The Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing: Identity Theft Professional Development Institute Truman State University

What Is Identity Theft? Identity Theft is the illegal use of another's personal information to commit fraud or other crimes. Identity Theft is the illegal use of another's personal information to commit fraud or other crimes. This crime can devastate the victim's credit for years. This crime can devastate the victim's credit for years. Victims and criminals can be on opposite sides of the world, making it difficult for local law enforcement agencies to investigate the crime, catch the perpetrator, or help the victim. Victims and criminals can be on opposite sides of the world, making it difficult for local law enforcement agencies to investigate the crime, catch the perpetrator, or help the victim. Simply put, identity theft is a crime. Simply put, identity theft is a crime.

Identity Theft Fastest Growing Crime in America The Federal Trade Commission estimates that 9 Million Americans have their identities stolen each year Accounts for 25% of All Credit Card Fraud Most Victim’s are Unaware Most Credit Card Companies Will Not Prosecute the Offender

What is YOUR Identity ? Name, Address, Birth Date, Social Security Number, Telephone Numbers, Account Numbers, Passwords, PIN Numbers, address and Screen Name

Who Has Your Identity ? BBBBanks / Mortgage Companies EEEEmployers / Past Employers CCCCredit Card Company DDDDoctor’s Office SSSSocial Security IIIInsurance Providers TTTTruman State University WWWWho Else??

How Thieves Get Your Information Look over your shoulder Steal your credit/debit card or number Go through your trash Steal or divert your mail Ask for your numbers by phone or Burglarize home or business Get it from your computer Other ways??

What Thieves Will Do with Your Information Make purchases with your credit cards Make purchases with your credit cards Drain your bank account Drain your bank account Establish new accounts in your name Establish new accounts in your name Buy cars and other “big ticket” items Buy cars and other “big ticket” items Use your identity after an arrest Use your identity after an arrest Use it to fund other criminal activities Use it to fund other criminal activities Obtain employment Obtain employment

Identity Theft Prevention Destroy Documents Protect PIN #’s Have Checks Delivered to the Bank Don’t Mail Checks from Home New Credit Card Delivery Cancel Credit Cards not in Use Don’t use Mother’s Maiden name Don’t Carry Credit Cards or Documents You Don’t Need Memorize PIN’s

Identity Theft Prevention Never Provide Info to Unknown Persons Don’t Put SS# on Personal Checks Don’t Put Telephone # on Personal Checks Consider Credit Cards with Your Picture Closely Monitor Credit Statements Every Month Review Your Credit Report Twice a Year

What to Do if You Become a Victim  Don’t Panic  Report to the incident to Law Enforcement  Get a copy of your credit report  Notify All Creditors & Reporting Agencies and put an alert on your account  Start a Log of All Contacts with Authorities and Creditors  Monitor All Statements for Fraudulent Activities

Questions?? Chief Tom Johnson Truman State Department of Public Safety For More Information, /