Identity Theft

Peer-to-Peer (P2P) file sharing networks exist so people can download free mp3 files, DVDs, movies, etc. They work by having each member of the network share some personal files while downloading files from other people's computers. Share and share alike, right?

This has understandably driven the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) as well as the people in Hollywood crazy. So crazy that they are suing people they catch sharing copyrighted materials. We're not going to go into the ethics either way on this argument. Maybe some other time...

The problem is that people are not only sharing their ripped CDs and DVDs, they're also sharing (accidently, I'm guessing) sensitive files on their hard drive like tax returns, bank statements and cancelled checks.

A blogger recently decided to do a few searches on Gnutella, a major P2P network, for sensitive documents. It took him only 10 minutes to find a handful.

Take a look at what he dug up... (maybe it's your tax return)

What is the lesson you should learn?

1. Avoid P2P networks PERIOD! The software that enables the network is often full of spyware and the files you download can be infected with viruses and other malware. Not good.
2. Keep control of other users on your computer, especially if they are teenagers. If they install file-sharing software on your computer it may be your tax return (along with your SSN, DOB, address, etc.) showing up all over the internet.
3. If you do decide to use file sharing software, make sure you've clearly designated a single folder to share and make sure you don't accidently drop your scanned bank statements in the folder.

Digital Privacy: A Curmudgeon's Guide

Do you feel it's a losing battle trying to keep your information private? If you do, you're smart. It's impossible to live in our modern society without people knowing more about you than you'd like.

* Your doctor wants you to hand over your families' health history and you social security number.

* The supermarket wants to track how often you buy frozen pizza.

* The government now wants your garbageman to report any suspicious behavior going on in your basement.

What's the solution? Get grumpy. When people ask for information, say no. If they insist, ask for their manager. Ask why they need the information. Does this require some backbone? Yes it does. Just reach around with your arm. You'll find you still have one.

David Holtzman, a privacy curmudgeon, as he puts it, says people respond in different ways to privacy concerns. His categories include the Curmudgeon, the Ignorer, the Avoider, the Deceiver and the Aggressor:

"Ignorers think that there is no problem; Avoiders go out of their way to not be in a situation where they have to give information; Deceivers deliberately give false information whenever possible; and Aggressors get indignant and talk about lawsuits or write nasty letters."

Curmudgeons don't lie or avoid privacy issues. They meet them head on. Here are his six guidelines for becoming a privacy grump. Some are extreme. Don't feel bad if you don't follow all of them. I don't. Just realize that you are exchanging convenience for information:

* Just Say No - If the information requested doesn't have anything to do with product or service you're buying, just say no.

* Pay Up Front - When requesting medical services.

* Ask Why - If they answer, "the computer system requires the information", ask again.

* Pay Cash - Cash transactions can't be tracked.

* Don't Use Wireless Devices - Cell phones and other devices can track and record your whereabouts.

* Don't Use "Convenience Cards" - They are designed to track and analyze your purchasing habits.

Thieves are unbelievable. If only they'd apply their talents to something worthwhile. In this case, they got their hands on a Ford Motor Credit authorization code for Experian, one of the major credit bureaus. This allowed them to make requests for people's credit reports directly from Experian, just like they were a Ford dealership.

This may affect you, even if you've never owned or financed a car from Ford. The reports were pulled from the general population, not just from Ford customers. I've read elsewhere that they even targeted affluent neighborhoods, just to victimize people with bigger credit lines. If you were one of the victims, however, you should have received a letter from Ford. They've also set up a toll-free line just for this issue - 888-838-8176.