Prevalence of Identity Theft on Social Networking Sites
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The massive availability of the Internet has helped a lot of Americans, even those people who are benefiting from Social Security disability benefits. However, despite the advantages of the online technology, there are also some adverse effects it can provide. One of the most daunting disadvantages of the Internet is fraud.
The Works of Internet Fraud Artists
Internet fraud has plagued many websites and chat rooms over the years and the common victims are minors. Online deception has been described as the use of Internet services to induce fraudulent solicitations to unsuspecting Internet users in order to process deceptive transactions. “Hotspots” for online fraud include emails, message boards or forums, chat rooms, and social networking sites.
Scammers can use wide array of tactics to obtain vital information from prospective victims, such as credit card number and Social Security number (SSN). Generally, fraud artists who steal SSN use the number for their own benefit. By doing such act, they can receive the Social Security disability benefits of bona fide recipients thus obtaining undeserved sum of money.
A Growing Concern for Californians
In California, Social Security fraud is unfortunately not uncommon. Because of this, the Los Angeles County sheriff’s officials have warned parents to be wary about their children’s online activities with social networking sites, chat rooms, and emails.
According to online experts, children and minors are susceptible to becoming victims of online fraudulent activities. Studies show the following data:
• Approximately 41 percent of American minors have experienced an anonymous person attempting to add them as a friend on social networking media channels; and
• About 63 percent of minors have replied to online scams or spams.
A report by the Diamond Bar Patch said that LASD officials have cautioned California parents about the prevalence of social security theft in the State. Officials have advised parents to supervise their children when using the Internet, especially when utilizing social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Additionally, officials have also recommended that parents should adjust and improve their children’s privacy settings in order not to reveal so much personal information.
What to Do When the Damage Is Done
If you believe that your SSN has been compromised, it is imperative for you to report it to the Social Security Administration (SSA). Upon receiving the complaint, the agency will review your earnings and benefits to determine if someone has stolen your Social Security identity. Additionally, you may also review your earnings on your record through your Social Security Statement (Form SSA-70005).
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Mesriani Law Group
Mesriani Law Group is an LA-based law firm that specializes in personal injury, employment and labor, social security and disability, and business and corporate cases. Under the helm of its founder, Rodney Mesriani the firm has been successfully representing clients for more than 15 years now.
Copyright Mesriani Law Group
More information about Mesriani Law Group
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer. For specific technical or legal advice on the information provided and related topics, please contact the author.
Internet fraud has plagued many websites and chat rooms over the years and the common victims are minors. Online deception has been described as the use of Internet services to induce fraudulent solicitations to unsuspecting Internet users in order to process deceptive transactions. “Hotspots” for online fraud include emails, message boards or forums, chat rooms, and social networking sites.
Scammers can use wide array of tactics to obtain vital information from prospective victims, such as credit card number and Social Security number (SSN). Generally, fraud artists who steal SSN use the number for their own benefit. By doing such act, they can receive the Social Security disability benefits of bona fide recipients thus obtaining undeserved sum of money.
A Growing Concern for Californians
In California, Social Security fraud is unfortunately not uncommon. Because of this, the Los Angeles County sheriff’s officials have warned parents to be wary about their children’s online activities with social networking sites, chat rooms, and emails.
According to online experts, children and minors are susceptible to becoming victims of online fraudulent activities. Studies show the following data:
• Approximately 41 percent of American minors have experienced an anonymous person attempting to add them as a friend on social networking media channels; and
• About 63 percent of minors have replied to online scams or spams.
A report by the Diamond Bar Patch said that LASD officials have cautioned California parents about the prevalence of social security theft in the State. Officials have advised parents to supervise their children when using the Internet, especially when utilizing social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. Additionally, officials have also recommended that parents should adjust and improve their children’s privacy settings in order not to reveal so much personal information.
What to Do When the Damage Is Done
If you believe that your SSN has been compromised, it is imperative for you to report it to the Social Security Administration (SSA). Upon receiving the complaint, the agency will review your earnings and benefits to determine if someone has stolen your Social Security identity. Additionally, you may also review your earnings on your record through your Social Security Statement (Form SSA-70005).
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Mesriani Law Group
Mesriani Law Group is an LA-based law firm that specializes in personal injury, employment and labor, social security and disability, and business and corporate cases. Under the helm of its founder, Rodney Mesriani the firm has been successfully representing clients for more than 15 years now.
Copyright Mesriani Law Group
More information about Mesriani Law Group
View all articles published by Mesriani Law Group
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, it is not intended to provide legal advice as individual situations will differ and should be discussed with an expert and/or lawyer. For specific technical or legal advice on the information provided and related topics, please contact the author.
