Protecting Your Identity Identity Theft

What is identify theft? To get credit To get credit Open fraudulent accounts Open fraudulent accounts Write checks Write checks Or use credit cards Or use credit cards Using someones name…

An identity Crisis… Identity theft is the fastest growing crime today.* Identity theft is the fastest growing crime today.* In 1992, TransUnion credit agency reported 35,000 calls related to identity theft. In 2001, they received more than a million calls! * FTC (Federal Trade Commission) In 1992, TransUnion credit agency reported 35,000 calls related to identity theft. In 2001, they received more than a million calls! * FTC (Federal Trade Commission)

An Identity Crisis… 36 million people were victims of identity theft in the past 6 months. In 2005, there were 9 million identity theft victims costing them $56.6 million. Based on incidents of identity theft per population, Washington state ranks 7 th in the nation.* * FTC

An Identity Crisis… 69% of victims didnt know anything was wrong for 6 months, and 16% learned about it 2 years after the incident. 69% of victims didnt know anything was wrong for 6 months, and 16% learned about it 2 years after the incident. 70% of people filing complaints with the FTC have no idea how their personal information was stolen. 70% of people filing complaints with the FTC have no idea how their personal information was stolen. 32% of the complaint filings involve credit card fraud. 32% of the complaint filings involve credit card fraud.

How does it happen? Mail Theft. Incoming…credit card offers, bank, stock, and credit card statements, personal tax information, monthly bills and letters Outgoing…people put mail in their mailbox and put the red flag up. Bogus change of address forms. Dumpster diving and garbage cans.

How does it happen? Pilfering personal records (usually a family member, friend, or visitor who has free access inside your home or car). Can you think of other ways?

Pure Gold Information Your personal information is pure gold, particularly… Social Security number Date of birth Mothers maiden name Drivers license number Financial account numbers

Real Life Experiences… Income tax preparers name and social security number stolen. Income tax preparers name and social security number stolen. Credit Union Field Marketing Representative and her daughter were victims. Credit Union Field Marketing Representative and her daughter were victims. Oprah Winfrey, Tiger Woods, and Steven Spielberg have been victims of ID theft. Oprah Winfrey, Tiger Woods, and Steven Spielberg have been victims of ID theft.

Nigerian Letter Scam Letter from citizen in Nigeria asking you to help him withdraw millions of dollars from a U.S. account. You get 20%! Letter from citizen in Nigeria asking you to help him withdraw millions of dollars from a U.S. account. You get 20%! FBI has reported that over $100 million dollars has been scammed off victims. Ten victims are missing and presumed to have been murdered. FBI has reported that over $100 million dollars has been scammed off victims. Ten victims are missing and presumed to have been murdered. Missing victims traveled to Nigeria to pick up money. Missing victims traveled to Nigeria to pick up money.

Identity Thieves… In Auburn, two sisters who cleaned local businesses stole information. Be aware of information left on your desk and in unlocked file cabinets. Everyone knows where the keys are! Safeguard your information! 70% of all ID fraud cases may start with information stolen in the workplace, rather than through hacker intrusion, home robberies, or mail fraud.

Warning Signs… Bank statements are not being delivered to you in a timely manner. Statements are sent on a strict schedule. Call your bank if you dont receive them in a reasonable time.

Warning Signs… Watch for change of address on your personal business. Telephone calls and notices from creditors that you have never done business with.

Warning Signs… Beware of unsolicited (Phishing). Stop. Resist the urge to immediately respond. Look. Read the text…why is the information requested really needed? Call. The organization…use a number you KNOW is legitimate.

Ways to beat Identity Theft… Shred, Shred, Shred… Destroy paperwork that contains critical personal information.

Ways to beat Identity Theft… When ordering checks… Limit your personal information. Use initials instead of first name. Use your work phone number. Camera phones…give criminals the opportunity to get credit and debit information.

Ways to beat Identity Theft… Use only secure sites when buying online. Use numbers, symbols, and upper and lower case letters 5-8 characters in length. Setup a verbal password with your bank when accessing information.

Ways to beat Identity Theft… Lock up your personal information. Watch your medical records. Education yourself on the latest scams and frauds.

Ways to beat Identity Theft… Order a copy of your credit report at least once a year. Credit Reporting Agencies: Equifax Experian TransUnion

If you are a victim… Speed is the key to damage control. Call your financial institutions. Close accounts, place stop payments on stolen checks. Hot card ATM credit cards.

Social Security card stolen? Social Security Administration

If you are a victim… Call the FTC and add your name to the National Fraud Alert Data Base Notify telephone and all cell phone providers. File a police report and keep a copy.