Have you ever thought what could happen if someone stole your identity? You’ll be shocked to know that identify theft is the fastest growing crime in U.S today! The statistics on identity theft show us that millions of people are affected by this crime, while millions of dollars are lost each year. In 2004, over 9.9 million Americans were victims of identity theft scams and close to $5 billion were lost.
I hope that this article will help you so that you do not become a victim of this terrible crime. However, it’s imperative that you follow these 4 simple ways to combat this crime.
Destroy documents containing personal information. Make sure you shred all documents you receive that have your personal information mentioned such as credit card receipts and any promotional offers. This is ‘the’ most important tip I can give you, as this alone can offer you tremendous protection against identity theft .
Do not give out personal information to anyone over the phone, internet or mail. If you receive any suspicious sounding calls from people who claim to be from the government, bank etc; do not share your personal information with them, ever!
Keep tab of your credit reports. Make it a point to check your credit history and reports from all three major credit bureaus at least once a year. Check to ensure that everything is precise and if you find any discrepancy, dispute it immediately in order to protect yourself against identity theft .
Do not give out your Social Security Number. It’s important that you do not give out your SS number unless absolutely necessary. It is alright to give out your SS number to your employer, bank, and doctor for taxation and identification. However, always question the motive of anyone who asks for it and be cautious.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Identity Theft: 4 Simple Ways To Prevent Identity Theft
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Process Serving
Process Serving: What Is It And How Do You Do It?
The legal procedures in the United States of America require that each party involved in a case needs to be duly notified of any action that can be taken against them in a court of law, or be duly notified when any action needs to be taken regarding their case in the court. This is a mandate and part of the Due Process of Law and known as process serving.
Since different states have different Rules and Regulations, and Procedures regarding the methods by which parties may be notified, it’s advisable that you find out the details relating to your own state.
Whenever a person is sued or involved in some legal issue, he/she has the right to be notified about it, so that he/she can defend themselves. Usually, most states notify civil defendants by serving them with a Complaint and some form of a Summons, requiring the person to present himself in the court of law. And if the defendants don’t respond to the summons, they can lose their case. Also, most states require the Complaint & Summons to be delivered or served to the civil defendant ‘In Person’ and only to him/her. In cases, where the defendant is not served in person, the judge can rule whether or not a default judgement should be entered against the defendant.
A Complaint & Summons can’t be mailed to a defendant for they can then claim that they never received the court summons. So how can you prove that they received the summons? This where process serving and process server plays an important role. During the proceedings of the court, the process server can testify whether the defendant was served or not. Earlier the process serving was performed by law enforcement officials and agents of the court. However, now most states allow American citizens above the age of 18 and residing in the state to do the process serving.
The legal procedures in the United States of America require that each party involved in a case needs to be duly notified of any action that can be taken against them in a court of law, or be duly notified when any action needs to be taken regarding their case in the court. This is a mandate and part of the Due Process of Law and known as process serving.
Since different states have different Rules and Regulations, and Procedures regarding the methods by which parties may be notified, it’s advisable that you find out the details relating to your own state.
Whenever a person is sued or involved in some legal issue, he/she has the right to be notified about it, so that he/she can defend themselves. Usually, most states notify civil defendants by serving them with a Complaint and some form of a Summons, requiring the person to present himself in the court of law. And if the defendants don’t respond to the summons, they can lose their case. Also, most states require the Complaint & Summons to be delivered or served to the civil defendant ‘In Person’ and only to him/her. In cases, where the defendant is not served in person, the judge can rule whether or not a default judgement should be entered against the defendant.
A Complaint & Summons can’t be mailed to a defendant for they can then claim that they never received the court summons. So how can you prove that they received the summons? This where process serving and process server plays an important role. During the proceedings of the court, the process server can testify whether the defendant was served or not. Earlier the process serving was performed by law enforcement officials and agents of the court. However, now most states allow American citizens above the age of 18 and residing in the state to do the process serving.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Data Profiling
Data profiling in this context is the process of assembling information about a particular individual in order to generate a profile — that is, a picture of their patterns and behavior (compare this use of the term data profiling with that used in statistics or data management where data profiling is the examination of information describing the data or data set itself).
Data profiling is used in security, law enforcement and intelligence operations for a variety of applications — for example, to assess "trust" for security clearances or to grant authorization relating to a trusted system, or to identify or apprehend suspects or threats. The government is able to access information from third parties — for example, banks, credit companies or employers, etc. — by requesting access informally, by compelling access through the use of subpoenas or other procedures, or by purchasing data from commercial data aggregators or data brokers. Under United States v. Miller (1976), data held by third parties is generally not subject to Fourth Amendment warrant requirements. Private companies and private investigators can also generally access or purchase data from these aggregators.
Information relating to any individual transaction is easily available because it is not generally highly valued in isolation, however, when many such transactions are aggregated they can be used to assemble a detailed profile revealing the actions, habits and preferences of the individual.
In the past, much information about individuals has been protected by practical obscurity (a term used by Justice Stevens in his opinion in USDOJ v. Reporters Committee, 1989). Practical obscurity refers to the practical difficulty of aggregating or analyzing a large number of data points in different physical locations. In addition, information was often transient and not easily available after the fact. Further, even where data was available, correlation of paper-based records was a laborious process. Electronic, particularly digital, record-keeping has undermined this practical obscurity by making data easily available and potentially making aggregation and analysis possible at significantly lower costs.
Thus, as more information becomes available in electronic form — for example, as public records such birth, court, tax and other records are made available online — the ability to create very detailed data profiles increases and may raise concerns.
Data profiling is used in security, law enforcement and intelligence operations for a variety of applications — for example, to assess "trust" for security clearances or to grant authorization relating to a trusted system, or to identify or apprehend suspects or threats. The government is able to access information from third parties — for example, banks, credit companies or employers, etc. — by requesting access informally, by compelling access through the use of subpoenas or other procedures, or by purchasing data from commercial data aggregators or data brokers. Under United States v. Miller (1976), data held by third parties is generally not subject to Fourth Amendment warrant requirements. Private companies and private investigators can also generally access or purchase data from these aggregators.
Information relating to any individual transaction is easily available because it is not generally highly valued in isolation, however, when many such transactions are aggregated they can be used to assemble a detailed profile revealing the actions, habits and preferences of the individual.
In the past, much information about individuals has been protected by practical obscurity (a term used by Justice Stevens in his opinion in USDOJ v. Reporters Committee, 1989). Practical obscurity refers to the practical difficulty of aggregating or analyzing a large number of data points in different physical locations. In addition, information was often transient and not easily available after the fact. Further, even where data was available, correlation of paper-based records was a laborious process. Electronic, particularly digital, record-keeping has undermined this practical obscurity by making data easily available and potentially making aggregation and analysis possible at significantly lower costs.
Thus, as more information becomes available in electronic form — for example, as public records such birth, court, tax and other records are made available online — the ability to create very detailed data profiles increases and may raise concerns.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
What are signs of a cheating spouse?
When you think that your spouse is having an affair, you begin looking for different signs of cheating. Do you think your spouse is cheating on you?
To find out if you have a cheating spouse you may not need to hire an expensive private investigator nor invest in expensive surveillance equipment - as a beginner you should look for quite obvious signs of the cheating Spouse.
Below are the most common signs that your spouse, girlfriend, boyfriend, wife or husband might be cheating on you. Generally these signs are displayed unknowingly by the cheater, therefore, it is easy to spot these sudden changes in behavior. These signs should only be used as a tool to gauge your suspicions. You will want to investigate further to gain proof before speaking to them about the situation.
One of the easiest ways to gain proof is through monitoring their computer activities. In today's age we have found that majority of spouses use the computer and Internet as a means of cheating, communicating with the cheater, etc
Below are some "Signs of a cheating spouse", wife, husband, boyfriend, or girlfriend ... FIND OUT NOW!
When your spouse suddenly begins to treat you extremely nice; more than the usual.
When your spouse does not want sex or makes excuses to not have sex.
Arrives home smelling of perfume/cologne or another person's body.
Begins to put distance between you or shows a lack of interest in what has been the routine with few, if any, excuses for the change in their behavior.
When they will not allow you access to their computer or they suddenly shut down the computer when you walk into the room. They may give password protect their laptop or computer to keep out suspicious eyes. Or they stay up to "work" or "play a game" on the computer after you go to bed.
Excessive use of internet, especially late at night, is a red flag.
When he/she treats you abusively or with disrespect or may begin to find fault in everything you do in an attempt to justify his/her affair.
When he/she goes straight into the shower or bath on arrival at home.
When he has lipstick or strange hairs on his clothing or in the car. Finding strange numbers, condoms can also be clues.
When they begin to make requests or suggest wild play during sex which you have never done before. They may also show an increased interest in sex or sexual things.
Breaks their routine at work and home for no logical reason.
Becomes suddenly forgetful; thoughts are elsewhere.
When your partner’s friends make complaint of sudden changes in his/her behavior.
When you notice that they are reluctant to kiss you or accept your affection.
When they ignore or criticize your affection.
When you notice credit card charges for gifts (such as florist or jewelry) that you didn't receive.
When they begin to make sudden and excessive purchases of clothes or an unexplained change in clothing style. Purchase of a sexy underwear or lingerie may be a hint.
When you notice an unexplained increase in ATM withdrawals.
When you notice an increased attention to losing weight or paying more attention to their appearance.
Starts lying without a reason.
When they begin to volunteer to go to the post office, rushes to check the mail before you do or perhaps without even telling you.
Gets mysterious phone calls or when they leave the room to talk on the phone.
When they start exercising - going to the Gym, often at "odd" times.
Spends an excessive amount of time on the computer when you are asleep.
When they start to buy new clothes or jewelry for someone who is special for them..
When they use a low voice or whisper on the phone or hangs up quickly.
Coming home at odd times with no explanation.
When they set up a separate cell phone account that is billed to their office.
Suddenly your spouse starts to try new love techniques.
Suddenly wants more sex, more often.
When your spouse doesn’t pay attention in the home activities or is away from home at nights on trips, more than previously.
Your spouse doesn't seem interested in "you". There's always something else to do rather than "talk"!
There are changes in wake up time and sleeping times.
When he/she insists or tells to keep the toys of child away from the car.
To find out if you have a cheating spouse you may not need to hire an expensive private investigator nor invest in expensive surveillance equipment - as a beginner you should look for quite obvious signs of the cheating Spouse.
Below are the most common signs that your spouse, girlfriend, boyfriend, wife or husband might be cheating on you. Generally these signs are displayed unknowingly by the cheater, therefore, it is easy to spot these sudden changes in behavior. These signs should only be used as a tool to gauge your suspicions. You will want to investigate further to gain proof before speaking to them about the situation.
One of the easiest ways to gain proof is through monitoring their computer activities. In today's age we have found that majority of spouses use the computer and Internet as a means of cheating, communicating with the cheater, etc
Below are some "Signs of a cheating spouse", wife, husband, boyfriend, or girlfriend ... FIND OUT NOW!
When your spouse suddenly begins to treat you extremely nice; more than the usual.
When your spouse does not want sex or makes excuses to not have sex.
Arrives home smelling of perfume/cologne or another person's body.
Begins to put distance between you or shows a lack of interest in what has been the routine with few, if any, excuses for the change in their behavior.
When they will not allow you access to their computer or they suddenly shut down the computer when you walk into the room. They may give password protect their laptop or computer to keep out suspicious eyes. Or they stay up to "work" or "play a game" on the computer after you go to bed.
Excessive use of internet, especially late at night, is a red flag.
When he/she treats you abusively or with disrespect or may begin to find fault in everything you do in an attempt to justify his/her affair.
When he/she goes straight into the shower or bath on arrival at home.
When he has lipstick or strange hairs on his clothing or in the car. Finding strange numbers, condoms can also be clues.
When they begin to make requests or suggest wild play during sex which you have never done before. They may also show an increased interest in sex or sexual things.
Breaks their routine at work and home for no logical reason.
Becomes suddenly forgetful; thoughts are elsewhere.
When your partner’s friends make complaint of sudden changes in his/her behavior.
When you notice that they are reluctant to kiss you or accept your affection.
When they ignore or criticize your affection.
When you notice credit card charges for gifts (such as florist or jewelry) that you didn't receive.
When they begin to make sudden and excessive purchases of clothes or an unexplained change in clothing style. Purchase of a sexy underwear or lingerie may be a hint.
When you notice an unexplained increase in ATM withdrawals.
When you notice an increased attention to losing weight or paying more attention to their appearance.
Starts lying without a reason.
When they begin to volunteer to go to the post office, rushes to check the mail before you do or perhaps without even telling you.
Gets mysterious phone calls or when they leave the room to talk on the phone.
When they start exercising - going to the Gym, often at "odd" times.
Spends an excessive amount of time on the computer when you are asleep.
When they start to buy new clothes or jewelry for someone who is special for them..
When they use a low voice or whisper on the phone or hangs up quickly.
Coming home at odd times with no explanation.
When they set up a separate cell phone account that is billed to their office.
Suddenly your spouse starts to try new love techniques.
Suddenly wants more sex, more often.
When your spouse doesn’t pay attention in the home activities or is away from home at nights on trips, more than previously.
Your spouse doesn't seem interested in "you". There's always something else to do rather than "talk"!
There are changes in wake up time and sleeping times.
When he/she insists or tells to keep the toys of child away from the car.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Famous Private Detectives in movies, televisions
The detective story has been a popular genre in books, radio, television, and movies since the early 19th century. In many police drama series, detectives are depicted as being something of an elite, with most uniformed police officers deferring to them. Most famous fictional government detectives work for local or regional agencies.
Element of detective work are also featured in famous "federal" characters, such as Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan and Ian Fleming's James Bond. (The first two Bond film adaptations featured more investigative work than their successors.)
Police detectives
Detective Andy Sipowicz, played by Dennis Franz in the television series NYPD Blue
Detective Vic Mackey, played by Michael Chiklis in the television series "The Shield"
Lennie Briscoe, played by Jerry Orbach in the television series Law & Order
Sergeant Joe Friday, portrayed by Jack Webb and later by Ed O'Neill in the television series Dragnet
Lieutenant Columbo, played by Peter Falk in the television series Columbo (and also some television movies)
Detective Chief Inspector Jane Tennison, played by Helen Mirren in Prime Suspect.
Detective Chief Inspector Morse, in the novels of Colin Dexter and played by John Thaw in Inspector Morse.
Detective Sonny Crockett, played by Don Johnson, and Detective Ricardo Tubbs, played by Philip Michael Thomas, in the television series "Miami Vice"
Detective Inspector Jack Regan, also played by John Thaw, and Detective Sergeant George Carter, played by Dennis Waterman, in the television series The Sweeney.
Thompson and Thomson, from the comic Tintin, created by Hergé
Inspector Gadget
Inspector Koichi Zenigata, from the anime and manga series Lupin III, created by Monkey Punch
Detective Harvey Bullock from the comic book series Batman and cartoon series Batman: The Animated Series
Plainclothesman Elijah Baley from Isaac Asimov's Robot series.
Private detectives
J.J. Gittes, played by Jack Nicholson in the film Chinatown
Adrian Monk, played by Tony Shalhoub
Auguste Dupin, created by Edgar Allan Poe
Hercule Poirot and Miss Jane Marple, both created by Agatha Christie
Jim Rockford, created by Roy Huggins and Stephen J. Cannell, and portrayed by James Garner in the television series The Rockford Files
Thomas Sullivan Magnum, played by Tom Selleck in the television series Magnum P.I.
Philip Marlowe, created by Raymond Chandler
Sam Spade, created by Dashiell Hammett and portrayed on film by Humphrey Bogart
Sherlock Holmes, created by Arthur Conan Doyle
Simon Templar, the book, movie and TV character created by Leslie Charteris
Element of detective work are also featured in famous "federal" characters, such as Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan and Ian Fleming's James Bond. (The first two Bond film adaptations featured more investigative work than their successors.)
Police detectives
Detective Andy Sipowicz, played by Dennis Franz in the television series NYPD Blue
Detective Vic Mackey, played by Michael Chiklis in the television series "The Shield"
Lennie Briscoe, played by Jerry Orbach in the television series Law & Order
Sergeant Joe Friday, portrayed by Jack Webb and later by Ed O'Neill in the television series Dragnet
Lieutenant Columbo, played by Peter Falk in the television series Columbo (and also some television movies)
Detective Chief Inspector Jane Tennison, played by Helen Mirren in Prime Suspect.
Detective Chief Inspector Morse, in the novels of Colin Dexter and played by John Thaw in Inspector Morse.
Detective Sonny Crockett, played by Don Johnson, and Detective Ricardo Tubbs, played by Philip Michael Thomas, in the television series "Miami Vice"
Detective Inspector Jack Regan, also played by John Thaw, and Detective Sergeant George Carter, played by Dennis Waterman, in the television series The Sweeney.
Thompson and Thomson, from the comic Tintin, created by Hergé
Inspector Gadget
Inspector Koichi Zenigata, from the anime and manga series Lupin III, created by Monkey Punch
Detective Harvey Bullock from the comic book series Batman and cartoon series Batman: The Animated Series
Plainclothesman Elijah Baley from Isaac Asimov's Robot series.
Private detectives
J.J. Gittes, played by Jack Nicholson in the film Chinatown
Adrian Monk, played by Tony Shalhoub
Auguste Dupin, created by Edgar Allan Poe
Hercule Poirot and Miss Jane Marple, both created by Agatha Christie
Jim Rockford, created by Roy Huggins and Stephen J. Cannell, and portrayed by James Garner in the television series The Rockford Files
Thomas Sullivan Magnum, played by Tom Selleck in the television series Magnum P.I.
Philip Marlowe, created by Raymond Chandler
Sam Spade, created by Dashiell Hammett and portrayed on film by Humphrey Bogart
Sherlock Holmes, created by Arthur Conan Doyle
Simon Templar, the book, movie and TV character created by Leslie Charteris
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Background Screening: Understanding Pre-Employment Background Screening
Background screening is the process by which an investigator or a background screening firm looks up all available official and commercial records about an individual. Background screening is often initiated when an individual applies for a job that is high security or highly specialised job such as with a bank, intelligence agency etc. In earlier days, the police carried out these background screenings. But now, more and more private investigators are employed to find out the backgrounds of people.
During background screening, the past employment record, credit history, and criminal history are checked for. Besides this, these checks allow the organisation to make a more informed and less-subjective evaluation about the individual and his character. Some other areas where background checks are used include identity theft , and violation of privacy.
Pre- Employment Background Screening
Most organisations do a pre-employment screening. This is done in order to verify the accuracy of the information provided by the applicant as well as to find out if the candidate has any criminal record etc. Companies hire services of investigating agencies or background screening agencies for a fee. Many commercial websites offer specific searches for employers based on their requirements. While their services include background screenings, supplying the company with adverse action letters and ensuring compliance throughout the process it’s important to make the right decision in choosing the best pre-employment agency.
Some other employers may choose to simply search the most commonly available records such as education verification, driving records, and criminal records. Off late, background checks for sex offender registry, credential verification, credit history, reference checks, and ‘Patriot Act’ are fast becoming popular with an increase in both awareness and lawlessness.
It is important that the employer consider the position for candidature while determining the type of search to opt for. Also, the employer should always use the same background screening options for all applicants being considered for the said position.
During background screening, the past employment record, credit history, and criminal history are checked for. Besides this, these checks allow the organisation to make a more informed and less-subjective evaluation about the individual and his character. Some other areas where background checks are used include identity theft , and violation of privacy.
Pre- Employment Background Screening
Most organisations do a pre-employment screening. This is done in order to verify the accuracy of the information provided by the applicant as well as to find out if the candidate has any criminal record etc. Companies hire services of investigating agencies or background screening agencies for a fee. Many commercial websites offer specific searches for employers based on their requirements. While their services include background screenings, supplying the company with adverse action letters and ensuring compliance throughout the process it’s important to make the right decision in choosing the best pre-employment agency.
Some other employers may choose to simply search the most commonly available records such as education verification, driving records, and criminal records. Off late, background checks for sex offender registry, credential verification, credit history, reference checks, and ‘Patriot Act’ are fast becoming popular with an increase in both awareness and lawlessness.
It is important that the employer consider the position for candidature while determining the type of search to opt for. Also, the employer should always use the same background screening options for all applicants being considered for the said position.
Friday, May 11, 2007
Who is a Detective?
Detective is an investigator, either a member of a police agency or a private person. Private detectives usually operate commercially and are licensed. They may be known as private investigators (P.I.s or "private eyes"). Informally, and primarily in fiction, a detective is any unlicensed person who solves crimes, including historical crimes, or looks into records.
Becoming a Detective
In most American police departments, a candidate for detective must have served as a uniformed officer for a period of one to five years before becoming qualified for the position. Prospective British police detectives must have completed at least two years as a uniformed officer before applying to join the Criminal Investigation Department. In European police systems, most detectives are university graduates who join directly from civilian life without first serving as uniformed officers. In fact, many European police experts cannot understand why British, Irish, American and Commonwealth police forces insist on recruiting their detectives from the ranks of uniformed officers, arguing that they do a completely different job and therefore require completely different training, qualifications, qualities and abilities. The opposing argument is that without previous service as a uniformed patrol officer a detective cannot have a great enough command of standard police procedures and problems and will find it difficult to work with uniformed colleagues.
In addition, in some US police departments, policies exist that limit the term that an officer may serve continuously as a detective, and mandate that detectives must regularly return to patrol duties for a minimum period of time. This is based upon a perception that the most important and essential police work is accomplished on patrol, and that the skills, experience and familiarity with their beats that patrol officers maintain are essential for detectives to maintain as well. Investigations, by contrast, often take weeks or months to complete, during which time detectives may spend much of their time away from the streets. In this thinking, rotating officers also promotes cross-training in a wider variety of skills, producing both better detectives and uniformed officers. Such policies also serve to prevent "cliques" within detective bureaus that can contribute to corruption or other unethical behavior.
Detectives obtain their position by competitive examination, covering such subjects as:
Principles, practices and procedures of investigations
Principles, practices and procedures of interviewing and interrogation
Local criminal law and procedures
Applicable law governing arrests, search and seizures, warrants and evidence
Police department records and reports
Principles, practices and objectives of courtroom testimony
Police department methods and procedures
Private detectives are licensed by the state in which they live after passing a competitive examination and a criminal background check. Some states, such as Maryland, require a period of classroom training as well.
Becoming a Detective
In most American police departments, a candidate for detective must have served as a uniformed officer for a period of one to five years before becoming qualified for the position. Prospective British police detectives must have completed at least two years as a uniformed officer before applying to join the Criminal Investigation Department. In European police systems, most detectives are university graduates who join directly from civilian life without first serving as uniformed officers. In fact, many European police experts cannot understand why British, Irish, American and Commonwealth police forces insist on recruiting their detectives from the ranks of uniformed officers, arguing that they do a completely different job and therefore require completely different training, qualifications, qualities and abilities. The opposing argument is that without previous service as a uniformed patrol officer a detective cannot have a great enough command of standard police procedures and problems and will find it difficult to work with uniformed colleagues.
In addition, in some US police departments, policies exist that limit the term that an officer may serve continuously as a detective, and mandate that detectives must regularly return to patrol duties for a minimum period of time. This is based upon a perception that the most important and essential police work is accomplished on patrol, and that the skills, experience and familiarity with their beats that patrol officers maintain are essential for detectives to maintain as well. Investigations, by contrast, often take weeks or months to complete, during which time detectives may spend much of their time away from the streets. In this thinking, rotating officers also promotes cross-training in a wider variety of skills, producing both better detectives and uniformed officers. Such policies also serve to prevent "cliques" within detective bureaus that can contribute to corruption or other unethical behavior.
Detectives obtain their position by competitive examination, covering such subjects as:
Principles, practices and procedures of investigations
Principles, practices and procedures of interviewing and interrogation
Local criminal law and procedures
Applicable law governing arrests, search and seizures, warrants and evidence
Police department records and reports
Principles, practices and objectives of courtroom testimony
Police department methods and procedures
Private detectives are licensed by the state in which they live after passing a competitive examination and a criminal background check. Some states, such as Maryland, require a period of classroom training as well.
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