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 where someone obtains another persons data in some way that involves fraud.
2. Define the following ways thieves might steal your identity
a. Shoulder Surfing
When a person watches you from a nearby location enter in your pin number or your telephone.
b. Dumpster Diving
A person who goes through your garbage cans or dumpsters to obtain your old checks.
c. Via the mail
Criminals may get pre-approved credit cards that you throw out without cutting up.
d. Spam Emails
An email that promises benefits but identifies a persons data.
3. To avoid being a victim of identity theft, it is recommended that you SCAM what does this stand for?
Stingy, check, ask, and maintain.
4. Explain what one part of SCAM means.
Be stingy about giving out your personal information to others unless you have a reason to trust them.
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]
Federal Trade commission, postal inspection service, social security administration, Equifax, Experian, and Trans
Union.


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 the letter refers to a visa card with a $5,000 balance and he only has one credit card which is American
express.
7. What does it mean to be assigned to a collections agency? [Look up online]

8. How has this identity theft affected Joes life?
He cannot buy a home because the collection account wrecked his credit score.
9. What does it mean to opt out of credit card offers that arrive in the mail? [Look this up online]
That you dont have to take part in the offers they offer you.
10. How many people are victims of identity theft each year?
There are 11.1 million people who get their identity stolen each year.
11. What is the average amount stolen according to the Javelin Identity Fraud Survey Report in 2010?
The average number stolen is $4,841.
12. When must suspicious credit activity be reported so creditors can efficiently track fraudulent purchases?
The first 30 days.
13. What are the 3 big things you must look for when reviewing your credit report?
Accounts that dont belong to you, personal information and outdated or incomplete information.
14. What steps should be taken when you are the victim of identity theft?
Place a fraud alert, contact the police, and fill out a report with the federal trade commission.
15. What is a fraud alert with the FTC? [Look this up online]
It is with the federal trade commission.