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?
A 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- 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- Going through your garbage cans or a communal dumpster or trash binto 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- if your mail is delivered to a place where others have ready access to it, criminals may
simply intercept and redirect your mail to another location.

d. Spam Emails- 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?
S stingy
C Check
A Ask
M Maintain
4. Explain what one part of SCAM means.
S means stingy and being careful who you give your personal information to expecially at home and when traviling.
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]
1. Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to report the situation, whether Online,
2. By telephone toll-free at 1-877-ID THEFT (877-438-4338) or TDD at 1-866-653-4261, or
3. By mail to Consumer Response Center, FTC, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, DC 20580.
Trans Union, Experian (formerly TRW), Equifax:




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?

7. What does it mean to be assigned to a collections agency? [Look up online]

8. How has this identity theft affected Joes life?

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. What is the average amount stolen according to the Javelin Identity Fraud Survey Report in 2010?

12. When must suspicious credit activity be reported so creditors can efficiently track fraudulent purchases?

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?

15. What is a fraud alert with the FTC? [Look this up online]