identity theft how it happens and how to avoid it
TRANSCRIPT
Identity Theft
How it happens and how to avoid it
The Facts
• Roughly 15 million people are victims of identity theft every year in the U.S. (1 of every 20 people)
• Identity theft costs Americans a total of over $25 billion every year
• Victims may spend an average of 175 to 200 hours repairing the damage of an identity theft incident.
What Can an Identity Thief Do With Your Identity?
• Commit a crime under your name• Apply for a driver’s license (with your name) • Open credit card accounts under your name• Obtain cash through your financial accounts. • Purchase large and expensive items with your
name• Get a job under your name• Rent an apartment under your name• Get a phone or other utility under your name• Create counterfeit checks with your name on them• Receive medical treatment under your name– Video #2
Possible Signs of Identity Theft
• Purchases on your credit card that you didn’t make
• Money missing from you bank account– Video #3
• Credit score is inexplicably low• Important mail stops coming to you– Credit card bills
How Can You Keep This From Happening?
The DO’s and DON’Ts of protecting your identity
DON’T
• Give out your social security number to people you don’t trust
DO
• Shred any unwanted mail or documents with your personal information
DON’T
• Give out personal information over the phone– Unless you are ABSOLUTELY sure you know who
you are talking to
DO
• Shop at secure online stores– https://
DON’T
• Use the same password for all of your online accounts
DO
• Shred or cut up unused or expired credit cards
What to do if your identity has been stolen…
• File a police report• Notify your bank and credit card companies• Call the credit reporting agencies– Experian– TransUnion– Equifax
Other Ways to be Protected
• ID Protection services– Lifelock.com
Quick Review1. True or False: It is always safe to give out
personal info over the phone2. True or False: ID thieves can’t cause you
much harm3. True or False: It is safe to use the same
password for all of your online accounts4. True or False: You should throw away unused
or expired credit cards5. True or False: You should only buy things
online if the web site is secured