We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!
Session ObjectivesFraud & ScamsHow to protect yourselfWhat to do if you are a victimAdditional Information
We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!
Identity TheftIt occurs when someone uses your:
– Name– Social Security number– Other identifying information
… without your permission,to establish new accounts in your name.
We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!
How many victims?• 2003 – 10.1 Million
• 2004 – close to 9.8 Million
• 2005 - 9.3 Million
• 2006 - 8.9 Million
• 2007 - 8.4 Million – Privacy Rights Clearing House
10.1 9.8 9.3 8.9 8.4
0
5
10
15
in M
illion
s
2004 2005 2005 2006 2007
Years
Victims of Identity Theft
Victims
We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!
How can this impact YOU?o Damaged credit recordo Loss of job opportunitieso Refused loans:
o education, housing, or cars
o Spend months or years cleaning up the messo Mean fraud amount per victim:
2007:$5,720 2006: $6,383 2005: $5,993
o No. of hours spent resolving problems: 2007:25 hours 2006: 40 hours 2005: 28 hours
o Worst-case scenario: Victim is arrested
We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!
Who is most vulnerable?oAges 18-24oSuburban residenceoIncome ≥ $75,000oOngoing problems: 1/5 of the
victimsoJustice department
We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!
How do crooks get your information?
• Misuse by family/friends• Lost/stolen wallets• Theft from mailboxes; dumpster diving• Others (less common):
– Steal records from employer– Shoulder surfing at ATMs or phone booths– Pose as landlord to obtain credit report– Fill out change of address to divert mail– Phishing/ Pharming / Vishing
We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!
A crook has your info. Now what?Use your name to: Open new accounts
change billing address ring up charges before your mail catches up to you
Take out loans, buy a car, or establish phone service
Authorize electronic transfers drain your account
File for bankruptcy to avoid paying debts
Pretend to be you during an arrest
We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!
PretextingUse of
– False– Forged– Counterfeit– Lost – stolen
Information to get a customer’s information from a financial institutionCommon tactic: pose as a survey firm
We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!
When can you give out your SSN?Give out SSN to: Give out SSN
to:oCredit unions/banksoEmployersoIncome tax recordsoLoan applicationsoCredit bureau reportsoCollege records
oOver the phoneoOn personal checksoOn driver’s license oOn club membershipoAs ID for store purchasesoAs general identification
We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!
How to order your free credit reporto Get one free report per year from each agency:
o annualcreditreport.com o Call 877-322-8228o Send request form to: (read envelope)
o It’s also free if you’re:o Denied credit within the past 60 dayso Victim of identity thefto Welfare recipiento Unemployed and job-huntingo Resident of CO, GA, ME, MD, MA, NJ, and VT
Annual Credit Report Request ServiceP.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA
30348-5281
We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!
What is spamming?
Sending unsolicited e-mail indiscriminately to multiple mailing lists, individuals, or
newsgroups
We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!
What is spoofing?
Creating a replica of a legitimate Web page to fool you into
submitting personal, financial, or password data
We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!
What is phishing?
Luring victims to a fake web site through spam. See current scams
at antiphishing.org
We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!
It’s probably a phishing attack!
Beware e-mail messages that:o Use a generic greetingo (“Dear Visa customers” or “Dear
friend”)o Refer to an urgent problemo State that your account will be shut down
unless you reconfirm your billing informationo Urge you to click on a link within a message
you weren’t expectingPhishing in the World
We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!
PharmingoPractice of redirecting Internet
domain name requests to illegitimate Web sites.
oTo capture your personal information and commit ID theft.
oDiffers from phishing in how you’re redirected.(through technical means)
We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!
Pharming can occur 4 wayso Static domain name spoofing
(Misspellings: vvestcu.org vs. westcu.org)
o Malicious software—Malware(Viruses and Trojans redirect you to the false site)
o Domain hijacking(Hacker hijacks legitimate site and redirects all traffic)
o DNS poisoning (most dangerous)(You enter correct URL, but poisoned server redirects)
We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!
Receive unfamiliarbills
Denied credit
collection agencies try to collect
Oftentimes, there aren’t any!
credit card/financial statements stop
arriving or have fraudulent
charges
No mail
Signs you are
a victim
We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!
Even if there are no warning signs
You should: o Check your credit report anyway!o Beware of e-mails and web sites offering
“free” credit reportsoDon’t give your SSN just to get a free report
We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!
If you are a victimo Place fraud alert on your credit reports.
o Contact FTC’s ID Theft Hotline at 877-IDTHEFT.
o Close affected accounts. Use FTC’s “ID theft affidavit” at ftc.gov/idtheft.
o Follow each conversation with a certified letter, return receipt requested; keep copies.
o File a police report where ID theft took place.
o Get copies of police reports and send to creditors.
We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!
The “Big Three” Credit Reporting Agencies Experian Order report: 888-397-3742 Fraud Unit: 888-397-3742 experian.com
TransUnion Order report: 800-888-4213Fraud Unit: 800-680-7289transunion.com
EquifaxOrder report: 800-685-111Fraud Unit: 800-525-6285equifax.com
We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!
Internet Fraud – Shop Safely Onlineo Shop only with companies you know.
o Pay only with credit card, or with third-party intermediary o you have some protections if merchandise is defective, not as
described, or is not received at all
o URL must change from http:// to https://.
o Track online purchases easily: Use separate credit card
o Use secure browser (look for closed padlock or unbroken key at bottom of browser window—not payment page).
We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!
Protect Yourself Online – Social/Networking Websites
• Myspace, Facebook, Linkedin, and others– do not show your address, phone number, or
other personal information – Use the privacy settings so people only see
what you want them to see– Only accept people you know– Beware the applications when asking for
information could be made by crooks
We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!
Protect Yourselfo On the Phone
o Ask why they need ito Never give out personal info or authorize payment
(unless you initiated the call and trust the company)
o Hang up if necessaryo Online Transactions
o Make sure it is secure – https:// and a closed padlock
o Verified by VISA and/or MasterCard’s Secure Codeo Shred
o All documents with personal/financial information
We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!
Protect Yourselfo Review statements and credit report
o Annually – credit reporto Account statements: by mail – monthly; online
– more ofteno Mail
o Mail from locked mailbox or post officeo Stop mail while out of town
o Shoulder Surferso Be aware of your surroundings
We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!
Protect Yourselfo E-mail
o Only open attachments you are expectingo Do not click on links from unfamiliar senderso Use strong passwords (letter- both upper and lower,
numbers and symbols)o Avoid automatic log-in
o Computero Install and keep updated
o Virus softwareo Firewall softwareo Spyware detection/removalo Spam blocker – antiphishing.orgo Secure browser – for online transactions
We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!
Protect Yourselfo Passwords
o Don’t use recognizable information (age, phone number, SSN, birthday)
o Memorize them – do not keep them written down o Safeguard – all personal information (SSN card,
bank statements, checks, purse)o Do not carry it around with you
o Personal Informationo Give out on a need to know and trusted basis
o Do not leave receiptso They can contain your credit card information
We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!
Protect Yourselfo Keep name off prescreened lists
o 888-5opt-outo Optoutprescreen.com
o Electronic deposito Paychecks, dividends, pension, SS
payments, and tax refunds
We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!
Useful Purchases• Cross cut shredder
– Prices $40 and up– Shred paper, cds, credit cards– Top brands and prices:
• Anti-spy ware software– McAfee– Symantic– Webroot
Brands and
PricesInit Ativa
Royal Business Machines
High end price
105.00 340.00 60.00
Middle
price
90.00 150.00
Low end
price
70.00 79.00 36.00
We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!
Check Fraudo The manipulation of checks to deceive an
innocent victim expecting value in exchange for their money
o http://www.ckfraud.org/ckfraud.html#check
We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!
or could cost you plenty!
Every day, thousands of Americans receive sweepstakes offers, but not all of them are legitimate. How can you tell the difference between a real sweepstakes and a
scam? Legitimate sweepstakes are fun and free. They specify that no purchase is needed to win and buying a product will not increase your chances of winning--you
never have to pay to collect a prize.
Remember: You do not have to pay to enter a sweepstakes or collect a prize.
If you're asked to pay, the sweepstakes is a scam.
We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!
Credit Card Fraud
Fraudulent use of another person’s credit card and number
We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!
Telemarketing Fraudrefers to any scheme to defraud in which the persons carrying out the scheme use the telephone as their primary means of communicating
with prospective victims and trying to persuade them to send money to
the scheme.
We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!
More ResourcesFederal Trade Commission CRC-240 Washington, D.C. 20580877-IDTHEFT (toll-free)www.consumer.gov/idtheft
oBetter Business Bureau bbbonline.orgoAnti-Phishing Working Group antiphishing.orgoPrivacy Rights Clearinghouse privacyrights.org
We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!
1
SCAMMED!SCAMMED!
5-N5-N
The news of my father death, and my uncle,s involvement in an air crash in december 2002 while on a business trip to benin republic caused my mother heartfailure and other related complications of which she later died in the hospital After we have spent a lot of money on her.
Before our mother died, she told us that our father deposited some money which he made from diamond sales and contracts at this bank here in Ivory Coast and that we should pray and find a trust worthy foreign business partner who would help us to transfer and invest this money in profitable business venture overseas.She told us to do this quickly so that we can leave Ivory Coast and, then settle down abroad. She gave us the bank document to prove the deposit and then told us that my father used my name as the next of kin and beneficiary to the money in the bank in the event of his death.
If you are willing to assist us, please let us know immediately so that you will arrange the transfer of the money to your account with the bank.
What’s Going What’s Going on Here?on Here?
What’s Going What’s Going on Here?on Here?
2
We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!
Dealing With DeceptionDealing With DeceptionYou walk up to an ATM and a guy who You walk up to an ATM and a guy who
appears to be waiting his turn walks up appears to be waiting his turn walks up behind you. But he’s uncomfortably close—behind you. But he’s uncomfortably close—right over your shoulder—as you get ready right over your shoulder—as you get ready
to enter your PIN.to enter your PIN.
5-O-15-O-1
What should What should you do?you do?
1 of 7
We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!
You’re at a cash register in a store and have given You’re at a cash register in a store and have given the clerk your credit card. She holds on to it, the clerk your credit card. She holds on to it,
probably to verify your signature. But then she probably to verify your signature. But then she says she needs to grab something from the back says she needs to grab something from the back and starts to walk away with your card in hand.and starts to walk away with your card in hand.
5-O-25-O-2
What should What should you do?you do?
Dealing With DeceptionDealing With Deception
2 of 7
We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!
A caller says she’s from your credit card company and wants to offer you a higher
credit limit for being such a good customer. You reply, “Great, what do I have to do?” And she tells you to give her your Social Security
number for verification.
5-O-35-O-3
What should What should you do?you do?
Dealing With DeceptionDealing With Deception
3 of 7
We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!
You’ve found a pair of shoes at a great price on a Web site you just found. You start the
check-out process and notice that the padlock at the bottom of your computer screen is open and that the Web page
address starts with “http” instead of “https.”
5-O-45-O-4
What should What should you do?you do?
Dealing With DeceptionDealing With Deception
4 of 7
We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!
• You get an E-mail from an online bookstore you frequently buy from. It says that the credit card on your account has expired and gives you a link to update your information.
5-O-55-O-5
What should What should you do?you do?
Dealing with DeceptionDealing with Deception5 of 7
We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!
Your friend sends you an E-mail about cool new Your friend sends you an E-mail about cool new software that lets you share music with others for software that lets you share music with others for
free. He sends you the link to download the free. He sends you the link to download the software, which is from a site you’ve never heard of.software, which is from a site you’ve never heard of.
5-O-65-O-6
What should What should you do?you do?
Dealing With DeceptionDealing With Deception
6 of 7
We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!We’re all about YOU!
You’re upset about losing in an online auction. But then you get an E-mail
stating the winner backed out and that you can have the item if you still want it,
and to just send your credit card information via E-mail.
5-O-75-O-7
What should What should you do?you do?
Dealing With DeceptionDealing With Deception
7 of 7