Data Breach Alert: Hundreds of college seniors impacted in potential Wellesley College data breach

Posted by Joe on February 29th, 2008

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The Boston Herald is reporting that the personal information of nearly 500 Wellesley College seniors may have been compromised this month.

After receiving flu shots at a local health clinic last fall the personal information of about 480 students was sent to a regional Medicare office for processing. When an envelope arrived it had been opened and the personal information, including social security numbers, addresses and dates of birth, was gone.

All impacted students are in the process of being notified by the clinic and the USPS has launched an investigation to determine if the data loss was caused by identity thieves or mechanical failure in the processing of the envelope.

Learn more about the risks of identity theft in our identity theft protection guide.

• Data Breach Alert: College students receive social security numbers of classmates over email
• Data Breach Alert: Massachusetts college exposes 20,000 personal identities
• Data Breach Alert: Tens of thousands impacted in Antioch College data breach
• Facebook poll shows college students don’t know VoIP
• Data Breach Alert: Thousands of Dominican University students impacted in secure file breach

TJ Maxx parent company offers 15% off to victims of massive data breach

Posted by Joe on February 29th, 2008

TJX, the parent company of TJ Maxx, Marshalls and several other national retailers, is holding a one day only 15% off sale as part of a settlement agreement related to their massive 2006 data breach which exposed the personal information of over 45 million consumers.

According to TJX, those eligible for the sale and broader settlement include everyone:

• In the U.S., Puerto Rico and Canada who made a purchase or return at a T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, T.J. Maxx ‘n More, Marshalls MegaStore, The Maxx, HomeGoods, A.J. Wright, Winners or HomeSense outlet.
• Who believes their personal or financial data was stolen or placed at risk of being stolen from TJX’s computer systems.
• Who thinks they were damaged.

In addition to the one day sale, TJX’s settlement also provides additional identity theft protection to impacted consumers. According to their website:

The proposed settlement offers vouchers, cash benefits, credit monitoring, identity theft insurance, and reimbursements to people affected by the intrusion

As we have suggested in our previous coverage of this massive data breach, consumers that feel they may have been impacted are strongly encouraged to enroll in an identity theft protection service to help prevent falling victim to identity thieves. Read more in our guide to identity theft protection services.

• TJ Maxx to send follow up fraud alert letters to victims
• TJ Maxx may have know about identity theft threat two months earlier than reported
• Data Breach Alert: Millions at risk for identity theft due to supermarket chain data breach
• Data Breach Alert: Over 10 million eBay Korea users impacted in massive hack
• Data Breach Alert: Theft puts 13,000 Pfizer employees at risk

Identity Guard Good Start review launched on NextAdvisor.com

Posted by Joe on February 28th, 2008

Identity Guard’s Level 4 Protection service has been a five star rated service provider on our identity theft prevention service guide since we launched it last year.  We are now happy to announce that we have completed a review of ID Guard’s “Good Start” service which has also garnered a five star review.

Good Start is similiar to Level 4 and other top rated services, such as LifeLock, in that it offers extensive proactive identity theft protection features such as fraud alerts for each of the three major credit bureaus.  Good Start also offers a unique benefit in credit monitoring of your Equifax credit file and at only $4.99 it is the cheapest identity theft protection service on the market.

That bargain price does comes with slightly fewer “frills” than many of the other identity theft protection services we have reviewed.  For example, Identity Guard Good Start does not include additional benefits such as mail list removal, free credit reports or identity theft insurance.

That being said, it is definitely the cheapest way to get high quality preventative identity theft protection with credit report monitoring.  We think it is a great service and highly recommend it to our readers.  You can learn more about Identity Guard Good Start by reading our full review.

• Identity Guard adds 30 day free trial and free ZoneAlarm software
• Kroll Identity Theft Shield identity theft protection service review
• NextAdvisor reviews Identity Truth
• Identity Theft Shield from Kroll and Pre-Paid Legal Review
• Identity Guard provides extensive identity theft protection and detection

Blu-ray is last technology standing in high def dvd wars

Posted by Joe on February 28th, 2008

Toshiba, the developer of the HD DVD technology, announced this week that it would be exiting the high definition dvd market and cease all production of HD DVD players and movies that play on them.  The announcement was a big win for rival high definition dvd techology blu-ray, which was developed by Sony, as it is now the only remaining high def dvd format.

This news is also a positive for the majority of consumers that were wary to jump into the high definition dvd market until a clear winner in the “format wars” had been determined.  Until just recently the two rivals had been actively courting major movie studios for exclusive deals on their respective formats.  We reported last month on the fact that Sony was clearly winning that battle.

However, this is a major setback for consumers that have already invested in HD DVD players or who may have purchased an XBOX 360 which included the HD DVD technology.  While both existing HD DVD movies and standard dvds will still work on those players, no new dvd content will be published in HD DVD.  This leaves HD DVD owners in the same tough position that betamax owners where in in the early 1980’s when the standard format of video cassettes was being determined.

We ultimately see this as a positive move and something that will mean more clarity and innovation in the marketplace.  With the question of “which format” out of the way more and more consumers will likely jump into the high def dvd world.  Movie studios will also be in a better position to start investing in better and more extensive high def dvds with expanded features that are possible in the high def format.

We strongly suggest that anyone with a blu-ray high definition dvd player consider a online dvd movie rental service to get the full enjoyment and value out of their investment.  View our online dvd rental service guide to learn more.

• Netflix to invest in expanding Blu-ray movie inventory
• Best Buy to offer blu-ray rebate to HD DVD owners
• HD DVD vs. Blu-ray - Who will be the next Betamax?
• Netflix continues to innovate, explores movie streaming over Xbox Live
• Data Breach Alert: Student hacker puts 35,000 teachers and staff on alert

New bill will improve VoIP 911 calling

Posted by Joe on February 28th, 2008

A new bill approved by the senate this week would drastically improve the quality of 911 service provided to subscribers of Voice over IP telephone service by giving VoIP providers the same type of access to 911 calling infrastructure that traditional phone service providers have.

Enhanced 911 is not new and VoIP providers are already providing these services to the vast majority of their subscribers. However, in a small percentage of cases a 911 call made by a VoIP subscriber may be routed to some location other than their local emergency services department.
Vonage estimates that more than 98% of their current subscribers already have enhanced 911 access, but the new legislation helps make it easier for Vonage and other VoIP providers to provide service that is comparable and, in many ways, better than standard phone service.

We see this as a big win for both VoIP providers and their subscribers as it will ensure that the growing number of consumers that use VoIP services will always have the best possible emergency services available.

• New legislation gives all VoIP subscribers access to standard 911 services
• 3 tips for VoIP 911 calls
• T-Mobile launches discount VoIP service with a few big downsides
• Vonage makes customer support a top priority
• Court decision will keep Vonage subscriber fees low

TJ Maxx to send follow up fraud alert letters to victims

Posted by Joe on February 28th, 2008

TJ Maxx will be sending another round of fraud alert letters to consumers whose personal information may have been exposed during a 2006 data breach. The TJ Maxx data breach impacted thousands of shoppers at TJ Maxx, Bob’s Stores, HomeGoods, Marshalls, and A.J. Wright across the United States.

Those consumers that receive fraud alerts or think they may be part of group whose personal information was put at risk should take certain precautions to make sure they don’t fall victim to identity theft.

1. Closely examine all checking account, debit card and credit card statements for any irregular or suspicious charges.
2. Obtain a copy of your credit report by signing up for a credit report monitoring service, an identity theft protection service or by visiting freeannualcreditreport.com.
3. Contact TJ Maxx directly through their special consumer information telephone number at 866-484-6978 to keep up to date on any additional developments related to the data breach.

• TJ Maxx parent company offers 15% off to victims of massive data breach
• TJ Maxx may have know about identity theft threat two months earlier than reported
• Data Breach Alert: Thousands of Dominican University students impacted in secure file breach
• Data Breach Alert: Utah hospital loses thousands of patient records
• Data Breach Alert: Stolen laptop exposes identities of 20,000 Kraft employees

Economic stimulus and your 2007 tax return

Posted by Joe on February 27th, 2008

Earlier this month President Bush signed the $168 million economic stimulus package into law. For those not familiar with the program it will mean that most tax payers will receive $300, $600 or $1200 rebates plus $300 per child. The goal of the program is to provide relief to tax payers and stimulate economic activity by putting some cash in the pockets of Americans.

There are some important tax implications and related questions that consumers may have about the stimulus package and Amy McAnarney, executive director for H&R Block’s Tax Institute, recently provided some answers and insight for consumers.

Will this affect the tax return I have to file before April 15?

No. However, the amount of your rebate depends on how much money you earn this year and information from the 2007 tax return you’ll file before April 15.

How soon can I get my rebate?

Checks should be distributed during a 10-week period starting in May.

If I file my taxes earlier, will that speed up when I receive my rebate?

Checks will not be distributed until May, regardless of when you file, but taxpayers who file for an extension might receive their rebates later than those who file by the April 15 deadline.

What if I don’t have to file a tax return this year? Will I still get my rebate this year?

Taxpayers who want to receive their rebate this year should file a tax return this year. H&R Block is among the most affordable choices for Americans who want their rebate but who otherwise would not have to file, with discounted, professional tax preparation starting at $35 in our offices and do-it-yourself options, such as TaxCut Online, for as little as $14.95.

Will the rebate money I get be considered income, and will I be taxed on this next year?

No, and no. The rebate is an advance credit for tax year 2008, based on a tax cut in the economic stimulus bill.

Are there any limits on which taxpayers are eligible to receive a rebate? What are they?

To qualify for the rebate, the taxpayer must have earned income of at least $3,000, which can consist of income and benefits from Social Security or veterans’ disability, and have a valid Social Security Number. The rebate is also phased out at adjusted gross incomes above $75,000, or $150,000 for married couples.

To learn more about preparing your taxes online and efiling for your 2007 tax return please visit our online tax preparation guide.

• USA Today selects TurboTax as top online tax preparation service
• Early filers prefer efile says IRS
• Best Buy to offer blu-ray rebate to HD DVD owners
• Top ten reasons to prepare your taxes online and efile in 2008
• $800 million in tax benefits go unclaimed

8 tips to protect your children from identity theft

Posted by Joe on February 24th, 2008

While most people understand the significant threat that identity theft poses to adults in the United States many are surprised to find out that the fastest growing segment of identity theft victims are children.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) estimates that about 5% of all identity theft victims in 2005 were under the age of 18. This may not seem like a large number at first glance, but when you consider that there were an estimated 255,000 identity theft victims in the US that year and that the number of children victimized was up 40% from just two years older it is easy to see that this is a segment that is growing at an alarming rate.

We here at NextAdvisor.com were certainly shocked at these statistics and decided that the best way we could help is by accumulating a series of simple, actionable tips that parents could use to protect their children from becoming victims of this debilitating crime. Starting today our “Child Identity Theft Protection Guide” is available for free on our website.
In addition to compiling a series of do-it-yourself steps that parents can take to prevent identity theft we have also spent many hours reviewing various identity theft protection services. In particular, we found that LifeLock had the best overall identity theft protection for kids. LifeLock has taken their industry leading identity theft protection service and tailored it for the needs of protecting children’s identities.

Ultimately, whether parents decide to follow the eight tips we have laid out or use a service like LifeLock, the most important thing is that awareness of the growing threat that identity theft poses to children. We sincerely hope that consumers find this information helpful and that people take a moment to share our “Child Identity Theft Protection Guide” with every parent they know.

If you have any questions or feedback, or if you have additional identity theft prevention tips or resources that we should include in our guide, please let us know by leaving us a message in the comments below.

• Child identity theft protection guide featured on About.com Fatherhood blog
• Identity theft finds a new target - your kids!
• Experian says 55% of child identity thefts perpetrated by family members
• California identity theft protection guide: facts, trends and resources
• Reader Question: Will my LifeLock or Equifax account also cover my spouse?

Data Breach Alert: Torrance Unified School District

Posted by Joe on February 23rd, 2008

A hard drive containing personal information, including social security numbers, of about 2,200 employees of the Torrance Unified School District in Fullerton, CA was stolen. The information was being stored in the offices of Systematic Automation, a company that administers health benefits for the school district.

This is the second such data breach reported involving Systematic Automation in the month of February.

• Data Breach Alert: Stolen laptop impacts Virginia school employees
• Data Breach Alert: Student hacker puts 35,000 teachers and staff on alert
• Data Breach Alert: Thousands of Dominican University students impacted in secure file breach
• Data Breach Alert: Medicade computers stolen in Texas
• Data Breach Alert: College students receive social security numbers of classmates over email

How does your state credit score rate?

Posted by Joe on February 20th, 2008

Experian’s National Score Index ranks the average credit score of residents in each US state. The most recent index shows good news for Minnesota and bad news for Texas.

Texans had a national low average score of 666 while Minnesotans led the country with an average score of 721. Credit scores can range from a low of 330 to a high of 850. Typically, any score over 700 is looked on highly by lenders.

In other trends, Northern states in the Atlantic coast and Midwest had an average score in the low 700’s well states in the South and Pacific coast had average scores in the high 600’s. New England was the best overall region in the US with an average credit score of 711.

While it is interesting to see how your state or region stacks up, what is most important is your individual credit score which can be greatly impacted by your personal credit habits and inaccuracies in your credit report.

We recommend that all consumer review their credit report and score as frequently as possible using a credit report monitoring service. You can view a list of credit report monitoring services with in-depths reviews by visiting NextAdvisor.com.

• Reader Question: Which credit score do lenders use?
• Equifax offers free 3-in-1 credit report and 3 bureau credit report monitoring
• Reader Question: How do I get my FICO score for free?
• Credit piggy backing gets bucked
• Reader Question: Am I entitled to a free credit report each year?