Helping Veterans to Protect their Identity and Online Privacy Presented by: CCCS of Rochester Funded by: The Digital Trust Foundation

Purpose To share tools and best practices for helping veterans and service members protect their identity and online privacy Connect listeners with free resources developed by CCCS of Rochester

CCCS of Rochester CCCS of Rochester is non-profit organization established in 1970 We are a not-for-profit organization focused on the financial wellness of families and individuals. Providing financial counseling and education services

Overview Program Background – How did this get started? Why is this needed for veterans and military members? Steps and resources for getting started

Program Background – How did this get started?

ID Theft education background More than 10 years of experience More than 100 in-person trainings to local organizations including: schools, colleges, non-profits, faith based organizations, municipalities and employer groups “Protecting Your Personal Information” To date, average post-assessment increase of 42%.

Program Background – How did this get started? Received a grant from the Digital Trust Foundation The Veteran and Military Online Safety Training program: Equips veterans and military service members with knowledge, skills, and assistance Helps them protect, clear, and maintain their identity and online privacy during pre-deployment and post-service.

Program Background – How did this get started? Operates in the seven-county Rochester, NY metropolitan area There are more than 44,000 veterans living in Monroe County alone, many of whom served in the Korean, Vietnam, and Gulf wars.

Why is this Needed for Veterans and Military Members?

Targeted for Scams Military personnel are accustomed to providing their identity frequently and on demand. Until recently, military IDs were tied to SSNs. Scammers… Target the benefits they receive. Set up false retail websites, ask for military IDs to receive “special” deals.

Impact on Veterans and Service Members A 2013 Federal Trade Commission study: Military consumers reported ID theft at 2X the rate of the general public. Losses associated with each crime: $4,930 per incident (U.S. DOJ)

Steps and Resources for Getting Started

1. Develop Relationships Create a coalition around this topic Veteran serving agencies: Community based orgs. County orgs. Veteran support groups Reserve Centers V.A. Army Strong Community Centers

2. Prepare Your Content 1. Educate yourself www.onguardonline.gov www.staysafeonline.org www.ikeepsafe.org www.cccsofrochester.org/identity-theft www.consumer-action.org Subsequent webinars we will be hosting 2. Organize what you learn into relevant topics

2. Prepare Your Content (Cont.) 3. Pull together what you’ve learned into each topic 4. Prepare useful handouts: Include relevant contact info Outline steps to follow Example dispute letters Could use a fill-in-the-blank method to maintain engagement

Free Resources Available Power Point Presentations: “ID Theft Training Program” “Online Safety Training Program” “Safe Online Banking and Bill Paying” Handouts Pre and post-assessments

crieflin@cccsofrochester.org To request materials: Email: Chad Rieflin, CCCS of Rochester crieflin@cccsofrochester.org