Transcript IDENTITY THEFT
Presented By The Plano Police Department Crime Prevention Unit
Your Personal Information
Despite your best efforts to protect your personal information, skilled identity thieves may use a variety of methods to gain access to your data and take over your identity.
How Thieves Get Your Personal Information
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Steal Wallets & Purses Steal Mail Complete a Change of Address Form Rummage Through Your Trash Get Your Credit Report Get Your Records Through Work Use The Information You Give Out Over the Internet You may hand it directly to them!
Ways Thieves Use Your Personal Information
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They call pretending to be you & change the address. Since you do not receive the bills it takes a while before you realize there is a problem.
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They open a new credit card account using your personal information. They charge large amounts and then do not pay the bills.
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They establish phone or wireless service in your name and ring up large bills.
Ways Thieves Use Your Personal Information
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They open checking accounts in your name and write bad checks
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They counterfeit checks and debit cards and drain your bank account.
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They buy cars by taking out auto loans in your name
Ways To Minimize Your Risk
• Fraudulent access to ATM cards – “Shoulder Surfing” – Video Cameras and laptop computers – Use of scanners to steal credit card numbers - “skimmers”
ATM Safety and Security
– Keep all windows closed and all doors locked at a drive-up ATM. Keep the vehicle running and watch all sides.
– When approaching the ATM, be alert for suspicious persons.
– Never approach an ATM if the lights at the site are not working.
– If possible, take a companion along to the ATM, particularly after dark.
– Before you approach the ATM, have your card ready and know your code.
– Memorize your PIN. Do not write your PIN on your ATM card or carry your PIN in your wallet or purse.
– Do not select an easy to remember PIN – When using the ATM, stand directly in front of the keyboard, blocking the view of others – Never accept offers of assistance with the ATM from strangers.
– When your ATM transaction is completed, immediately take your property - card, receipt, money, etc., put them in your pocket, wallet or purse and leave immediately. Never stand and count your money .
– If you lose, misplace or have your ATM card stolen, notify the card issuer immediately
Ways To Minimize Your Risk
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Before revealing your personal information, find out how it will be used and if it will be shared with others.
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Pay close attention to your billing cycles.
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Put passwords on your credit card, bank, and phone accounts. (Avoid using obvious choices like your address or phone number as your password)
Ways Minimize Your Risk
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Do not give out information over the phone, mail, or internet unless you have initiated contact.
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Keep items with personal information in a safe place in your home.
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Order a copy of your credit report from each of the three major agencies each year
What To Do If You Suspect Identity Theft
You should immediately contact theses credit bureaus and request that a CONSUMER FRAUD ALERT be placed upon your credit information:
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Equifax Experian Transunion 1- 800 - 525 - 6285 1- 800 - 749 - 7576 1- 800 - 680 - 7289
What To Do If You Suspect Identity Theft
Notify your bank immediately.
Close any accounts compromised.
Contact the Credit Bureaus.
File a Police Report.
File a report with FTC.gov
For More Information On Identity Theft
Federal Trade Commission Identity Theft Hotline 1-877-ID-THEFT (438-4338) www.consumer.gov/idtheft