Identity Theft Webquest

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?
Identity theft and identity fraud are terms used to refer to all types of crime in which
someone wrongfully obtains and uses another person's 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
In public places, for example, criminals may engage in "shoulder surfing" watching
you from a nearby location as you punch in your telephone calling card number or
credit card number or listen in on your conversation if you give your credit-card
number over the telephone to a hotel or rental car company.
b. Dumpster Diving
Some criminals engage in "dumpster diving" going through your garbage cans or a
communal dumpster or trash bin -- to obtain copies of your checks, credit card or
bank statements, or other records that typically bear your name, address, and even
your telephone number.
c. Via the mail

d. Spam Emails
In their haste to explore the exciting features of the Internet, many people respond to
"spam" unsolicited E-mail that promises them some benefit but requests identifying
data, without realizing that in many cases, the requester has no intention of keeping
his promise
3. To avoid being a victim of identity theft, it is recommended that you SCAM what does this stand for?
To reduce or minimize the risk of becoming a victim of identity theft or fraud, there are
some basic steps you can take. For starters, just remember the word
4. Explain what one part of SCAM means.
S Be stingy about giving out your personal information to others unless you have a reason
to trust them, regardless of where you are:

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]
Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to report the situation

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?

The letter referred to a Visa card with a $5,000 balance, he only has an American express
card, he doesnt own a visa
7. What does it mean to be assigned to a collections agency? [Look up online]
If you are assigned to a collections agency, that is the collections agency that you will go to for everything
8. How has this identity theft affected Joes life?
Twelve months later, Tremba still answers calls from creditors trying to collect the debt.
ThoughTremba wants to buy a house, the collection account wreaked havoc on his credit
score. He wonderswhether he should keep fighting to have the collection account removed
from his credit report;sometimes he thinks he should pay the entire $5,000 bill and be done
with it. Either way, he knows hemust delay the purchase of a home for his new family
because his credit score is too low to receivethe 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 simply means you dont want to get involved with the credit card offers you receive, its best to stick with one
credit card and not mulitple
10. How many people are victims of identity theft each year?
11,100,000
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?
Call immediately, the quicker you call, the quicker they can cancel the account
13. What are the 3 big things you must look for when reviewing your credit report?

14. What steps should be taken when you are the victim of identity theft?
Call your credit card company right away to try and cancel any accounts, or cards that you think may be at risk
15. What is a fraud alert with the FTC? [Look this up online]

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