Identity Theft The fastest growing type of fraud.

What is Identity Theft? Identity Theft is a crime in which an impostor obtains key pieces of personal identifying information (PII) such as Social Security numbers and driver's license numbers and uses them for their own personal gain. This is called ID Theft.

It can start with lost or stolen wallets, pilfered mail, a data breach, computer virus, phishing, a scam, or paper documents thrown out by you or a business (dumpster diving). This crime varies widely, and can include check fraud, credit card fraud, financial identity theft, criminal identity theft, governmental identity theft, and identity fraud. Types: Account takeover; Application fraud; Identity cloning

An identity thief steals personal information such as a Social Security number, date of birth, driver's license number and home address to: drain bank accounts, open credit accounts, apply for loans, purchase vehicles, apply for Social Security benefits -- all in someone else's credit identity. Over 700,000 Americans were victimized last year. The average victim isn't aware that he or she has been victimized for 14 months. Federal law limits your credit card liability to $50 per card, but the damage done to your credit can be severe. That bad credit can keep you from getting a home or car loan, or other credit. It may even prevent you from getting a job or insurance coverage.

ID Theft facts for 2008 National Nearly 10 million Americans were victims of identity theft (4.6% of population) Victims spend an average of $1500 and 175 hours to recover (down from 600 hours in previous years) Arkansas ID theft complaints—2,068 Top complaints—Credit card and bank fraud

IDENTITY THEFT IQ TEST Please refer to handout labeled Identity Theft IQ TEST.

How thieves get your information Mail or wallet Public conversation Telephone solicitation Loan or credit application Dumpster diving Shoulder surfing From workplace Your computer –Phishing –Spyware or maleware

Who are the thieves? The identity thief you know Identity-theft victims who learn the thief’s identity most often say their personal information was stolen by someone they know well –A family member or relative—32% –A complete stranger outside the workplace—21% –A friend, neighbor or in-home employee—18% –Someone at a company with access to personal info—10% –Someone else—8% –Someone at your workplace—4%

Are you protecting yourself? Here are a few tips: 1. Don't carry your Social Security card, birth certificate, or passport on you when you know that you do not need them. 2. Don't carry any extra credit cards. 3. Pick up new checks at the bank instead of having them delivered to your mailbox. 4. Install a locked mailbox at your home, or rent a post office box. 5. Mail bills at the post office or post office drop box instead of your mailbox. 6. NEVER give your credit card number or other personal information over the phone unless you placed the call and know who you are dealing with. 7. Don't have your Social Security number be your Driver's License number. Ask for a different number. 8. Close any unused credit card accounts. 9. Don't have your Social Security number printed on your checks. 10. SHRED any financially sensitive papers, such as pay stubs, checks and statements before you throw them away (even pre-approved credit card offers). The supreme court ruled that it is legal for anyone to go through your trash! 11. Get a copy of your credit report at least once every year to check for any fraudulent activity.

12.Get an unlisted telephone number. 13.Close any unused credit card accounts 14.If a regular bill fails to reach you, call the company to find out why. Someone may have filed a false “change of address” notice to divert your information to him or her. 15.Remove your name from marketing lists by calling OPT-OUT( ).

Protecting you personal data Carry minimal amount of information in purse/wallet and store in a safe place Beware of giving out personal information—especially account numbers—over the phone or Reduce amount of personal information that is “out there” Make copies of everything in wallet and store in a safe place Watch your mail!!!

Protecting your credit card information Check credit reports at least once per year Don’t “trash” anything with identifying information, account numbers, etc. on it Review all billing statements carefully DO NOT write your account number on your checks when paying a bill Pay attention to Fraud alerts

Protecting passwords & PINS Ask for extra security for your account Memorize all passwords Shield hand when using ATM or phone card Don’t use something that’s easy to guess—combine numbers and letters if possible

Protecting your SSN Don’t carry SS card (or other cards that display SSN) in purse/wallet Don’t use SSN as DL number—request different number Don’t have SSN or DL number printed on checks Ask how numbers will be used before giving them to someone

Protecting your computer Install a firewall Install spyware portectection Install and keep virus protection updated Password-protect files that have sensitive data When shopping online, look for transaction security protection and strong privacy policies

What to do if you suspect ID theft Notify fraud units of the three credit reporting companies: Fraud Departments at Experian ( ) TransUnion ( ) Equifax ( ) and ask to have a “fraud alert” attached to your file(s). Close any accounts that have been tampered with or opened fraudulently File a police report with both your local police/sheriff’s department AND the police department where crime occurred and get a copy of report File a complaint with the FTC

Contact all your creditors, with phone calls and letters, to alert them to the problem. Creditors are not just credit card companies—be sure to call tour phone company and utility company Alert your banks so bank officials can contact you if there is any unusual activity. If you have reason to believe that an identity thief has obtained your bank account numbers, checks or ATM card, close accounts immediately.

If you believe someone is using your Social Security Number to apply for a job or to work, report it to the Social Security Agency’s Fraud Hotline at

RESOURCES Department of Justice: Federal Trade Commission: ; National Fraud Information Center: ; Privacy Rights Clearinghouse: Secret Service: Social Security Administration: ;