August 19 & 22, 2010

Objectives  Identify adequate, reliable information resources for personal and family problem solving.  Explore ways to prevent identity theft.  Examine how media and technological advances impact family and consumer decisions.

Identity Theft Identity theft is when someone uses your personal information (name, social security number, credit card information) without your consent to commit fraud and/or other crimes. This information can be in paper or electronic formats. Page 26

How do Identity Thieves Get Your Personal Information?  From businesses and other institutions Stealing and hacking records while on the job Conning or bribing employees who have access to records and employee information  Stealing mail from your mailbox  “Dumpster Diving” - rummaging through your trash or public trash dumps  Phishing – posing as a legitimate company  Skimming – capture information using a data device attached to an ATM or credit card machine  Shoulder Surfing Page 35

What can Identity Thieves do with the information? Page 35

Identity Theft  How do I Prevent Identity Theft?  What do I do if my Identity is Stolen?

Fraud  Deceitful conduct designed to manipulate another person for some gain. Form of lying Repeating something that ought to have been known to be false. Concealing a fact that might have saved the other party from being cheated Page 41

Fraud Tips  If something sounds to good to be true it probably is  Never pay for something you have won  Avoid contests or sweepstakes that require a payment or purchase to enter  Don’t let anyone rush you into making a decision  Get estimates and promises in writing