Identity Theft Presentation

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Identity Theft
“When Bad Things Happen To Your
Good Name”
El Camino Community College
Police Department
Sgt. Kirk Johnston
Josh Armstrong
Identity Theft Defined
When someone uses your name, social
security number or other personal
information to commit fraud or engage in
other unlawful activities.
Identity Theft
During the course of a busy day, you may
write a check, use a charge card, send out a
payment in the mail, apply for credit, order
merchandise via the phone or internet or a
multitude of other things relating to items of
identity. Chances are everything will go well,
but there are those out there that will take
advantage of the information you have
supplied.
Identity Theft
During the past decade a new variety of
crime has emerged, Identity Theft. Every
time you use your various forms of
identification you share your personal
information with others. Some recipients of
this information may take advantage of it
and use it in ways you did not approve. An
example would be to use your information
to open a credit card account in your name
without your knowledge.
How ID Theft Occurs
• They steal wallets and purses
containing your ID and credit & bank
cards.
• They steal your mail, including your
bank credit card statements, preapproved credit offers, new checks, and
tax information.
How ID Theft Occurs
• They complete a “change of address
form” to divert your mail.
• They rummage through your trash, or
the trash of business for personal data.
• They find personal information in your
home.
• They use personal information that you
share on the internet.
How ID Theft Occurs
• They fraudulently obtain your credit
report by posing as a landlord,
employer or someone else who may
have a legitimate need for the
information
• They scam you, often through email, by
posing as legitimate companies or
government agencies.
How ID Theft Occurs
• They get your information from the
workplace in a practice known as
“business record theft” by stealing files
out offices where you’re a customer,
employee, patient or student; by
bribing an employee who has access to
your files or hacking into electronic
files.
How Id Thieves Use Your
Personal Information
• They call your credit card issuer and,
pretending to be you, ask to change the
mailing address on your credit card account.
• They open a new credit card account, using
your name, date of birth and SSN. When the
bill are not paid the delinquent account is
reported on your credit report.
How Id Thieves Use Your
Personal Information
• They establish phone or wireless service
in your name
• The open a bank account in your name
and write bad checks on that account.
• The counterfeit checks or debit card,
and drain your bank account.
• They buy cars by taking out auto loans
in your name.
How To Minimize Your Risk
• Order a copy of your credit report from each
of the three major credit bureaus.
• Place passwords on your credit card, bank
and phone accounts.
• Secure personal information in your home.
• Ask about information security procedures
in your workplace.
How To Minimize Your Risk
Computers
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Update your virus protection software regularly.
Do not download files sent to you by strangers
Use a firewall
Use a secure internet browser
Try not to store financial information on your laptop
Before you dispose of your computer “Wipe” the drives
Look for website privacy policies before providing
personal information
Victim? What To Do
1. Contact the fraud department of each
of the three credit bureaus.
2. Contact the creditors of any
account(s) that have been opened or
tampered with.
3. File a report with the local police
department or the police department
where the theft took place. Always
insist on a written police report and
obtain a copy as soon as you can.
Tips on Filing a Police Report
• Provide Documentation – As much as
you can
• Be persistent
• Be a motivating force
Tips on Organizing Your Case
• Follow up in writing with all contacts you’ve
made on the phone or in person.
• Keep copies of all correspondence
• Write Down the name of anyone you talk to,
what they said and the date.
• Keep the original of supporting
documentation
• Setup a filing system for easy access to your
paperwork
• Keep old files even if the case has been
“Closed”
What Next?
• Stolen mail? – U.S. Postal Inspector –
http://www.usps.gov/websites/depart/inspect
• Credit Card accounts – contact and verify that
no unauthorized activity has occurred. Advise
them to be on the lookout for new account
requests.
• Bank accounts – close the account(s)
immediately if they have been tampered with.
Open new accounts with new PINs. This
includes savings, checking and ATM cards,
IRAs, etc.
Identity Theft
• You can’t completely prevent ID theft from
occurring.
• You can reduce the chances of it happening
to you by taking some precautionary steps.
• Should you find that you have had your
identity stolen,you can call the Federal Trade
Commission’s (FTC) Identity Hotline at 1-877IDTHEFT (438-4338) for assistance.
For Additional Information
• Contact the Federal Trade Commission at:
– 1-877-IDTHEFT
– www.consumer.gov/idtheft
– The most recent edition of the ID Theft book is
on-line.
• Your local police department where you live
(permanent address)
• El Camino Police Department 310-660-3100
www.elcamino.edu\police
–Annual Credit Report
Once a year you may obtain a free copy of
your credit report so that you may inspect
for accuracy or fraudulent activity
Can be in writing or via the internet
All three major credit reporting agencies
Equifax
Experian
Trans Union
Credit Bureaus
• EQUIFAX – http://www.equifax.com/,
– 1-800-685-1111
– P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
• EXPERIAN – http://www.experian.com/,
– 1-888-397-3742
– P.O. Box 2104, Allen, TX 75013
• TRANSUNION – http://www.transunion.com/
– 1-800-916-8800
– P.O. Box 1000, Chester, PA 19022
ID Theft
Remember, ID Theft prevention begins with you.
Don’t give out your information freely.
Keep a close eye on your credit card bills.
Don’t leave your wallet / purse unattended, even in
your own room or office. Put it away out of sight.
If you find that your identity has been used, report it to
the local police, credit bureaus, and the creditor
involved as soon as possible, and keep good records.
Shredder Giveaway
• We would like to thank Ms. Lynnda Nelson
and the bookstore staff for donating two
high quality shredder units to be raffled off
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