Identity Theft Flashcards
What is the #1 rule of identity theft?
You are on your own.
How long does it generally take to clear your name after identity theft has occurred?
3 weeks
- $500 - $2,000 damage
Prevention: Don’t give out personal information such as:
- SSN
- Account info
- Passwords
- Verification info
Mother’s maiden name
DOBs
Never give out personal information on the phone
Prevention: Social Media
Use privacy controls
Leave these off your profile:
- Your Birth Date and Place
- Vacation Plans
- Home Address
- Password Clues (Highschool, Kid’s Names, etc.)
Prevention: Ecommerce
- Use Antivirus & Antispyware software
- Never use a debit card for electronic commerce, use credit cards instead
- Enable security features on Apps/Websites
- Be Careful on Public Wi-Fi networks
- If you do give out account or personal information, be sure it’s a secure site
- Use verified sources
- Verify emails requesting information
What is a major source of identity theft?
Pre-approved credit card offers
In what instance may collection agencies contact your neighbors, roommates, and employers?
Only when they are trying to verify your contact information
What should you never do regarding identity theft and collection agencies?
Never make any full or partial payments. This will indicate that you do owe the money and you will lose your rights.
What is a fraudulent tax refund scheme?
- Fraudster steals personal information (SSN’s)
- File fake tax returns before the actual person files their own
- Refund is sent to the fraudster
How to prevent fraudulent tax refunds from occurring?
- Do NOT use public Wi-Fi to file tax returns
- File tax return as early as possible (the IRS rejects tax returns for which a SSN has already been filed)
- IRS only contacts people by mail - do not respond to emails or calls claiming to be the IRS
