Watch out for fake phone numbers!

One the latest tricks used by criminals is faking the caller-ID. This is done relatively easily using VIOP (Voice Over IP) technology, the same technology that lets us make phone calls over the internet. This is the telephone equivalent of sending SPAM from a fake address so that it makes it through the email filter.

Some criminals have gone so far as to mimic an actual telephone voice response system using this same technology.

Tip: Never give up your personal information to any stranger unless you can verify their identity. Do simple checks, like looking up their phone numbers or addresses, to see if they are who they say they are.

Welcome to MySecurityIQ

This blog is a companion for the web site at www.mysecurityiq.com. The purpose of this blog is to share stories, ideas, lessons and advice on personal information security.

Information crime statistics show that as citizens we are losing the war against cybercrime one battle at a time - and most of us don't even know it. There is very little awareness in the general population about information security, and how most internet users have become vulnerable to a number of crimes. We must come to realize that corporations will not protect our personal data. The government will not protect our personal data. It is up to us, as individuals, to take personal responsibility for understanding the threats against us and what to do to neutralize these threats.

I welcome comments, suggestions and especially personal stories of people who have been victims of identity theft, auction fraud, or other types of information crimes.