Fastest Growing Crime in America

Fastest Growing Crime in America

IDENTITY THEFT IS COSTING YOU BIG MONEY. 10 million people are effected by identity theft each year. More than 46 million Americans had their identities lost or stolen in the first

half of 2005. Bank of America, Time Warner, Wachovia, MCI and Ameritrade have admitted

to losing the personal data of more than 6 million customers and/or employees so far this year ( July 31, 2005).

Master-Card International disclosed that a hacker had stolen 40 million account numbers from a company that processes transactions for MasterCard, Visa USA, American Express and Discover card.

July 19, 2005 A university of Southern California database containing about 270,000 records of past applicants, including names and social security numbers were hacked from a computer at the university.

Annual financial losses total nearly 48 billion for businesses , and 5 billion in out of pocket expenses for consumer victims.

The old-fashioned pickpocket still accounts for about 30% of traceable identify thefts.

NEW LANGUAGE, OLD CRIME

A form of identity theft where fake e-mails are sent out to you in hopes that you will give away information that is priceless

Phishing.

PHARMING;

A step that takes phishing to an all new level. A fake web site is developed so that when you answer the fake e-mail it will lead to their fake web sight which will look very similar to the real thing.

High tech innovations Program hijacking devices; use your credit or debit

card information from your “Pay at the pump” option at your local gas station. The information is then sent to the thieves at the same time it’s sent to your bank.

Skimmers; Small readers that is similar to those used in grocery stores which captures your card information for future use.

Keystroke catchers; A small device is attached to the cable that connects the keyboard to the computer. Looks like a regular cable and is used in public places where computers are available to anyone.

Database Identity theft. Thieves hack into company data bases that store the personal information of their customers.

Low tech, but effective

Dumpster divers; Thieves will go through your trash looking for items with personal information, such as utility bills, credit card information and/or credit card applications.

Shoulder Surfing; Reading over your shoulder at the bank counter, ATM or eavesdropping on your phone conversations.

PICKPOCKETS

IF THEIR ANY GOOD, IT WILL HAPPEN SO FAST YOU WON’T EVEN KNOW WHEN IT HAPPENED

TELEPHONE SCAMS

THIEVES WILL TRY TO SOLICITE INFORMATION FROM YOU BY POSING AS A LEGITIMATE COMPNAY OR ENTITY

TIPS FOR PROTECTING YOURSELF

Guard your social security number. Do not carry it with you. Keep important personal information in a safe place, and always

lock your dorm room or apartment, even if you think your only going to be gone for a minute.

Do not lend your credit cards or passwords to anyone. Watch out for shoulder surfers and eavesdroppers. Do not give out personal information on the phone unless you

initiated the call, and you know who you are dealing with. Don’t toss credit card convenece checks or pre-approved credit

offers without shredding them. Do not carry extra credit cards or other important identity documents

except when needed. Do not mail bill payments and checks from home, they can be stolen

from your mailbox. Examine the charges on your credit card statements before paying

them. Photocopy, and keep in a safe place, both sides of identification

and credit cards from your wallet or purse in case they would get stolen.

More tricks, More tips.

Avoid printing social security, middle name and drivers license numbers on your checks.

Be creative when making up your passwords and pin numbers,

making sure they are at least 8 characters long. Be aware of phone and email scams. Change your MSU E-Service and MavMail passwords as

soon as possible. Do not give out or let others use your MSU Tech ID

number or password. so that.

Information for this slide taken from the United States Post Office web site

It’s the law Minnesota’s fight against identity theft

Mandatory Minimum Restitution of $1,000.00 Felony crime that prohibits anyone from using a false

pretense in an e-mail, web page or any other internet communication with the intent to obtain another person’s identity.

A permanent Minnesota Financial Crime Task Force that provides guidance in investigating and prosecuting identity theft.

Identity theft related to possession or distribution of Child Pornography the maximum penalty is increased to imprisonment of not more than 20 years and/or a fine of not more than $100,000.00.