Materials Developed By: CLARIFI CLARIFI ID Theft & Scams Don’t be a Victim

CLARIFI’s Mission Our Mission – We create hope by helping people identify and secure the more important assets in their lives. Our Promise – Clarity, hope, empowerment. Our envisioned future – Everyone will have affordable access to the intellectual and technological resources required to comprehend and master the financial aspects of their lives.

About CLARIFI A Non-Profit Community Service Since 1966 Counseling Programs (13 Offices) –Budget and Credit Counseling –Debt Management –Credit Report Counseling –Pre-filing Bankruptcy Counseling –Housing Counseling Education Programs –FinanciallyHers - Women’s Financial Education –Financial Smarts –Financial Smarts for Seniors –Philadelphia Saves

What Is Identity Theft 4 Identity theft and identity fraud are terms used to refer to all types of crime in which someone wrongfully obtains and uses another person’s personal data in some way that involves fraud or deception, typically for economic gain. Source: U. S. Department of Justice

Types of Identity Theft Unauthorized use of name Unauthorized phone call charged Unauthorized credit card purchase Unauthorized use of Social Security number Use of stolen cards Complete assumption of victims identity 5

Identity Fraud Impact The FTC latest estimates: – 8.3MM Americans were affected – Losses exceeded $15.6 billion – Individuals averaged 4 hours correcting and disputing fraudulent activity ( hours were not uncommon) 6

Methods of Obtaining Data Dumpster Diving Skimming Phishing Change Address Stealing Pretexting 7

Steps to Protect Yourself Avoid ID Theft Be suspicious of requests for information Check your account statements/report discrepancies Review your credit report regularly Maintain and safeguard personal finance records/receipts/bank cards Identity Theft Insurance: Do Research! Shred! 8

Protect Yourself Avoid Predators Use known businesses Get references, and call them Investigate contractors before hiring Trust your instincts Talk to reputable counselors if having doubts about the transaction Never put your home at risk 9

Protect Yourself Telemarketers/Salespeople Do not give personal information to callers Only give information to those you called Verify all phone numbers given to you before using Be wary of people who appear to know you Investigate door-to-door salespeople/contractors Opt out of telemarketing - use Do Not Call 10

National Do Not Call Limits telemarketing calls Telemarketers have up to 31 days to take you off their listings Managed by Federal Trade Commission FTC does not have registry solicitations You can register by phone or online 11

Do Not Call Registration TTY:

How To Fight Back Unwanted Telemarketing File a complaint at the registry website, phone or TTY with the following: – Name or telephone number of caller – Date of call – Your registered phone number – Your name and address are optional 13

Protecting Yourself Against Internet Scams/Frauds Avoid suspicious websites Delete suspicious without opening Never give information over the internet without knowing for sure who’s the source 14

Protecting Yourself Against Internet Scams/Frauds Phone and verify any suspicious retailer Avoid putting personal information on a shared computer s: Make sure you have a secured site when using personal information: e.g. 15

How to Fight Back Against Credit and ID Theft Notify credit bureaus and establish 90-day fraud alerts Obtain free copies of credit reports File a police report An extension of fraud alert for 7 years with evidence of open fraudulent accounts and police report 16

How to Fight Back Against Credit and ID Theft (cont.) Instruct credit bureaus in writing to remove inquiries generated due to fraudulent access Request credit bureaus to notify anyone receiving your credit report in the last 6 months that disputed and erroneous information was included Opt Out of CRA mailing lists Request a Security Freeze 17

How To Order Your Free Credit Report Annual Credit Report Request Service P.O. Box Atlanta, GA

How to Opt Out 19 Remove yourself from pre-approved offerings for credit and insurance: or

Security Freeze Blocks new credit accounts from opening under your SSN New credit accounts opened only with PIN code 11/1/07: Available in all states PA $10….NJ $ 5 fee; PA free >65 Processed through the Credit Reporting Agencies 20

In Conclusion Identity theft and fraud are serious crimes with the potential for costly and long-lasting hardship Prevent becoming a victim by protecting your personal information and finances and doing your homework Request and review you credit reports at least annually, more frequently if you suspect fraud Use the Do Not Call and Opt Out resources Report all frauds to the appropriate areas 21

Resources

CLARIFI Information Contacting CLARIFI – 1608 Walnut St., 10 th Floor Philadelphia, PA – –