2. Identity Theft!!! Bill Ketjen Matt Grodhaus

3. Two forms of crime IDENTITY THEFT  Using personal information for deception IDENTITY FRAUD  Using personal information for the criminal’s gain (usually financial)

4. Common practices for criminals 1. “shoulder surfing” - watching you punch in credit card numbers 2. “dumpster diving” - going through garbage for checks, banks statements, etc 3. “mail looting” - stealing mail in hopes of finding applications for pre-approved credit cards

5. Avoid becoming a VICTIM shred / destroy papers containing financial information shred / destroy papers containing financial information --bank statements --credit card receipts --ATM slips online shopping should be limited online shopping should be limited --sites with fraud protection --accredited businesses

6. What can I do if I become a victim? --contact the Federal Trade Commission Federal Trade CommissionFederal Trade Commission --contact Postal Inspection Service Postal Inspection ServicePostal Inspection Service --contact local police department

7. Victims can also contact: Victims can also contact:  Experian 1-888-397-3742  Trans Union 1-800-680-7289  Equifax 1-800-525-6285

8. In 2004 - most common forms In 2004 - most common forms Credit card fraud Credit card fraud Communications services Communications services Bank fraud Bank fraud Fraudulent loans Fraudulent loans

10. Credit Card Fraud - Approximately 54% of consumers reported credit card fraud -- i.e., a credit card account opened in their name or a "takeover" of their existing credit card account;Credit Card Fraud - Approximately 54% of consumers reported credit card fraud -- i.e., a credit card account opened in their name or a "takeover" of their existing credit card account;

11.  Communications Services - Approximately 26% reported that the identity thief opened up telephone, cellular, or other utility service in their name;

12. Bank Fraud - Approximately 16% reported that a checking or savings account had been opened in their name, and/or that fraudulent checks had been written; and Bank Fraud - Approximately 16% reported that a checking or savings account had been opened in their name, and/or that fraudulent checks had been written; and

13.  Fraudulent Loans - Approximately 11% reported that the identity thief obtained a loan, such as a car loan, in their name.

14. In closing…. 1. Be smart! 2. Be careful!! 3. Be safe!!! --shred and discard all financial information that you don’t need --limit online purchases --never give financial information over the phone

15. Resources  http://www.usdoj.gov/criminal/fraud/idthe ft.html http://www.usdoj.gov/criminal/fraud/idthe ft.html  http://www.privacyrights.org/identity.htm http://www.privacyrights.org/identity.htm  http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/ http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/