Have you read Daria's new blog on the state of baby boomers' retirements?

Alarming!

Today, I want to talk wtih you about something that has been bothering the hell out of me...the fact that it's getting harder and harder to protect our personal information--online AND offline.

I'm not a fool.  I realize that, with sophisticated daily technological advances, it's practically impossible to 100% protect your personal information, but that's doesn't mean there aren't some smart moves we can make today put the odds back in our favor and protect ourselves.

This week saw another MAJOR data breach--one that could be the worst in history.  Hackers broke into the database of major email marketing firm Epsilon--which sends more than 40 billion emails a year on behalf of major companies such as Best Buy, Marriott, Home Shopping Network, Chase and Capital One--making off with millions of email addresses.

This is just the latest in a constant stream of breaches.  Hackers have obtained the sensitive personal information of millions of Americans from some major banks, retailers and hotels-- even the U.S. Government...

And its becoming easier every day in a world where it seems that EVERYONE wants our personal info (not always with good intention).

Everytime you sign up for a free offer online and have to fill out a form with personal information, or when a retailer asks for your email address for "special" online offers including merchandise discounts, special sales, etc.

Many of us still freely give out one of our most sensitive (and most useful to criminals) pieces of information...our Social Security number.

Some of us still even print it on our checks!  Talk about inviting an identity theft disaster!

Daria and I are making a real effort to limit the possibility of our personal information getting into the wrong hands.

Here are some of the cautions that we live by and suggest that you consider incorporating into your personal life:

* Daria's mother had a recent fraudulent  charge on her credit card from a store FAR away from where she lives. She thinks that her credit card number was compromised at a local restaurant when she paid her bill by credit card.

Never let your credit card out of your sight in ANY restaurant or retail store, no matter how busy it is or how frazzled the waiter/salesperson appears to be.

*Don't reply to "pop-up" messages when you are online that ask for personal or financial information.  And don't cut and paste a link from an unsolicited offer into your web browser because phishers can make links looks they go to one place, but, in reality, they go to quite a different address.

* Be very cautious of opening any attachment or downloading any files, especially from senders you don't recognize.

No matter HOW tempting, we NEVER open a file from a sender that we don't recognize...and, even when we recognize the sender,  we're still very careful!  One of the top ways computer viruses work is to take over someone's email account and send spam to everyone in that person's address book.  So it looks like your friend John sent you the attachment, but it was really a scammer.

* Be VERY careful of providing information (or doing ANY kind of business) with "look-alike" websites...websites that ingeniously look like the website of the company with which you THINK that you are dealing.

Confused? Call the 800 number of the company to confirm its legitimate website before you do online business.

* Stop ordering catalogs. Daria has learned her lesson that most companies sell your address to other companies...the mailings will NEVER stop until you get your email/mailing address out of circulation...and once the onslaught of catalogs begins...it's hard to stop it !!

* Check your credit card and bank statements AS SOON AS you receive them to check for any unauthorized charges.  If you use your credit card's web site, you can even check your charges weekly to catch fraud fast.

* If it is absolutely necessary to give out your personal information to do business, ask that your information not be sold or shared with anyone including subsidiaries of the company with which you are dealing.

And finally...

* "Would you like us to put you on our e-mail/mailing list?"

NO, thanks!

In today's day and age, we can't ever be 100% positive of protecting our personal info, but by taking these preventative steps, you'll be minimizing the chances of becoming a a dreaded identity theft statistic!

P.S.  It NEVER stops!

As I was finishing this blog, I went to a website that claimed to have the lowest airfares to Europe, hoping, as does everyone, to find a cheap fare.

So, I plugged in our desired travel dates and airports and hit submit...only to have a message pop up that I couldn't get any info until I gave them my phone, number, and e-mail address!

No, thanks...bye-bye!

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