identity theft
cierra b. hernandez
what is identity theft ?
the fraudulent acquisition and use of a person's private identifying information, usually for financial gain.
how to protect yourself from identity theft
How to prevent identity theft
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how do they get your info. ?
•They "dumpster dive" or rummage through your garbage
• pretend to work for legitimate companies, medical offices, clinics, pharmacies, or Gov. Agencies to conceal your info
•trick you by email (phishing) or phone (pretexting)
what should you do when it happens ?
• Contact the credit reporting company
• Place a fraud alert on credit file
• Monitor your accounts for unusual stuff
• Exercise legal rights to a free copy of your Credit Report
how can you tell if your identity is being stolen ?
• Unexplained withdrawals
• you don't get your bills or other mail
• merchants refuse your checks
• find unexplained charges or accounts to your credit card
Types Of Identity Theft
• Credit Card Fraud
• Phone and Utilities Fraud
• Bank Fraud
• Employment Fraud
• Government document and Benefits Fraud
• Loan Fraud
• Attempt Fraud
things to consider for identity theft
• place initial fraud alert
• Freeze credit cards
• get credit reports
• create identity theft report