IDENTITY THEFT

IDENTITY THEFT is a crime in which an impostor obtains key pieces of personal Identifying
Information (PII) such as Social Security Numbers and driver’s license numbers and uses them
for their own personal gain.

HOW DOES IT HAPPEN?

Stolen wallet

 Driver license ID
 Credit cards
 Debit cards
 Bank accounts checks; last withdrawal banking statement
 Health insurance
 Auto registration and insurance card
 Pilfered mail

Computer virus

 Phishing and Social Engineering

 Links to fraudulent web sites
 Email
 Phone call
 Mail
 Social Networking accounts
 Financial Data

How Identity Theft Occurs

Stealing — Beware of leaving your wallet or unopened mail around the house or in your car. Grab-and-
go can happen in a heartbeat.

Dumpster Diving — Some thieves go through garbage cans to find information, such as unopened pre-
approved credit cards.

Change Of Address — Thieves can fill out change-of-address request forms. Once your mail is sent to
them, they can access your personal information.

Cloning Credit Card Information — An employee of, say, a restaurant, gas station or retail store, can
swipe your credit card through a device that copies the magnetic strip information. It can be transferred
to a counterfeit credit card, which can make purchases.

IDENTIFY THEFT RELATED CRIMES INCLUDE:

 Check fraud
 Credit card fraud
 Financial Identity Theft
 Criminal identity theft
 Governmental identity theft

HOW TO KEEP YOUR DATA SAFE?

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 Secure your Computer

 Know what you have
 Delete or Secure regularly
 Physically store securely
 Proper disposal
 Remain Vigilant

How to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft

Check Your Credit Report — By federal law, the three credit reporting bureaus must each supply you one
credit report a year. Get one every four months and inspect them carefully, looking for suspicious
activity.

Update Virus Software — Make sure your computers have the latest software available to identify and
deal with computer-driven viruses.

Shred — When you discard receipts, copies of credit applications, insurance forms, physician statements,
bank checks and statements and expired charge cards, it’s best to tear or shred them.

Beware of Impersonators — The sad truth is impostors are everywhere, whether it’s over the telephone
or online.

Beware of Public Wi-Fi — Portable workplaces are popular, but there could be dangers in setting up your
“office’’ in the local coffee shop. With public Wi-Fi, your data could be intercepted by outsiders. So, when
you’re at the cafe, airport, library or hotel, don’t conduct bank transactions, make online purchases or
enter any sensitive information.

Old Technology Disposal — Be careful when dispensing of your old computers and mobile devices. You
should protect your personal information by making the computer hard drive unreadable.
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