1. Identity Theft

2.  What is it?  How is it perpetrated?  Can you avoid it?  What if you become a victim?

3. 2006 FTC* Facts  36% of FTC complaints  246,035 ID Theft cases  72% of ID Theft victims are in 18- 49 age group  Virginia was #15 in the nation *Federal Trade Commission

4. What is Identity Theft? Identifying information  Name  Credit & debit card #’s  Social security number  Passwords  Date of birth  PIN numbers  DL number  Employment  Mother’s Maiden Name  Bank account numbers Obtaining personal identifying information with intent to defraud.

5. How is it perpetrated?  Information is stolen  Accounts opened  Loans applied for  Jobs obtained

6. Can you avoid it?  Protect personal information  Protect financial information  Check your credit report annually  “Freeze” your credit report  Beware of phishing scams

7. What if you become a victim?  File police report in your locality  File report with the FTC  Complete ID Theft affidavit  Notify major credit reporting companies  Request to freeze your credit files  Check your Social Security Statement 800-772-1213

8. Remember….  Pay close attention to account statements and mail  Protect personal & financial information  Report suspicions early  Don’t ignore any warning signs