1. Protecting Your Identity
Identity Theft
Protecting Your Identity
© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised October 2004 – Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft
Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona

2. Identity Theft
The dollar loss suffered as a result of identity theft and consumer fraud was $24.7 billion in 2012.
In million US residents were victims of identity theft.
In % of minors (under 16) were victims of identity theft.
¼ of those victims were 6 to 10 years of age.
$1.5 M largest fraud committed – 19 year old whose social security number was used since she was 9 years old. US Department of Justice
© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised October 2004 – Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft
Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona

3. Identity Theft
IDENTITY THEFT occurs when someone wrongfully acquires and uses a consumer’s personal identification, credit, or account information.
© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised October 2004 – Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft
Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona

4. Personal Identification Information Includes
Name
Address and Telephone Number
Social Security number
Driver’s license number
Bank account numbers
Credit card numbers
Passwords
Bills
© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised October 2004 – Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft
Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona

5. How Information Can Be Used
To apply for a new driver’s license
To open new bank accounts
To apply for credit cards or store credit accounts
To obtain cash with bank cards
To get a job
To rent an apartment
To make retail purchases
© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised October 2004 – Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft
Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona

6. Identity Theft How Identity Theft Occurs & Prevention
© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised October 2004 – Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft
Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona

7. Prevention Dumpster Diving
“Dumpster Diving” - Personal information is discarded carelessly either at home or by businesses and thieves remove it from the trash.
Prevention
Shred all your mail with personal information
© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised October 2004 – Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft
Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona

8. Credit Reports How Theft Occurs:
Thief fraudulently orders a credit report.
Credit Reports – include all the accounts a person has, social security number, & personal information.
Prevention:
Check credit report once per year.
Don’t leave reports lying around.
© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised October 2004 – Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft
Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona

9. Mail
How Theft Occurs:
Thief steals mail to learn account numbers and personal information.
Prevention:
Deposit outgoing mail in post office collection boxes not unsecured mailboxes.
Promptly remove mail from mailboxes.
If on vacation, put a hold on mail.
© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised October 2004 – Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft
Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona

10. Wallets and Purses How Theft Occurs:
Thief steals a wallet or pocketbook containing a wealth of personal information.
Prevention:
Don’t leave it in plain site.
Don’t hang from chair at public place.
Use a purse which closes securely.
Carry only what is absolutely needed.
© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised October 2004 – Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft
Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona

11. Bills How Theft Occurs:
A thief may steal bills containing consumer’s name, address, phone number, bank or credit account numbers, or social security.
May use information to open new accounts.
Prevention:
Don’t leave statements lying around.
Pay attention to billing cycles and follow up if bill does not arrive on time.
© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised October 2004 – Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft
Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona

12. Passwords How Theft Occurs:
If a thief has access to passwords, he/she can access accounts, send messages, and sell or purchase items.
Prevention:
Don’t give password to anyone.
Don’t write passwords down where others may find them.
Create unique passwords using a combination of numbers and letters.
© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised October 2004 – Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft
Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona

13. Work Records/ insider access
How Theft Occurs:
A thief who has access to work records may have a person’s personal information, social security numbers, or bank information.
Prevention:
Ensure personal records are locked securely with limited access by employees.
© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised October 2004 – Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft
Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona

14. Pre-Approved Credit offers
How Theft Occurs:
A thief may activate credit cards using pre-approved credit card offers and have the statements sent to a different address.
Prevention:
Shred any credit card offers received and not used.
Cut up any pre-approved credit cards not used.
© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised October 2004 – Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft
Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona

15. Bank Account Information
How Theft Occurs:
If a thief has a person’s bank account and routing number, he/she may create fake checks, withdraw money, or access savings accounts.
Prevention:
Don’t leave statements lying around.
Use passwords.
Don’t have checks mailed home. Pick them up at the bank.
© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised October 2004 – Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft
Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona

16. Social Security Number
How Theft Occurs:
A social security number is the key to a person’s identity. Thieves can open new accounts, obtain driver’s license, file bankruptcy, etc.
Prevention:
Never give our social security number.
Ask for alternate number on driver’s license, insurance cards, and other materials.
Do not carry social security card unless necessary.
© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised October 2004 – Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft
Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona

17. ATM, Credit, and Debit Cards
How Theft Occurs:
A thief may withdraw money with both an ATM card and PIN number.
Credit and debit cards are easy to use because most stores do not compare cards with another form of identification.
Can easily be used to purchase merchandise over the phone or internet.
© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised October 2004 – Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft
Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona

18. ATM, Credit and Debit Cards
Prevention:
Don’t leave cards lying around.
Carry only those which will be used.
Use debit cards which require a PIN number.
Do not write PIN number down in same place debit card is kept.
Carry cards in separate holder from wallet.
Sign back of cards stating “Please see I.D.”
© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised October 2004 – Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft
Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona

19. ATM, Credit and Debit Cards
Prevention cont.:
Have a list of all cards and account numbers.
Don’t give out account number unless making a purchase.
Keep track of all receipts.
Destroy papers with card numbers on them.
Check statements for unauthorized charges.
© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised October 2004 – Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft
Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona

20. 3 Credit Reporting Agencies
© Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised October 2004 – Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft
Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Arizona