1. Preventing Identity Theft

2. PREVENTING IDENTITY THEFT 2 Agenda Introduction What Is Identity Theft? Tips to Protect Yourself What to Do if You Have Been a Victim of Identity Theft Other Forms of Protection Summary

3. PREVENTING IDENTITY THEFT 3 What Is Identity Theft? Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information in a fraudulent manner for their own gain A recent study showed that about one out of every 25 American adults, or almost 10 million people, are victims of identity theft each year* *Source: Javelin Strategy and Research/Better Business Bureau Identity Fraud Survey Report, January 2006

4. PREVENTING IDENTITY THEFT 4 The Impact of Identity Theft Victims can spend months or even years trying to correct problems caused by identity theft They may be unfairly turned down for loans, denied jobs and hounded by bill collectors On average, victims spend 40 hours and $422 of their own money trying to correct problems caused by identity theft *Source: Javelin Strategy and Research/Better Business Bureau Identity Fraud Survey Report, January 2006

5. PREVENTING IDENTITY THEFT 5 How Do Identity Thieves Operate? Identity thieves go after your personal documents by: —Stealing your purse or wallet —Stealing your mail —Diverting your mail to another address —Going through your trash

6. PREVENTING IDENTITY THEFT 6 How Do Identity Thieves Operate? (continued) Thieves also try to get your account numbers, PINs, Social Security number or other information by: —Watching you use an ATM or debit-card processor (i.e. “shoulder surfing”) —Stealing it over the Internet —Scamming you into giving it to them over the phone —Sending fake e-mails requesting information —Stealing your credit/debit card numbers when processing your card (i.e. “skimming”)

7. PREVENTING IDENTITY THEFT 7 Common Identity Crimes With the right information, an identity thief can: —Use your credit card number to buy things —Open new credit accounts in your name —Set up phone or utility service in your name —Create counterfeit checks or debit cards —Open checking accounts in your name, then write bad checks on the accounts —Take out loans in your name —Use your health insurance to get medical care —Use your Social Security number to get a job or rent an apartment

8. PREVENTING IDENTITY THEFT 8 Guard Your Social Security Number Don’t give out your Social Security number unless it is absolutely required Beware of “look-alike” mail containing requests to provide your Social Security number Do not have your Social Security number printed on your checks Don’t carry your Social Security number, birth certificate or passport with you unless you need them for a specific purpose

9. PREVENTING IDENTITY THEFT 9 Your Credit Cards and Bank Accounts Do not give your account numbers to anyone unless you initiated the transaction Keep your records and bills in a secure place Shred bills and other personal or financial information before you throw it in the trash Set up passwords for your accounts Keep track of your billing cycles

10. PREVENTING IDENTITY THEFT 10 Your Credit Cards and Bank Accounts (continued) Do not carry your PINs or passwords with you Be aware of other people around you when you use an ATM or debit card processor Always take your credit and debit card receipts with you (never toss them in a public trash container) Keep a list of your accounts in a secure place Carry only the cards you really need Sign new cards immediately

11. PREVENTING IDENTITY THEFT 11 Handling Your Mail Remove your incoming mail from your mailbox as promptly as possible Have your mail delivered to a secure box if possible Ask the post office to hold your mail if you are going to be away from home for any length of time Deposit outgoing mail in post office collection boxes Tear or shred any mail that includes personal information before you throw it away

12. PREVENTING IDENTITY THEFT 12 Using Your Computer Beware of “phishing” scams that ask you to provide or confirm sensitive information If you shop online, be sure you are using a secure browser and accessing secure sites Don’t provide any more information than is necessary to complete a transaction Do not download files or click on hyperlinks from people you don’t know

13. PREVENTING IDENTITY THEFT 13 Signs of Identity Theft Unexplained charges on your credit card statements Missing or late credit card or utility bills Receiving credit cards you did not request or statements for accounts you did not open Late-payment notices for unfamiliar loans or accounts Calls or letters from debt collectors regarding merchandise or services you didn’t purchase

14. PREVENTING IDENTITY THEFT 14 Your Credit Report A file maintained by a credit bureau, such as Equifax, Experian and TransUnion It shows information about you, your credit accounts and your payment history Your credit report can be accessed by banks, credit card companies, landlords and employers – if they have a legitimate reason Credit bureaus are required to provide you with a free copy of your credit report at your request once a year You should check your credit report at least once a year If you see any errors, problems or signs of fraud, contact the credit bureau immediately

15. PREVENTING IDENTITY THEFT 15 If You Believe You Have Been a Victim of Identity Theft Act quickly and take these four steps: 1.Contact the credit bureaus and place a “fraud alert” on your credit report 2.Close any accounts that you believe have been tampered with or opened fraudulently 3.File a report with your local police 4.File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Call toll-free (877) ID-THEFT [1-877-438-4338], or visit www.consumer.gov/idtheft. www.consumer.gov/idtheft

16. PREVENTING IDENTITY THEFT 16 Where to Request a Report Equifax 1150 Lake Hearn Drive Suite 460 Atlanta, GA 30342 1-800-685-1111 www.equifax.com Experian 701 Experian Parkway P.O. Box 949 Allen, TX 75013 1-800-397-3742 www.experian.com TransUnion 760 W. Sprual Road P.O. Box 390 Springfield, PA 19064 1-800-888-4213 www.transunion.com Web Report www.annualcreditreport.com

17. PREVENTING IDENTITY THEFT 17 Summary To help prevent identity theft: —Remember to protect your personal information just as you would your cash or other valuables —Use the ideas and resources included in the seminar to identify measures you should take to reduce your risk of identity theft —Share what you have learned with your family and friends

18. PREVENTING IDENTITY THEFT 18 Questions and Answers