IDENTITY THEFT

IDENTITY THEFT
Parachute Neighborhood Watch Presentation February 9, 2010

Identity Theft Identity theft is defined as the process of using someone else’s personal information for your own personal gain.

Statistics On the rise affecting 10 million victims in 2008 up 22% from 2007 Victims are spending less to correct; $500/person 71% happens within a week of documents etc. stolen Wallets and physical documents accounts for 43% of all ID theft; 11% online

Statistics Cont… 1 in 10 US consumers already have been a victim 1.6 million households experienced fraud not related to credit cards ( i.e. bank accounts or debit cards were compromised $50 billion in damages

Practical and Emotional Costs 47% have trouble getting credit or loans 19% have higher credit rates and 16% have higher insurance rates 11% say have a negative impact on ability to get jobs 70% have trouble getting rid of negative info on their records 40% experience stress in family lives as a result of displaced anger and frustrations over ID theft.

Cont… 45% feel denial or disbelief 85% feel anger and rage 45% feel defiled 42% feel inability to trust people 60% feel unprotected by police.

Discovery 38-48% discover within 3 months 9-18% don’t find out for 4 + years 50.2 million use credit monitoring services

Types of Identity Theft Credit Card fraud 26% Utilities fraud 18% Bank fraud 17% Employment fraud 12% Loan fraud 5% Other 13%

Getting your information From businesses or other institutions Steal your mail Rummage through your trash Get your credit reports “Skimming” Steal wallet or purse Through email or phone Mail order

Using your info Call credit card companies to change billing address Open new accounts Establish phone or wireless service in your name Open bank accounts Counterfeit checks etc.. File for bankruptcy Buy car Get job Give police name during arrest

If Personal Information Has Been Lost or Stolen Financial accounts Social Security numbers Driver’s license/other government issued identification

Immediate Steps Place fraud alerts on your credit report Closing accounts Filing a police report Filing a complaint with the FTC Tips for organizing your case Chart your course of action

Resolving Specific Problems Bank Accounts Correcting info on Credit Reports Credit Cards Driver’s License Mail Theft Phone Fraud Tax Fraud

Staying Alert Review your credit reports once every three months for first year and then once a year thereafter Look for other signs Failure to receive bills or other mail Receiving credit cards that you didn’t apply for Being denied credit Calls from debt collectors

Minimizing Recurrences What to do NOW! Place passwords on CC, bank and phone accounts Secure personal info in your home Ask about security procedures in workplace etc..

Vigilance Treat mail and trash carefully Don’t carry your SSN card; leave in secure place Only give SSN when absolutely necessary Cary only ID, credit and debit cards you’ll actually use when going out Be cautious when responding to promotions Keep purse or wallet in safe place at work When ordering new check pick up from BANK ONLY

IDENTITY THEFT

IDENTITY THEFT

Presentation Transcript

IDENTITY THEFT