2. What it is. Happens when information is stolen Information is used without your knowledge Most people can be identified by: Sex Date of birth Zip code
3. The facts. Claims about 10 million victims per year Businesses can lose up to $50 million a year Mostly 18 to 24-year-olds are targeted An average of $4,841 stolen per victim
4. More facts. 703 out of 5,000 people surveyed nationwide Victims of identity theft 55% never find out how their information was stolen 12% increase from previous year
5. Extra facts. Takes an average of 132 days before fraudulent activity on credit cards is detected About 11.1 million people are victims of all ages The “free” product usually isn’t really “free” Has strings attached in most cases
6. The tools. Phishing E-mails take victims to fraudulent websites Smishing Text messages fool victims to download malicious spyware
7. More tools. Pharming Malicious code on computers send victims to fake websites Keylogging Hidden software records victims’ keystrokes to collect passwords and other information
8. How to avoid it. Avoid carrying anything with your social security number on it Never give out personal information On the phone On the internet http://www.annualcreditreport.com Only website authorized to send orders for the free annual credit report You are entitled under law to receive one each year
9. What do to. Close accounts that have been affected File a police report This helps you claim your right Report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission Online Phone Mail This report helps you claim your rights as a victim of identity theft
10. Citations. Klein, Allison. "18- to 24-year-olds most at risk for ID theft, survey finds." Washington Post 17 March 2010, OnlinePrint. "Your Access to Free Credit Reports." Federal Trade Commission. Mar. 2008. Web. 21 Apr. 2010. <http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consumer/credit/cre34.htm>. "Identity Theft - OnGuard Online." OnGuard Online. Feb. 2008. Web. 21 Apr. 2010. <http://www.onguardonline.gov/topics/identity-theft.aspx>.
