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The complete 700 page Eighth Edition is available here for a limited time AT NO CHARGE. The book is written in "plain talk" language and covers virtually all personal financial concerns. Of particular importance are the extra end-of-chapter features which explain how the economy impacts on our lives, plus how to anticipate and solve real-life financial problems, and much more. PLEASE NOTE: Give the pages a few moments to load. Some of the first few pages are blank, owing to the way the book was originally published. The "Quick Click" links and the Update Link (www.wiley...etc.)are no longer operative; they will be replaced in the website's articles. Scroll to the textbook's Table of Contents for a complete look at the subject matter.

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Tuesday, January 29, 2008

THE DUMMY'S GUIDE TO IDENTITY GIVEAWAY


It’s bad enough to have your identity stolen. But what if you GIVE IT AWAY? Can’t happen to you? You say you wouldn’t fall for a “phishing” scam. But millions of people do, despite the fact that many of the scammers are incredibly stupid. Their come-ons might look legit, but you can tell at a glance that they’re phony…IF you take the time to give them a glance. Here are some that flew into my inbox today.

“Good heavens, Morrie…we just got an email from eBay/ PayPal/ Amazon/ Citibank/ Visa….They said that there’s a problem with our account, and we have to email information back to them right away or they’ll cancel the account! Quick, Morrie, solve the problem!”

Cautious, concerned and wary, Morrie clicks onto the return link and types in the details that the phony phisher has asked for: bank account number, Social Security number, credit card numbers----all those little items that constitute your identity.

“Just in time,” says Morrie. “We could have been in real trouble.”

And bingo, within minutes they ARE in real trouble. The phishers are out having a field day with Morrie’s money. They didn’t steal Morrie’s ID. He GAVE it to them. A gift, pure and simple.

Little lessons from recent mail:

#1 A phishing letter from Bank of America, complete with their logo, their copyright notice and wording that sounds like what a real bank might say. Except---Here, exactly as the phishing bait was worded, are the flashing red lights: “…The update process is very simple and fast one….” See the goof?

It gets better. “This process is mandatory , and if not completed within the nearest time your To securely confirm your information please click on the link bellow…”

Bankers might not be sweethearts, but they do mind their grammar and their spelling. And the stupid goofs in this letter are a dead giveaway that you’re not dealing with a bank, but with a phony. “…The update process is very simple and fast one…?” Missing a little “a?” Give that guy an F minus in Phishing 101.

Next goof---forget the statement that “this process is mandatory….” That’s nonsense. The rest of the sentence is hellacious! “…nearest time…?” “….your To securely confirm…?” “….information please click on the link…?” And, best of all, “BELLOW.” With goofs like that you wouldn’t want these people to really handle your banking, would you?

#2. This one was from Wells Fargo Bank, with logo of course---horses pulling a stagecoach---all looking very Wells Fargoish. Once again, the exact wording: “We recently viewed your account, and suspect that your Wells Fargo Internet Banking account has been accessed by an unauthorized third party. Protecting the security of your account and of the Washington Mutual network is our primary concern……” Wait a minute! Hold those Wells Fargo horses! What’s wrong with this picture? Wells Fargo Bank is worried about the Washington Mutual network? Right. Just like Ford wants you to shop at Chevy dealers.

Just a typo, you say? Anyone can make a mistake? Go a few inches down on this inanity, where the print gets really small, and read “Privacy and Security: To access the Washington Mutual privacy policy go to wellsfargo.com/security…”

#3. A totally different letter from Bank of America, and you don’t have to read beyond the greeting to know that you’re dealing with dingbats: “In attention of Bank of America customers.” In attention of???. Whatever happened to “Dear?”

#4. Another greeting from another dodo: “Dear Citi Bank Customer.” The bank’s name is Citibank, all one word. I am not making this up.

#5. This one came to me from Downey Savings and Loan Association, where, by the way, I have never had any accounts. The salutation read, "Dear Downey Savings and Loan Association." Oops. It went on to say, in kooky language, "Your Internet Banking Account is currently locked! You must update your Internet Banking Account urgently!" They had my account number listed as "XBBHPJMZUC." What number do you suppose follows that?

Okay, enough is enough for one day.

Who do these dummies think they’re kidding? A lot of other dummies, that’s who. Identity theft is bad enough. Identity giveaway is shameful.


This article supplements Chapter 4, pages 108-134 in Personal Finance. Access the textbook by clicking on the box in the right column.




posted by Bob Rosefsky at 12:09 PM