Identity Theft  IDENTITY THEFT occurs when someone wrongfully acquires and uses a consumer’s personal identification, credit, or account information.

Personal Identification Information Includes  Name  Address and Telephone Number  Social Security number  Driver’s license number  Bank account numbers  Credit card numbers  Passwords  Bills

Ways Identity Thieves Acquire Information  Wallet/Purse Loss or Theft - Information is taken from a lost or stolen wallet/purse (most common method).  Mail and Phones - Information is taken from mailboxes, a change of address form is completed, or personal information is solicited by phone.  “Dumpster Diving” - Personal information is discarded carelessly either at home or by businesses and thieves remove it from the trash.  “Insider Access” - Dishonest employees steal the information and either sell it or use it.  Internet - Personal data taken off the Internet  Credit Reports – A credit report containing personal information may be obtained fraudulently.

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.

Wallets and Pocketbooks 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.

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.

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.

Pre-Approved Credit Cards 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.

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.

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.

Social Security Number How Theft Occurs:  A social security number is the key to a person’s identity. It opens 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.

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.  Sign back of cards stating “Please see I.D.”  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.

Shopping Online

Safety Tips for Shopping Online 1. Know the real deal Get all details before buying including prices, delivery time, warranty information, and return policies. 2. Look for clues about security Make sure the browser states “https” or “shttp” indicating it is secure. 3. Use a credit card Credit cards are the safest way because a person has the legal right to dispute charges.

Safety Tips for Shopping Online 4.Keep proof handy Print and file all information in case needed later. 5.Get the scoop on the seller Check complaint numbers at the state or Better Business Bureau.

Immediate Steps 1. Act immediately! 2. Keep a detailed record of correspondence and phone records. 3. Contact the three major credit bureaus and request a “fraud alert.” 4. Close all accounts which have been tampered with or opened fraudulently. 5. File a police report. 6. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.

Credit Card Liability  Truth in Lending Act limits liability for unauthorized charges to $50.00 per card. A letter must be received within 60 days of the first bill containing the error. The dispute must be resolved within 90 days of the creditor receiving the letter.

ATM, Debit Cards, Electronic Transfers Liability  The Electronic Funds Transfer Act provides protection.  The amount a person is liable depends upon how quickly the loss is reported. Within two days is a maximum of $ Within sixty days is a maximum of $ After sixty days a person may be liable for everything.  To report a loss call the financial institution and follow up in writing.

Check Liability  Contact the financial institution and stop payment.

Identity Theft STAY ALERT BE CAREFUL BE SMART