Identity Theft

• Inform Police and Postal Inspector• Contact bank and ask to have account flagged• Call credit card fraud units – Register a Fraud Alert/Victim Impact statement– Ask crediter for contact before opening new

account• Call Federal Trade Commission

What Is Identity Theft?

• Open credit cards• Make purchases illegally• Apply for loans• Gain unauthorized acess to locations• Take over financial accounts• Establish services with phone or utility

companies

Why Steal an Identity?

How Is Identity Theft Accomplished?

How Can Identity Be Protected?

What Steps Should Victims Follow?

• Remove mail promptly, take out-going mail to post office

• Do not give personal information over phone• Shred: – credit card applications– receipts– bills– financial documents

• Acquiring someone’s identifying information and impersonating them for gain

– Name– Social Security Number– Credit Card Account Numbers– Mother’s Maiden Name– Date of Birth

• Check washing• Dumpster diving• Male theft• Check creation software• Online information theft