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 is when someone uses another persons personal data in a way that involves fraud typically for
economic gain.
2. Define the following ways thieves might steal your identity
a. Shoulder Surfing
Watching someone from a nearby location to see them put in credit card numbers, telephone numbers or
even listen in on your phone calls to hear if you give out your credit number.
b. Dumpster Diving
Going through someones garbage looking for copies of your checks, bank statements, or other records with
your name, your address and telephone number.
c. Via the mail
someone may intercept on your mail and send it to a different address.
d. Spam Emails
Sending emails that sound promising so you give out your personal information.
3. To avoid being a victim of identity theft, it is recommended that you SCAM what does this stand for?
S- Be stingy
C-Check
A- Ask
M- Maintain
4. Explain what one part of SCAM means.
M- Maintain records of your banking and financial accounts.
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]
The groups you need to contact when you find youre the victim of identity theft or fraud are the Federal Trade
Commission (FTC), Postal Inspection Service, Social Security Administration, Internal Revenue Service, Equifax, Experian,
Trans Union, Consumer Response Center, and 1-877-ID THEFT (877-438-4338)

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?
Joe Tremba was confused when he received a collection letter about a past due credit card account because he
always paid his bills on time and in full and he didnt understand where this came from.
7. What does it mean to be assigned to a collections agency? [Look up online]
To be assigned to a collections agency means that you have debt you havent paid.
8. How has this identity theft affected Joes life?
Identity theft has affected Joes life because he has this huge amount of debt and he isnt sure if he wants to pay it
off because it wasnt his fault so his credit score is really low so he has to put off buying a new home and starting a
family because he wont be able to get good interest rates due to his low credit score.
9. What does it mean to opt out of credit card offers that arrive in the mail? [Look this up online]
To opt out of credit card offers that arrive in the mail means
10. How many people are victims of identity theft each year?
About 11.1 million Americans are victims of identity theft each year.
11. What is the average amount stolen according to the Javelin Identity Fraud Survey Report in 2010?
The average amount of stolen according to the Javelin Identity Fraud Survey Report in 2010 is $4,841
12. When must suspicious credit activity be reported so creditors can efficiently track fraudulent purchases?
Suspicious credit activity must be reported within the first 30 days for creditors to efficiently track fraudulent
purchases.
13. What are the 3 big things you must look for when reviewing your credit report?
Three big things you must look for when reviewing your credit report are accounts that dont belong to you,
personal information that doesnt belong to you, and outdated or incomplete information.
14. What steps should be taken when you are the victim of identity theft?
The steps that should be taken when youre a victim of identity theft are call the three credit reporting agencies and
report the identity theft and order your credit report, call any business that were involved with the identity theft
and finally use fraud alerts.
15. What is a fraud alert with the FTC? [Look this up online]
A fraud alert with the FTC is when you have an alert on your report so a business must verify with you before giving
credit.