““WHEN BAD WHEN BAD THINGS THINGS

HAPPEN TO HAPPEN TO YOUR GOOD YOUR GOOD

NAME”NAME”

What is Identity Theft?What is Identity Theft?Someone uses your name or personal Someone uses your name or personal

information to information to – Open credit card accounts or use existing Open credit card accounts or use existing

accountsaccounts– Take out a loanTake out a loan– Make a major purchaseMake a major purchase– Access bank accountsAccess bank accounts– File fraudulent tax returnsFile fraudulent tax returns– Or even commit a crime!Or even commit a crime!

Types of ID TheftTypes of ID Theft

Credit Card FraudCredit Card Fraud 28%28%

Phone or Utilities FraudPhone or Utilities Fraud 19%19%

Bank FraudBank Fraud 18%18%

Employment-related fraudEmployment-related fraud 13%13%

Loan FraudLoan Fraud 5%5%

Government Benefits FraudGovernment Benefits Fraud 8%8%

More StatisticsMore StatisticsMany victims don’t even know. The average Many victims don’t even know. The average time to find out you’ve been victimized is time to find out you’ve been victimized is 1515 monthsmonths!!Unfortunately, many identity theft related crimes Unfortunately, many identity theft related crimes go unreported.go unreported.California ranks #1 for ID theft crimes, Texas is California ranks #1 for ID theft crimes, Texas is 2nd, followed by New York and Florida.2nd, followed by New York and Florida.

Alabama the BeautifulAlabama the BeautifulIn Alabama - In Alabama - 2,216 ID Theft complaints in 20042,216 ID Theft complaints in 2004

#1 - Credit Card fraud #1 - Credit Card fraud #2 – Phone/Utilities fraud#2 – Phone/Utilities fraud#3 – Bank fraud#3 – Bank fraud

Top citiesTop citiesBirminghamBirminghamMobileMobileMontgomeryMontgomery

Are Are youyou at risk? at risk?

Test your “Identity Quotient”: Test your “Identity Quotient”: Take the test & see what your score Take the test & see what your score

means.means.

You receive offers of pre-approved credit every week You receive offers of pre-approved credit every week (5 points) and, if you decide not to accept, you do not (5 points) and, if you decide not to accept, you do not shred them before putting them in the trash. (5 points)shred them before putting them in the trash. (5 points)

You carry your Social Security Card in You carry your Social Security Card in your wallet. (10 points)your wallet. (10 points)

Your Driver’s License has your SSN Your Driver’s License has your SSN printed on it and you have not contacted printed on it and you have not contacted the DMV to request a new license. (10 the DMV to request a new license. (10 points)points)

You do not have a PO Box or You do not have a PO Box or a locked, secured mailbox. (5 a locked, secured mailbox. (5 points)points)

You drop off your outgoing mail at an open, You drop off your outgoing mail at an open, unlocked box or basket. (10 points)unlocked box or basket. (10 points)

You carry your military You carry your military ID in your wallet at all ID in your wallet at all times. (10 points)times. (10 points)

You do not shred or tear banking and credit You do not shred or tear banking and credit information when you throw it in the trash. (10 information when you throw it in the trash. (10 points)points)

You provide your Social Security number You provide your Social Security number (SSN) whenever asked. (10 points)(SSN) whenever asked. (10 points)– Add (5 points) if you provide it orally without Add (5 points) if you provide it orally without

checking to see who might be listening.checking to see who might be listening.

You are required to You are required to use your SSN as an use your SSN as an employee ID or at employee ID or at college as a student ID college as a student ID number. (5 points)number. (5 points)

Your SSN is printed on an employee badge Your SSN is printed on an employee badge you wear at work. (10 points)you wear at work. (10 points)

Your SSN or Driver’s License Your SSN or Driver’s License Number is printed on your Number is printed on your personal checks. personal checks. (10 points)(10 points)

You are listed in a “Who’s Who” Guide. (5 You are listed in a “Who’s Who” Guide. (5 points)points)

You carry your insurance card in You carry your insurance card in your wallet and it contains your your wallet and it contains your SSN or your spouse’s SSN. SSN or your spouse’s SSN.

(10 points)(10 points)

You have not ordered a copy of your credit You have not ordered a copy of your credit report for at least two years. (20 points)report for at least two years. (20 points)

You do not believe that people would root You do not believe that people would root around in your trash looking for credit or around in your trash looking for credit or financial information. (10 points)financial information. (10 points)

What your score means:What your score means:

100+ points: You are at 100+ points: You are at highhigh risk. You should risk. You should purchase a paper shredder, become more security purchase a paper shredder, become more security aware in document handling.aware in document handling.

50-100 points: Your odds of being victimized are 50-100 points: Your odds of being victimized are about about averageaverage; higher if you have good credit.; higher if you have good credit.

0-50 points: Congratulations. You have a high 0-50 points: Congratulations. You have a high security “IQ”. Keep up the good work!security “IQ”. Keep up the good work!

How the Thief Works…How the Thief Works…By stealing wallets & purses containing your By stealing wallets & purses containing your information & credit & bank cards.information & credit & bank cards.Stealing your mail.Stealing your mail.Looking through your trash & retrieving discarded Looking through your trash & retrieving discarded bills or credit applications (dumpster diving).bills or credit applications (dumpster diving).Completing a “change of address” form, and having Completing a “change of address” form, and having your mail forwarded to them.your mail forwarded to them.

Thieves also…Thieves also…Say they work for a bank or credit reporting Say they work for a bank or credit reporting agency when they ask for your SSN over the agency when they ask for your SSN over the phone.phone.Pose as landlords, lawyers, or other officials who Pose as landlords, lawyers, or other officials who have authority to access your information.have authority to access your information.Use personal information you share on the Use personal information you share on the internet.internet.

How they use your information:How they use your information:They use your information to establish a new ID They use your information to establish a new ID and pretend to be you.and pretend to be you.They open utility (phone, cell phone) accounts in They open utility (phone, cell phone) accounts in your name.your name.They open bank accounts and write bad checks.They open bank accounts and write bad checks.They file bankruptcy under your name to avoid They file bankruptcy under your name to avoid eviction or payment of any new debt occurred.eviction or payment of any new debt occurred.

They counterfeit checks or debit cards, and They counterfeit checks or debit cards, and drain your bank account.drain your bank account.They buy cars by taking out auto loans in your They buy cars by taking out auto loans in your name.name.They give your name to They give your name to policepolice during an during an arrest. If they don’t show up for their court arrest. If they don’t show up for their court date, an arrest warrant is issued in your name.date, an arrest warrant is issued in your name.

Guard Personal InfoGuard Personal Info

ATM CardATM CardBank Account InfoBank Account InfoBillsBillsCalling CardCalling CardChecksChecksCredit & Debit CardsCredit & Debit Cards

Credit ReportCredit ReportName & Address Name & Address PasswordsPasswordsPersonnel RecordsPersonnel RecordsPre-approved credit card Pre-approved credit card offersoffers

Social Security NumberSocial Security NumberBe Be VERYVERY cautious about giving out your SSN. If cautious about giving out your SSN. If

someone asks for it, ask why it is needed, what will someone asks for it, ask why it is needed, what will happen if you don’t give it, etc.happen if you don’t give it, etc.

Do Do NOTNOT carry your SS Card in your wallet. Store it in a carry your SS Card in your wallet. Store it in a safe place, and take it out only when you know that safe place, and take it out only when you know that you will need it, such as when starting a new job.you will need it, such as when starting a new job.

Do Do NOTNOT have your SS # printed on your checks or have your SS # printed on your checks or drivers’ license. (For that matter, don’t print your DL drivers’ license. (For that matter, don’t print your DL number on your checks either.)number on your checks either.)

Minimize your RiskMinimize your RiskCarry ONLY the ID and credit/debit card that you Carry ONLY the ID and credit/debit card that you need. need. Don’t carry your SS card.Don’t carry your SS card.Give your SSN only when absolutely necessary.Give your SSN only when absolutely necessary.Try to memorize passwords; don’t keep them in your Try to memorize passwords; don’t keep them in your wallet.wallet.Don’t use obvious codes for PIN numbers. (Birthday, Don’t use obvious codes for PIN numbers. (Birthday, last 4 digits of SS or phone #)last 4 digits of SS or phone #)Don’t give out personal info over the phone.Don’t give out personal info over the phone.

Guard your mail & trash.Guard your mail & trash.Use a shredder.Use a shredder.Never leave receipts behind.Never leave receipts behind.Keep your eye on the cashier.Keep your eye on the cashier.Pay attention during transactions.Pay attention during transactions.Be aware of “shoulder surfers”.Be aware of “shoulder surfers”.Don’t make purchases from unsecured internet sites.Don’t make purchases from unsecured internet sites.Turn your computer off when not in use.Turn your computer off when not in use.

What if I become a victim?What if I become a victim?

File a police report & contact the Federal Trade File a police report & contact the Federal Trade commission.commission.Contact the 3 major credit bureaus and have a Contact the 3 major credit bureaus and have a fraud alert placed on your account.fraud alert placed on your account.Contact creditors where fraudulent accounts Contact creditors where fraudulent accounts were opened, or where fraudulent charges were were opened, or where fraudulent charges were made.made.

Take action!!!!!Take action!!!!!

Why file a police report?Why file a police report?

To get a criminal investigation started.To get a criminal investigation started.Provide some assurance to your creditors that Provide some assurance to your creditors that this is a real crime, not to avoid payment.this is a real crime, not to avoid payment.Creditors often require a copy of the police Creditors often require a copy of the police report for challenged accounts and charges.report for challenged accounts and charges.

Why contact the FTC? Why contact the FTC? Information is entered into the Consumer Sentinel Information is entered into the Consumer Sentinel database, and may assist law enforcement in other database, and may assist law enforcement in other jurisdictions on related matters.jurisdictions on related matters.FTC has great information for ID Theft victims on FTC has great information for ID Theft victims on what to do to clear up their credit reports & challenge what to do to clear up their credit reports & challenge fraudulent accounts & charges and what legal fraudulent accounts & charges and what legal protections victims may have.protections victims may have.

Contact the credit bureaus…Contact the credit bureaus…

EquifaxEquifax1-800-525-62851-800-525-6285

ExperianExperian1-888-397-37421-888-397-3742

TransUnionTransUnion1-800-680-72891-800-680-7289

Federal Trade Commission’s ID Theft HotlineFederal Trade Commission’s ID Theft Hotline1-877-438-43381-877-438-4338

US Postal Inspection ServiceUS Postal Inspection Service1-800-275-87771-800-275-8777

Social Security AdministrationSocial Security Administration1-800-772-12131-800-772-1213

It’s the law…It’s the law…Identity Theft & Assumption Deterrence Act of 1998 Identity Theft & Assumption Deterrence Act of 1998 (Federal law enacted by Congress making identity (Federal law enacted by Congress making identity theft a crime)theft a crime)Conviction for ID theft carries a maximum penalty of Conviction for ID theft carries a maximum penalty of 15 yrs imprisonment, a fine and forfeiture of any 15 yrs imprisonment, a fine and forfeiture of any personal property used or intended to be used to personal property used or intended to be used to commit the crimecommit the crimeAlabama Code Alabama Code §13A-8-190 through 201§13A-8-190 through 201

FACT ActFACT ActEffective in Alabama 6/1/05Effective in Alabama 6/1/05

Allows consumers one free credit report each Allows consumers one free credit report each year from each agencyyear from each agencyRequires creditors who lent money in your name Requires creditors who lent money in your name to an ID Thief help you clear your nameto an ID Thief help you clear your nameCreates one place where you can have a fraud Creates one place where you can have a fraud alert placed on your credit history that will be alert placed on your credit history that will be honored across Americahonored across America

What can you do to avoid What can you do to avoid becoming a victim of becoming a victim of

identity theft?identity theft?

Secure Your MailSecure Your Mail

Pick up your mail daily.Pick up your mail daily.Have mail held at the Post office if you are going out Have mail held at the Post office if you are going out of town.of town.Shred pre-approved credit card offers before Shred pre-approved credit card offers before throwing them away.throwing them away.Put outgoing mail in a secure receptacle.Put outgoing mail in a secure receptacle.Cut down on unsolicited offers by calling 1-888-567-Cut down on unsolicited offers by calling 1-888-567-8688.8688.

Keep Financial Info PrivateKeep Financial Info PrivateCarry only the credit cards you need.Carry only the credit cards you need.Be aware of people around you when using cards Be aware of people around you when using cards and/or checks.and/or checks.Limit the information printed on your checks.Limit the information printed on your checks.Store blank checks in a secure place.Store blank checks in a secure place.Pick up new checks at the bank.Pick up new checks at the bank.Be particular about giving out account numbers or Be particular about giving out account numbers or other financial info to people.other financial info to people.

Know who you’re talking to…Know who you’re talking to…Be very careful about giving personal info over the phone.Be very careful about giving personal info over the phone.Beware of giving your personal info to a person or company Beware of giving your personal info to a person or company that contacts you.that contacts you.Ask the caller to give you a number you can call to verify his Ask the caller to give you a number you can call to verify his identity.identity.Ask the caller to send you the info in writing.Ask the caller to send you the info in writing.To reduce the number of sales calls you receive, register on To reduce the number of sales calls you receive, register on the National Do Not Call list by calling 1-888-382-1222 or the National Do Not Call list by calling 1-888-382-1222 or www.donotcall.govwww.donotcall.gov. .

Use the Internet carefully…Use the Internet carefully…Use only secure websites.Use only secure websites.Always use a credit card when shopping online Always use a credit card when shopping online so you will have the protection of the Fair Credit so you will have the protection of the Fair Credit Billing Act.Billing Act.To avoid a victim of “phishing”, be suspicious of To avoid a victim of “phishing”, be suspicious of any emails you did not solicit which urgently any emails you did not solicit which urgently request your info. (Companies you deal with request your info. (Companies you deal with already have that info.)already have that info.)

What are some common types of What are some common types of identity theft?identity theft?

PhishingPhishingSkimmingSkimmingParents/KidsParents/KidsEx-spousesEx-spousesInside jobsInside jobsSweepstakes scamsSweepstakes scamsHousekeepersHousekeepersPurse SnatchingPurse Snatching

For more information, contact:

Isaac B. Chappell, Jr.Regional Extension Agent

1702 Noble Street, Suite 108

Anniston, AL 36201

Phone: (256) 237-1621

www.aces.edu

chappellib@auburn.edu