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 in which someone wrongfully obtains and uses another person's personal data in some way
that involves fraud or deception
2. Define the following ways thieves might steal your identity
a. Shoulder Surfing
A person 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
People 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 you receive applications for "preapproved" credit cards in the mail, but discard them without tearing up
the enclosed materials, criminals may retrieve them and try to activate the cards for their use without your
knowledge.
d. Spam Emails
People can respond to spam 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?
Stingy, Check, Ask, Maintain
4. Explain what one part of SCAM means.
Be stingy in giving out personal information.
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, IRS, Equifax, Trans Union, F.B.I, U.S
Secret Service, California Department of Consumer Affairs

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 pays his bills in full every month and only has one credit card.
7. What does it mean to be assigned to a collections agency? [Look up online]
A business that pursues payments of debts owed by individuals or businesses.
8. How has this identity theft affected Joes life?
He still answers calls from creditors trying to collect the debt. Though Tremba wanted to buy a house, the collection
killed his credit score, so he cant get one at a good rate.
9. What does it mean to opt out of credit card offers that arrive in the mail? [Look this up online]
The company wont send you pre-approved credit cards 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?
Immediately so the creditor can cancel the account.
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.
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 fill out an Identification Theft Complaint with the
Federal Trade Commission.

15. What is a fraud alert with the FTC? [Look this up online]
Placing a fraud alert with the FTC notifies the 3 credit reporting agencies and makes it harder for the thief to open
more accounts.