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?
Identity theft is a crime; it is when someone steals and uses another persons data involving fraud or deception.
2. Define the following ways thieves might steal your identity
a. Shoulder Surfing
When someone watches you put in your phone calling number or credit card number or listen to your
conversation over the phone for your credit card number.
b. Dumpster Diving
Going through garbage can to get copies of checks, credit card/bank statements or records with your name,
address and phone number.
c. Via the mail
Getting preapproved credit cards in the mail and throwing them away without cutting them up criminal can
get them and try to activate them.
d. Spam Emails
Emails that promise you a benefit but asks you for identification and do not keep the promise.
3. To avoid being a victim of identity theft, it is recommended that you SCAM what does this stand for?
Stingy-dont give out your information unless you have a reason to trust them.
Check-look at your financial information regularly for things that shouldnt be there.
Ask-frequently for a copy of your credit report.
Maintain-keep careful records of your banking and financial accounts.
4. Explain what one part of SCAM means.
Maintain means to keep careful records of you your banking and financial accounts yourself so you know if there is
something there that shouldnt be.
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]
To report fraud, call (800) 680-7289 or write to P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92634. To report fraud, call (888)
EXPERIAN or (888) 397-3742, fax to (800) 301-7196, or write to P.O. Box 1017, Allen, TX 75013. To report fraud,
call (800) 525-6285 or write to P.O. Box 740250, Atlanta, GA 30374-0250. Your local office of the Postal
Inspection Service if you suspect that an identity thief has submitted a change-of-address form with the Post
Office to redirect your mail, or has used the mail to commit frauds involving your identity. The Social Security
Administration if you suspect that your Social Security number is being fraudulently used (call 800-269-0271 to
report the fraud). Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to report the situation, whether Online. By
telephone toll-free at 1-877-ID THEFT (877-438-4338) or TDD at 1-866-653-4261. By mail to Consumer Response
Center, FTC, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20580. The Internal Revenue Service if you
suspect the improper use of identification information in connection with tax violations (call 1-800-829-0433 to
report the violations).
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 was so confused because he only had one credit card an American Express card that he paid in full each month.
7. What does it mean to be assigned to a collections agency? [Look up online]
You are assigned to a collection agency when you dont pay the lenders back their money.
8. How has this identity theft affected Joes life?
Identity theft has affected Joes life because he has to hold back on buying a house for his family because his credit
score is too low to receive good interest.
9. What does it mean to opt out of credit card offers that arrive in the mail? [Look this up online]
It means that you dont want to be sent pre-approved credit cards in the mail anymore.
10. How many people are victims of identity theft each year?
11.1 million Americans are victims of identity theft each year.
11. What is the average amount stolen according to the Javelin Identity Fraud Survey Report in 2010?
The average amount stolen in 2010 is $4,841 according to the Javelin Identity Fraud Survey Report.
12. When must suspicious credit activity be reported so creditors can efficiently track fraudulent purchases?
Suspicious credit activity should be reported within the first 30 days.
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, address, or Social Security number that do not
belong to you
Outdated or incomplete information
14. What steps should be taken when you are the victim of identity theft?
You should call the police and then call the three credit agencies to cancel your accounts and cards that have been
used by someone else, and fill out an identification Theft Complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.
15. What is a fraud alert with the FTC? [Look this up online]
A fraud alert is when you freeze your credit card so you cant use it.