Identity Theft
Mya Linder
How does the scam work?
Scam artists get your name, social security number, and credit card number
- With having this information, they will/can open a new credit card account using your name, date of birth, and social security number
Who does the scam target?
The scam targets anybody: ordinary people, computer geeks, famous people, anyone
- If you use public, free wifi a lot, this will make you a little more vulnerable
Who will be hurt?
The victim will be hurt because of how much time it takes to renew everything after they’ve been scammed
- The victimizer, if caught, will probably spend some time in jail and have fines to pay off because Identity Theft is a crime
What is the economic impact?
Hackers set up free wifi in public places
- After you figure it out, you have to go on your own time to cancel your credit card, talk to the bank, call the credit card companies, etc.
What makes it believable?
Because your bills are sent to a new address, you may not notice the problem quickly
- By the time you figure out you’re a victim, damage has already been done
Do you think the average person would fall for this scam?
Anybody could “fall” for this scam
It doesn’t matter if you are a regular person or a computer expert, it could happen to anyone
- Depending on how fast you notice it determines how bad it can get
What does the scam rely on to be successful?
The scammer has to successfully get your information first
- They do this by maybe stealing your wallet or mail, or even digging through your trash for credit card offers, bills, bank statements, and receipts that you haven’t ripped up or shredded
What emotion does the scam depend on?
It depends on the way you’re looking at it
Scammers perspective: greedy, desperate, selfish
- Victim’s perspective: scared, nervous, ignorant, naive