How to rob a bank (long thread)

[rosebron]

I'm not sure how old this show is but CNN broadcasted a show last night "HOW TO ROB A BANK" that was very disturbing and eye-opening to us. It basically dealt with credit-card fraud and identity theft, with the bank being the ultimate victims since they would be the entity bearing the financial burden.

Some of the thieves featured on the show targeted large apartment complexes. They stole lots of "junk" mail that tenants threw out containing sensitive information, especially credit card offers. They would process the offers by just changing the address on the form then once the cc arrived, use it to have a great time. In one case, one guy had over $2.5 million in cash from cash advances, etc.

What was most frightening was that it is so easy to rip-off someone's SSN on the web, their home address, etc. Nowadays, the banks are being more cautious about information and access to other people's accounts but I still am in awe of how easy it is to use credit card or debit card information on the web to purchase items. On top of this, the web scammers just went on about how ignorant and naive the general public was concerning putting information on the web or responding to SPAM about SSN/mother's maiden name information. One guy was actually smirking and grinning (at his genius and our stupidity) while being interviewed in jail. He actually thought that he would only get probation (he is serving 17 years)!!! I was sad that such smart kids are using their talents fo idle things so early (he started at 14.

About 6 months ago (when we started our TMMO), we signed up for to opt out of receiving cc and insurance offers. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Consumer Credit Reporting Companies are permitted to include your name on lists used by creditors or insurers to make firm offers of credit or insurance that are not initiated by you. The Act also provides you the right to "Opt-Out", which prevents Consumer Credit Reporting Companies from providing your credit file information for Firm Offers. Through this website, you may request to:

- Opt-Out from receiving Firm Offers for Five Years
- Opt-Out from receiving Firm Offers permanently
- Opt-In and be eligible to receive Firm Offers. This option is for consumers who have previously completed an Opt-Out request.

If you choose to Opt-Out, you will no longer be included in firm offer lists provided by these four consumer credit reporting companies. If you are not receiving firm offers because you have previously completed a request to Opt-Out, you can request to Opt-In. The Federal Trade Commission site for this information can be found at
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/.../prescreen.htm
or you can call (888) 5OPTOUT or 1-888-567-8688 for more information.

So now, the only material we get in the mail comes from companies with whom we currently conduct business or have conducted business with in the past. We do not receive many offers which might protect us to some degree, I hope. We also do not get marketers calling since we also signed up at the NO CALL LIST a few years ago (don't remember the number).

The link to "How to Rob a Bank" show can be found on the web at
http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/05/18/ide...eft/index.html

[kaykwilts]

Thanks for posting this. I thought that I had opted out a couple of years ago but have noticed lately that I have still been getting credit card offers. I don't want this junk in my mailbox where theives can steal it and get a credit card in my name. It just burns me up.

[rosebron]

The show is on CNN right now!!!

[AheeK]

I assume this opt-out only works in the US....does anyone know how it works in Canada? I wouldn't mind getting rid of those stupid cc offers in my mailbox. Only I never throw them out....I take all the papers, remove everywhere my name and address or a bar code appears, rip them up, seal them back into the pre-paid envelope and mail it back to the company. It only costs them $0.51, but maybe eventually they'll get the hint.

[McD]

Working in a bank I have seen first hand how completely dumb people are with their account information.

For example---shouting out their account number in the drivethrough. All a person has to do is tail you home, steal some mail, and they have your account number, your address, everything!

People share debit cards. (If the bank finds out you have lent someone your debit car, they are well within their rights to hot card your debit card and not issue you another one. It's a huge liabilty).

It's sickening.

[dcompton]

I shred EVERYTHING that comes to me with my name on an offer before tossing it in the dumpster. I pretend to myself that it helps. Maybe so, maybe not. And plenty of stuff comes. I could get my act together and do the opt out thing.

[acidcookie]

I opted out, and shred everything, even if it just has my name and address.

Also, I don't have paper statements mailed to me for any account that offers online statements (and have called and complained to the other companies about NOT offering online statements).

Also don't forget you get free credit reports each year from each credit company at annualcreditreport.com so you can be sure about your credit history.

[Telephus44]

Only I never throw them out....I take all the papers, remove everywhere my name and address or a bar code appears, rip them up, seal them back into the pre-paid envelope and mail it back to the company. It only costs them $0.51, but maybe eventually they'll get the hint.

I do this with CC offers and other junk mail. As a certified postal partner (I'm glad my knowledge is good for something!) I can tell you that they only pay postage if you actually mail it back - and if you stuff it extra full, it becomes non-machinable for automated sort and they end up paying extra postage. So I stick it to them when I can

I doubt this takes me off their mailing list, but at least I cost them more money!

[acidcookie]

Only I never throw them out....I take all the papers, remove everywhere my name and address or a bar code appears, rip them up, seal them back into the pre-paid envelope and mail it back to the company. It only costs them $0.51, but maybe eventually they'll get the hint.

I have done this before with those blank checks some of my credit card companies keep sending me! Hehe.

[Hollyhandi]

They all go in the woodstove and up in smoke