This blog entry really hits home to me as it is not the first time something like this has happened and I also feel like the Internet is a stomping ground for criminal activity. Let’s start with last Sunday. I noticed my bank account was losing money and it was from transactions I never made. I had to call my bank, cancel my credit /bank cheque card, order new cards, dispute the transactions, and late fees. I now have to wait until the Bank investigates the incident and luckily my credit union put the money back in my account. This however, is not the first time I have experienced problems using the internet.
In 2007, I had a PayPal account. I never saved my information online. However, a person did get my banking info and ordered a computer over $500.00 I noticed the charge, called my credit union, and they refunded my money and cancelled the transaction right away. All I knew of the incident from this point was that the authorities got involved and they were looking into the claim. I am reserved about using online methods to pay my bills now and will warn any person to be careful when they make payments online using a credit card or with their banking information.
But I got off easy! Imagine all the other things that happen on craigslist. I know of at least one murder, multiple scams and issues with privacy, amongst a slew of other issues. I read this article regarding a man looking for employment and that he was found murdered in Ohio. This involved a man from FL (murdered) and a man from South Carolina (shot but survived). Read here for more information:
My point is there are so many things that could happen to you on the internet that you might not have considered. Or you might think, this would never happen to me. I can assure you, at some point you will experience at least a mild issue of fraud or a person who has tried to obtain your personal information. I sure hope nothing as bad as what happened on Craigslist will happen but it seems to be a trend.
The question is How Do I protect myself? Well, do not store your personal or banking information online or on your computer. Do not engage in activities online that involve meeting strangers or cash transactions. Do not read emails or download links from people or sources you do not know. This might sound like the basics, but I just feel like these types of occurrences keep happening and the stories just keep getting worse.
Please protect yourself when online. On a happy note, have a safe, happy Thanksgiving holiday and enjoy it with your family and friends.
Submitted by Sean Platz
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