2. Identity Theft By Dominique Kekiwi

3. Definition  A criminal uses another person’s information to take on that person’s identity for criminal activity.  This personal information enables an identity thief to commit numerous forms of illegal activity.

4. Do’s  Always match your credit card receipts  Review your credit reports annually.  Always sign in the back of your cards.

5. Free Credit Report  By telephone: (877) 322-8228  Online: www.annualcreditreport.com www.annualcreditreport.com  By mail. Print out the order form here: https://www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/requestformfinal. pdf https://www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/requestformfinal. pdf https://www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/requestformfinal. pdf  Credit Reporting Agencies Equifax Equifax (888) 766-0008 www.equifax.com (888) 766-0008 www.equifax.comwww.equifax.com Experian Experian (888) EXPERIAN (397-3742) www.experian.com (888) EXPERIAN (397-3742) www.experian.comwww.experian.com TransUnion TransUnion (800) 680-7289 www.transunion.com (800) 680-7289 www.transunion.comwww.transunion.com

6. Don’t  Do not give your information over the phone.  Do not disclose any account information on any websites or inline service location.  Do not throw anything away that someone could use to become you.

7. How to prevent Identity Theft  Shred all personal and financial information  Always keep your receipts  Report lost or stolen cards  Register your visa www.verifiedbyvisa.com www.verifiedbyvisa.com

8. Internet and Computer safeguards Safety Install Firewall on your home computer Always update Virus protection software Shopping online https://

9. Victims of Identity Theft  File a Police Report  Call the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)  Contact the fraud units  Contact your financial institutions

10. Identity Theft Credit card fraud 28544% Bank Fraud 14923% Phone or Utilities fraud 12920% Loan Fraud 396% Government Documents or Benefits Fraud 254% Employment-Related Fraud 234% Other related charges 13120% TypeVictimsRate

11. Hawaii’s Identity Theft Locations City No. of victims Honolulu247 Kaneohe41 Kailua36 Mililani28 Wahiawa28 Waipahu28

12. References  Ragsdale, Dennis. Telephone interview. 27 Nov. 2006.  "Identity Theft Hawaii." 2005. 28 Nov. 2006. http://101- identitytheft.com/identity-theft-hawaii.htmhttp://101- identitytheft.com/identity-theft-hawaii.htm  "Deter, Detect, Defend, Avoid Identity Theft." FTC.Gov. Federal Trade Commission. 26 Nov. 2006. http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft//>.  "Bank of Hawaii." 27 Nov. 2006..