Personal Security and Identity Theft Expert Says Tax Time Makes Laptop Computers Especially Valuable to Identity Thieves

(IDTheftSecurity.com) Phishers' websites, feigning to represent the Internal Revenue Service, threaten—as similar sites have in the past—to dupe citizens this tax season into divulging personal information. Robert Siciliano, a widely televised and quoted personal security and identity theft expert, warned taxpayers not only to beware of phishing scams this tax season, but also to use security technology such as GPS tracking to protect their laptop computers, goldmines for identity thieves.

"Tax season is a frenetic time for most Americans," said Siciliano. "When we're extra busy, we run the risk of being extra careless—something identity thieves like. And with the growing number of taxpayers completing their IRS paperwork online, many from their laptop computers, the risk for foul play increases ever more. Guard your belongings, particularly any computer equipment containing your tax information, and never give your personal identifying information to an unknown source."

Siciliano, president of IDTheftSecurity.com, leads Fortune 500 companies and their clients in workshops that teach consumers strategies to combat data security problems. The Privacy Learning Institute has featured Siciliano, a longtime speaker on identity theft. Author of "The Safety Minute: 01," Siciliano has discussed identity theft and data security on CNBC, on NBC's "Today Show," FOX News, and elsewhere.

The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration has reportedly warned taxpayers that a number of phishing scams will be using the IRS as bait this tax season, just as in previous years. These phishers, under the guise of intimidating communication seemingly from the IRS itself, lure victims to Web sites designed to request and collect unsuspecting taxpayers' Social Security numbers and other sensitive data.

Siciliano told consumers never to trust online messages that purport to be from the IRS, which never initiates communication with taxpayers via e-mail. "But the problem isn't just phishing sites," he continued. "With more and more consumers doing their taxes online, and with research from various sources showing a marked increase in laptop computer sales, this means lots of laptop computers, machines that are prone to theft, are home to their owners' sensitive tax-related information."

Research reported in a December 2006 edition of BusinessWeekOnline showed significant increases in laptop computer sales. Symantec has estimated that a laptop computer is stolen every 53 seconds, with just 3 percent of these ever being recovered.

Siciliano urged organizations seeking ways to protect and recover lost laptops to consider MyLaptopGPS™. Recently mentioned on Law.com and consumeraffairs.com, this product from the company of the same name combines Internet-based GPS tracking, which is more affordable and user-friendly than other types of GPS tracking, with encryption and additional technologies to put laptop owners' minds at ease when theft occurs.

"We have grown to rely on our mobile computers," said Dan Yost, chief technology officer at MyLaptopGPS. "Tax season is no different, and thieves know this. With one fell swoop, even an amateur thief can steal a taxpayer's laptop computer. But our product gives victims the upper hand. By using Internet-based GPS, MyLaptopGPS finds lost laptop computers. Meanwhile, the system's additional functionality furtively returns your data to you—and removes it from the criminal's reach."

MyLaptopGPS's software silently retrieves, and then deletes, files from machines as it tracks the hardware—at once returning the data to its rightful owner and removing it from the stolen computer. Users can call on all MyLaptopGPS's functions remotely.

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About IDTheftSecurity.com
Identity theft affects us all, which is why Robert Siciliano, president of IDTheftSecurity.com, makes it his mission to provide consumer education solutions on identity theft to Fortune 500 companies and their clients. A leader of personal safety and security seminars nationwide, Siciliano has been featured on CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, "The Suze Orman Show," "ABC News with Sam Donaldson," "The Montel Williams Show," "Maury Povich," "Sally Jesse Raphael," and "The Howard Stern Show." Visit Siciliano's Web site, www.IDTheftSecurity.com, or his blog, www.IDTheftSecurity.blogspot.com.

About MyLaptopGPS
Since 1984, the minds behind AIT Solutions, LLC (DBA MyLaptopGPS.com) have specialized in complete system integration. From real-time electronic payment processing software to renowned mid-market ERP implementations, the executive team at MyLaptopGPS has been servicing leading enterprises and implementing world-class data systems. With MyLaptopGPS™, AIT Solutions, LLC brings a level of expertise, dedication, knowledge and service that is unmatched. MyLaptopGPS™'s rock-solid performance, security, and reliability flow directly from the company's commitment to top-notch software products and services.

The media are encouraged to get in touch directly with the following individuals:

Robert Siciliano
Personal Security Expert
PHONE: 888-SICILIANO (742-4542)
FAX: 877-2-FAX-NOW (232-9669)
Robert@IDTheftSecurity.com
www.idtheftsecurity.com

John Dunivan
MyLaptopGPS Media Relations
PHONE: (405) 747-6654 (direct line)
jd@MyLaptopGPS.com
www.MyLaptopGPS.com

The media may also contact:

Brent W. Skinner, President
STETrevisions
PHONE: 617-875-4859
FAX: 866-663-6557
BrentSkinner@STETrevisions.biz
www.STETrevisions.biz