Identity Theft Webquest

Part I Use the Justice Departments website to learn more about identity theft.
http://www.justice.gov/criminal/fraud/websites/idtheft.html
1. What is identity theft? Someone wrongfully obtains and uses another person's personal data in some way
that involves fraud or deception, typically for economic gain.

2. Define the following ways thieves might steal your identity
a. Shoulder Surfing Watching you from a nearby location as you punch in your telephone calling card
number or credit card number or listen in on your conversation if you give your credit-card number
over the telephone to a hotel or rental car company.

b. Dumpster Diving Going through your garbage cans or a communal dumpster or trash bin -- to
obtain copies of your checks, credit card or bank statements, or other records that typically bear
your name, address, and even your telephone number.

c. Via the mail- If your mail is delivered to a place where others have ready access to it, criminals may
simply intercept and redirect your mail to another location.

d. Spam Emails- Unsolicited E-mail that promises them some benefit but requests identifying data,
without realizing that in many cases, the requester has no intention of keeping his promise.

3. To avoid being a victim of identity theft, it is recommended that you SCAM what does this stand for?
S- Be stingy about giving out your personal information to others unless you have a reason to trust them,
regardless of where you are
C- Check your financial information regularly, and look for what should be there and what shouldn't
A- Ask periodically for a copy of your credit report.
M- Maintain careful records of your banking and financial accounts.
4. Explain what one part of SCAM means.
Be aware with everything on your credit card reports, do not give out your personal information unless you t5rsut
them, maintain records of everything that an identity thief can find
5. What groups do you need to contact when you find youre the victim of identity theft or fraud? [Hint - there are 7
specific bureaus/organizations + 2 more generic companies and institutions] Contact the Federal Trade
Commissions. Contact your local office of the Postal Inspection Service. Notify: Social Security Administration, The
Internal Revenue Service. Call the fraud units of the three principal credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian,
Trans Union, you can also contact the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse checklist.


Part II For this assignment, you will read a story of one persons experience with identity theft and use the internet to
further your understanding of what happened to the person. Questions where you will need to research the answer
online are indicated as such.
Article -
http://www.protectmyid.com/images/education_center/pdf/060IdentityRecovery/050%20id%20recovery_one%20victi
ms%20story.pdf
6. Why was Joe Tremba confused when he received a collection letter about a past due credit card account?
He always pays his bills on time and only has one credit card which is an American Express card that he pays in full
every month. The letter was from a Visa Card with a $5,000 balance.

7. What does it mean to be assigned to a collections agency? [Look up online]
If the debt is assigned to a collection agency, but still owned by the creditor, generally, the collection agency cant sue
you without the original creditors authorization. If the original creditor insists that the agency collect 100% of the debt,
the agency cannot accept less from you without getting the original creditors okay.

8. How has this identity theft affected Joes life?
The collection agency had no way a knowing if he was telling the truth or not. A year later he still has to answer
phone calls from the creditors. The collection account wreaked havoc on his credit score and he is trying to buy a
house.

9. What does it mean to opt out of credit card offers that arrive in the mail? [Look this up online]
It means if you are going to choose to receive this in the mail or not
10. How many people are victims of identity theft each year?
11.1 million Americans each year
11. What is the average amount stolen according to the Javelin Identity Fraud Survey Report in 2010?
the average amount is $4,841
12. When must suspicious credit activity be reported so creditors can efficiently track fraudulent purchases?
right away when the victim finds out
13. What are the 3 big things you must look for when reviewing your credit report?
Accounts that do not belong to you, personal information such as names, phone numbers, date of birth, addresses,
or social security numbers that do not belong to you. Also look for outdated or incomplete information
14. What steps should be taken when you are the victim of identity theft?
Place a fraud alert on your credit report, file a police report, and file out an Identification Theft Complaint with the
Federal Trade Commission.
15. What is a fraud alert with the FTC? [Look this up online]
When you have an alert on your report, a business must verify your identity before it issues credit, so it may try to
contact you. The initial alert stays on your report for at least 90 days. You can renew it after 90 days. It allows you to
order one free copy of your credit report from each of the three credit reporting companies. Be sure the credit
reporting companies have your current contact information so they can get in touch with you.