Identity Theft Expert Speaker John Sileo » travel

Top Tips to Stop Travel Identity Theft – Sileo on Fox Business

John Sileo — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:04:39 +0000

Identity theft increases a great deal when you are on the road. Start protecting yourself with these Top 5 Identity Theft Tips while traveling:

Travel Data Light. If you don’t have to take it with you, increase your safety and leave it at home. This includes checkbooks, debit cards, excess credit cards, Social Security cards and any excess digital gadgets. Simplicity is Security!
Guard Your Devices. Smartphones and tablets are as powerful as laptops. Turn on the auto-lock passcode to keep others out of your information.
Surf Protected. Stop using the free WiFi hotspots in cafes, airports and hotels, as they are constantly sniffed by cyber criminals. Instead, setup tethering between your mobile phone and tablet or laptop so that you are surfing safely.
Privacy Please! Instead of leaving loads of data unprotected in your hotel room (a major source of theft), hang your privacy sign on the door and let house cleaning know that you do not want to be disturbed. Lowering traffic lowers risk.
Mind the Lions at the Watering Hole. Take a minute to watch the video to the left to understand how increasing your awareness in airports, hotels, conferences and restaurants can save you tons of time and money.

Remember, protecting identity on the road isn’t just about you, it’s also about the data you handle in your business every day. It’s one thing to put your own identity at risk, it’s an entirely different affair to jeopardize the security of customer data, employee records or intellectual capital owned by the organization that pays you.

John Sileo is an author and recognized keynote speaker on how identity theft prevention bolsters your bottom line. Learn more about how he can inspire your organization to care about data security, social media privacy, identity management and trust leadership. Contact him directly on 800.258.8076.

Cyber Security Expert Sileo in USA Today

Identity Theft Speaker John Sileo — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:14:35 +0000

Cyber security expert John Sileo made the front page of the USA Today digital version, and the Money section of the print edition.

Excerpts from the full USA Today Article, Travelers at High Risk of Identity Theft, Experts Say:

“Data theft goes through the roof on the road,” says Sileo, a spokesman for CSID, an identity-protection provider . . . Two key challenges for travelers involve the use of unsecured wireless networks at hotels, airports and other public venues and the infiltration of smartphones through Bluetooth technology . . .

When booking airline tickets, hotels or other arrangements, use a credit card rather than a debit card, because it decreases your liability. And never announce on social networks that you’re leaving town, if only to keep someone from breaking into your home . . .

Hackers also can easily get into computers. One method is a man-in-the-middle attack in which special software inserts a rogue user between the legitimate one and the unsecured wireless network. Experts recommend having updated anti-virus software, encrypting sensitive data and never typing in passwords or credit card numbers over an unsecured wireless network. Even fax and copier machines should be used judiciously, because they can store information, experts say.

John Sileo speaks and writes on defending against the dark art of deception (identity theft, social engineering, fraud) and leveraging the powerful use of trust (influence and power). His clients include the Department of Defense, Pfizer, FDIC, Homeland Security, Experian UK and Blue Cross, as well as individual leaders committed to building power and influence in a foundation of trust. Learn more about his keynote speeches or contact him directly on 800.258.8076.

Avoid Spring Break Travel Scams

Identity Theft Speaker John Sileo — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 18:52:00 +0000

Here comes Spring Break! And the scams that go along with travel and vacations, whether you are a student or just taking some time off.

Picture this: you find a great deal online for a vacation package and are counting the days till you take off for some fun in the sun. The day finally arrives and you show up at the airport, bags packed and ready to take flight. But when you reach the ticket counter, you learn that you have no flights booked… you’ve been scammed!

It happens ALL THE TIME, and scammers are getting more and more convincing. Scams rise during any busy travel season, but there are ways to avoid becoming a victim. Here are some tips on how to prevent travel scams and make sure that you get to enjoy a great Spring break trip.

Verify the business you are booking your trip through. If you are going to use a travel agency or online booking company, make sure they are legitimate first. Go online and do your research – if people have been scammed before by the company, the internet is the first place they will go to vent. You can even ask the company for referrals so you can check up on some satisfied customers.
Read everything carefully before you sign. Sometimes there are hidden fees or clauses where they can change the airport you are flying into or out of without telling you – even up to 100 miles away! Make sure you know the airline and hotel before signing. This way you can verify their legitimacy. Feel free to contact them and make sure that this is a great deal.
Always pay with a credit card. Good credit card companies allow you to dispute fraudulent charges so that you are not held liable for the money. If the company insists you pay with cash or check or money order, GO SOMEPLACE ELSE! Legitimate travel companies will let you use a credit card.
Make sure you get EVERYTHING in writing. If your great deal does turn out to be a scam, you will need something to show the credit card company in order to dispute the charges.
If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. If they are offering you a flight to Mexico that is regularly $500 for $100, then chances are, it’s a scam. While there are great ways to book your hotel + flight + food + drink together to save money, most don’t offer an 80% discount!
Buy directly from the companies themselves (airline, hotel, transportation, tickets). Many times the actual companies guarantee the cheapest possible fare on their own website (United does this, for example). Even if it does cost you a bit more, you will sleep better at night knowing that your trip is booked and confirmed.
A lot of Mexico resorts offer all inclusive packages that are a great deal. You simply need to purchase your airfare. If you are booking it directly through the resort websites themselves, your chances of getting scammed drops immensely.
Don’t be afraid to try a website like TripAdvisor.com to do some background investigation.

Getting scammed definitely kills the vacation buzz! Getting scammed when you’re ready to have a great time with friends and family just plain sucks! Follow these tips to make sure that it doesn’t happen to you.

John Sileo will be delivering identity theft speeches during Spring Break. Luckily, he travels frequently with his family.

Social Networking Safety – Travel

Identity Theft Speaker John Sileo — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 20:20:55 +0000

Identity theft and social networking speaker John Sileo discusses what you should and should not reveal through Facebook, Twitter, Flickr and other social networking sites while traveling. When you are away from home, identity creeps and other thieves can use this knowledge to take advantage of your home or office.

Be conscious of what you share on social networking sites and always remember that what you post is public, permanent and exploitable!

Order your copy of the Facebook Safety Survival Guide to make sure you and your children are protected online.

John Sileo became one of America’s leading Social Networking Speakers & sought after Identity Theft Expert after he lost his business and more than $300,000 to identity theft and data breach. His clients include the Department of Defense, Pfizer and the FDIC. To learn more about having him speak at your next meeting or conference, contact him by email or on 800.258.8076.

Otago Daily Times Article: Identity Fraud Real Risk

Identity Theft Speaker John Sileo — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 21:11:45 +0000

I was recently featured in an article by the Otago Daily Times in Dunedin, New Zealand during my stay there. I discuss the importance of protecting you Identity, not only at home, but also when you travel. With over 9 million Identity Theft victims in 2008 alone, you can never be too careful!

One of the first things American public speaker John Sileo did on his return to Dunedin this month was buy a paper shredder.
Not that he is paranoid, he says, but this self-proclaimed expert on identity fraud does not take chances with personal information.

Click Here to read the entire article.

John Sileo became America’s leading Identity Theft Speaker & Expert after he lost his business and more than $300,000 to identity theft and data breach. His clients include the Department of Defense, Pfizer and the FDIC. To learn more about having him speak at your next meeting or conference, contact him by email or on 800.258.8076