The document discusses the issue of identity theft, providing statistics on its prevalence, how identity thieves operate, and tips to minimize risk. It notes that 1 in 5 families have been victims of identity theft, with millions of victims annually and billions lost each year. Common ways identity thieves steal information include retrieving discarded documents, stealing mail, and shouldering surfing. The document advises carrying only necessary identification, shredding documents, being wary of phone calls requesting information, and monitoring accounts regularly. It also outlines steps to take if one becomes a victim of identity theft.

1. “ When bad things happen to your good name ”

2. What is Identity Theft? Someone uses your name or personal information to To open credit card accounts or use existing accounts To take out a loan To make a major purchase To access bank accounts To file fraudulent tax returns Or even commit a crime!

3. U.S. General Accounting Office Report: 1 in 5 families have been victims 9.9 million victims in 2003 27 million Americans have been victims in last 5 years Victims may spend over 175 hours & over $10,000 per incident to resolve these problems

4. More Statistics Visa & MC reported $114 Million in losses – up 43% in 2000 $53 billion in losses - 2002 Average time to learn you have been victimized – 15 months! Many victims don’t even know! Many identity theft related crimes go unreported. California ranks 1 st for Identity Theft Crimes, followed by Texas and Florida

5. More Statistics Alabama the Beautiful 2216 ID Theft Complaints in 2004 Credit Card Fraud - 28% Phone or Utilities Fraud - 19% Bank Fraud – 18% Top Cities: Birmingham Mobile Montgomery

6. Are you at risk ? Test your “Identity Quotient”.

7.  You receive offers of pre-approved credit every week (5 points) and, if you decide not to accept, you do not shred them before putting them in the trash. (5 points)  You carry your Social Security Card in your wallet. (10 points)

8.  Your Driver’s License has your SSN printed on it and you have not contacted the DMV to request a new license. (10 points)  You do not have a PO Box or a locked, secured mailbox. (5 points)

9.  You drop off your outgoing mail at an open, unlocked box or basket. (10 points)  You carry your military ID in your wallet at all times. (10 points)

10.  You do not shred or tear banking and credit information when you throw it in the trash. (10 points)  You provide your Social Security number (SSN) whenever asked. (10 points) Add (5 points) if you provide it orally without checking to see who might be listening.

11.  You are required to use your SSN as an employee ID or at college as a student ID number. (5 points)  Your SSN is printed on an employee badge you wear at work. (10 points)

12.  Your SSN or Driver’s License Number is printed on your personal checks. (10 points)  You are listed in a “Who’s Who” Guide. (5 points)

13.  You carry your insurance card in your wallet and it contains your SSN or your spouse’s SSN. (10 points)  You have not ordered a copy of your credit report for at least two years. (20 points)

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

15. What your score means: 100+ points: You are at high risk. You should purchase a paper shredder, become more security aware in document handling. 50-100 points: Your odds of being victimized are about average ; higher if you have good credit. 0-50 points: Congratulations. You have a high security “IQ”. Keep up the good work!

16. How ID Theft Occurs They steal wallets & purses containing your identification and credit and bank cards. They steal your mail. They look through your trash & retrieve a discarded bill or credit application. They go through your mailbox. They complete a “change of address” form.

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

18. How ID Thieves use your information: They establish a new ID. They pretend to be you. They establish phone or wireless service in your name. They open a bank account and write bad checks. They file for bankruptcy under your name to avoid eviction or payment of new debt incurred under your name.

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

20. The Loot: Your Personal Information ATM Card Bank Account Information Bills Calling Card Checks Credit & Debit Cards Credit Report Name & Address Passwords Personnel Records Pre-approved Credit Card Offers

21. Social Security Number – to give or not to give?? Why do you need my Social Security Number? How will my SSN be used? What law requires me to give you my SSN? What will happen if I don’t give you my SSN? Remember – The decision is yours.

22. Minimize Your Risk Carry with you only the ID & the # of debit and credit cards you’ll need. Don’t carry your Social Security card. Give your SSN only when absolutely necessary. Try to memorize passwords. Don’t use obvious codes for PIN numbers. Don’t give out personal information over the phone.

23. Minimize Your Risk Guard your mail & trash. Use a shredder. Never leave receipts behind. Keep your eye on the cashier. Stay focused during transactions. Be aware of “Shoulder Surfers!” Do not make purchases from unsecured internet sites. If online 24/7; turn off computer when not in use.

24. GET SECURE ATM, Credit & Debit Cards Bills, Bank Statements, & Other Records Calling Cards Credit Reports Mail Online Payments Passwords Personal Information Pre-approved Credit Card Offers Work Records

25. If You’re a Victim Report ID Theft to the three major credit bureaus. Close the accounts that you know or believe have been tampered with or opened fraudulently. File a police report with your local police or in the community where identity theft took place.

26. To Report Fraud Credit Bureaus: Equifax - 800-525-6285 Experian - 888-397-3742 TransUnion - 800-680-7289 Go online: www.consumer.gov/idtheft

27. To Report Fraud Contact the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) ID Theft Hotline Toll Free 1-877-438-4338

28. To Report Fraud Contact: U.S. Postal Inspection Service Toll Free - 800-275-8777 Social Security Administration Toll Free – 800-772-1213

29. It’s The Law Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act of 1998 (Federal law enacted by Congress making identity theft a crime)

30. It’s The Law Conviction for Identity Theft carries a maximum penalty of 15 years imprisonment, a fine and forfeiture of any personal property used or intended to be used to commit the crime. 48 States currently have State Laws In Alabama Code § 13A-8-190 through 201

31. FACT Act Signed into law on December 3, 2003 Allows consumers one free credit report each year from each agency Requires creditors who lent money in your name to an ID Thief help you clear your name Creates one place where you can have a fraud alert placed on your credit history that will be honored across America Becomes effective June 1, 2005 in Alabama

32. 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 [email_address]