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Be careful before selling your iPhone
2008-05-23 20:07:00
A lot of attention has been given to the need to be cautious with the disposal of personal computers to avoid identity theft.  But what about personal information transmitted through your iPhone?  With a new version coming out soon, cautious users may want to think twice about who they sell it to, according to a post at Crunch Gear.
More About: Selling , Iphone , Careful

DiscoverAmerica.com – strategy to international tourists to choose the US
2008-05-23 20:05:00
With greater travel documentation restrictions and security, foreign tourists has been shying away from taking vacations in the US, despite their greater buying power due to the weak dollar.  A new site www.discoveramerica.com is a part of a Featuring different travel destinations and helpful info about travel to the US, the site will be translated into several languages and will also serve as a portal to access travel bookings staring in June/July. campaign lead by the Travel Industry Association (TIA) with funding from the US Department of Commerce to encourage international travelers to visit the US.  [Full disclosure EA USA is a member of TIA] TIA is also promoting the huge economic impact tourism has on the American economy at www.poweroftravel.org.  According to the TIA, tourism creates 7.8 million jobs and $700 billion in spending.
More About: International , Strategy , Tourists , Choose

Full Scope of China Earthquake Still Being Assessed
2008-05-13 19:43:00
The large 7.9 earthquake that hit Sichuan province in China yesterday has had a massive human toll, with CNN reporting that are 12,000 believed dead with tens of thousands still buried under the ruble as of this posting.  The damage to infrastructure and communications is disrupting travel to and from the region and its major city most affected, Chengdu.  Chengdu’s airport was reopened on Tuesday, but travelers should still expect delays because of priority going to emergency aid mobilization and repairs. With China hosting the Olympics at the end of this summer, officials have been quick to assure the public that none of the Olympic venues in Beijing (950 miles away) were damaged.
More About: Earthquake , Scope , Full

Medicaid option allows more flexible care choices for seniors
2008-05-08 22:08:00
As the need for senior home care services increases further than the supply, a number of states are looking to creative ways to arrange for elder care.  One of these, Cash and Counseling, is expanding 18 states in 2008 according to this article.  The program pays a stipend equal to the amount that would be paid for traditional home care services and allows the client, with the help of licensed counselors, the ability to select and arrange the mix services that are needed.  The move is an effort to provide a more personally friendly and cost effective care option than a nursing home.
More About: Care , Medicaid , Seniors , Flexible , Choices

Unbundling Airfares
2008-05-05 22:41:00
It started with cocktails, then meals, now the airline industry is moving towards charging additional fees for other things travelers like to have.  Want a window or an aisle seat?  Get ready to pay more than your buddy in the center.  Companies like JetBlue and US Airways are unbundling their fares in new ways, in an attempt to deal with higher fuel costs. It may seem like nickel and diming, but I would do almost anything to avoid the dreaded center seat!  My completely unsubstantiated prediction is that the next level of unbundling will be charging to use the overhead compartment.  May be difficult to administer, but I’m sure someone will figure out how to make it work.

New Airport Security System Launched in Baltimore
2008-04-29 20:29:00
At Baltimore Washington Airport , the Department of Homeland Security unveiled a new airport security area.  Trying to marry better security equipment and processes with a more pleasant, “spa-like” environment is a challenge, and the first users of the system gave it mixed results. How about a facial to go along with your full body scan!  Here’s to the further integration of spa and security.
More About: System , Launched

Scam Watch: Identity thieves targeting CEOs, Craig’s List users
2008-04-16 21:39:00
Was your CEO one of the 20,000 who received a scam email subpoena on Monday?  Brian Krebs at washingtonpost.com reports that about 2,000 victims were tricked into downloading an item that steals account usernames and passwords from banking sites.  A good rule of thumb – any purported serious legal or other business communication rife with English mistakes is probably not what it claims to be. In other scam news, the Securities and Exchange Commission is going after a phony Latvian brokerage firm that was soliciting job applications on Craig’s List and asking for detailed personal information including social security numbers and date of birth. and then using this information to open brokerage accounts and used transactions within these accounts to make huge profits due to the change in trading volume and stock prices.  Rule of thumb #2, if a job ad sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
More About: Watch , Scam , Users , Identity

The scary details in your travel purchases
2008-03-21 21:56:00
Ever wonder if you’d be reimbursed if the cruise ship you were taking wasn’t able to sail?  Or if your airline is responsible for your checked luggage?  Well, you may want to read the fine print on your rights for your travel purchases according to this report on the CNN website.  If you’re one of the millions who opt to purchase travel online, Travel + Leisure has some advice to protect your travel investment.
More About: Scary , Details

Tips on Identity Security this Tax Season
2008-03-21 21:36:00
As we celebrate the first day of Spring, the dread chill of approaching tax filing time grows stonger.   Me & Me offers some tips to help you avoid some of the information security dangers that lurk during this time of year.  Be Smart, Be Safe If you plan on filing electronically, visit the IRS site for a list of credible online tax filing service providers. http://www.irs.gov/ Make sure your antivirus software is up-to-date. Phishing emails can contain software that may harm your computer or track your activities online without your knowledge. Check the security of websites you use to process electronic payments for direct deposit refunds. Certain indicators show that the site is secure, such as a lock icon on the browser’s status bar or URL that begins with “https:” - the “s” stands for “secure”. Use atypical passwords when registering to download tax forms from employers. For example, avoid using your birthday or mother’s maiden name. Password protect you...
More About: Security , Tips , Season , Identity

Medical ID Theft Tricky to Notice and Resolve
2008-03-03 23:56:00
US News and World Report takes a look at medical identity theft in its latest issue.  Medical IDT still a small fraction of reported identity thefts, but then again 250,000 cases of fraud should’t be qualified as tiny.  Again, the problem is finding out how and when your med ID has been compromised.  With your information spread out through several providers or facilities, it can be difficult to know if you are at risk.  If you live in California, the trend-setter for identity theft consumer rights, your health provider legally has to notify you.  Many states don’t have laws requiring consumer notification for compromise of medical records.  Also creating complications in tracking down fraud, privacy legistlation that protects others from seeing our medical information can make it difficult from accessing our own personal records. But the cost isn’t just borne on the victims or the health insurance companies paying out fraudulent claims.  Like fraud from traditi...
More About: Theft , Notice , Tricky

They’re Napin’ Identities in Napa
2008-02-29 21:54:00
What’s the worst area for identity theft?  Evidently it’s Napa , California with the highest per capita cases of identity theft, according to FTC data.   State-wise, Arizona had the highest rates of theft. In other news, Javelin is reporting that the most common way identity theft is occurring is through good old fashioned low tech methods such as a stolen wallet or checkbook.

Tips for a Trouble-Free Spring Break
2008-02-28 17:54:00
Spring break, a time for fun, sun, and various shenanigans.  But, seriously, to stay safe and healthy it’s a good idea not to forget that being in a different environment means you should do your “homework” before you travel.  Here are some simple tips to help students make the most of their mid-term vacation this year. 1.  Do Your Homework. Find out whether you will need to have a passport or visa to travel to your destination. The U.S. Department of State website provides this information.  Get background information about where you are going by visiting the CIA Factbook site, which features overviews of the history, climate, political situation, demographics and industries of countries around the world. 2. It’s All About the Benjamins. Read up on exchange rates and make sure you know how much you are really paying for your purchases. Contact your bank and credit card companies with your itinerary so they know to authorize payments. You may also want to a...
More About: Tips , Free , Break , Spring , Spring break

Interested in some “site” seeing?
2008-02-25 19:41:00
Looking to make some travel arrangements online soon?  Travel + Leisure picks its favorite new airline sites.  From finding the cheapest fare to finding miles bonus opportunities, innovative travel sites are providing tools to simplify the sometimes crazy world of travel planning.  Also on the Travel + Leisure site, some advice on how to make the very weak dollar go further when you travel abroad.
More About: Site

Extreme Makeover - The Social Security Card Edition
2008-02-12 19:25:00
Perhaps not so extreme, but your basic cardstock social security card may get a high(er) tech makeover.  Two US congressmen are suggesting a card redesign with added security features in an attempt to make card forgery more difficult.  The proposed design includes a photograph, fingerprint, computer chip, barcode, and magnetic strip.  The fancy cards would cost $8 each to produce – a significant increase from the economical 50 cent cards used today, but the congressmen believe they would make it easier for employers to verify the validity of employee’s social security numbers.  Use of fake numbers is a significant problem - employers have reported 1.4 million social security numbers that do not exist according to the Government Accountability Office. Even if these cards get the enhanced security features, it still won’t be a good idea to carry the card with you - keep it in a safe place at home, preferably locked up.
More About: Security , Social , Card , Social Security , Extreme

Talk about your holiday travel nightmare…
2008-02-01 22:17:00
The holiday travel season in China is pretty tough this year.  Weeks of heavy snow storms have created big time problems for the country’s rail and bus systems.  This story from CNN cites 5.8 million passengers delayed throughout the railway system, including some 800,000 stranded at the Guangzhou railway station during the worst of it.  There’s some pretty scary video of the crowds here. It won’t be a huge comfort, but the next time your flight is delayed two hours while they de-ice the plane, just think it could always be worse…
More About: Travel , Holiday , Talk

Driving to Canada? Get your papers ready!
2008-01-30 16:26:00
Tomorrow - January 31, 2008 - as a part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, US and Canadian citizens traveling across national borders in the region by land and sea without a passport will have to present a proof of identification, such as a driver’s license plus proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate.   This measure joins the requirement that began on January 23, 2007, requiring these same forms of identification for air travel across national borders within the region.   The intention is for a passport or passport card to be necessary for all international travel within the North American region sometime in 2009. Me & Me’s advice – apply for your passport today if you haven’t already.  Not only will you be able to travel throughout North American and the Caribbean, but lots of other places!  Here’s the US State Department country directory of entry/exit requirements for international travel. For Canadian citizens, you’ll want to visi...
More About: Driving , Canada , Papers , Ready

Fact and Myth on Fraud Alerts
2008-01-17 19:59:00
Fraud alerts are getting some buzz lately as an identity theft prevention strategy.  Consumers who are relying on this as a means of protection should be warned that they can still become victims of identity theft.  What does a fraud alert do?  Well, it signals to a credit grantor that they should double check that you are in fact you, often by calling you at your home.  Anyone, even if not a victim of identity theft, is able to place a 90 day fraud alert on his or her credit records free of charge. It’s important to keep in mind though, that a fraud alert does not 100% prevent thieves from still tricking the credit grantor, nor does it prevent thieves from committing fraud on your existing accounts.  If you’re super-concerned about thieves trying to open accounts in your name, you may want to consider a credit freeze as a means of protecting yourself.  This completely prevents any new credit accounts from being opened.  You can still use your active credit acc...
More About: Fraud , Fact , Myth

Welcome to our new VP Operations and CSO!
2008-01-08 18:20:00
Paige Schaffer has joined Europ Assistance USA as the VP Operations and Chief Service Officer (CSO).  Schaffer will manage the assistance and claims centers, including the travel assistance, claims management, identity theft resolution, medical, concierge, and training teams. Her strong management background in the travel, hospitality, and software as service industries make her a welcome addition to EA USA.  She has worked for companies such as ResortCom International, seeUthere Technologies, Rosenbluth International and Maritz, Inc. where she has held executive roles and serviced a Fortune 100 client base.  We’re pleased to have her a part of the EA team!

Was 2007 the Year of the Data Breach?
2008-01-04 17:49:00
Happy New Year from Me & Me.  Now’s the time of year when we all look to make a fresh start and make changes for the better.  The Identity Theft Resource Center’s report on data breaches in 2007 gives good reason to seek improvement in the New Year.  According to the 2007 ITRC Breach Report, there were 446 reported data breaches affecting just shy of 128 million personal records.  It’s a large increase from their 2006 report, where almost 20 million individuals were affected.  On the positive side, greater attention to privacy laws is getting organizations to fess up when these breaches happen, allowing people to take action to protect themselves from identity theft if critical information gets exposed.
More About: Data

The Polite Police
2007-12-11 17:22:00
Air travel can be a pain. We all know that. So, what do you do when the passenger in the middle seat hogs both armrests? Or how do you handle the consistent kicking from the unruly kid in the row behind you? And how can you tell if the problem is really someone else or, dare we say, you? Delta Airlines is tackling the issue of decorum aboard planes with “Planeguage: The language of traveling by plane,” a series of 25 comical videos addressing such issues that can make or break your in-flight experience. The airline is showing some of the videos on board flights this month as well as on their website. Check out some of the videos here (http://blog.delta.com/2007/10/31/planegu age-language-of-traveling-by-plane/). Miss Manners would be oh so proud.
More About: Police

Freaky Friday: Doctor’s Orders
2007-12-07 16:23:00
We’ve heard of manicures at the airport. And even high-end shopping. But flu shots? Yep, it’s true. Airports in major cities across the country are setting up flu shot stations on the “airside” of airports—the areas past security check-points. And many travelers are taking advantage of the convenience. Once passing through security, passengers are often faced with a lot of downtime. And for business travelers who spend more time at airports than anywhere else, they might be interested in checking “get flu shot” off their list. But for the faint-of-heart, perusing the high-end stores or getting your nails done before take-off might sound a bit more appealing than getting a shot. We’re curious to see if other services start popping up at airports in the future. What do you think? Is getting a flu shot at an airport a yay or a nay?
More About: Friday , Doctor , Orders , Freaky

A Real-Life “Bonnie & Clyde” … ID Theft Style
2007-12-05 16:55:00
A young couple in Philadelphia lived the high-life for a while—all on their neighbors’ credit cards. The couple is accused of identity theft and fraud (among other charges) and police are estimating the couple’s plot dates back at least two years, with an estimated $100,000 schemed just this year alone. Jet-setting to Paris, high-tech equipment, and even expensive hair extensions were among many fradulent purchases accused of being made by the couple. Not exactly a showing of neighborly love. Also in the news, check out the debate over the risks of identity thieves using commerical spyware, such as the program found in the Philly couple’s apartment.
More About: Life , Style , Real , Theft , Bonnie

Thursday’s Top Ten: Travel Safely (and wisely)
2007-11-29 21:17:00
Who doesn’t need travel tips when planning trips around the busy holiday season? Whether you’re heading away from home for a business meeting or of to see grandma for a long weekend, check out today’s Top Ten for tips to travel smart this season. 1. Find out whether you will need to have a passport or visa to travel to your destination. The U.S. Department of State website provides this information. 2. Get background information about where you are going. The CIA Factbook is a very helpful site featuring overviews of the history, climate, political situation, demographics and industries of countries around the world. 3. Read up on exchange rates and make sure you know how much you are really paying for your purchases. 4. Contact your bank and credit card companies to let them know your itinerary so they know to authorize payments. You may also want to ask them about ATMs and getting the best exchange rates. 5. Learn how to make phone calls, whether you are i...
More About: Travel , Thursday

Shop Wisely this Cyber Monday
2007-11-26 17:07:00
Just when you thought you finally recovered from Black Friday you woke up today to face yet another designated shopping day. Yep, it’s Cyber Monday . The term refers to the Monday following Thanksgiving when most people return to their desks to continue the shopping they started over the weekend via the internet. The recent phenomenon draws much attention, but does the day really live up the hype? Either way, it’s a great time to remind ourselves of the precautions we need to take to keep our identities safe this holiday season. Our Black Friday tips easily relate to online shopping this Cyber Monday and throughout the holiday season. Also in the news, 60 Minutes ran an investigative piece last night following all the talk about Black Friday on how identity thieves can steal consumers’ credit card information by penetrating stores’ wireless networks. Watch the video and read the story here. Makes paying with cash that much more appealing.
More About: Shop

Getting Through Black Friday
2007-11-20 22:01:00
As consumers gear up for Black Friday , we can’t help but be reminded of how important it is to take extra precautions in keeping our identity safe. Here are some great tips for safe shopping this Black Friday —whether you’re hitting the malls or shopping online. After all, what good is a deal if it costs you your identity?

Meet a Member of the Europ Assistance Team
2007-11-20 15:11:00
This week we introduce you to Wanda Witherspoon, an ID Theft Coordinator who has been with Europ Assistance USA for over 7 months. ME&ME: What does “client service” mean to you?  Wanda Witherspoon: Client service means keeping the client whole. ME&ME: Tell us your most interesting assistance case.  WW: My most interesting case involved an individual with multiple instances of fraud. His credit report was laden with such. This subscriber was 18 years old. ME&ME: What was most appealing in your decision to accept an ID theft coordinator postion with Europ Assistance? WW: Having been a victim myself, I knew I would be able to assist. ME&ME: If you could have dinner with one person, alive or dead, historical or celebrity-who would it be and why?  WW: Prince Charles. I believe his purpsose is under-recognized/utilized/accepted. ME&ME: What’s the last book you read? WW: The Bush Betrayal
More About: Team , Meet

Black Friday: Friend or Foe?
2007-11-19 18:24:00
Ahh, Black Friday . It might sound like a dismal day, but for retailers, it’s the best day of the year. As the biggest shopping day approaches, we can’t help but remind ourselves of how important it is to thwart identity theft and credit card fraud by keeping our purchases safe this holiday season. Of course, that sounds easier than it actually is. Take a recent study by AirDefense Inc., for example. Researchers found that half of more than 3,000 retail stores in the U.S. and Europe use a wireless data system that is vulnerable to hacking by going undercover at stores in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, London and Paris to expose security holes in the networks. Some of the stores investigated were exchanging data with no encryption to mask information or were using an outdated encryption method that is easily cracked by thieves. ‘Tis may be the season to shop, but we think it’s also the season to watch—your statements, that is.
More About: Friend , Friend or Foe , Black Friday

Freaky Friday: Tossing and Turning
2007-11-16 18:08:00
People usually spend the night in airports under dire circumstances—delayed flights, missed connections or bad weather. One website actually encourages people to spend the night in airports for, well, just the fun of it. The site, www.sleepinginairports.net, ranks the world’s best airports for a sleepover party, giving out the Golden Pillow award and allowing visitors to submit reviews and their own tales of overnight excursions. For those of you are stuck catching some overnight z’s in the terminal, the site is useful for tips and advice on where to find a comfy corner or how to avoid noisy cleaners. While we here at Me&Me prefer beds over airport gates (hey, to each his own), it’s worth looking up the airports you visit frequently in case, dare we say, your flight is delayed.
More About: Friday , Freaky , Toss

Travel Woes This Turkey Day
2007-11-16 18:07:00
For those of you who are regular visitors to Me&Me, you won’t be surprised to hear that experts are expecting this Thanksgiving to be a dreadful time for travelers. Heck, even the President is getting on the “we need to fix this” plane—ahem, wagon—by opening up military bases to be used as “express lanes” this Turk ey Day. We bet he’s thankful Air Force One doesn’t ever have to land at JFK. Also in the news, many Americans are planning on ditching the turkey, parades, and football for a trip abroad. An expert from the Air Transport Association expects international traffic on U.S. airlines to increase by 8% from last year. How do you say “delay” in French?
More About: Travel , Turkey day

Thursday’s Top Ten: Protecting Your Finances
2007-11-15 19:52:00
It seems like the holiday shopping season arrives earlier and earlier every year. With an increase in spending and the craziness of the holidays, it’s easy to lose sight of your finances. The tips below won’t stop you from slapping down that credit card, but they can help protect what’s left of your wallet. Check out this week’s Top Ten for tips to help protect your finances. 1. Carry only one or two credit cards in your wallet and only carry identification information that you will actually need when you go out. 2. Review your bank and credit card statements monthly and contact the company immediately if you notice anything suspicious. 3. Check your credit reports from the three major credit bureaus at least twice a year and correct any inaccuracies. 4. Avoid paying by credit card if you think the business does not use adequate safeguards to protect your personal information. 5. If your bank statement is late by more than a couple of days, call your credit c...
More About: Finances , Thursday