What exactly is identity theft?
Identity Theft is a serious internet risk these days. Someone can steal your name and address, bank details, username, password or other details. Using this information, they pretend to be you and open fake bank accounts, take out loans, or use your credit card. The first you hear about it is when you get a nasty bill for something you haven't ordered, or a loan repayment request.
The most common way thieves get hold of your details is on what are known as “phishing” websites - websites that pretend to be well-known banks, and trick you into entering your details where they can be conveniently collected by fraudsters, for example telling you that your details need updating.
What is the Identity Theft Protection Service?
PCguard’s Identity Theft Protection helps protect you from online fraud. Our service proactively warns you if you visit a known fraudulent “phishing” website, for example if you click on a link in a fake “spam” email.
It warns you before you inadvertently give out your most sensitive information and passwords to someone who could steal your identity and use your banking details to spend your money.
How it works
When the Identity Theft Protection service is on, the address of each website you visit is compared against a database of known fraudulent websites.
If the address matches one in the online fraud database, or if the address is associated with a website that is known to be involved in scams, then the website is blocked and a warning message is displayed on screen.
You can override the warning if you are sure the website is OK and you think it’s a mistake that the website is listed as fraudulent - this sends a report to us to check it out, but it doesn’t happen very often.
The database is updated constantly from multiple sources of fraud research and information.
Help using PCguard Identity Theft Protection
Identity Theft Protection is simple to set up and use, and if you do have a problem, we can help you to fix it.
- Identity Theft Protection Technical Support
In PCguard, there is an excellent help library that explains how to configure PCguard to the settings you prefer.
On the main PCguard Identity Protection Theft screen, you can see information about which sites have been blocked, and link to more information about keeping yourself safe online.
Phishing Activity for the Last 12 Months
Hijacked Brands
New Phishing Sites in the Last 10 Days
Most active spyware (click link for information):
Newest spyware (click link for information):
