Identity TheftIdentity Theft

Tiffany SetzerTiffany Setzer

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Cassie Conkwright Cassie Conkwright

What ID Theft Is!!What ID Theft Is!!

• Identity theft is when someone steals Identity theft is when someone steals your personal identity such as social your personal identity such as social security number, credit card security number, credit card information, and your name without information, and your name without your permission.your permission.

Statistics Statistics

• 1.4 percent of survey participants, representing 3.2 million American adults, reported that the misuse of their information was limited to the misuse of one or more of their existing credit card accounts in 2005.

• 1.5 percent of participants, representing 3.3 million American adults, reported discovering in 2005 the misuse of one or more of their existing accounts other than credit cards—for example, checking or savings accounts or telephone accounts—but not experiencing the most serious form of identity theft.

• 0.8 percent of survey participants, representing 1.8 million American adults, reported that in 2005 they had discovered that their personal information had been misused to open new accounts or to engage in types of fraud other than the misuse of existing or new financial accounts in the victim’s name.

The Federal Trade The Federal Trade CommissionCommission

• The FTC deals with issues that touch The FTC deals with issues that touch the economic life of every American. the economic life of every American. It is the only federal agency with It is the only federal agency with both consumer protection and both consumer protection and competition jurisdiction in broad competition jurisdiction in broad sectors of the economy.sectors of the economy.

Deter, Detect, & DefendDeter, Detect, & Defend

•Deter is when you minimize your risk by making it more difficult for identity thieves to access your information.

•Detect is when you monitor your accounts and bank statements each month and check credit reports regularly.

•Defend are steps to recovery from identity theft.

Steps to DefendSteps to Defend

• Place a fraud alert on your credit reports, and review your credit reports.

• Close the accounts that you know, or believe, have been tampered with or opened fraudulently.

• File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.

• File a report with your local police or the police in the community where the identity theft took place.

Signs of Identity TheftSigns of Identity Theft

• Bills and statements are arriving late or not Bills and statements are arriving late or not arriving at all to your residence.arriving at all to your residence.

• Collection agencies or creditors are contacting Collection agencies or creditors are contacting you regarding accounts you don’t have or show you regarding accounts you don’t have or show charges for which you’re not responsible. charges for which you’re not responsible.

• Financial account statements show withdrawals Financial account statements show withdrawals or transfers you didn't make.or transfers you didn't make.

• You are turned down when you apply for credit You are turned down when you apply for credit for which you should be financially qualified.for which you should be financially qualified.

• You receive bills from companies you don’t You receive bills from companies you don’t recognize.recognize.

Identity Theft TipsIdentity Theft Tips

• Install virus and spyware detection software and keep them updated.• Install a lockable mailbox at your residence to reduce mail theft. • Take credit card receipts with you. Never toss them in a public trash

container. • Never leave your purse or wallet unattended at work or in church,

restaurants, health fitness clubs, parties, or shopping carts. Never leave your purse or wallet in open view in your car, even when your car is locked.

• Destroy all checks immediately after you close a checking account. Destroy or keep in a secure place any courtesy checks that your bank or credit card company sends to you.

• Do not have your bank send your new checks to your home address. Tell the bank that you prefer to pick them up.

• Reconcile your check and credit card statements in a timely fashion, and challenge any purchases you did not make.

• Limit the number of credit cards you have, and cancel any inactive accounts.

Tips cont.Tips cont.

• Destroy all checks immediately after you close a checking Destroy all checks immediately after you close a checking account. Destroy or keep in a secure place any courtesy checks account. Destroy or keep in a secure place any courtesy checks that your bank or credit card company sends to you. that your bank or credit card company sends to you.

• Do not have your bank send your new checks to your home Do not have your bank send your new checks to your home address. Tell the bank that you prefer to pick them up. address. Tell the bank that you prefer to pick them up.

• Reconcile your check and credit card statements in a timely Reconcile your check and credit card statements in a timely fashion, and challenge any purchases you did not make. fashion, and challenge any purchases you did not make.

• Limit the number of credit cards you have, and cancel any inactive Limit the number of credit cards you have, and cancel any inactive accounts.accounts.

How to file a complaintHow to file a complaint

Free Credit ReportsFree Credit Reports

• www.freecreditreport.comwww.freecreditreport.com

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