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Learn about the different types of identity theft and how to protect yourself. Real-life case studies illustrate the consequences of identity theft and the importance of monitoring your accounts and credit reports. Keep your personal information secure and avoid becoming a victim of identity theft.
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Identity Theft: How Vulnerable are you? Ronald J. Leach
Identity Theft • Use of existing accounts – easiest to fix • Takeovers of existing accounts – can limit your access to your money • New accounts – you may not be notified
Check credit reports yearly • Its free, free, free! • AnnualCreditReport.com
Case study - “A” • Had checkbook stolen • Took many hours to stop continued cashing of checks, even after account was closed!
Case study – “B” • Had Medical Identity stolen
Case study – ‘B” • Card number, Social Security Number copied, given to others, possibly by a clerk • Learned about collection notices asking for a credit report before getting married
Case study – ‘B” • Many judgments • A helicopter transfer to a hospital for $19,000!
Case study – “P” • Had wallet stolen • Lost checkbook • Lost driver’s license • Lost medical cards
Case study - “SG” • Had computer email account hacked • Everyone in mailbox was sent multiple convincing messages
Case study - “SG” • Others had their computer email account hacked • “P” • “S” • “JF” • “H&B” • Others
Hackers got his information: from a wireless connection at an Internet café Did you use a hotel’s wireless? Was it protected?
Case study – “W” • Had mortgage placed on house • Mortgage company began foreclosure
Case study – “W” • His house
Case study – “W” • His house – not!
How could crooks get access to W? • Land records • Stolen mail
Case study – me and a credit card • Had phone message at work, asked me to call an 800 number about my card • Got an uneasy feeling
Case study – me and a credit card • Back of card had correct number. • The telephone call had a different number • Call was spurious, so was 800 number • No problems with card • Whew!
Case study – me and broker • Show me the money • My money! • Don’t show me his money
Case study – me and broker • Previous user’s data still on screen • Poor software – didn’t clear screen • My transaction went through – I was notified by mail • Also notified of his transactions by mail
Case study – me and broker • Called broker about error – did not get confirmation by mail • Got three additional confirmation letters
Case study – me and broker • Called broker about error – did not get confirmation by mail • Got three additional confirmation letters on his account!
Case study – me and broker • Called person’s home phone • The wife was unaware of his transferring funds • The wife’s reaction
What is the most valuable item you have? • Credit Card? • Checkbook? • Driver’s License? • Social Security Card? • Membership card? • Ship ID card? • Passport ?
How long would it take you to replace the stolen item – a few days/months/years? • Credit Card? • Checkbook? • Driver’s License? • Social Security Card? • Membership card? • Ship ID card? • Passport ?
Passports can be the most difficult to replace if you are abroad
How long would it take you to replace the stolen item? • Passport • Social Security Number
How much does an annual credit report cost? Nothing! • AnnualCreditReport.com
