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?
The fraudulent acquisition and use of a persons private identity information, usually for financial gain.
2. Define the following ways thieves might steal your identity
a. Shoulder Surfing
The practice of spying on the user of an ATM, computer, or other electronic device in order to obtain their
personal access information
b. Dumpster Diving
The practice of raiding dumpsters to find discarded items that are still useful, can be recycled, and have
value.
c. Via the mail
Somebody can figure out your password by simply logging unto your information and figure out all of your
personal information
d. Spam Emails
These can be advertising something that is not real and ask for very personal information and you give the
information to an unknown advertisement
3. To avoid being a victim of identity theft, it is recommended that you SCAM what does this stand for?
s-stingy about your personal items c-check your financial information regularly a-ask periodically for a copy of
credit report m-maintain careful records of banking and financial accounts
4. Explain what one part of SCAM means.
Staying at home- a person who calls you and says he is from a bank, however, doesnt need to know that
information if it is already on file with your bank; the only purpose of such a call is to acquire that information for
that persons personal benefits only.
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]
You should contact the FTC to report the situation. You can also call the FBI or the U.S Secret Service. You need to
tell you local postal inspection service, the social security administration, internal revenue service, and your credit
reporting agency.
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 was confused because he pays his credit card bills on time every month and full each month so he did not know
why this bill came in.
7. What does it mean to be assigned to a collections agency? [Look up online]
It means you are on the lists and they will be collecting from you even if you did not sign up for it.
8. How has this identity theft affected Joes life?
When he wanted to buy a house but he is scared because he has to delay the purchase of his home because his
credit score is always going to be low and cant receive the best interest rates.
9. What does it mean to opt out of credit card offers that arrive in the mail? [Look this up online]
It means you have to call the pot out number and cancel all the offers you receive in the mail, so you wont have so
much mail and emails from them.
10. How many people are victims of identity theft each year?
11.1 million Americans
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?
Within 30 days
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, and outdated information
14. What steps should be taken when you are the victim of identity theft?
Placing a fraud alert on your credit report, filing out identification theft complaint with the FTC
15. What is a fraud alert with the FTC? [Look this up online] An initial fraud alert can make it harder for an identity thief
to open more accounts in your name. The alert lasts 90 days but you can renew it.