Identity theft involves someone using personal information like Social Security numbers and bank account details to commit fraud. Common types of identity theft are credit card fraud, phone or utility fraud, and bank fraud. If you become a victim, you should file a police report, contact the credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your accounts, and contact any creditors where fraudulent activity occurred. To reduce risk, be careful with personal information and shred documents with private details before throwing them away.

1. “ WHEN BAD THINGS HAPPEN TO YOUR GOOD NAME”

2. What is Identity Theft? Someone uses your name or personal information to Open credit card accounts or use existing accounts Take out a loan Make a major purchase Access bank accounts File fraudulent tax returns Or even commit a crime!

3. Types of ID Theft Credit Card Fraud 28% Phone or Utilities Fraud 19% Bank Fraud 18% Employment-related fraud 13% Loan Fraud 5% Government Benefits Fraud 8%

4. More Statistics Many victims don’t even know. The average time to find out you’ve been victimized is 15 months ! Unfortunately, many identity theft related crimes go unreported. California ranks #1 for ID theft crimes, Texas is 2nd, followed by New York and Florida.

5. Alabama the Beautiful In Alabama - 2,216 ID Theft complaints in 2004 #1 - Credit Card fraud #2 – Phone/Utilities fraud #3 – Bank fraud Top cities Birmingham Mobile Montgomery

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

7. Thieves also… 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 information. Use personal information you share on the internet.

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

9. 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 police during an arrest. If they don’t show up for their court date, an arrest warrant is issued in your name.

10. Guard Personal Info ATM Card Bank Account Info Bills Calling Card Checks Credit & Debit Cards Credit Report Name & Address Passwords Personnel Records Pre-approved credit card offers

11. Social Security Number Be VERY cautious about giving out your SSN. If someone asks for it, ask why it is needed, what will happen if you don’t give it, etc. Do NOT carry your SS Card in your wallet. Store it in a safe place, and take it out only when you know that you will need it, such as when starting a new job. Do NOT have your SS # printed on your checks or drivers’ license. (For that matter, don’t print your DL number on your checks either.)

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

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

14. What if I become a victim?

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

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

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

18. Contact the credit bureaus… Equifax 1-800-525-6285 Experian 1-888-397-3742 TransUnion 1-800-680-7289

19. Federal Trade Commission’s ID Theft Hotline 1-877-438-4338 US Postal Inspection Service 1-800-275-8777 Social Security Administration 1-800-772-1213

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

21. FACT Act Effective in Alabama 6/1/05 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

22. What can you do to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft?

23. Secure Your Mail Pick up your mail daily. Have mail held at the Post office if you are going out of town. Shred pre-approved credit card offers before throwing them away. Put outgoing mail in a secure receptacle. Cut down on unsolicited offers by calling 1-888-567-8688.

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

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

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

27. What are some common types of identity theft? Phishing Skimming Parents/Kids Ex-spouses Inside jobs Sweepstakes scams Housekeepers Purse Snatching

28. 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]