IDENTITY THEFT is a crime that has grown throughout the years as technology has advanced over the last decade. The younger Veterans and active duty troops seem to be up on best practices. All of us older Veterans who have come kicking and screaming into the new millennium are encouraged to implement these best practices:
- USE STRONG PASSWORDS – Create passwords that use upper and lower case letters numbers and symbols
- SECURE YOUR WIRELESS NETWORK –Make sure your wireless network at home is protected
- PROTECT AGAINST VIRUSES – Regularly update ant-virus protection software on your computer
- USE SOCIAL MEDIA RESPONSIBLY – Assume that anything you post online can be accessed by anyone
- PUT YOUR DEBIT CARD AWAY – Avoid using your debit card when shopping online
- BE CAUTIOUS WHEN DOWNLOADING MOBILE APPS – Only download apps from official app stores and check other users reviews
Currently, in the United States, at last count there are over 65,000 organizations that have Veteran in their name. Many of these organizations are scammers. The citizens of Naperville are extremely generous.
I have been asked many times about various Veteran charities. Are they legitimate? Where does the money collected go? There are emails going around now that call out some of these organizations. My advice is if you want to donate do it on a local level.
I know personally the good work that the American Legion and VFW do in the community. Naperville Responds For Our Veterans and Operation Support Our Troops America are two local organizations that go that extra mile to help Veterans. Rehabbing bathrooms to make them accessible for Veterans with injuries, painting and redoing a WWII home, building ramps for handicapped Veterans are just a few of the projects Naperville Responds has completed over the last several years.
I have seen the good work that OSOT-America does on a daily basis. It’s not just sending packages, it is about taking care of the soldier when he comes home. You read all the time about BUYING LOCAL, along those same lines I say, DONATE LOCAL.
Editor’s Note: PN usually doesn’t print words in all caps because they tend to imply yelling. This month we will keep Mike’s words as written in this important “shout out” regarding scams.
