IDENTITY THEFT

Identity Theft IDENTITY THEFT occurs when

someone wrongfully acquires and uses a consumer’s personal identification, credit, or account information.

Personal Identification Information Includes

Name Address and Telephone Number Social Security number Driver’s license number Bank account numbers Credit card numbers Passwords Bills

Ways Identity Thieves Acquire Information Wallet/Purse Loss or Theft - Information is taken

from a lost or stolen wallet/purse (most common method).

Mail and Phones - Information is taken from mailboxes, a change of address form is completed, or personal information is solicited by phone.

“Dumpster Diving” - Personal information is discarded carelessly either at home or by businesses and thieves remove it from the trash.

“Insider Access” - Dishonest employees steal the information and either sell it or use it.

Internet - Personal data taken off the Internet Credit Reports – A credit report containing personal

information may be obtained fraudulently.

HOW IDENTITYTHEFT OCCURS & PREVENTION

MailHow Theft Occurs: Thief steals mail to learn account

numbers and personal information.Prevention: Deposit outgoing mail in post office

collection boxes not unsecured mailboxes.

Promptly remove mail from mailboxes.

If on vacation, put a hold on mail.

Wallets and Pocketbooks

How Theft Occurs: Thief steals a wallet or pocketbook

containing a wealth of personal information.

Prevention: Don’t leave it in plain site. Don’t hang from chair at public

place. Use a purse which closes securely. Carry only what is absolutely

needed.

BillsHow Theft Occurs: A thief may steal bills containing

consumer’s name, address, phone number, bank or credit account numbers, or social security.

May use information to open new accounts.

Prevention: Don’t leave statements lying around. Pay attention to billing cycles and

follow up if bill does not arrive on time.

PasswordsHow Theft Occurs: If a thief has access to passwords,

he/she can access accounts, send messages, and sell or purchase items.

Prevention: Don’t give password to anyone. Don’t write passwords down where

others may find them. Create unique passwords using a

combination of numbers and letters.

Pre-Approved Credit Cards

How Theft Occurs: A thief may activate credit cards

using pre-approved credit card offers and have the statements sent to a different address.

Prevention: Shred any credit card offers

received and not used. Cut up any pre-approved credit

cards not used.

Bank Account Information

How Theft Occurs: If a thief has a person’s bank

account and routing number, he/she may create fake checks, withdraw money, or access savings accounts.

Prevention: Don’t leave statements lying

around. Use passwords. Don’t have checks mailed home.

Pick them up at the bank.

ATM, Credit, and Debit Cards

How Theft Occurs: A thief may withdraw money

with both an ATM card and PIN number.

Credit and debit cards are easy to use because most stores do not compare cards with another form of identification.

Can easily be used to purchase merchandise over the phone or internet.

Social Security Number

How Theft Occurs: A social security number is the key to

a person’s identity. It opens new accounts, obtain driver’s license, file bankruptcy, etc.

Prevention: Never give our social security number. Ask for alternate number on driver’s

license, insurance cards, and other materials.

Do not carry social security card unless necessary.

ATM, Credit, and Debit Cards

Prevention: Don’t leave cards lying around. Carry only those which will be used. Use debit cards which require a PIN number. Sign back of cards stating “Please see I.D.” Have a list of all cards and account numbers. Don’t give out account number unless making

a purchase. Keep track of all receipts. Destroy papers with card numbers on them. Check statements for unauthorized charges.

ShoppingOnline

Safety Tips for Shopping Online1. Know the real deal

• Get all details before buying including prices, delivery time, warranty information, and return policies.

2. Look for clues about security• Make sure the browser states “https”

or “shttp” indicating it is secure.

3. Use a credit card• Credit cards are the safest way

because a person has the legal right to dispute charges.

Safety Tips for Shopping Online

4. Keep proof handy• Print and file all information in case

needed later.

5. Get the scoop on the seller• Check complaint numbers at the

state or Better Business Bureau.

WHAT TO DO IF IDENTITY

THEFT HAPPENS

Immediate Steps

1. Act immediately!2. Keep a detailed record of

correspondence and phone records.3. Contact the three major credit

bureaus and request a “fraud alert.”4. Close all accounts which have been

tampered with or opened fraudulently.

5. File a police report.6. File a complaint with the Federal

Trade Commission.

Credit Card Liability Truth in Lending Act limits

liability for unauthorized charges to $50.00 per card.A letter must be received within 60

days of the first bill containing the error.

The dispute must be resolved within 90 days of the creditor receiving the letter.

ATM, Debit Cards, Electronic Transfers Liability

The Electronic Funds Transfer Act provides protection.

The amount a person is liable depends upon how quickly the loss is reported.Within two days is a maximum of $50.00.Within sixty days is a maximum of

$500.00.After sixty days a person may be liable for

everything. To report a loss call the financial

institution and follow up in writing.

Check Liability

Contact the financial institution and stop payment.

Identity Theft

STAY ALERT

BE CAREFUL

BE SMART