You Asked, We Answered: Protecting Yourself From Online Fraud

May 8, 2008— -- Detective Steve Rizzo is a 10-year veteran of the Delaware State Police. He worked two tours of duty at different patrol troops in New Castle County before he was transfered to the financial crimes unit as a detective. He currently manages a caseload focusing on financial crimes dealing with fraud, deception and internal theft.

Marilyn from Jasper, Tenn., asked: "I keep hearing about the dangers, but I do not hear about any way to protect myself, except to pay $100 a year for a company that will supposedly do that. I did read about many states having a lock law. I read all the fine print and it looked as though every time you want to use a credit card, you have to call and 'unlock' your card by giving your pin. Is that correct? Do you know of a relatively inexpensive way to protect accounts: checking, mutual funds, credit cards? PLEASE give us the story on the remedy if there is one."

Detective Rizzo answered: I am not familiar with lock laws, unfortunately, but I am always very selective on what I purchase online, if anything at all, and I never, ever use a debit card online. I am very selective about what I do online, because there is way too much personal information that is exposed online. Never place your mail in your home mailbox because that allows thieves to have access to it when you are not at home, and much of your mail contains personal information.

D. Rice from Albuquerque, N.M., asked: "Recently my debit card was used to make a transaction in another city. I nor anyone in my family made this purchase. The bank did reimburse me. Because I have only one card and it is in my possession, how could this happen? I have since received a new card and I have not used my old card online."

Detective Rizzo answered: Much like the skimming that goes on, someone somewhere was able to compromise the credit card information and either use the information only or perhaps make a counterfeit card with the accurate information and use it accordingly. Card information is usually only used online and in transactions where the physical card itself is not required to be presented, but it has happened before where store clerks will actually accept card information right in person.

Pauline from Lakewood, Calif.: "My 16-year-old found out that a lady in Vancover, Wash., was using his Social Security number, so now he is $700 in the hole as he begins his life in the work force. What are the best steps for us to take so he gets this off his record and that he can open an account?"