[SIG-IDtheft] Fwd: US-FTC about-identity-theft.htm http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/consumers/about-identity-theft.html
Britta Glade
britta at projectliberty.org
Fri Jun 22 13:30:12 EDT 2007
As discussed on the call right now--an interesting resource.
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Weitzel, David S <dweitzel at mitre.org>
Date: Jun 22, 2007 10:27 AM
Subject: US-FTC about-identity-theft.htm
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/consumers/about-identity-theft.html
To: Britta Glade <britta at projectliberty.org>
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Fighting Back Against
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- DETENGA, DETECTE, DEFIENDA: Evite el Robo de
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- Conozca sobre el Robo de
Identidad<http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/en-espanol/about-identity-theft.html>
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riesgos<http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/en-espanol/deter.html>
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sospechosas<http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/en-espanol/detect.html>
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inmediatamente<http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/en-espanol/defend.html>
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<http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/en-espanol/filing-a-report.html>
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- Recursos para
consumidores<http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/en-espanol/consumer-publications.html>
About Identity Theft
What is identity
theft?<http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/consumers/about-identity-theft.html#Whatisidentitytheft>
How do thieves steal an
identity?<http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/consumers/about-identity-theft.html#Howdothievesstealanidentity>
What do thieves do with a stolen
identity?<http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/consumers/about-identity-theft.html#Whatdothievesdowithastolenidentity>
How can you find out if your identity was
stolen?<http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/consumers/about-identity-theft.html#Howcanyoufindoutifyouridentitywasstolen>
How long can the effects of identity theft
last?<http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/consumers/about-identity-theft.html#Howlongcantheeffectsofidentitytheftlast>
What should you do if your identity is
stolen?<http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/consumers/about-identity-theft.html#Whatcanyoudotohelpfightidentitytheft>
Should you file a police report if your identity is
stolen?<http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/consumers/about-identity-theft.html#shouldyoufileapolicereportifyouridentityisstolen>
How long can the effects of identity theft
last?<http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/consumers/about-identity-theft.html#Howlongcantheeffectsofidentitytheftlast>
What can you do to help fight identity
theft?<http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/consumers/about-identity-theft.html#Whatcanyoudotohelpfightidentitytheft>
*What is identity theft?*
Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personally identifying
information, like your name, Social Security number, or credit card number,
without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes.
The FTC estimates that as many as 9 million Americans have their identities
stolen each year. In fact, you or someone you know may have experienced some
form of identity theft.
The crime takes many forms. Identity thieves may rent an apartment, obtain a
credit card, or establish a telephone account in your name. You may not find
out about the theft until you review your credit report or a credit card
statement and notice charges you didn't make—or until you're contacted by a
debt collector.
Identity theft is serious. While some identity theft victims can resolve
their problems quickly, others spend hundreds of dollars and many days
repairing damage to their good name and credit record. Some consumers
victimized by identity theft may lose out on job opportunities, or be denied
loans for education, housing or cars because of negative information on
their credit reports. In rare cases, they may even be arrested for crimes
they did not commit.
back to top<http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/consumers/about-identity-theft.html#content>
*How do thieves steal an identity?*
Identity theft starts with the misuse of your personally identifying
information such as your name and Social Security number, credit card
numbers, or other financial account information. For identity thieves, this
information is as good as gold.
Skilled identity thieves may use a variety of methods to get hold of your
information, including:
1. *Dumpster Diving.* They rummage through trash looking for bills or
other paper with your personal information on it.
2. *Skimming.* They steal credit/debit card numbers by using a special
storage device when processing your card.
3. *Phishing.* They pretend to be financial institutions or companies
and send spam or pop-up messages to get you to reveal your personal
information.
4. *Changing Your Address.* They divert your billing statements to
another location by completing a change of address form.
5. *Old-Fashioned Stealing*. They steal wallets and purses; mail,
including bank and credit card statements; pre-approved credit offers; and
new checks or tax information. They steal personnel records, or bribe
employees who have access.
6. *Pretexting.* They use false pretenses to obtain your personal
information from financial institutions, telephone companies, and other
sources. For more information about pretexting, click
here<http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/consumers/pretexting.html>.
back to top<http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/consumers/about-identity-theft.html#content>
*What do thieves do with a stolen identity?*
Once they have your personal information, identity thieves use it in a
variety of ways.
Credit card fraud:
- They may open new credit card accounts in your name. When they use
the cards and don't pay the bills, the delinquent accounts appear on your
credit report.
- They may change the billing address on your credit card so that you
no longer receive bills, and then run up charges on your account. Because
your bills are now sent to a different address, it may be some time before
you realize there's a problem.
Phone or utilities fraud:
- They may open a new phone or wireless account in your name, or run
up charges on your existing account.
- They may use your name to get utility services like electricity,
heating, or cable TV.
Bank/finance fraud:
- They may create counterfeit checks using your name or account
number.
- They may open a bank account in your name and write bad checks.
- They may clone your ATM or debit card and make electronic
withdrawals your name, draining your accounts.
- They may take out a loan in your name.
Government documents fraud:
- They may get a driver's license or official ID card issued in your
name but with their picture.
- They may use your name and Social Security number to get government
benefits.
- They may file a fraudulent tax return using your information.
Other fraud:
- They may get a job using your Social Security number.
- They may rent a house or get medical services using your name.
- They may give your personal information to police during an arrest.
If they don't show up for their court date, a warrant for arrest is issued
in your name.
back to top<http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/consumers/about-identity-theft.html#content>
*How can you find out if your identity was stolen? *
The best way to find out is to monitor your accounts and bank statements
each month, and check your credit report on a regular basis. If you check
your credit report regularly, you may be able to limit the damage caused by
identity theft. For more information, visit the Detect Identity
Theft<http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/consumers/detect.html>section.
Unfortunately, many consumers learn that their identity has been stolen
after some damage has been done.
- You may find out when bill collection agencies contact you for
overdue debts you never incurred.
- You may find out when you apply for a mortgage or car loan and learn
that problems with your credit history are holding up the loan.
- You may find out when you get something in the mail about an
apartment you never rented, a house you never bought, or a job you never
held.
back to top<http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/consumers/about-identity-theft.html#content>
*What should you do if your identity is stolen?*
Filing a police report, checking your credit reports, notifying creditors,
and disputing any unauthorized transactions are some of the steps you must
take immediately to restore your good name. To learn more about these steps
and more, visit the DEFEND: Recover from Identity
Theft<http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/consumers/defend.html>section.
To file a complaint, click
here<http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/consumers/filing-a-report.html>.
back to top<http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/consumers/about-identity-theft.html#content>
*Should you file a police report if your identity is stolen?*
A police report that provides specific details of the identity theft is
considered an Identity Theft Report, which entitles you to certain legal
rights when it is provided to the three major credit reporting agencies or
to companies where the thief misused your information. An Identity Theft
Report can be used to permanently block fraudulent
information<http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/consumers/resolving-specific-id-theft-problems.html#ConsumerReportingCompanyObligations>that
results from identity theft
*, *such as accounts or addresses, from appearing on your credit report. It
will also make sure these debts do not
reappear<http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/consumers/resolving-specific-id-theft-problems.html#InformationProviderObligations>on
your credit reports. Identity Theft Reports can prevent a company from
continuing to collect
debts<http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/consumers/resolving-specific-id-theft-problems.html#InformationProviderObligations>that
result from identity theft, or selling them to others for collection.
An Identity Theft Report is also needed to place an extended fraud
alert<http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/consumers/defend.html#Whatisafraudalert>on
your credit report.
You may not need an Identity Theft Report if the thief made charges on an
existing account and you have been able to work with the company to resolve
the dispute. Where an identity thief has opened new accounts in your name,
or where fraudulent charges have been reported to the consumer reporting
agencies, you should obtain an Identity Theft Report so that you can take
advantage of the protections you are entitled to.
In order for a police report to entitle you to the legal rights mentioned
above, it must contain specific details about the identity theft. You
should file an ID Theft
Complaint<http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/consumers/filing-a-report.html>with
the FTC and bring your printed ID Theft Complaint with you to the
police station when you file your police report. The printed ID Theft
Complaint can be used to support your local police report to ensure that it
includes the detail required.
A police report is also needed to get copies of the thief's application, as
well as transaction information from companies that dealt with the thief.
To get this information, you must submit a request in writing, accompanied
by the police report, to the address specified by the company for this
purpose. You can find more information and a model letter
here<http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/downloads/Request-for-Fraudulent-Transaction.doc>
.
*How long can the effects of identity theft last?*
It's difficult to predict how long the effects of identity theft may linger.
That's because it depends on many factors including the type of theft,
whether the thief sold or passed your information on to other thieves,
whether the thief is caught, and problems related to correcting your credit
report.
Victims of identity theft should monitor financial records for several
months after they discover the crime. Victims should review their credit
reports once every three months in the first year of the theft, and once a
year thereafter. Stay alert for other signs of identity theft.
Don't delay in correcting your records and contacting all companies that
opened fraudulent accounts. Make the initial contact by phone, even though
you will normally need to follow up in writing. The longer the inaccurate
information goes uncorrected, the longer it will take to resolve the
problem.
back to top<http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/consumers/about-identity-theft.html#content>
*What can you do to help fight identity theft? *
A great deal.
Awareness is an effective weapon against many forms identity theft. Be aware
of how information is stolen and what you can do to protect yours, monitor
your personal information to uncover any problems quickly, and know what to
do when you suspect your identity has been stolen.
Armed with the knowledge of how to protect yourself and take action, you can
make identity thieves' jobs much more difficult. You can also help fight
identity theft by educating your friends, family, and members of your
community. The FTC has prepared a collection of easy-to-use materials to
enable anyone regardless of existing knowledge about identity theft to
inform others about this serious crime. To learn more, click
here<http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/consumers/deter-detect-defend.html>
.
back to top<http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/consumers/about-identity-theft.html#content>
*Hot Links*
Partner with the Deter, Detect, Defend
Campaign<http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/become-a-partner.html>
This page requires JavaScript and the Macromedia Flash Player.
*Watch the video*<http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/consumers/about-identity-theft.html#>
The President's Identity Theft Task Force <http://www.idtheft.gov/>
File a Complaint with the
FTC<http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/consumers/filing-a-report.html>
Learn About Credit
Freezes<http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/credit-freeze.html>
Test Your Knowledge about Identity Theft – Take the OnGuard Online
Quiz<http://onguardonline.gov/quiz/idtheft_quiz.html>
*Key Publications*
Take Charge: Fighting Back Against Identity
Theft<http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/idtheft/idt04.htm>
*(PDF 4.9MB) <http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/idtheft/idt04.pdf>*
Information Compromise and the Risk of Identity Theft: Guidance for Your
Business <http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/business/idtheft/bus59.htm>
*(PDF 152KB) <http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/business/idtheft/bus59.pdf>*
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|
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|
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Español<http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/ren-espanol/index.html>
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ftc.gov <http://www.ftc.gov/>
------------------------------
--
Britta Glade
Liberty Alliance
925-254-4233
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