Between April 17th and April 19th, consumers on the PlayStation Network were unfortunately victims of a data breach and now have their personal information potentially compromised. This includes their PlayStation Network login, password and security answers as well as name, address, purchase history, billing address and credit card information. While Sony has turned off their PlayStation Network and enlisted an outside security firm to conduct an investigation, any person with an active PlayStation Network account should do the following:

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Your BBB is offering FREE shredding and recycling at the annual 2011 Spring Shred Day this month. From 9am – 1pm, BBB will be at the following locations collecting up to 5 boxes of paper documents, compact disks, floppy disks and old cell phones for shredding and recycling.

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Last year, your BBB received over 23,000 complaints from consumers who felt they were taken advantage of by a business. Those looking for jobs, struggling to make money or get out of debt were the most common targets of scammers, hackers and deceptive businesses in 2010.

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Shred Day is coming up THIS Saturday for San Antonio and Austin business owners and consumers. While BBB will gladly accept your old documents and records, we do want to make sure you're not discarding things you should be keeping. That's why we have the following records retention schedule for you to use as a guide BEFORE packing those boxes and bags into your car:

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Identity theft continues to be a concern for consumers and businesses. That’s why BBB is offering you FREE shredding and recycling at the annual 2010 Fall Shred Day next month, as part of National Protect Your Identity Week (October 17-23, 2010).

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Recently several local consumers have notified BBB about phone calls from individuals pretending to be debt collectors and threatening them with legal action or arrest. The consumers are told they must pay a supposed outstanding debt over the phone immediately. In some cases, the callers have social security numbers, bank information and the consumer’s address. BBB wants you to know what to do if a stranger calls claiming you owe them money.

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As many Americans are seeking employment, BBB is warning job-seekers to watch out for red flags of employment scams to avoid losing money and sensitive information. Do your research to conduct a safe, fruitful job search.

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The summer season has officially arrived and that means vacations are right around the corner. With credit cards replacing traveler’s checks in popularity while away from home, it’s important to make sure your personal information stays safe. According to a 2009 Javelin Strategy and Research study, 43% of all fraud cases were due to lost or stolen checkbooks, debit cards and credit cards. BBB advises consumers on the go to keep these tips in mind…

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Yesterday, we released information from the Consumer Sentinel Network regarding Texas having the 3rd highest rate of identity theft in the nation per capita last year. However, identity theft was only a sub-category of overall fraud in the report. So how did Texas do in fraud complaints? Much better actually...Only the 30th highest rate of fraud complaints in the nation. As far as the cities in Central, Coastal and Southwest Texas go, out of 384 metropolitan areas nationwide, they were ranked as follows:

Austin - 91st
Corpus Christi - 338th
Killeen/Temple/Ft. Hood - 98th
Laredo - 382nd
San Antonio - 219th
Victoria - 359th
Waco - 361st

As you can see, most of the cities in your BBB's service area rate relatively well in fraud claims. However, the average Texan reported losing approximately $2,200 so the circumstances are still not very good for fraud victims. Remember to keep your personal information safe and be careful online. And keep your calendar open for BBB's Shred Day on April 10th so you can dispose of your sensitive documents properly and have them recycled.