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 crime in which a person wrongfully obtains and uses another persons
personal data by using fraud or deception in order to obtain an economic gain.

2. Define the following ways thieves might steal your identity
a. Shoulder Surfing- when a person watches you punch, from a nearby location, your telephone calling card
number, credit card number, or listens in on a phone call in which you give that information

b. Dumpster Diving- when a person goes through your garbage for past bills, credit card statements, bank
statements or anything with your personal information

c. Via the mail- Pre approved cards that are thrown away without being torn up could be obtained by thieves
who can try activating the card in your name; people can also intercept your mail if you receive mail where
others can have easy access to it

d. Spam Emails- Thieves will send Spam emails requesting personal information from an individual in order
to obtain information that can be used for identity theft

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 personal information, C-Check financial information regularly, A-Ask periodically for a
credit report, M-maintain careful records of your banking or financial accounts

4. Explain what one part of SCAM means. A- ask periodically for a credit report ; obtaining a credit report will show
all financial accounts under your name. It can show you if an account has been wrongfully opened under your name

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, local office of the FBI, Postal inspection service, Social security administration, IRS,
Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion


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 only
had an American Express card that he paid in full and on time every month. The letter he received was for a Visa
Card.

7. What does it mean to be assigned to a collections agency? [Look up online] It means that the creditor may still owe
the debt but the debt is turned over to a collections agency. This occurs when a debt goes unpaid for months and an
agreement cannot be made with the creditor.

8. How has this identity theft affected Joes life? The debt has caused Joe to have a very low credit score. Joe also still
receives phone calls from creditors trying to collect the debt. Due to this Joe is unable to buy a home.

9. What does it mean to opt out of credit card offers that arrive in the mail? [Look this up online] To opt out of credit
card offers means that the person requests that their name is excluded from credit reporting agency lists for
unsolicited credit and insurance offers.

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? Suspicious
activity must be reported within 30 days.

13. What are the 3 big things you must look for when reviewing your credit report? You must look for accounts that do
not belong to you, personal information that doesnt belong to you and outdated/incomplete information.

14. What steps should be taken when you are the victim of identity theft? You should place a fraud alert, filing a police
report, and filling out an Identification Theft Complaint with the FTC.

15. What is a fraud alert with the FTC? [Look this up online] A fraud alert makes it difficult for identity thieves to open
more accounts in your name. The alert tells businesses that they need to verify your identity before it issues credit.
The alert lasts 90 days and may be renewed.