1. Identity Theft

2. What Is Identity Theft? – Acquiring someone’s identifying information and impersonating them for gain.

3. Why Steal an Identity? Open credit cards Make purchases illegally Apply for loans Gain unauthorized access to locations Take over financial accounts Establish services with phone or utility companies

4. How Is Identity Theft Accomplished? Check washing Dumpster diving Mail theft Check creation software Online information theft

5. What are the Main Stolen Items of a Identity Theft? – Name – Social Security Number – Credit Card Account Numbers – Mother’s Maiden Name – Date of Birth

6. How Can Identity Be Protected? Remove mail promptly, take out-going mail to post office Do not give personal information over phone Shred: – credit card applications – receipts – bills – financial documents

7. What Steps Should Victims Follow? Inform Police and Postal Inspector Contact bank and ask to have account flagged Call credit card fraud units – Register a Fraud Alert/Victim Impact statement – Ask creditor for contact before opening new account Call Federal Trade Commission