Rather than look back on this, the last day of 2012, I think it is more productive to look ahead to what scams and identity theft schemes you should be wary of in the new year.  More and more identity theft schemes will be aimed at your smart phones and portable devices.  As we all use our smart phones and portable devices for so many activities, they have become attractive targets for identity thieves who are looking to steal information from your portable devices and smart phones to make you a victim of identity theft and even though many of us would never think about leaving our computers unprotected, many of us do not sufficiently protect our smart phones and portable devices.  Check out my new book “50 Ways to Protect Your Identity in a Digital Age” for specific advice on how to protect your smart phones and portable devices.  Also, as I warned you a few days ago, there will be major hackings by botnets into American banks.  Protect your computer from being a part of a botnet and make sure that you continually follow your bank accounts to make sure that you promptly identify any breaches of security.

Every season is scam season and you can count on February bringing Super Bowl scams and Valentine Day scams.  Prior to April there will be many scams involved with filing income tax returns.  Summer will bring many vacation scams.  The early Fall will bring scams related to hurricanes and other natural disasters.  December will bring the usual holiday shopping scams and charity scams.

TIPS

Information is power.  Read “50 Ways to Protect Your Identity in a Digital Age” and “The Truth About Avoiding Scams” to arm yourself with specific information you can use to protect yourself from scams and identity theft schemes.  Also, read this blog each and every day so that you stay current with the latest scams and identity theft schemes.  And trust me, you can’t trust anyone.