Seven Easy Steps to Fraud Prevention Northwestern University

1. Seven Easy Steps to Fraud PreventionNorthwestern University Clifton M. O’Neal Director, Corporate Communications August 10, 2005

2. About TransUnion The History of TransUnion Fraud Assistance • TransUnion was the first credit bureau to establish a victim assistance department • TransUnion has provided local fraud support since the early 80’s • TransUnion has operated a nationwide fraud department since January 1992 Our Mission • Protect and assist all victims & potential victims of identity crimes as it relates to the TransUnion credit file • Proactive is better than reactive • Why? Because we care!

3. Overview Seven Steps to Fraud Prevention 1.  Understand the basics of identity fraud 2.  Recognize current scams 3.  Know what information can be used for fraud 4.  Protect your personal information 5.  Keep accurate records in a safe place 6.  Check credit report regularly 7.  Act fast to correct errors • Tools and resources for fraud recovery • Q&A

4. Credit Fraud Today

5. Types of Identity Fraud Identity Theft • The use of another person’s name and Social Security number to obtain new credit Account Take-Over • The use of another person’s existing account Multi-Victim Fraud • The compromise of database information Application Fraud • The use of a fictitious identity to obtain new credit

6. Credit Fraud Today What We Are Up Against • Persuasive information • Organized crime • The Internet • Credit repair • Counterfeit documents

7. Identity Crime Examples Hand-Held Credit Card Skimmers

8. Identity Crime Examples Keystroke Catchers

9. Identity Crime Examples Phishing and Pharming • Bank of America • Ebay • Best Buy • Citibank • Earthlink According to the FBI, phishing is “The hottest and most troubling new scam on the Internet.” Recent victims have included: Now this fraud is expanding to include pharming, the fraudulent redirecting of consumers to a fake Web site.

10. Identity Crime Examples Phishing for Earthlink Received as an email. Link redirects to non-Earthlink site

11. What is “Private” Data? Personal Information • Social Security information, date of birth, mother’s maiden name • Account Numbers • Credit cards, banking accounts Passwords & Pins • Email, online banking Any information that is not required to provide the service or product should be questioned.

12. How to Protect Your Data Carry Only What You Need • Don’t keep Social Security card in your wallet • Keep in your wallet only the cards you use/need Shred Sensitive Documents Safeguard Personal Information • Phone, internet sites, etc. Take Care with Passwords • Don’t write them down • Don’t share them with anyone

13. Keep Accurate Records Keep Important Records in a Safe Place • Available when needed and not easily taken Balance Checkbook • Watch for missed check numbers or mystery charges Good records ease both the detection and resolution of fraud

14. Check Your Credit Ensure all Three Credit Reports are Accurate • www.AnnualCreditReport.com Sign Up for Credit Monitoring • Automated service that sends notices of important changes Avoid Credit “Repair” Scams • Often participate in illegal activities to initiate fraudulent accounts • Not to be trusted with your personal information

15. Act Fast When Fraud is Suspected Prevent further fraud damage • Acting quickly will ease the resolution greatly with creditors and the credit bureaus • It is much easier to prevent damage than remove it • Don’t wait until it costs you thousands on a loan • Seven (7) easy steps to follow

16. Fraud Prevention Seven Steps to Fraud Prevention 1.  Understand Basics of Identity Fraud 2.  Recognize Current Scams 3.  Know What Information Can be Used for Fraud 4.  Protect Your Personal Information 5.  Keep Accurate Records in a Safe Place 6.  Check Credit Report Regularly 7.  Act Fast to Correct Errors • Tools and Resources for Fraud Recovery • Q&A

17. Thank You Consumer Protection Team P.O. Box 6790 Fullerton, CA 92834 (800) 680-7289 fvad@transunion.com www.transunion.com