Identity Theft

By: Victoria Tuttle

Deter Detect Defend

• Shred financial and personal documents before discarding

• Protect your SS card. Don’t carry it around• Don’t give out personal information unless you

know who your dealing with• Never click on links sent in unsolicited emails• Don’t use an obvious password• Keep your personal info in a secure place

• Be Alert to…– Bills that do not arrive as expected– Unexpected credit cards or account

statements– Denials of credit for no apparent reason– Calls or letters about purchases you did not

make

• Inspect:– Your credit report– Visit a service to get a free credit report– Your financial statements

• Place a “Fraud Alert” on your credit reports, and review the reports carefully

• Close accounts that have been tampered with or established fraudulently

• File a police report right away to show you have proof

• Report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission

Learn More

• ID Theft: What It’s All About

• Deter, Detect, Defend Brochure

Topics

Main Points

• What the identity thief wants

• Where the thief finds these

• How they are used

• How to defend yourself

• All about your credit card

WHAT THE IDENTITY THIEF WANTS

• Social security card

• Drivers license

• Account numbers and passwords

WHERE THE THIEF FINDS THESE…

• Wallet or purse

• Your mailbox

• Glove compartment

• Your trash

• You

HOW ARE THEY USED?

• Buying things with your credit card

• Open new credit card account under your name

• Change address on credit card

• Take auto loans out under your name

• Open bank account in your name

HOW TO DEFEND YOURSELF?

• Don’t carry Social Security card around

• Don’t carry multiple credit cards

• Check credit card bills

• Make copies of credit cards and keep in safe place

HOW TO DEFEND YOURSELF? (cont.)

• Mailbox- get your mail ASAP

• Have reordered checks sent to the bank

• Glove Compartment- remove any personal identity

• Trash- shred important documents/mail

• You- don’t give out personal info

All About Your Credit Card

• If you aren’t using one or more then cancel them in writing

• Cut cards into small strips before disposing

• Write “check photo ID” in the signature block

• Equifax is one credit card reporting agency you can call

Main Points

• What does the virtual thief want?

• Where does the thief find these?

• How do you defend yourself?

WHAT DOES THE VIRTUAL THIEF WANT?

• Capture your info

• Create new identity based on your info.

• Use your identity leaving you with the responsibilities

WHERE DOES THE THIEF FIND THESE?

• Your Computer– Bank info– Electronic tax returns– Family genealogy – PDA data– Insurance info– Spreadsheets and word documents

HOW DO YOU DEFEND YOURSELF?

• Your Login/Password/PIN– Use unique passwords– Change them regularly– Don’t set to “Remember my Password”– Don’t write passwords down

HOW DO YOU DEFEND YOURSELF? (cont.)

• Purchase Anti-virus software• Keep OS software updated• Install a firewall• Take precautions with Wi-Fi • Beware of Phishing• Be wary when using others computers • Don’t give personal info over internet

unless it’s a secure site

Quick Review

• What the identity thief wants

• Where the thief finds these

• How they are used

• How to defend yourself

• All about your credit card

Quick Review

• What does the virtual thief want?

• Where does the thief find these?

• How do you defend yourself?

A Special Thank You To…

• Federal Trade commision. ID Theft [Online] http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/

• BBB Online. Virtual. [Online] http://www.bbbonline.org/IDtheft/virtual.asp

• BBB Online. Virtual. [Online] http://www.bbbonline.org/IDtheft/protect.asp