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?
When someone wrongfully obtains and uses another persons personal data in some way that involves fraud or
deception, typically for economic gain.
2. Define the following ways thieves might steal your identity
a. Shoulder Surfing
Watching from a nearby location as you punch in your telephone to call your card or listen in as you give
your credit card number over the phone.
b. Dumpster Diving
going through garbage cans or communal dumpster or trash bin to look for copies or your checks, credit
cards, or bank statements or other record with your personal information on it.
c. Via the mail
Where people put their personal information to sign up for emails
d. Spam Emails
Unsolicited email that promises them helpful benefit but requests identifying data.
3. To avoid being a victim of identity theft, it is recommended that you SCAM what does this stand for?

4. Explain what one part of SCAM means.

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]


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?
Because he only has one credit card which is an American Express that he pays in full every month and the letter was
for a Visa card with a $5,000 balance.
7. What does it mean to be assigned to a collections agency? [Look up online]

8. How has this identity theft affected Joes life?
Joe has everything on records of what the thief did with Joes information and even though it wasnt Joe it stays on
his record for a very long time and now when he is trying to buy a house it is very hard for him because people see
what he bought and didnt pay back on his record which was from the thief but there is really not a lot to do about
the past but to remember to keep everything under lock and key from now on and to check up on everything too.
9. What does it mean to opt out of credit card offers that arrive in the mail? [Look this up online]

10. How many people are victims of identity theft each year?
11.1 million Americans each year
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 the first 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 such as names, phone numbers, date of birth, addresses
or social security numbers that do not belong to you and outdated or incomplete information.
14. What steps should be taken when you are the victim of identity theft?
Placing a fraud alert on your credit report, filing a police report, and filling out an Identification Theft Complaint
with the federal trade Commission.
15. What is a fraud alert with the FTC? [Look this up online]