Mystery of The Stolen Identity Take Charge of Your Finances Identity Theft Identity Theft Solve the Mystery “Unlucky” Lucy is one of the many victims of identity theft What is identity theft? © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised May 2010– Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft – Slide 2 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona 1.3.1.G1 1.3.1.G1 Identity Theft Identity Theft According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC): IDENTITY THEFT occurs when someone wrongfully acquires and uses a consumer’s personal identification, credit, or account information The FTC is a government agency that focuses on consumer protection © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised May 2010– Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft – Slide 3 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona 1.3.1.G1 Identity Theft Identity Theft Statistics Take a guess! According to the Federal Trade Commission, how many identity theft complaints were filed in 2008? According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, what percentage of identity theft victims in 2008 were under the age of 20? 313, 982 identity theft complaints 7% of identity theft victims were under 20 years of age © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised May 2010– Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft – Slide 4 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona 1.3.1.G1 Identity Theft Identity Theft Victims may have to spend time and money trying to fix the problems that are caused by thieves • 10% of identity theft victims during 2005 reported personal expenses of more than $1200 • 11% of victims in 2005 reported that it took 3 or more months to resolve the problems associated with identity theft after they discovered that their information was being misused © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised May 2010– Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft – Slide 5 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona 1.3.1.G1 Personal Information Identity Theft Name Identity thieves try to obtain personal information from victims in order to steal their identities. Bank Account Numbers Credit Card Numbers Address & Telephone Number Personal Information Birth Date Social Security Number Driver’s License Number © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised May 2010– Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft – Slide 6 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona 1.3.1.G1 Personal Information Identity Theft Search your purses, wallets, and backpacks. What are you carrying with you right now that reveals your personal information? Drivers License Social Security Card Checkbook Credit and Debit Cards Insurance Cards © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised May 2010– Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft – Slide 7 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona 1.3.1.G1 Personal Information Identity Theft What daily activities require an individual to share personal information? • • • • • Making purchases with a check, credit or debit card Applying for a credit card or loan Online or telephone shopping Paying bills through the mail or online Going to the doctor © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised May 2010– Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft – Slide 8 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona Identity Theft Solve the Mystery 1.3.1.G1 Listen carefully and take very accurate notes to help Lucy find the person who stole her identity © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised May 2010– Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft – Slide 9 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona 1.3.1.G1 Identity Theft How Do They Do It? The inspector has identified 4 suspects in Lucy’s case. How does the inspector believe the suspects stole Lucy’s identity? © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised May 2010– Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft – Slide 10 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona 1.3.1.G1 Identity Theft How Do They Do It? • Thieves obtain personal information through a variety of methods: – Stealing - Information is taken from a purse or wallet, personnel records from a workplace, tax information, bank or credit card statements, or pre-approved credit card offers from the mail. – Diverting Mail - Thieves can complete a change of address form and have the victim’s bills and statements mailed to a different location. – “Dumpster Diving” - Personal information is discarded and thieves remove it from the trash. – Skimming - Thieves attach a device to card processors to steal credit and debit card information © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised May 2010– Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft – Slide 11 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona 1.3.1.G1 Identity Theft How Do They Do It? • Methods continued... – Phishing - Thieves use a form of electronic communication (usually email) to pretend to be a company or depository institution in order to get the victim to give up their personal information. – Pretexting - Thieves use false pretenses to obtain your personal information from financial institutions, telephone companies, and other sources. – Spyware - Software installed on the victim’s computer, without their knowledge or consent, that monitors internet use, sends pop up ads, re-directs the computer to other sites, and tracks key strokes. – Hacking - Information is stolen by breaking into a computer system. © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised May 2010– Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft – Slide 12 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona 1.3.1.G1 Identity Theft What Identity Thieves Do With Information What has the identity thief done with Lucy’s personal information so far? The thief has been using Lucy’s credit card to make their own purchases © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised May 2010– Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft – Slide 13 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona 1.3.1.G1 Identity Theft What Identity Thieves Do With Information What can identity thieves do if they obtain personal information? • • • • • • • • Apply for a new driver’s license Open new bank accounts Apply for credit cards or store credit accounts Obtain cash with bank cards Get a job Rent an apartment Take out student loans File for bankruptcy © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised May 2010– Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft – Slide 14 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona Preventing Identity Theft Identity Theft Many actions can be taken to help minimize the risk of identity theft What could Lucy have done to help prevent her identity from being stolen? • • • • • Mail her documents from a secure post office location Use a PIN number that is not easy to guess Shred documents that contain personal information Make sure to log out of any online banking sites Never give personal information out over the phone or email © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised May 2010– Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft – Slide 15 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona 1.3.1.G1 Identity Theft Preventing Identity Theft Wallets and Purses •Only carry what is necessary- do NOT carry social security cards, passports, or birth certificates •Do not hang purses from a chair in a public place •Use purses that close securely © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised May 2010– Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft – Slide 16 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona 1.3.1.G1 Identity Theft Preventing Identity Theft 1.3.1.G1 Credit and Debit Cards •Close unwanted accounts in writing and by phone and cut up the card •Memorize the PIN number and do not use easily accessible numbers (date of birth, address, etc.) •Sign back of cards with signature &“Please see ID” •Do not give out account numbers unless making a transaction that is initiated by the consumer rather than responding to telephone or email solicitations •Check statements regularly for any errors or signs of fraudulent use © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised May 2010– Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft – Slide 17 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona Identity Theft Preventing Identity Theft 1.3.1.G1 Credit Card Offers •Shred credit card offers and applications. *a cross-cut shredder is safest because it is more difficult to reassemble •Cut up or shred pre-approved credit card offers that are not used •“Opt-out” of pre-screened credit offers for five years at www.optoutprescreen.com © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised May 2010– Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft – Slide 18 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona Identity Theft Preventing Identity Theft 1.3.1.G1 Mail •Shred all credit card offers, bills, statements, and anything else that contains personal information •Deposit outgoing mail in secure post office collection boxes •Contact the post office and request a vacation hold when unable to pick up mail •Do not leave mail in an unsecured mailbox overnight or for a long period of time © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised May 2010– Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft – Slide 19 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona Identity Theft Preventing Identity Theft Email •Keep your username and password protected •Use a password that is a combination of words, numbers, and symbols and cannot be easily found (do not use names, birthdays, addresses, etc.) •Verify the source of an email asking for personal information by calling the company to confirm the email is from them © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised May 2010– Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft – Slide 20 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona 1.3.1.G1 Identity Theft Preventing Identity Theft 1.3.1.G1 Telephone •Verify the source of any phone call asking for personal information by calling the company to confirm the phone call is from them and not a potential identity thief using their name. Use the phone number listed on your account statement or in the telephone book. © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised May 2010– Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft – Slide 21 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona Identity Theft Preventing Identity Theft 1.3.1.G1 Computer Security •Use anti-virus and anti-spyware software and update them regularly •Do not click on links found in pop-up ads •Only download software from trusted websites •Set web browser security to medium-high or high •Keep operating system and web browser software updated •Do not give out any personal information unless making a purchase •Choose security questions with answers only you would know © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised May 2010– Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft – Slide 22 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona Identity Theft Preventing Identity Theft 1.3.1.G1 Computer Security- Continued •Watch for clues that might indicate a computer is infected with spyware. such as a stream of pop-up ads, random error messages, and sluggish performance when opening programs or saving files. •If it is suspected that a computer is infected with spyware, immediately stop shopping, banking or doing any other online activity that involves user names, passwords, or other sensitive information. Then, confirm that the security software is active and current and run it to scan the computer for viruses and spyware, deleting anything the program identifies as a problem. © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised May 2010– Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft – Slide 23 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona Identity Theft Preventing Identity Theft 1.3.1.G1 Social Networks, Blogs, & Chat Rooms •Consider joining only sites that limit access to posts to a defined group of users. Make sure you know how the site access works before joining. Don’t join sites that allow anyone to view postings. •Never post your full name, Social Security Number, bank or credit card information, address, or phone number. •Avoiding posting information that could be used to indentify you offline such as school, work, or other locations where you spend time. © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised May 2010– Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft – Slide 24 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona Identity Theft Preventing Identity Theft 1.3.1.G1 Social Networks, Blogs, & Chat Rooms- Continued •Use privacy settings to restrict who can access personal sites •Remember that once information is posted online, it cannot be taken back. Even if information is deleted, older versions may still exist on other people's computers and be circulated online •Only post information that you are comfortable with anyone viewing © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised May 2010– Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft – Slide 25 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona Identity Theft Preventing Identity Theft 1.3.1.G1 Internet Purchases •Look for “https” or a picture of a lock after the URL or in the bottom right hand corner indicating the site is secure “https” s = secure •Do not give any personal information on a site if it is not secure •Enter the website address yourself rather than following a link from an email or internet advertisement •Use a credit card instead of a debit card when making online purchases © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised May 2010– Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft – Slide 26 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona Identity Theft Preventing Identity Theft 1.3.1.G1 Social Security Number •Memorize Social Security number •Keep Social Security card in a safe place (do not carry it in wallet) •Only give a Social Security number when absolutely necessary- ask why a Social Security number is needed and how the information will be protected •Do not print a social security number on check blanks © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised May 2010– Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft – Slide 27 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona Identity Theft Preventing Identity Theft 1.3.1.G1 Credit Reports •Check credit reports with each of the three reporting agencies at least once a year •Consumers receive one free credit report from each of the reporting agencies every year, so ordering one credit report from one agency every four months will keep consumers up to date and constantly alerted to their credit report status •Immediately dispute any wrong information © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised May 2010– Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft – Slide 28 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona 1.3.1.G1 3 Credit Reporting Agencies Identity Theft Experian Equifax Trans Union PO Box 2104 Allen, TX 75013-2104 PO Box 105873 Atlanta, GA 30348 PO Box 390 Springfield, PA 19064-0390 Report Order: 1-888-397-3742 Report Order: 1-800-685-1111 Report Order: 1-800-888-4213 Fraud Hotline: 1-888-397-3745 Fraud Hotline: 1-800-525-6285 Fraud Hotline: 1-800-6807289 www.experian.com www.equifax.com www.tuc.com To order a credit report from any of the three reporting agencies, use the following website: www.annualcreditreport.com © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised May 2010– Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft – Slide 29 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona 1.3.1.G1 Identity Theft Preventing Identity Theft Key Guidelines • Protect your Social Security number by only giving it out when absolutely necessary • Keep usernames and passwords safe- use a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols that are not easily identified • Select security check questions with answers only you would know • Don't give out personal information over the phone, through the mail, or on the Internet unless you've initiated the contact and are sure you know who you're dealing with © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised May 2010– Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft – Slide 30 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona 1.3.1.G1 Identity Theft Preventing Identity Theft Key Guidelines • Check credit reports at least once per year • Shred all documents that contain personal information • Be careful using the Internet. Only give out personal information when making a purchase on a secure website • Search your name occasionally to see if any unusual information appears • Be observant and follow your instincts © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised May 2010– Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft – Slide 31 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona Identity Theft Recognizing Identity Theft How did Lucy find out that her identity had been stolen? Her credit card was denied in a store Could Lucy have recognized the identity theft earlier? If so, how? She could have checked her online banking more often and then she would have recognized the extra charges on her credit card © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised May 2010– Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft – Slide 32 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona 1.3.1.G1 Identity Theft Recognizing Identity Theft Early detection is key! Watch for the following signs • New accounts or charges you didn’t make • Calls from collection agencies • Incorrect information on your credit report • Being denied credit when there is no reason to be • Missing bills or mailed statements © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised May 2010– Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft – Slide 33 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona 1.3.1.G1 1.3.1.G1 Identity Theft What To Do If Identity Theft Happens What steps did Lucy take when she discovered her identity had been stolen? She filed a report with the local police What should have Lucy done when she discovered the identity theft? © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised May 2010– Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft – Slide 34 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona 1.3.1.G1 Identity Theft 1. 2. 3. What To Do If Identity Theft Happens • Act immediately! • Keep a detailed record of correspondence and phone records. • Follow up all communication with letters sent via certified mail • Contact the three major credit bureaus and request a free fraud alert be added to credit report. • Fraud alert - warns creditors to verify an individual’s identity before issuing credit © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised May 2010– Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft – Slide 35 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona 1.3.1.G1 Identity Theft 4. 5. 6. What To Do If Identity Theft Happens • Close all accounts which have been tampered with or opened fraudulently • File a police report with the local police • File a complaint with the FTC: www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised May 2010– Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft – Slide 36 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona 1.3.1.G1 Identity Theft Deter, Detect, DefendAvoid Identity theft Hear stories from real-life identity theft victims on the FTC’s “Deter, Detect, Defend- Avoid Identity Theft” video http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/vid eo/avoid-identity-theft-video.html © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised May 2010– Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft – Slide 37 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona Personal Liability Identity Theft 1.3.1.G1 Since Lucy discovered the theft very quickly, she will only be liable for $50.00 in charges on her credit card! • Credit Cards – Truth in Lending Act limits liability for unauthorized charges to $50.00 per card – A letter must be received by the creditor within 60 days of the first bill containing the error – The dispute must be resolved within 90 days of the creditor receiving the letter © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised May 2010– Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft – Slide 38 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona Identity Theft Personal Liability 1.3.1.G1 • ATM and Debit Cards – The Electronic Funds Transfer Act provides protection – The amount a person is liable for depends upon how quickly the loss is reported • Within two days: maximum $50.00 • Within sixty days: maximum $500.00 • After sixty days a person may be liable for everything © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised May 2010– Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft – Slide 39 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona Personal Liability Identity Theft 1.3.1.G1 • Checks – Contact the financial institution and stop payment – Most states hold the financial institution responsible for losses of a forged check © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised May 2010– Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft – Slide 40 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona Identity Theft Identity Theft Protection 1.3.1.G1 • Offered by banks and other companies • Services – Closely monitor accounts and personal information – Alert consumer when there is a change – Help resolve any problems if identity theft does occur © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised May 2010– Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft – Slide 41 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona Identity Theft Protection Identity Theft • Cost – $5.00 to $35.00 per month – Depends on amount of services provided • Can NOT eliminate identity theft but can help prevent it © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised May 2010– Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft – Slide 42 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona 1.3.1.G1 Identity Theft Protection Identity Theft 1.3.1.G1 What are the pros and cons of identity theft protection? Pros Convenient Saves consumer time because they don’t have to monitor their own accounts and credit reports Cons Cost Most of the services offered can be completed by the consumer for no cost © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised May 2010– Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft – Slide 43 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona Identity Theft Insurance Identity Theft Services • Limits liability of identity theft victims • Reimburses victims for some or all out of pocket expenses caused by the theft Choosing identity theft insurance • Research exactly what the company covers • Check to see if there are any complaints against the company (Better Business Bureau, consumer protection agency, and state Attorney General) © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised May 2010– Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft – Slide 44 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona 1.3.1.G1 1.3.1.G1 “Solve the Mystery” Identity Theft Activity • Directions – Divide into 4 groups – Each group will take turns verbally answering a question about identity theft – If the question is answered correctly, the group will receive a clue that will help reveal Lucy’s identity thief – If the question is answered incorrectly, play will move on to the next group and the group that answered incorrectly will not receive a clue – Play will continue until all 12 clues have been won- each group will have at least 3 chances to receive a clue © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised May 2010– Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft – Slide 45 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona 1.3.1.G1 Identity Theft Who Did It? Who is Lucy’s identity thief? Make your guess! © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised May 2010– Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft – Slide 46 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona Identity Theft Solve the Mystery Find out who the true identity thief is! © Family Economics & Financial Education – Revised May 2010– Consumer Protection Unit – Identity Theft – Slide 47 Funded by a grant from Take Charge America, Inc. to the Norton School of Family and Consumer Sciences Take Charge America Institute at The University of Arizona 1.3.1.G1