Identity Theft

Someone steals
your personal
information for
his/her own gain

It’s a crime!
Personal Information
 Social Security number
 Credit card number
 Bank account information
 Driver’s license number
 Computer password
 Address & phone number
 Mother’s maiden name
 Student ID number & password
Statistic

29% of identity theft

victims are between the
ages of 18-29

Federal Trade Commission, 2005

Common Forms of Identity Theft
 Stealing or diverting mail
 Dumpster diving
 Watching or listening as someone enters PIN or
credit card number
 Stealing wallet, purse, backpack, cell phone, or
computer
 Finding information in someone’s home
Common Forms of Identity Theft
 Hacking into a computer or
redirecting user to bogus
website
 Phishing
 Voice phishing – vishing
 Stealing databases from
businesses, schools, etc.
How is personal
information used?
 To purchase goods or services
 To open new credit accounts
 To steal money from the victim’s account(s)
 To sell information to other criminals
 To commit other crimes
Reducing Your Risk
 Don’t be intimidated
 Guard your personal information
 Check your credit report regularly (age 18)
 It’s OK to say NO
 Protect your Social Security number
Online Shopping
 Know who the seller is
 Know what is being purchased
 Know how much it will cost
 Charge it
 Know the terms
Online Shopping cont.
 Keep records
 Be sure website is secure
 Enter payment information each time
 Read the company’s privacy policy
 Review website privacy seals
Warning Signs of
Identity Theft
 A driver’s license has already been
issued in your name
 Denied student loan, credit card, or apartment
 Unsolicited credit card offers
 Calls or letters from credit collection agencies
 Telemarketers calling to speak to you by name
Other Warning Signs
 Accounts listed on credit report they
didn’t open
 Unexplainable charges on accounts
 Fraudulent or inaccurate information or
credit report
 A missing bill or statement
 Getting credit cards you didn’t apply for
What to do if
Identify Theft Occurs
 Place a fraud alert on your credit file
 Get a free credit report
 Close accounts that have been
compromised
 File a report with the Federal Trade
Commission (FTC)
 File a police report