1	Identity Theft
2	What is Identity Theft? Also known as “Identity Fraud” The misappropriation of another person's identifying information in order to: obtain credit fraudulently from banks and retailers; steal money from the victim's existing accounts; apply for loans; establish accounts with utility companies; rent an apartment; file for bankruptcy; obtain a job; or achieve other financial gain using the victim's name.
3	Two Main Types Account takeover occurs when an identity thief acquires a person's existing credit or bank account information and either withdraws money or makes purchases. Victims usually learn of account takeover when they receive their monthly credit card or bank account statement. Identity takeover an identity thief uses another person's Social Security number and other identifying information to fraudulently open new accounts for financial gain. Victims may be unaware of the fraud for an extended period of time, which can allow the criminal to continue the ruse for months or even years.
4	Startling Statistics (2005) Nearly 10 MILLION Americans became victims of Identity Theft Total losses = Approx. $5 BILLION! Can take up to 12 mos. to realize you are a victim!
5	Personal Information You have to determine what personal information needs to be kept quiet! You have to realize that some personal information is going to be released to the public Name Address Phone No. Date of Birth Birthplace Mother’s Maiden Name SSN Bank Acct No. Credit Card No. PIN/Password Driver’s License
6	Personal Information
7	Where Did They Get My Info? Almost 400,000 Americans suffered losses due to mail stolen from their mailbox! Almost ALL of these incidents could have been avoided! Internet Scams/Spyware Your TRASH!
8	Tips to Prevent Stolen Mail Don’t leave outgoing mail in an unsecured location. Drop into USPS mailboxes. Don’t leave your mail in the mailbox overnight or on the weekends. Have your mail held at the Post Office while you’re out of town. Get a mailbox that locks!
9	Computer Protection Use anti-spyware and anti-virus software. Be careful shopping online. Use only sites that you trust. Look for the “s”. Don’t get baited by “Phishers” Encrypt email Erase hard drive if you sell the computer
10	One Man’s Trash is Another Man’s Treasure Items that should ALWAYS be shredded: Bank/Credit Card Statements Preapproved credit card offers ATM receipts Cancelled/Voided checks Expired passports, visas, credit cards Tax forms Bills Paystubs
11	How to Safeguard your Info Immediately report lost/stolen credit/debit cards. Don’t keep your Soc. Sec. Card in wallet. Don’t give your info over the telephone. Check your bills and statements as soon as they arrive. Opt out of pre-approved offers. Don’t list your SSN or DOB on resume.
12	How to Safeguard your Info Use your ATM card wisely. Guard your checkbook. Select strong passwords. http://wolfram.org/writing/howto/password.html Secure personal information at home. Know who else has your information. Check your credit reports for FREE!
13	Credit Reporting Agencies Equifax 1-800-525-6285 www.equifax.com Experian 1-888-397-3742 www.experian.com TransUnion 1-800-680-7289 www.transunion.com www.AnnualCreditReport.com Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions (FACT) Act of 2003
14	FACT Act 2003
15	Credit Reporting Agencies Equifax 1-800-525-6285 www.equifax.com Experian 1-888-397-3742 www.experian.com TransUnion 1-800-680-7289 www.transunion.com www.AnnualCreditReport.com Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions (FACT) Act of 2003 One free credit report from each of the big three credit bureaus every 12 months. Look for anything suspicious accounts opened under your name that you are unaware of If you notice anything suspicious contact the credit bureaus immediately and consider placing a fraud alert on your reports
16	Websites Regarding Identity Theft Federal Trade Commission www.ftc.gov/ www.consumer.gov/idtheft/ ß video (10mins) On Guard Online www.onguardonline.gov/ US Department of Justice www.usdoj.gov/ Bragg Mutual FCU ID Theft page www.bmfcu-idtheft.com/
17	Take The Quiz
18	Question 1 of 8 When I keep my ATM cards and credit cards in my wallet, I never write my PIN (Personal Identification Number) on any of my cards.
19	Question 2 of 8 When I leave my house, I take with me only the ATM and credit cards I need for personal or business purchases.
20	Question 3 of 8 When I get my monthly credit-card bills, I always look carefully at the specific transactions charged to my account before I pay the bill.
21	Question 4 of 8 When I get my monthly bank statements, credit-card bills, or other documents with personal financial information on them, I always shred them before putting them in the trash.
22	Question 5 of 8 When I get mail saying I've been preapproved for a credit card, and don't want to accept or activate that card, I always tear up or shred the preapproval forms before putting them in the trash.
23	Question 6 of 8 I request a copy of my credit report at least once a year.
24	Question 7 of 8 If the volume of the mail I get at home has dropped off substantially, I always check with my local post office to see if anyone has improperly filed a change-of-address card in my name.
25	Question 8 of 8 If I think that I may be a victim of identity theft, I immediately contact - The FTC to report the situation and get guidance on how to deal with it. The three major credit bureaus. My local police department to have an officer take a report. Any businesses where the identity thief fraudulently conducted transactions in my name.