2. Identity Theft Is A Crime
o Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in
America.
o Identity theft is a crime under the Virginia Identity
Theft Protection Act. (Code of Virginia, Section 18.2-
186.3)
o There were 6,349 Identity Theft victims in Virginia
from January 1–December 31, 2008. This is an
increase of 1,030 from 2007.
fairfaxcounty.gov/consumer
3. Name
DOB
Social Security Number
Driver’s License Number
Bank Account Numbers
Credit Card Numbers
Passport Number
PIN
Fingerprint
Voiceprint
Electronic ID Number
Retina or Iris Image
Biometric Data
fairfaxcounty.gov/consumer
4. When a thief misuses personal identifying
information to get goods, services, benefits, or
documents using someone else’s identity to:
◦ Get a Social Security Card.
◦ Get a driver’s license.
◦ Open bank or credit card accounts.
◦ Secure loans on cars and housing.
◦ Obtain employment.
◦ Commit a crime using your identity.
fairfaxcounty.gov/consumer
5. Phishing
◦ Fraudulent process of acquiring sensitive
information (usernames, passwords or credit card
details) by masquerading as a trustworthy entity.
Phishing is typically carried out by email, and directs
users to enter details at a fake website whose look
and feel are almost identical to the legitimate one.
Vishing
◦ Voice phishers ask you to call a phone number to
verify information. When you call, the scammer will
ask for your personal or financial information so they
can access your bank accounts.
fairfaxcounty.gov/consumer
6. Pretexting
◦ Someone calls you by phone posing as a legitimate
business or company. They ask for personal
information in an attempt to steal or use your
identity.
Shoulder Surfing
◦ Eavesdroppers or “shoulder surfers” listen to your
conversation when you give out personal
information in a public area, or watch you punch in
your telephone calling card number or credit card
number.
fairfaxcounty.gov/consumer
7. House Stealing
◦ Scam artists assume the identity of a homeowner
by using fake IDS. They transfer the deed into
their name by forging signatures.
Dumpster Diving
◦ Dumpster divers go through garbage cans,
communal dumpsters or trash bins to get
unshredded bills, credit card statements, or
anything with personal identifying information.
fairfaxcounty.gov/consumer
8. Wi-Fi
◦ Hackers cruise around looking for unsecured
networks at airports, coffee shops, hotels,
bookstores, schools, and other locations to
launch attacks. Secure your network.
ID Spoofing
◦ An ID spoofing service allows a caller to change
what someone sees on their call display when
they receive a phone call. They can make any
number appear on a Caller ID system.
fairfaxcounty.gov/consumer
9. Skimming
◦ Identity thieves capture your credit or debit card
numbers by using a special device that reads and
stores the information from the card’s magnetic
strip.
ATM Machines
◦ The camera views the keyboard and monitor and
sends a wireless picture of your transaction.
fairfaxcounty.gov/consumer
10. Contact one of the three credit reporting agencies
to place a fraud alert on your credit report. ]
Keep track of when the alert expires so you can ask
for another one if necessary.
Keep a detailed record of all conversations and
keep copies of all correspondence.
fairfaxcounty.gov/consumer
11. fairfaxcounty.gov/consumer
In Fairfax County, file a report with the Financial
Crimes Division of the Fairfax County Police
Department at 703-246-7800, or file on-line at:
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police
File a complaint with the Federal Trade
Commission. The FTC maintains a database of
identity theft cases. Call the FTC at 1-877-ID-
THEFT.
www.consumer.gov/idtheft
12. Once you have filed a police report or obtained
a court order expunging a record, apply for an
Identity Theft Passport from the Virginia Office
of the Attorney General.
1-800-370-0459
www.vaag.com
fairfaxcounty.gov/consumer
13. Bills that don’t arrive on time or don’t come at
all.
Receiving credit offers or cards you didn’t apply
for.
Being denied credit.
Less favorable credit terms, or a high interest
rate.
Calls or letters from debt collectors or
businesses about merchandise or services you
didn’t buy.
fairfaxcounty.gov/consumer
14. Contact the Fairfax County Consumer Affairs
Branch for more information:
12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 433
Fairfax, Virginia 22035
703-222-8435 TTY 711
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/consumer
consumer@fairfaxcounty.gov
fairfaxcounty.gov/consumer
