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?
its a term for the crime of someone stealing another persons personal information
2. Define the following ways thieves might steal your identity
a. Shoulder Surfing
someone eaves dropping on what youre doing to steal your credit card number
b. Dumpster Diving
someone going through your trash to find discarded checks
c. Via the mail
when someone breaks into your mailbox and takes any preapproved credit cards
d. Spam Emails
emails that when responded to leave viruses on your computer to hack into your information
3. To avoid being a victim of identity theft, it is recommended that you SCAM what does this stand for?
be Stingy, Check your information regularly, Ask for your credit report, and Maintain your records
4. Explain what one part of SCAM means.
to be stingy means being frugal with your money dont just spend it all at once
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]
California Department Of Consumer Affairs, Federal Bureau of Information, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation,
Federal Trade Commission Congressional Testimony, Federal Trade Commission Fighting Back Against ID Theft,
United States Postal Inspection Service, United states Secret Service


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?
because he not only pays his bills on time but the expired card wasnt even the same type of card
7. What does it mean to be assigned to a collections agency? [Look up online]
it means your assign to a agency to encourage you to swiftly pay your debt
8. How has this identity theft affected Joes life?
he has tried to buy a new house but has trouble because of the damage to his credit score
9. What does it mean to opt out of credit card offers that arrive in the mail? [Look this up online]
it means to refuse credit card offer that came in the mail
10. How many people are victims of identity theft each year?
11.1 million
11. What is the average amount stolen according to the Javelin Identity Fraud Survey Report in 2010?
4,841
12. When must suspicious credit activity be reported so creditors can efficiently track fraudulent purchases?
within 18 months of the account opening
13. What are the 3 big things you must look for when reviewing your credit report?
accounts that dont belong to you, personal information that isnt yours, outdated info
14. What steps should be taken when you are the victim of identity theft?
alert authorities, cancel accounts, place fraud markers on others.
15. What is a fraud alert with the FTC? [Look this up online]
Its a mark that claims the corresponding account has been affected by fraud