Anyone who wants to use online banking is probably worried about safety. And, with good reason. Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the world right now.
Its a scary statistic, that 1 in 10 people will have their identity stolen. One of the ways that these criminals get your information is through internet banking.
More and more people are taking the plunge into internet banking. It is extremely quick and convenient. If you live abroad, it is almost necessary.
By following some simple rules, you can use internet banking safely, and increase your privacy.
First of all, you need to make sure your institution uses a safe internet banking system. Make sure that they are using a 128 bit encryption system along with an SSL connection.
This information will be listed in your banking requirements, since the 128 bit encryption needs to be installed on your system as well. Verifying hat the bank is using SSL connection is easy. All you have to do, is login to your account and look at your browsers address bar. Just make sure your internet address looks like "https://" and then the rest of the URL It should not be "http". Also, your address or status bar will display a small picture of a close padlock.
Your next "safe banking" step is to ensure your bank is FDIC insured. FDIC insurance means, that if your bank fails, your deposit will be insured by the government. It is most likely that offshore bank accounts will not have FDIC insurance.
If you use offshore banks, this step is optional. But, if your bank (local or offshore) says it is FDIC insured, and it is not, it is a sign of fraud. You don't want to be keeping your money in a bank that is using fraud to get you as a customer. If they are an offshore bank without FDIC insurance, you just need to make sure you balance your risk.
To find out if a bank is FDIC insured, look for a logo on the site, and then confirm that it is legitimate. You can verify it with the FDIC, who keeps a database of FDIC Insured banks.
Getting you to enter confidential bank information is one of the tricks that criminals use to get your information. They will try to send you to a bank page that looks like yours. And then get you to enter your password.
Always be wary of mail that says it comes from your bank, asking you to click on a link. Getting a link directly from you bank is extremely rare. Usually bank mail will just tell you to go to your banking page and login. Banks don't ask you to clickthe link, they assume you know the address to type it in yourself.
When typing the address, ensure it is entered correccly. Its easy to buy a domain name one character off from your bank, hoping to catch people who make a typo.
Always make sure that you are using a "strong" password for your account. Make sure that your password is not easy to guess. Your password should have upper and lowercase letters, and at least one number to be considered strong.
You want a password that is difficulst to guess, but easy for you to remember.
Never leave your password sitting around anywhere. Just because it is in your house, doesn't make any difference. Robbery is getting more common, and this could mean your own home. Chances are good that you will forget that your password was even sitting out since you will be busy assessing your other damages.
But now, your personal information is out in the open. And while you deal with the theft in your home, your bank account is being cleaned out at the same time, without you even knowing it.
More and more people are realizing the convenience of internet banking. But it does make your more exposed to identity theft.
Fortunately, you can alleviate those risks with some simple safety precautions
With proper safety precautions in place, internet banking can be even safer than traditional banking. It is also a very convenient, and possibly necessary choice.
Now, learn the next step in internet banking saftey, along with living abroad news, internationlization, offshore bank accounts and more with a free subscription to Freedom Offshore Magazine.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
The Biggest Trend in Privacy - And Why You Need To Avoid It
I am always amazed at the number of people who look at me strange when I mention concepts like offshore banks. Or owning assets in a corporation. Or for that matter, protecting your privacy at all.
There is this long standing belief that only the rich can benefit from these things, and the "average" person does not need them.
But, when I talk to people who do have offshore accounts, or implement other privacy strategies, there is one thing that seems to stand out. Or at least is a very regular occurance.
I was talking to my friend Grant Hall, who is the author of "Privacy Crisis" and one of the top experts on privacy in the US. And, he has noticed the same trend. More about that in a moment ...
Let me ask you a question. Are you rich? Here is another one that is even more important. Can you afford to lose what you already have?
Statistics prove 2 things. The most common answer to the first question is no. And for the purposes of this conversation, it is irrelevent. The thing is, the answer to the second question is also almost always no.
So chances are very good, that you cannot afford to lose all of the assets you already have. And even if you could, I am sure you would rather not.
So, back to the actually disturbing trend I mentioned earlier. The most common thread we seem to see with people who open offshore bank accounts or implement other privacy strategies -
Disaster
It's overwhelming the number of people who have had their identities stolen, been involved in painful lawsuits or divorces, been victims of stalkers and more. And after it happens, they finally go to protect themselves.
How much better would it be for you, if you protected yourself before disaster strikes?
Think of it this way, the chances of being hit with identity theft, is probably higher than your house burning down. I don't have the actual stats in front of me, but the chance of identity theft is 1 in 10, and I don't see 1 in 10 houses burning down. But, you probably have fire insurance.
Now, is your chance to subscribe to Freedom Offshore Magazine for FREE, to learn how to protect yourself now. If you wait until you need it, trust me, it is going to be too late. And statistics show that at some point in your life, you very well might need it.
And check out Grant's book, Privacy Crisis. You will be glad you did.
Losing everything, actually losing anything because of identity theft, lawsuits, bankrupcy, theft or any reason is bad beyond belief. Protect yourself now!
There is this long standing belief that only the rich can benefit from these things, and the "average" person does not need them.
But, when I talk to people who do have offshore accounts, or implement other privacy strategies, there is one thing that seems to stand out. Or at least is a very regular occurance.
I was talking to my friend Grant Hall, who is the author of "Privacy Crisis" and one of the top experts on privacy in the US. And, he has noticed the same trend. More about that in a moment ...
Let me ask you a question. Are you rich? Here is another one that is even more important. Can you afford to lose what you already have?
Statistics prove 2 things. The most common answer to the first question is no. And for the purposes of this conversation, it is irrelevent. The thing is, the answer to the second question is also almost always no.
So chances are very good, that you cannot afford to lose all of the assets you already have. And even if you could, I am sure you would rather not.
So, back to the actually disturbing trend I mentioned earlier. The most common thread we seem to see with people who open offshore bank accounts or implement other privacy strategies -
Disaster
It's overwhelming the number of people who have had their identities stolen, been involved in painful lawsuits or divorces, been victims of stalkers and more. And after it happens, they finally go to protect themselves.
How much better would it be for you, if you protected yourself before disaster strikes?
Think of it this way, the chances of being hit with identity theft, is probably higher than your house burning down. I don't have the actual stats in front of me, but the chance of identity theft is 1 in 10, and I don't see 1 in 10 houses burning down. But, you probably have fire insurance.
Now, is your chance to subscribe to Freedom Offshore Magazine for FREE, to learn how to protect yourself now. If you wait until you need it, trust me, it is going to be too late. And statistics show that at some point in your life, you very well might need it.
And check out Grant's book, Privacy Crisis. You will be glad you did.
Losing everything, actually losing anything because of identity theft, lawsuits, bankrupcy, theft or any reason is bad beyond belief. Protect yourself now!
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Unravelling the Reality about Offshore Bank Accounts Most Common Myths
Its common for people to believe they don't need offshore bank accounts. In fact, many people thing they are strictly used by criminals and tax evaders. Even some people who understand that they are completely legit think they are only for the wealthy.
When you discuss offshore bank accounts, it becomes very apparent there are a lot of lies out there. This article will dispel those myths, once and for all. And, it will make you understand, that if you are the type of person who wants to take responsibility for their own financial future, an off shore bank may be just what you are looking for.
Only Unstable Countries Have Offshore Bank Accounts
Bring up offshore accounts to some people, and visions of a small, about to fail, banana republic come into focus. Any bank account that is not located in a persons, or businesses own country is considered an off shore bank. Calling countries that host offshore bank accounts unstable is the same as calling all countries unstable.
It is Illegal to Do Offshore Banking
Logic dictates, that this is also a lie. Not only are offshore bank accounts legal, they are essential. It is necessarey, for money to move between countries if trade is to continue. Bank accounts in different jurisdictions are needed by companies and individuals in order to move this money around.
Offshore Bank Accounts are only for the Super Rich
True, it has been wealthy individuals and companies who whave been utilizing offshore accounts up until recently. Some people like to keep secrets like this all to themselves. But, its not just the rich who can take advantage of them.
Even if you include opening an offshore corporation, an offshore account will cost you well under $5000 in the even most expensive areas. Personal accounts can be setup for free, just by making a small deposit of a couple hundred dollars.
It is Unsafe to Open an Account in an Offshore Bank
Bank accounts vary from country to country. Many banks are in low tax jurisdictions, so there might be a certain amount of risk. But, the risk probably is not what you think, its because they are not FDIC insured. So, its possible to lose your deposit if the bank fails.
Keeping yourself safe involves doing your homework. Banks offshore can be worth billions. Failure of huge banks like HSBC and Citi are unlikely. You just have to diversify and evaluate your risk.
Privacy is 100% Guaranteed
The country where the bank resides dictates the privacy level. To remain private however, the laws of the country where the account exists must be followed. There are many countries where the laws do protect your privacy, such as Panama and Belize. In some countries, almost anybody can get their hands on your personal information.
However, if you break the laws of the country where the bank account is held, that privacy will dissolve. Banks will release your "private" records if you are involved in illegal activities such as drug crimes, murder and fraud, no matter where those crimes occur.
Privacy is the Only Reason for Offshore Banking
Many of the benefits of banking offshore are related to the privacy benefits they give you. However, there are actually several other reasons you may want to think about it. A few are:
* Availability of Better Investments
* Competitive benefits, interest rates or other features
* Funds availability while traveling
* Ability to hold alternative currencies
There are a number of different myths surrounding offshore banking and offshore bank accounts. But this misinformation, is easily dismissed by researching the truth.
Offshore accounts are simply tools that people and businesses have been using to create wealth, lower tax burdens and protect their assets.
Its possible, that your are the type of person who doesn't care what happens to your assets. Or you think that there is something wrong with protecting yourself. Or, if you think that it is someone else's job to look after you, you might not be the type of person who would consider offshore banking.
But otherwise, offshore banking is more available than you might have thought, and you can take responsibility for your own protection. Its up to you to investigate the options.
Offshore bank accounts are not only for the rich. It is extremely affordable to open your own. Getting and maintaining an account is easier than ever thanks to the internet.
Next, learn the Top 10 Things You Need to Know Before Opening and Offshore Bank Account
When you discuss offshore bank accounts, it becomes very apparent there are a lot of lies out there. This article will dispel those myths, once and for all. And, it will make you understand, that if you are the type of person who wants to take responsibility for their own financial future, an off shore bank may be just what you are looking for.
Only Unstable Countries Have Offshore Bank Accounts
Bring up offshore accounts to some people, and visions of a small, about to fail, banana republic come into focus. Any bank account that is not located in a persons, or businesses own country is considered an off shore bank. Calling countries that host offshore bank accounts unstable is the same as calling all countries unstable.
It is Illegal to Do Offshore Banking
Logic dictates, that this is also a lie. Not only are offshore bank accounts legal, they are essential. It is necessarey, for money to move between countries if trade is to continue. Bank accounts in different jurisdictions are needed by companies and individuals in order to move this money around.
Offshore Bank Accounts are only for the Super Rich
True, it has been wealthy individuals and companies who whave been utilizing offshore accounts up until recently. Some people like to keep secrets like this all to themselves. But, its not just the rich who can take advantage of them.
Even if you include opening an offshore corporation, an offshore account will cost you well under $5000 in the even most expensive areas. Personal accounts can be setup for free, just by making a small deposit of a couple hundred dollars.
It is Unsafe to Open an Account in an Offshore Bank
Bank accounts vary from country to country. Many banks are in low tax jurisdictions, so there might be a certain amount of risk. But, the risk probably is not what you think, its because they are not FDIC insured. So, its possible to lose your deposit if the bank fails.
Keeping yourself safe involves doing your homework. Banks offshore can be worth billions. Failure of huge banks like HSBC and Citi are unlikely. You just have to diversify and evaluate your risk.
Privacy is 100% Guaranteed
The country where the bank resides dictates the privacy level. To remain private however, the laws of the country where the account exists must be followed. There are many countries where the laws do protect your privacy, such as Panama and Belize. In some countries, almost anybody can get their hands on your personal information.
However, if you break the laws of the country where the bank account is held, that privacy will dissolve. Banks will release your "private" records if you are involved in illegal activities such as drug crimes, murder and fraud, no matter where those crimes occur.
Privacy is the Only Reason for Offshore Banking
Many of the benefits of banking offshore are related to the privacy benefits they give you. However, there are actually several other reasons you may want to think about it. A few are:
* Availability of Better Investments
* Competitive benefits, interest rates or other features
* Funds availability while traveling
* Ability to hold alternative currencies
There are a number of different myths surrounding offshore banking and offshore bank accounts. But this misinformation, is easily dismissed by researching the truth.
Offshore accounts are simply tools that people and businesses have been using to create wealth, lower tax burdens and protect their assets.
Its possible, that your are the type of person who doesn't care what happens to your assets. Or you think that there is something wrong with protecting yourself. Or, if you think that it is someone else's job to look after you, you might not be the type of person who would consider offshore banking.
But otherwise, offshore banking is more available than you might have thought, and you can take responsibility for your own protection. Its up to you to investigate the options.
Offshore bank accounts are not only for the rich. It is extremely affordable to open your own. Getting and maintaining an account is easier than ever thanks to the internet.
Next, learn the Top 10 Things You Need to Know Before Opening and Offshore Bank Account
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Offshore Debit Cards - Yes, They Are Legal And Legitimate
Do you need an offshore debit card? Privacy? Anonymity? Are those things really required? Does a law abiding individual really need all those protections?
I am often asked questions like that when discussing offshore debit and credit cards. For some reason, we are conditioned to think that only crooks want privacy. Think about it, where is the logic in that thinking?
Everyone should have the ability to carry on their lives in private without big brother watching over their shoulder. Big brother is more than just governent. It can be employers, neighbors, identity thieves or anyone else.
Privacy means the ability to control who has access to your personal and private information. That is, if your are living within the law. What is so bad with desiring that?
Offshore Debit cards from offshore bank accounts, and prepaid offshore debit cards are terrific tools for helping you protect that privacy.
Are you still not convinced that privacy needs to be protected?
Do you want all of your spending habits exposed to your next door neighbor, across town or accross the country? Actually, do you care if they know where you have been, and where you made purchases? What about what you happened to be doing at the time? How about exactly how much you took out of the bank, or had for dinner? Or, that romantic secret vacation you took with that special someone.
Obviously, you don't want the guy next door knowing those things, Is your employer, the government, your bank or that identity theft any different? Provided you are not doing anything illegal, your private time and private business should stay that way. This information is out there right now, for anyone to view. Credit card companies, banks and companies who do business with them can get this information almost instantly. This private information is "stolen" every day by private investigators, identity thieves and more.
New laws are making it easier for this information to be obtained, even without a warrant.
Its not just on the big screen that private investigators use spending information to find bad guys. Its not just criminals, this information can be used to find you or find out what you have been doing, even if you haven't done anything wrong.
Anonimity can be gained by using offshore debit cards and prepaid offshore debit cards. No one else is going to know how you are spending your money. You get privacy from ex-spouses, creditors neighbors and even the government.
A good example is the battered wife who needs to excape an abusive marriage. The husband could easily hunt down and hurt or kill her if she was using traditional debit and credit cards.
What if you had amased a certain amount of wealth? Do you want a potential kidnapper tracking down where your family will be at a given time, or which boat in the harbor is yours? Anyone with good investigation skills can use a couple of your bank reciepts or credit card statements to track you down. It't not that hard for someone who knows what they are doing.
Here are a few more examples where privacy may be desired.
• Nasty Divorce
• Lawsuits
• Career Change, where you don't want potential employers knowing about alternative income sources
• Alternative income privacy (like an online business)
• Bankruptcy in progress
* Income / asset anonymity (to protect your families safety)
These are just a few of the reasons a law abiding person would want to protect his privacy. Its very possible, your entire life`s finance or your familys life could depend on it.
This is your responsibility, if you don`t do it, no one will.
While they are completely legal, not many people know about offshore debit cards. But, if you know how they are quite easy to get. But, adequate research is required so you know what you are getting. There are definately a few things you need to know. They also need to be used in the proper way to be of value.
At this point of your life, you might now think anonymity is important. But, what happens if at some point in the future, something happens and you do. If that ever happens though, it will be too late. You want to setup your privacy correctly early.
Offshore debit cards from offshore banks and prepaid offshore debit cards, like any tools need to be used properly. They can quickly become an important part of your privacy arsenol.
I am often asked questions like that when discussing offshore debit and credit cards. For some reason, we are conditioned to think that only crooks want privacy. Think about it, where is the logic in that thinking?
Everyone should have the ability to carry on their lives in private without big brother watching over their shoulder. Big brother is more than just governent. It can be employers, neighbors, identity thieves or anyone else.
Privacy means the ability to control who has access to your personal and private information. That is, if your are living within the law. What is so bad with desiring that?
Offshore Debit cards from offshore bank accounts, and prepaid offshore debit cards are terrific tools for helping you protect that privacy.
Are you still not convinced that privacy needs to be protected?
Do you want all of your spending habits exposed to your next door neighbor, across town or accross the country? Actually, do you care if they know where you have been, and where you made purchases? What about what you happened to be doing at the time? How about exactly how much you took out of the bank, or had for dinner? Or, that romantic secret vacation you took with that special someone.
Obviously, you don't want the guy next door knowing those things, Is your employer, the government, your bank or that identity theft any different? Provided you are not doing anything illegal, your private time and private business should stay that way. This information is out there right now, for anyone to view. Credit card companies, banks and companies who do business with them can get this information almost instantly. This private information is "stolen" every day by private investigators, identity thieves and more.
New laws are making it easier for this information to be obtained, even without a warrant.
Its not just on the big screen that private investigators use spending information to find bad guys. Its not just criminals, this information can be used to find you or find out what you have been doing, even if you haven't done anything wrong.
Anonimity can be gained by using offshore debit cards and prepaid offshore debit cards. No one else is going to know how you are spending your money. You get privacy from ex-spouses, creditors neighbors and even the government.
A good example is the battered wife who needs to excape an abusive marriage. The husband could easily hunt down and hurt or kill her if she was using traditional debit and credit cards.
What if you had amased a certain amount of wealth? Do you want a potential kidnapper tracking down where your family will be at a given time, or which boat in the harbor is yours? Anyone with good investigation skills can use a couple of your bank reciepts or credit card statements to track you down. It't not that hard for someone who knows what they are doing.
Here are a few more examples where privacy may be desired.
• Nasty Divorce
• Lawsuits
• Career Change, where you don't want potential employers knowing about alternative income sources
• Alternative income privacy (like an online business)
• Bankruptcy in progress
* Income / asset anonymity (to protect your families safety)
These are just a few of the reasons a law abiding person would want to protect his privacy. Its very possible, your entire life`s finance or your familys life could depend on it.
This is your responsibility, if you don`t do it, no one will.
While they are completely legal, not many people know about offshore debit cards. But, if you know how they are quite easy to get. But, adequate research is required so you know what you are getting. There are definately a few things you need to know. They also need to be used in the proper way to be of value.
At this point of your life, you might now think anonymity is important. But, what happens if at some point in the future, something happens and you do. If that ever happens though, it will be too late. You want to setup your privacy correctly early.
Offshore debit cards from offshore banks and prepaid offshore debit cards, like any tools need to be used properly. They can quickly become an important part of your privacy arsenol.
Offshore Debit Card - There is a Right Way to Use Them In Order to Protect Your Anonymity
The highest amount of spending privacy available is obtained through using offshore debit cards. In addition, they save you the hassle of carrying loads of cash when you need that anonymity.
However, they have to be utilized the correct way, and they have to be the right cards. Just having a debit card from any offshore bank is not enough to secure your anonymity. Absorbing every word of this page will put you ahead of most people in understanding how best to choose and use your card.
Some people think that since they are not doing anything wrong, they do not need privacy. And I am also asked if they are legal. To this, I generally ask "Why wouldn't you want anonymity"? As far as legality goes, yes offshore debit cards are legal.
There are many perfectly valid, legal reasons to use offshore debit cards. But, that goes beyond the scope of this article Just know, that they are very successful tools in protecting your privacy.
A debit card on its own, is not enough however. You need to understand a couple important points.
The first thing you must pay attention to is where the card is from. Having a card from a bank that is going to give up your personal information to the first creditor who comes looking for you is not going to be of much value.
Your offshore debit card should be issued from a country with the strongest privacy laws available. Certain countries make that privacy law, so as long as you have not done anything illegal, that privacy cannot be breached.
Next, you need to be aware of where you are using it. ATM's are not completely anoymous. Even if the card itself is. Just putting your card into an ATM means that a camera is looking right at your face. That image is being stored.
If someone is looking hard enough for you, they are going to check the ATMs close to your home and work place. Its easy to find out the time and amount of your transaction, if you are seen on the video.
If you use your card in a different machine than normal, and far away from your regular haunts, this won't be a concern since no one would know where to look.
Finally, you need to know that funds in the off shore bank and country issuing the card are going to be available. And the limits of what are available. If you need to hop onto a quick flight to get away from an attacker, or for an important business meeting, a $500 limit isn't going to help you much.
Make sure the bank is backed by a strong name and comes from a country that has not been blocked by banks in your own country.
When you require protection of your identity when making a purchase, offshore debit cards can provide that privacy, legally. Provided you do your homework before opening your account.
If you use these cards for anything illegal, your privacy is taken away. Which proves that they are not just tools for criminals. Their purpose, is to protect the privacy of people who follow the law. Basically, anyone who feels that it is their own business what they do, as long as they don't break the law.
The cards themselves, are just a tool. Just like cash or cheques.
Doing proper research is key to getting the right card and using it properly. Research all you can about offshore banking, offshore accounts and other offshore structures. Learning all you can will ensure you get the level of privacy you need.
Some people believe that privacy should be a right. But every day, its seems like more of those privacies are lost. No one is going to protect your privacy for you, so it is up to you. A strong tool for your privacy protection can be account managed or prepaid offshore debit cards.
However, they have to be utilized the correct way, and they have to be the right cards. Just having a debit card from any offshore bank is not enough to secure your anonymity. Absorbing every word of this page will put you ahead of most people in understanding how best to choose and use your card.
Some people think that since they are not doing anything wrong, they do not need privacy. And I am also asked if they are legal. To this, I generally ask "Why wouldn't you want anonymity"? As far as legality goes, yes offshore debit cards are legal.
There are many perfectly valid, legal reasons to use offshore debit cards. But, that goes beyond the scope of this article Just know, that they are very successful tools in protecting your privacy.
A debit card on its own, is not enough however. You need to understand a couple important points.
The first thing you must pay attention to is where the card is from. Having a card from a bank that is going to give up your personal information to the first creditor who comes looking for you is not going to be of much value.
Your offshore debit card should be issued from a country with the strongest privacy laws available. Certain countries make that privacy law, so as long as you have not done anything illegal, that privacy cannot be breached.
Next, you need to be aware of where you are using it. ATM's are not completely anoymous. Even if the card itself is. Just putting your card into an ATM means that a camera is looking right at your face. That image is being stored.
If someone is looking hard enough for you, they are going to check the ATMs close to your home and work place. Its easy to find out the time and amount of your transaction, if you are seen on the video.
If you use your card in a different machine than normal, and far away from your regular haunts, this won't be a concern since no one would know where to look.
Finally, you need to know that funds in the off shore bank and country issuing the card are going to be available. And the limits of what are available. If you need to hop onto a quick flight to get away from an attacker, or for an important business meeting, a $500 limit isn't going to help you much.
Make sure the bank is backed by a strong name and comes from a country that has not been blocked by banks in your own country.
When you require protection of your identity when making a purchase, offshore debit cards can provide that privacy, legally. Provided you do your homework before opening your account.
If you use these cards for anything illegal, your privacy is taken away. Which proves that they are not just tools for criminals. Their purpose, is to protect the privacy of people who follow the law. Basically, anyone who feels that it is their own business what they do, as long as they don't break the law.
The cards themselves, are just a tool. Just like cash or cheques.
Doing proper research is key to getting the right card and using it properly. Research all you can about offshore banking, offshore accounts and other offshore structures. Learning all you can will ensure you get the level of privacy you need.
Some people believe that privacy should be a right. But every day, its seems like more of those privacies are lost. No one is going to protect your privacy for you, so it is up to you. A strong tool for your privacy protection can be account managed or prepaid offshore debit cards.
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