Member of Congress Robert Wexler targeted in extortion identity theft

Member of Congress Robert Wexler targeted in extortion identity theft -

Robert Siciliano is a NextAdvisor.com Expert Guest Blogger

Sun Sentential reports Congressman Robert Wexler of Florida, was targeted by an extortionist who threatened to turn her social security number on identity thieves. Wexler refused to yield to the demands of extortion, and reported the plot of the Secret Service and Capitol Police. Other members of Congress have been targeted as well. The alleged extortionist was arrested and remains in custody in Ghana.

Counsel for

Wexler, Pamela J. Marple, issued a statement:

"Congressman Wexler greatly appreciates the professionalism and continuous assistance of the police and secret service Capitol States States concerning a case where he has been targeted as a member of Congress and was the victim of a crime involving extortion and attempted identity theft. This remains a legal case in progress will be monitored. "

Ghana telephoned Wexler this month when President Barack Obama was visiting Ghana, guarded by secret service agents. Wexler reported the matter to the Secret Service while they were in the country, which contributed to the survey. Congressman, understandably shaken he was extorted, should have already known that his social security number is in nature. Our social security numbers are in public folders, databases, file cabinets, school records and, most likely, for sale on the Internet.

1. Be aware that your Social Security number has been compromised. Over the past five years, hundreds of millions of records were stolen from major data breaches.
2. Do everything you can to prevent your own data breaches by ensuring install and update the Internet security software.
3. Never use public computers where spyware might be installed.
4. Recognize that when wireless use in a hot spot, your personal information is available for the taking.
5. Flick in public folders in your state to see if your social security number is displayed everywhere.
6. Investing in identity protection against theft and prevention. All forms of protection against identity theft can be prevented, but identity theft protection services can dramatically reduce your risk.
7. Get a credit freeze. Search "state credit freeze laws" line and lock your credit to prevent new account fraud.

The speaker Robert Siciliano Identity Theft handles Social Security numbers on Fox News.

Robert Siciliano is CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com, an expert on identity theft, professional speaker, security analyst, published author and television news correspondent. Siciliano works with Fortune 1000 and start-up companies as a consultant on product launches, branding, messaging, representation, SEO and media. thoughts and advice Siciliano on all these issues often appear in both television and print media news, including CNN, MSNBC, CNBC, FOX, Forbes and USA Today. He has 25 years of safety training as a member of the American Society industrial security. He is the author of two books, including The Safety Minute: Living on high alert; How to take control of your personal safety and to prevent fraud . He also established a partnership with Uni-Ball to help raise awareness of the growing threat of identity theft and provide tips on how you can protect yourself.