© 2004 TransUnion LLC. All Rights Reserved. August 10, 2005 Seven Easy Steps to Fraud Prevention Northwestern University Clifton M. O’Neal Director, Corporate Communications

2 About TransUnion TransUnion was the first credit bureau to establish a victim assistance department TransUnion has provided local fraud support since the early 80’s TransUnion has operated a nationwide fraud department since January 1992 The History of TransUnion Fraud Assistance Our Mission Protect and assist all victims & potential victims of identity crimes as it relates to the TransUnion credit file Proactive is better than reactive Why? Because we care!

3 Overview Seven Steps to Fraud Prevention 1. Understand the basics of identity fraud 2. Recognize current scams 3. Know what information can be used for fraud 4. Protect your personal information 5. Keep accurate records in a safe place 6. Check credit report regularly 7. Act fast to correct errors Tools and resources for fraud recovery Q&A

4 Credit Fraud Today

5 Types of Identity Fraud Identity Theft The use of another person’s name and Social Security number to obtain new credit Account Take-Over The use of another person’s existing account Multi-Victim Fraud The compromise of database information Application Fraud The use of a fictitious identity to obtain new credit

6 Credit Fraud Today Persuasive information Organized crime The Internet Credit repair Counterfeit documents What We Are Up Against

7 Identity Crime Examples Hand-Held Credit Card Skimmers

8 Identity Crime Examples Keystroke Catchers

9 Identity Crime Examples Bank of America Ebay Best Buy Citibank Earthlink Phishing and Pharming According to the FBI, phishing is “The hottest and most troubling new scam on the Internet.” Recent victims have included: Now this fraud is expanding to include pharming, the fraudulent redirecting of consumers to a fake Web site.

10 Identity Crime Examples Phishing for Earthlink Received as an . Link redirects to non-Earthlink site

11 What is “Private” Data? Personal Information Social Security information, date of birth, mother’s maiden name Account Numbers Credit cards, banking accounts Passwords & Pins , online banking Any information that is not required to provide the service or product should be questioned.

12 How to Protect Your Data Carry Only What You Need Don’t keep Social Security card in your wallet Keep in your wallet only the cards you use/need Shred Sensitive Documents Safeguard Personal Information Phone, internet sites, etc. Take Care with Passwords Don’t write them down Don’t share them with anyone

13 Keep Accurate Records Keep Important Records in a Safe Place Available when needed and not easily taken Balance Checkbook Watch for missed check numbers or mystery charges Good records ease both the detection and resolution of fraud

14 Check Your Credit Ensure all Three Credit Reports are Accurate Sign Up for Credit Monitoring Automated service that sends notices of important changes Avoid Credit “Repair” Scams Often participate in illegal activities to initiate fraudulent accounts Not to be trusted with your personal information

15 Act Fast When Fraud is Suspected Prevent further fraud damage Acting quickly will ease the resolution greatly with creditors and the credit bureaus It is much easier to prevent damage than remove it Don’t wait until it costs you thousands on a loan Seven (7) easy steps to follow

16 Fraud Prevention Seven Steps to Fraud Prevention 1. Understand Basics of Identity Fraud 2. Recognize Current Scams 3. Know What Information Can be Used for Fraud 4. Protect Your Personal Information 5. Keep Accurate Records in a Safe Place 6. Check Credit Report Regularly 7. Act Fast to Correct Errors Tools and Resources for Fraud Recovery Q&A

17 Thank You P.O. Box 6790 Fullerton, CA (800) Consumer Protection Team