Accertify and Affinion Security Center Partner to Deliver Fraud Protection

NORWALK, Conn., December 17, 2008 -
Chicago, Ill. and Norwalk, Conn., December 17, 2008 - Accertify (www.accertify.com), a provider of leading-edge credit card fraud prevention solutions, and Affinion Security Center (www.affinionsecuritycenter.com), a leading provider of identity theft protection services, announced today that Affinion Security Center's Merchant Alarm (www.merchantalarm.com) capability will be added to Accertify's Interceptas platform. 

Merchant Alarm patrols the Internet to find compromised credit card and debit card data generally well before cardholders know their data has even been taken. Merchant Alarm then provides alerts to credit card merchants in real time, so they can avoid processing potentially fraudulent transactions. Effective immediately, this feature will now be integrated into the Interceptas platform to give merchants an additional, powerful tool for reducing fraud in "card-not-present" transactions, which commonly occur when purchases are made without the physical presence of the credit or debit card, such as in online transactions.  With this partnership, Interceptas clients will be able to detect if a customers is using a compromised card - even if it has yet to be reported lost or stolen... more

Travel Tips & Gadgets Ease Holiday Stress

NORWALK, Conn., December 15, 2008 -
Many people travel during the hectic holiday season, and it can be very stressful, says author and travel expert Mariel Hemingway.

"I've been a globe-trotter for most of my life," Hemingway says. "Along the way, I've discovered certain tips and gadgets that can make travel more comfortable. You'd be surprised how these small, simple things can help you arrive at your destination happy and relaxed."

A few of Hemingway's suggestions:

1. Bring an air purifier and noise cancellation headphones, which can also work as a sound system for playing music.
   
2. Use sesame oil and silver spray. "This sounds odd, but I put a dab of sesame oil in my nostrils," she says. "It keeps your nose and throat from getting dry at high altitudes and makes you less susceptible to airborne illnesses that thrive in planes. Silver spray is also really beneficial. It helps boost the immune system and attacks any germs that you may pick up. It's highly effective and available at most health food stores."... more

Shoppers Advantage Ranks Top Holiday Gifts Of Week

NORWALK, Conn., December 10, 2008 -
The holiday shopping season is in full-gear and Santa’s helpers at Shoppers Advantage - a leading national online discount shopping service - are busy making their list and checking it twice with a weekly Elf Alert, a ranking of the hottest gifts of the holiday season.

In light of the economy, more cash-strapped consumers are comparison shopping and deal hunting, searching online to find the lowest prices on hot ticket items. With more consumers aggressively seeking low prices, the popularity of online shopping is rising. Shoppers Advantage is poised to see its orders rise this year, by providing low prices on hot electronics, housewares, appliances, toys, and everyday items.

To help track the hottest gifts - and best deals - this season, Shoppers Advantage has created the 2008 Elf Alert, a weekly ranking of the hottest gifts... more