talk to your attorney through our Legal Protection Plans about any legal questions you may have regarding online gambling (or any other legal questions), but in the meantime, here are four things to remember about online sports betting.

Laws Governing Online Gambling Will Vary From State to State

Nearly half of states have legalized online gambling, but the rules vary depending on where you are; in some states, it's still illegal entirely. The first thing to know is if online gambling is legal where you live. Next, look up the laws in your state, even if it is legal, because the laws, rules, and regulations over online gambling are changing all the time. If you have questions about online sports betting laws in your state, you can consult with your lawyer.

Make Sure The Sports Book You're Using Is Reputable

Don't commit to the first sports book you find, particularly if you're new to online betting. Reputable sports books are more reputable and reliable, and they are more secure. Research any site you're considering, read reviews, and check with the BBB and other review sites to make sure they're legitimate before committing to anything.

Know Your Withdrawal Options

Some sites will require a deposit before allowing you to place bets, and they make withdrawing your winnings difficult. When this happens, it's usually one of two reasons: either withdrawals are not allowed in your state or the site may be a scam or fraud scheme. Because of this, really understanding how gambling sites are allowed to operate in your state - if at all - is extremely important (see above).

Protecting Your Personal Information

It's always important to protect your identity online, and, in a newer industry like online sports betting, there can be scammers in places you might not think of, eager not only to steal your money, but your data and identity, as well. Make sure to keep your passwords long and complicated (this makes them hard to hack), change all your passwords every couple of months, and research any company where you make an account to make sure that use security and encryption and have statements on how your data will be used. We also offer an Identity Theft Protection Service that many be of interest if you plan on participating in online gambling.

If you ever have questions about the legal aspects of life online, you can contact your attorney 24/7 with your questions and get answers, information about your rights, and get legal advice about online gambling, identity theft protection, and many more topics, all for one low, monthly fee of $29.95 for families and individuals. Learn more about our Legal Protection Subscription Plans or Sign Up Now!

Legal Implications of the Metaverse

A woman stands in a corner facing the camera with colorful computer code projected on her face

The term "metaverse" is suddenly everywhere, but what does it really mean? While tech gurus are calling it the "future of the Internet," in more concrete terms, the metaverse is made up of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies, creating worlds where users can work, hang out, go to concerts, play games, engage in ecommerce, and more. People are represented in the metaverse by their avatars, which is a custom picture or animation that represents each person in the virtual world. Some current examples of the metaverse are the holograms in Microsoft Mesh and the upcoming releases of various features of the Facebook (now Meta) metaverse. The metaverse will bring in its own set of unique legal challenges. Read on for a little information on some of them:

Crime In The Metaverse

Creating a virtual world where people can do almost everything they can do in the real world, one element that, without some kind of legal safeguards, could cause problems, is crime, such as scams, cyberbullying, fraud, and more. There is currently no legal framework for this kind of crime.

Security & Privacy

The incoming wave of computer generated content will be massive, and will include such things as avatars, virtual goods, and more new forms of data and user information. Because the concept of the metaverse as a reality in our changing world is so new, there are a lot of unanswered questions surrounding security and consumer privacy when it comes to those troves of data.

Intellectual Property

The metaverse will both create opportunities and cause problems when it comes to the realm of copyrights, patents, trademarks, branding, and other forms of intellectual property. Changes to intellectual property laws will be inevitable as the metaverse grows.

E-Commerce

Online transactions in the metaverse will most likely take place using cryptocurrencies and NFTs (non-fungible tokens), and, right now, a large percentage of the population doesn't really know about or understand either of these concepts. While educating people about how these kinds of currencies work will be a monumental task, there are legal questions that go along with this kind of trading system, such as how laws will differ when purchasing or selling virtual goods. Since virtual real estate is already an NFT, will real estate laws in their present form apply in the metaverse? What about real world trespassing laws if an avatar uses your virtual real estate without permission? Will you be able to mortgage a virtual home? While these issues may make people laugh today, in the very near future - estimates say within the next 5 to 10 years - they may be a very real problem.

Ultimately, the metaverse is too new and too little is known about it to know much about how it will impact everyday people from a legal standpoint, but we do have an opportunity as a society to think about how we want this virtual world to operate in the legal realm. In the end, the most important thing to keep in mind is your rights, as the metaverse will impact everyone's lives in significant ways in the near future. If you have questions about your rights online or in the metaverse, you can speak with your network attorney through our subscription based Legal Protection Plans any time about these questions or any other legal matter, all for one low, monthly fee. Learn more about our plans for Individuals and Families and for Small Businesses today or sign up now!

Small Business Cyber Security Threats: Are You At Risk?

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As more of our lives - work, shopping, communication, and more - goes online, society is more and more at risk for hackers, scammers, and other fraudsters to try to access our information. The news nearly every day is riddled with stories of data breaches at companies both large and small; bad actors don't target the largest fish, they target the most vulnerable. Our Small Business Cyber Security Package may be a great, low cost solution to protect you, your business, and your customers from threats online. Learn more about our services and read on to learn about the kinds of threats and what can be done about them.

Malware

The term "malware" comes from the Latin prefix "mal," which means "bad," and a combination of the words "malicious" and "software." The word "malware" has come over the years to refer to a number of different types of fraudulent software, apps, and coding that can infect your computer, phone, network, database, or system. Most malware is introduced to computers by users downloading files or clicking on links in emails or on the Internet, inadvertently or on purpose. A big part of protecting your data is to be aware of what is clicked on or downloaded to your devices, keeping your devices updated, and training everyone who uses them what to look for. Here are a few types of malware:

Spyware

Spyware is a kind of program that is secretly uploaded to your computer while you are doing normal things on the Internet. Spyware can come from poorly vetted ads, misidentified links, and links sent via email that appear to be from someone you know and trust but are not. Spyware collects personal data, keystrokes, browsing history, and more and sends it to someone who collects it and then uses or sells it.

Viruses

Viruses are programs that infect your computer and alter its performance. Viruses can collect data that is saved on or accessed by your device and send it on to a third party.

Adware

This is a type of program that displays advertising, and it often comes packaged along with free software. While not always harmful, adware is generally not created with as much care as other parts of a program and can be susceptible to exploits or leave access points open for hackers.

Ransomware

Perhaps the most dangerous of all the types of malware, ransomware is a very effective tool for hackers because most of our lives are contained on electronic devices with access to the Internet. Ransomware can lock you out of your device, databases, systems, and more, and lock you out of systems you use to run your business. Hackers tend to target vulnerable businesses with ransomware because these businesses cannot afford to be locked out and unable to run their businesses for long. One way to protect your business from ransomware is to have an on-site backup and recovery system in place for your data and systems and to make sure that it is current and up-to-date. Limiting who can install software to machines on your network and making sure that those persons are properly trained is another great step.

Phishing

While most people think that they are too savvy to be taken in by a phishing scheme, it must be said that phishing has become so sophisticated that even experts have been fooled. The prevalence of phishing attempts has grown exponentially in the last few years, and the growing cybersecurity problem presented by phishing in time and money lost is staggering. Phishing starts when an attacker sends some form of communication - texts, an email, or a social media message - that appears as though it comes from someone the recipient trusts. The goal is to get someone to click a link or download software, or to provide logins and passwords via fake pages that look real. Caution is the biggest tool to avoid phishing schemes. If an email, text, or other communication is unprompted, seems dramatic, or seems "off" in some way, you should take the time to find out if the person really did send the link or request.

Third Party Software

It's pretty common these days to outsource some things to third parties, but this type of software can put your business at risk. Unless you have been able to make sure that the software and licensing agreements adequately protect your interests, you may be exposed to vulnerabilities. While how someone else puts their programs together may be out of your control, you should always read the terms and conditions and licensing agreements thoroughly to double check how data breaches are handled, what liability using the software opens you up to, and what kinds of remediation and restoration you’re entitled to in the event of a data breach.

Keeping abreast of changes in the technological landscape can be difficult for small business owners, particularly when you're busy running your business or aren't tech savvy. Our Small Business Cyber Security Protection Plans can help you head off problems before they start, and your membership in our Small Business Legal Subscription Plans can help you through any issues that you may already have. Our network of lawyers can assist you with simple cyber security questions to dealing with a complex cyber attack, and, starting at $49 per month, will pay for itself the first time you use it. Our network of qualified attorneys are available to help you with contracts, documents, debt collection and more for just one, low, monthly fee. Learn more about all the benefits of our Small Business Legal Protection Plans and our Small Business Cyber Security Solutions or sign up now!

Protecting Yourself From Spam Calls & Texts

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Apple urged iPhone users recently to update their iOS with a patch for a critical security flaw that allowed hackers to launch spyware that monitors users' keystrokes; the malware is launched through text messages. This is just one of the latest examples of the dangers associated with a growing problem in the US and Canada: spam text messages. Spam messages and calls are annoying, and can be costly, but they are also a gateway for bad actors to do much more damage. If you need help recovering from a security breach or identity theft, our legal subscription plans and identity theft packages are great, low cost solutions. In the meantime, here are a few tips for handling spam texts and calls.

It's Against The Law

Text message marketing without the end users' consent is against the law in both Canada and the United States. But anyone who has dealt with a spam attack knows that the perpetrators are often hard to track down and prosecute. They change phones, numbers, and locations frequently, and often use technology that shields them from being discovered. Providers of cell phone services are working to provide services that block spam, but spammers and hackers are working just as hard to circumvent those measures.

A Few Tips For Dealing With Spam Texts

• Do not engage with a spammer by replying to messages

• Never click links in texts! Clicking links can lead to malware and viruses and, in worst case scenarios, losing money or having your identity stolen

• Do an Internet search for numbers you don't recognize and see if they are in spam reporting databases

• Do not visit web sites sent to you in texts, even if they're not a link.

• Never respond to free offers unless it's from a sender you recognize

• Cell phone consumers in the US and Canada can report spam texts by forwarding them to your cell phone provider at 7726 (SPAM)

• You can also ask your provider to block texts that come from the Internet, and while it won't block spam sent from a cell phone, it can eliminate some unwanted spam messages

Phone Scams

Scammers continue to use the telephone to steal millions of dollars from people every year. One popular tactic is to impersonate the IRS and harass victims until they make payments or reveal personal identifying information. This scam has targeted nearly half a million people in the United States, and the IRS has even created a dedicated web site to report these calls. Remember: the IRS will NEVER contact you by phone, text, or email. The IRS will ALWAYS contact you via the USPS mail.

Thieves use similar tactics to steal credit card information, using robo-calls to "warn" you that your credit or debit card has been locked. The automated calls prompt you to then enter your credit or debit card information to "unlock your card." These scams, called "vishing" (short for voicemail phishing), urge you to reveal private information that will be used to attempt to steal from you, steal your identity, or other fraudulent uses. Like other types of scam calls, these calls usually rely on too-good-to-be-true offers or dire threats. The rule of thumb is to never give out personal information - especially your credit card or Social Security numbers - over the phone unless you made the call.

Some calls are legal, such as calls from political candidates, charities, or reminders from businesses where you are a customer, such as your bank or insurance company. But be wary of calls received from businesses where you haven't consented to receive such communications.

Be wary of any call that asks for your personal information to activate a perk or retain access to your bank accounts or credit cards. Your best bet is hang up and call the business back to verify the veracity of the claims.

Advice For Phone Scams

• Never trust caller ID - scammers have the ability and technology to mask their real numbers or to spoof someone else's number without their knowledge

• Never share personal information over the phone unless you called them. Businesses you interact with likely already have your information

• Don't overreact if the caller threatens you with lawsuits, arrests, or losing access to your bank account or cards.

• Never press a number or stay on the line for a live person. Doing so can let spammers know that they have a "live" number

• Never call back the number that called you or visit any web sites mentioned in the call. Instead, call the company's customer service line listed on their official web site

• Contact your service provider to see about the possibility of blocking the number that called you. Keep in mind that the number you saw on your caller ID may be spoofed from a completely innocent person

• If the scam involved someone pretending to represent the IRS, make sure to report the call at the IRS reporting web site. For all other calls, report them to FTC.

The basic thing to remember if you're contacted by a suspected scammer is to NEVER give out ANY personal information. If you want to learn more about how to protect yourself from scammers and identity theft, check out our Identity Theft Protection Services for individuals and families, and if you have legal concerns from a previous encounter with a scammer, learn how our network of attorneys can help you resolve the situation faster and easier than you can on your own, and for a lot less than you might imagine. Sign up today!

Cyber Monday Scams: How To Protect Yourself

A miniature shopping cart with a US $20 bill in it sits next to a laptop.

Most people think that Black Friday is the biggest shopping day, but increased online sales around the holidays have pushed Cyber Monday to the number one shopping day of the year. With increased online shopping comes more online scams, though, and it is important to protect your finances from holiday scammers. Members of our legal subscription plans can speak with an experienced consumer finance attorney any time about  concerns with online scams and hundreds of other personal legal matters at no additional fee. In the meantime, here are a few tips to protect yourself while online shopping this holiday season:

Beware of Too-Good-To-Be-True Pricing

When you come across items that have been greatly discounted, make sure to check the reviews on the site you're shopping to make sure you're not buying damaged or discounted products. Scammers often set up dummy web sites, auction listings, and advertisements on social media that look like amazing deals on brand name products, and then never deliver items sold. These kinds of scams kick into high gear around the holiday shopping season.

Make Sure To Read The Retailer's Return Policy

Disputes most often happen around return or refund policies, so making sure to read through and understand the store's policies and procedures for returns and refunds will likely save you a headache later on if you need to avail yourself of those services. Some companies have high restocking fees, and some discontinued items, or items on sale or clearance may not be eligible for returns or refunds. Customers are sometimes also responsible for return shipping fees. A reputable company will spell these terms out to you somewhere on their site.

Keep Tabs On Your Bank Account

Busy holiday shopping season is prime time for hackers who hack into retailer web sites and steal customer data, so it's important that you check your bank account frequently and be on the lookout for fraudulent charges, especially this time of the year. When spending increases around the holidays, it is easy to overlook charges, so saving receipts and checking them with your bank register can give you peace of mind. If you notice any irregularities, contact your bank or credit card issuer immediately.

Stick To Trusted Retailers

Double check domain names in your browser to make sure that you are on the correct web site. Emails or online advertising that appears to come from legitimate, trusted retailers can be scams that direct you to sites meant to steal your data or credit card information. The domain name at the top of your browser window should have an https:// at the beginning of the domain name; the "s" tells you that you are on a secure site. Make sure to use unique passwords for online retailers.

Check Out Seller Ratings

Negative feedback from previous customers can often tell you a lot about a seller. Marketplace and auction web sites that allow individual sellers to market their products to a wide audience often have features where customers can rate and review sellers, and these are a good source of information when making a decision to purchase from a seller you aren't familiar with. Be cautious before making a purchase from a seller with poor ratings or bad reviews; read the reviews and decide if you're willing to risk it.

Secure Your Payment Information

Scams abound online, and a common one is to get buyers to pay for items with wire transfers, money orders, gift cards, or cash. Never make payments online via any of these methods as none of them offer any tracking or protection if the transaction turns out to be a scam. Insist on more secure payment options, and consider protecting your credit or debit card information by using a third-party payment service that doesn't reveal your payment information to the seller. Almost all payment processing services offer some kind of buyer protection.

Shopping online any time should be a fun, safe experience, and, with a little forethought, always can be. When scams increase around the holidays, it's important to look out for yourself a little harder to make sure you don't become the victim of a scam or identity theft scheme. Members of our legal subscription plans can talk to experienced, dedicated, consumer finance and identity theft attorneys at any time, and it is included in your monthly fee. Learn more about this essential benefit, or sign up for legal protection today!