1. Protecting Yourself Against Identity Theft A Financial Literacy Presentation by

2. Identity Theft on TV Citi® Cards TV Commercials Outfit Emmy Award-Winning Commercial https://www.citibank.com/us/cards/index.jsp

3. Identity Theft Defined …  Identity theft occurs when someone, without your permission, uses your Social Security number, credit card number or other identifying information to commit fraud

4. Monitor Credit Card and Bank Statements  Look for monthly statements in the mail –Carefully review for unauthorized purchases  Don’t have blank checks mailed to your home; pick them up at the bank  Don’t have extra information like your telephone or driver’s license numbers printed on your checks

5. Safeguard Personal Information  Don’t carry your Social Security card and only give your number to those you trust  Never give any personal information over the telephone unless you initiate the contact  Watch what you throw away … –Shred credit card receipts, old bank statements and pre-approved credit card offers

6. Do Away with Pre-Screened Credit Card Offers  Prevent identity thieves from applying for a credit card under your name –Call 1-888-5OPTOUT The three major credit bureaus use the same toll-free number to allow consumers to choose not to receive pre-screened credit card offers

7. Check Credit Report Regularly  Order a credit report at least once a year from each of the three credit bureaus: –TransUnion, Experian and Equifax  Look for signs of ID theft, like unauthorized change of address or new accounts you didn’t open

8. Treat Mail with Care  Drop off bill payments at the post office  Consider installing a locked mailbox or use a post office box  Request a vacation hold on your mail if you’re planning an exotic getaway or other extended absence from home

9. Be Computer Safety Savvy  Delete all personal information from your computer before you donate or discard it  Look for a Web site’s privacy policy  Shop online at Web sites that use technology known as SSL or Secure Sockets Layer, which encrypts credit card information –You’ll know you’re on a secure site if the web address begins with “https” instead of “http”  Update virus protection software regularly  Don’t download files or click on links sent to you by strangers  Use a firewall program if you have a high-speed Internet connection, like cable, DSL or a T-1 line

10. How to Report ID Theft  Report the theft to the organization that issued the credit card or checking account  Make a toll-free call to the fraud number of any one of the three major credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your credit report –When one credit bureau confirms your fraud alert, the other two credit bureaus are notified automatically  Make a toll-free call to the Federal Trade Commission’s Identity Theft Hotline at 877-IDTHEFT  File a report with the local police –You may need a police report to validate your claims to creditors

11. Restoring Your Good Name  Use the ID Theft Affidavit –Developed by a FTC, bank, credit grantor and consumer advocate collaboration –Simplifies charge disputes with companies where new accounts have been opened in your name –Access the ID Theft Web site at http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft

12. Any questions?