Saying certain thing at work can give others the wrong idea about you and your motives, so be aware of how your words come across to others. Here are five career killers.
“It’s all your fault.”
This one is fairly obvious — direct blame never looks good. “What people are saying is ‘I’ve got to cover my rear end,'” says Barb Krantz Taylor, principal consultant at The Bailey Group in Minneapolis. And that can make you look insecure, reluctant to take responsibility, or even a tyrant. “Leaders need self-management, and if I feel angry, I need to find ways to deal with it,” Taylor says. Lashing out and blaming others not only doesn’t solve the problem at hand, it wrecks business relationships and can seriously hurt your career. Instead, focus on solving the problem and then, when things are quieter, finding out how to prevent it from happening again.
“It’s all my fault.”
This seems like it could be helpful, but Taylor warns that it’s not. “Falling on your sword brings you into a place of shame,” she says. Being the martyr and taking everything on yourself can set you up for future blame, as well as plant the impression that you are incompetent. Accept the responsibility for things only if that responsibility is truly yours. “You can apologize for a situation that someone is in,” Taylor says, adding that doing so can be effective in moving the focus away from who’s at fault and onto finding solutions.
“It’s not fair.”
Whether this is true or not, this is one of the most unhelpful things you can say at work. No matter how you say it, it’s going to come across as whining. And the answer you’re likely to get can be something along the lines of “You’re right — so what?” Instead, find more concrete, fact-based objections to something you want to change, rather than relying on emotional appeal.
“That’s not my job.”
In today’s work environment, employees are often asked to go above and beyond as a matter of routine. “That’s not my job” can make you look stubborn, lazy and generally uninterested in the company’s success. Instead, identify the problem you have with the task at hand — is it something you truly don’t have time for? Is it something that someone else would do better? In addition, Taylor recommends seeing things from the other person’s perspective. “If we can be curious about expectations, we can better manage relationships we have with people,” she says. There are instances where a jurisdictional or work agreement may make something truly not your job, but if this is not the case, find a better way to turn down extra projects.
“Don’t tell so-and-so, but…”
Office politics can be devastating. While you may be involved in closed-door meetings with colleagues or managers, don’t say anything in private at work that you wouldn’t want said in public at work. No matter how you think you can manage secrets, words often have a way of getting around. Be prudent about what you share and whom you share it with. Watching your words is an important part of your workday life. Think twice before you say something, and try to imagine how your words sound to others.
That’s when Microsoft plans to stop issuing security updates for the aging, but still popular XP version of its flagship Windows operating system, which by some estimates is still running on nearly one in three personal computers in homes and offices around the world, along with some bank ATMs and other commercial systems.
Security experts say those machines will become significantly more vulnerable to viruses, spyware and other malicious hacks once Microsoft withdraws its support. No one’s predicting a Mayan-style cataclysm, but if you’re still using XP, here are some things to consider.
Microsoft started selling XP back in 2001 — long before the much-maligned Vista and two subsequent versions known as Windows 7 and Windows 8. The company says it’s already overextended the natural life cycle of XP, while newer versions of Windows offer better security and performance, especially when it comes to newer Web services and touch-enabled programs.
Even so, many consumers, businesses and government agencies have seen no reason to replace XP on their desktop and laptop computers, according to research firm NetMarketShare, which says XP powers nearly 30 percent of all personal computers worldwide. Others estimate 200 million or more XP users.
“XP is a solid operating system. People are used to it. They’ve got other software that’s compatible with it. And all their stuff is on it,” said Kevin McGuire, who owns the Bay Area Computerman repair shop in West San Jose. “I still have computers running XP in my shop.”
While McGuire is skeptical of the more dire warnings about XP, other experts say there’s reason to be concerned. Several makers of antivirus programs and other security software say their products will continue to work with XP, but they may not provide full protection.
Security programs can detect and neutralize malware, but they don’t repair vulnerabilities in the underlying operating system, said Gerry Egan, senior director of product management at Symantec, which “strongly recommends” that XP users upgrade to a newer operating system.
Like most software companies, Microsoft issues regular security updates or “patches” for Windows, which it distributes through free downloads as new vulnerabilities are found. It plans to stop doing this for XP, while continuing to release updates for newer Windows versions.
That in itself could create a road map for hackers to attack XP, said Egan, because some vulnerabilities may affect more than one version of Windows. When Microsoft issues a patch for a later version, he predicted, hackers will check to see if they can exploit the same, unpatched weakness in XP.
Computers running XP “will be an easy target for hackers” and could even be taken over by bots, or automated programs that disguise their malicious nature to infect other PCs running newer operating systems, said Ondrej Vlcek, chief operations officer at antivirus maker Avast, in a recent blog post.
With the April 8 deadline looming, XP users have some options. One is to finally get a new version of Windows.
Microsoft, of course, hopes people will buy the latest version, although Windows 8 has a drastically revamped interface that longtime XP users may find confusing. It also requires more memory and processing power than some older computers can provide.
Windows 7 is a closer cousin to XP, but it was first sold in 2009 and is getting hard to find. Amazon, for example, only sells Windows 7 in a kit that must be installed on a new hard drive or one that’s been wiped completely clean — a tricky process beyond many consumers’ expertise.
More user-friendly installation kits may be available if you look. Stan Reynolds at On Balance, a Walnut Creek repair shop, said he can provide and install Windows 7 on an older PC, although it will cost several hundred dollars.
Given the cost and trouble of installing a new system, some XP users may opt to just buy a new PC, with modern hardware and software already on board. While many retailers promote the latest models running Windows 8, some stores still have machines with Windows 7. There are also desktops and laptops with rival operating systems from Apple and Google — or, for less money, a tablet or e-reader might suffice.
But for those who really want to keep using XP, experts offer this advice:
First, be sure to use an updated anti-malware program; some experts recommend using two, since one may find things the other misses. Microsoft Security Essentials is a free anti-malware program that you can download now; you won’t be able to download the XP version after April 8, although Microsoft says it will distribute updates for an unspecified time.
Second, switch to Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox for Web browsing. Both will continue to work with XP and have the latest browser security features. The two most recent versions of Microsoft’s Internet Explorer won’t work with XP, while older versions of Explorer don’t work as well with newer websites.
Finally, stick to trusted websites and avoid using an XP computer for online banking, shopping or anything involving sensitive information. Better still, disconnect from the Internet and just use the computer for word-processing, spread sheets or games that are already installed on your machine.
While those steps may reduce the risk, “our advice is to upgrade,” said Richard Yom, owner of the PC Clinic repair shop in San Jose. Still, he acknowledged, “some people will wait as long as they can.”
OPTIONS FOR XP USERS
If you must keep using XP: Make sure you’ve got updated anti-malware programs, use Chrome or Firefox to browse the Web, and don’t store or transmit sensitive information on your PC. Better still, disconnect from the Internet and only use software that’s already installed.
Consider upgrading to Windows 7 or 8, but be advised: Windows 7 is getting harder to find, and older computers may lack the memory and processing power to support Windows 8.
Maybe it’s time to buy a new computer: Check out the new Windows-based PCs, or maybe a Mac or Chromebook (which use operating systems from Apple and Google). For smaller budgets, consider a tablet.
With the increased use of online shopping and many brick and mortar stores not having done enough to protect the consumer information stored on their servers. Anyone of us could be a victim of identity theft. It has happened more often than we would like to know. Last year it happened at Target and few other businesses. Below is the information you may find helpful on how to determine if you have become a victim. Below is the information on how to determine if you have become a victim. In addition, should you determine that your identity has been compromised; we have included recommended steps you may want to take to start the process of restoring your good name. For your convenience, we have included sample letters and forms you can use as guides for contacting various agencies regarding the identity fraud. (NZ4VCB6JK6N3)
How Can I Tell if I am a Victim of Identity Theft?
Monitor the balances of your financial accounts. Look for unexplained charges or withdrawals. Other indications of identity theft can be:
• Failing to receive bills or mail when expected could mean an address change bythe identity thief;
• Receiving credit cards for which you did not apply;
• Denial of credit for no apparent reason; or
• Receiving calls from debt collectors or companies about merchandise or services you didn’t buy.
Order a copy of your credit report from any of the three major credit bureaus. If at this time you feel you may be a victim, you should initiate a fraud alert. Once you receive your report, review it for accuracy. If you find inaccurate information, check your reports from the other two credit bureaus. Of course some inaccuracies could be because of clerical, computer, or other errors and may not be a result of identity theft. It may take 7-10 business days to receive your reports.
If you believe you are a victim, understand that it may take some time and effort to recover your name, but by following the recommended steps below, we are confident that you are on the right path to recovering your identity.
Recommended Steps
1. Contact the Police
2. Contact the Three Major Credit Bureaus
3. Close the Accounts You Know or Suspect Involve Identity Fraud
4. Contact the Government Authorities
5. Keep A Record of Your Actions and Contacts
1. Contact the Police
By contacting the police they can start investigating the crime. You will also want to obtain a copy of the police report, the police report number and the name of the investigator. Many banks, credit card companies and other agencies you will need to contact may require this information as proof of a crime. When filing a police report, provide as much documentation as you can to prove you have been a victim of identity theft. Documentation including collection letters, credit reports, an Identity Theft Affidavit can help the police create a thorough report. If the identity fraud occurred while you were away from home, you may also need to file a report in the jurisdiction where the fraud actually occurred. Be persistent if needed. You may be told they cannot take a report. Be sure to let the police know that you need a report to provide to other agencies to resolve the identity dispute. If your local police will not file a report, contact the county and state police. You may also ask that they file a Miscellaneous Incident Report instead.
2. Contact the Three Major Credit Bureaus
Contact each of the three major credit bureaus to notify them you have been a victim of identity theft and request that your file be flagged with a “Fraud Alert.” Fraud Alerts expire, so you will want to ask how long the Fraud Alert will be in effect and how you can extend it if needed. You may also want to file a “Victim Statement” with the bureaus asking them to notify you before any new accounts are opened or any existing
accounts are changed in your name. This may identify if the perpetrator attempts to open additional accounts in your name. Request copies of your credit report from each bureau to review. If information contained within your report is inaccurate, you may dispute it and request it be changed. Request your credit report again in a few months. This will help you confirm if your requested changes have been made and may identify if your report has since changed without your knowledge. This may also identify additional identity theft occurring against you.
• Check to make sure you recognize all accounts listed in your report and that the balances are in line with your records.
• Check the section listing the persons and entities that have requested or received a copy of your report. If you do not recognize a person or entity, you may want to further inquire.
• Make sure there were no inquiries to your credit report for loans or accounts you did not apply for. If there are accounts you do not recognize, this may be a sign that an identity perpetrator has fraudulently opened an account in your name.
• Check the address section to confirm there are no addresses listed for places you have never lived. If there are addresses you do not recognize, this may be a sign that an identity perpetrator has redirected your mail.
• Make sure your Social Security number is listed correctly.
• Make sure the employment history lists accurate information.
• Make sure the information is consistent across the 3 credit bureaus.
• If you identify any incorrect or suspect information, contact the credit bureau immediately. If the incorrect or suspect information is linked to a particular creditor, you will want to contact that creditor as well.
3. Close the Accounts That You Know or Suspect Involve Identity Fraud
CHECKS : If your checks have been stolen or you suspect they have been misused, contact your financial institution for stop payments. Familiarize yourself with your state’s law concerning stolen and forged checks. You can contact your State Attorney General’s office or local consumer protection agency to find out about any laws in your state related to identity fraud. Most states hold the financial institution responsible for losses related to a forged check. However, it may be your responsibility to have notified the financial institution of the possible forgery in a timely manner.
• You may also want to contact the major check verification companies directly. These
companies can alert retailers who use their databases not to accept your checks. They are:
• TeleCheck: 1.800.710.9898
• Certegy, Inc.: 1.800.437.5120
• You can also find out if the perpetrator has been passing bad checks on your account by
calling SCAN at 1.800.262.7771.
CREDIT ACCOUNTS AND ATM CARDS
Close your current credit accounts and cancel your ATMcards. Ask the financial institution or agency to send you a fraud dispute form to complete. If they do not have one, you may use the attached sample letter as a guide. When reopening new accounts, be sure to use new PINs to reduce the risk of future identity theft.
If your financial institution is not assisting you with resolving your issues with them related to the identity theft, you may contact the agency with the appropriate jurisdiction over your financial institution. If you are not sure what agency has jurisdiction over your particular financial institution, you can find out by visiting http://www.ffiec.gov/consumercenter.htm
If you suspect your investment or brokerage accounts have been altered without your permission, report it to the Securities and Exchange Commission. You can file a report using their online Complaint Center at w w w.sec.gov/complaints.htm l.
Keep in mind that each creditor may have their own processes in place for handling a case of identity theft. Therefore, be sure to specifically ask each creditor what their process is, what is expected of you, and what you can expect from them.
4.Contact the Government Authorities
Federal Trade Commission
Counselors at the FTC can take your complaint and provide additional helpful advice on how to proceed once you have been a victim of identity theft. Their website is full of tips and also provides information on how to find out what laws have been passed in your state pertaining to identity theft.
The SSA Office of the Inspector General investigates allegations of identity theft. If you know or suspectyour SSN may be involved in the identity theft against you, you may want to contact the SSA to notify them, and to request a copy of your Social Security Statement.
The USPIS is the law enforcement entity of the U.S. Postal Service and is the entity that investigates identity theft – specifically if the identity theft involves stolen mail or other violations of the integrity of our mail service.
Keep a file of documents related to the identity theft. You will want to include documents such as disputed bills, credit reports, police report, etc. Maintain a record of your telephone conversations with the persons and agencies you contact for assistance. Be sure to record the date and time of the call, the name and title of the person you spoke with, and the things you discussed.
Follow-up all telephone conversations in writing and send these letters certified with return receipt requested. Maintain a copy of this written correspondence for your file.
Maintain copies of any written correspondence you exchange related to the identity fraud. Keep original documents for your file; only mail copies.
Be Aware. Monitor your financial statements regularly.
Obtain your credit reports from each of the three major credit bureaus once every 6-12 months . Review these reports for any inaccurate information, or any transactions that you were not aware of or did not authorize. Secure your personal information at home. Consider keeping your sensitive, personal information in a safe or other location accessible only by you. Ask about security measures in your workplace. Find out who can obtain your personal information through work, how your information is secured, and how they discard personal records. Avoid giving out personal information over the phone. Especially when the telephone call is initiated by another party. Identity thieves may pose as a representative of a legitimate organization with whom you do business and may contact you to “verify” your information. Be suspicious of providing personal information online. Identity thieves use a practice called ‘phishing’ where they send emails that claim to be from a legitimate source – such as a bank, government entity or your ISP – and ask you to update your account or personal information. Verify unsolicited email by calling the financial institution or government agency directly, or through a new Internet session. Carry only the information you need. Only take with you the credit cards you need, and avoid carrying your Social Security card.
Regularly review your recent Card account activity . Accessing your account online is a great way to stay up-to-date on recent charges. Shred documents containing your personal information before disposing. Identity thieves have been known to “dumpster dive” to obtain documents with personal information that have been discarded.
You may obtain a paper shredder at any local office supply company. Have the Postal Service hold your mail if you are going to be gone for a few days or more. Since identity thieves have also been known to obtain personal information by collecting individual’s mail before they return home, it is a good idea to collect your mail as soon as possible and to have the Postal Service hold your mail at the post office if you are planning on being away for any period of time. Another way to prevent account information from being stolen in the mail or from the trash is to reduce the amount of paper with account references.
Act fast! Any protections you have are stronger if you act quickly to try to correct potential identity theft.
P.S. We have sample letters that you can use if you were a victim of Identity Theft. Please contact us at (623) 243-4000. We will be happy to email the sample letters to you.
Content for this article obtained from American Express website.
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