Identity Theft Webquest

Part I Use the Justice Departments website to learn more about identity theft.
http://www.justice.gov/criminal/fraud/websites/idtheft.html
1. hat is identity theft!
wrongfully obtaining and using another person's personal data in some way that involves fraud or
deception, typically for economic gain.
". Define the following ways thieves might steal your identity
a. Shoulder Surfing
watching you from a nearby location as you punch in your telephone calling card number or credit
card number or listen in on your conversation if you give your credit-card number over the
telephone to a hotel or rental car company.
b. #Dumpster Diving$
going through your garbage cans or a communal dumpster or trash bin -- to obtain copies of your
checks, credit card or bank statements, or other records that typically bear your name, address, and
even your telephone number
c. %ia the mail
if your mail is delivered to a place where others have ready access to it, criminals may simply
intercept and redirect your mail to another location.
d. #&pam$ 'mails
unsolicited E-mail that promises them some benefit but requests identifying data, without realizing
that in many cases, the requester has no intention of keeping his promise.
(. )o avoid being a victim of identity theft* it is recommended that you #&+,-$ . what does this stand for!
stingy* che/0* as0 * mantain
1. '/plain what one part of #&+,-$ means.
be stingy when giving out personal information over the internet.
2. hat groups do you need to contact when you find youre the victim of identity theft or fraud! 34int 5 there
are 6 specific bureaus/organi7ations 8 " more generic companies and institutions9
Federal trade commission, postal inspection service, social security administration, internal revenue
service, Equifax, Experian and transunion.
Part II :or this assignment* you will read a story of one persons e/perience with identity theft and use the
internet to further your understanding of what happened to the person. ;uestions where you will need to
research the answer online are indicated as such.
rticle ! http://www.protectmyid.com/images/education<center/pdf/=>=?dentity@ecovery/=2=A"=id
A"=recovery<oneA"=victimsA"=story.pdf
>. hy was Joe )remba confused when he received a collection letter about a past due credit card account!
because it was tal0ing about a visa card and he only has an ,merican e/press card.
6. hat does it mean to be assigned to a collections agency! 3Boo0 up online9
This means that the right to collect your outstanding debt has been transferred to a specialist debt collection partner
C. 4ow has this identity theft affected Joes life!
he has to delay the purchase of his house due to his credit being tampered with
D. hat does it mean to #opt out$ of credit card offers that arrive in the mail! 3Boo0 this up online9
opting out means to stop having credit card offers sent in your mail.
1=. 4ow many people are victims of identity theft each year!
11.1 million victims
11. hat is the average amount stolen according to the Javelin ?dentity :raud &urvey @eport in "=1=!
E1*C11
1". hen must suspicious credit activity be reported so creditors can efficiently trac0 fraudulent purchases!
it should be reported within the first thirty days
1(. hat are the ( big things you must loo0 for when reviewing your credit report!
accounts not belonging to you* personal info that does not belong to you and outdated and incomplete
information
11. hat steps should be ta0en when you are the victim of identity theft!
place a fraud alert on your credit report* file a police report* and fill out
an ?dentification )heft +omplaint with the :ederal )rade +ommission
12. hat is a fraud alert with the :)+! 3Boo0 this up online9
fraud alert indicates to anyone requestin" your credit file that you suspect you are a victim of fraud