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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSS4 - Identity Theft Discussion - Handout�7 -23 -13 NEWPORT BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT IDENTITY THEFT N q I rays-ce j KNOW WHAT TO DO FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION FTC.GOV/IDTHEFT What is Identity Theft? Identity theft is a serious crime. It can disrupt your finances, credit history, and reputation, and take time, money, and patience to resolve. Identity theft happens when someone steals your personal information and uses it without your permission. Identity thieves might: • go through trash cans and dumpsters, stealing bills and documents that have sensitive information. • work for businesses, medical offices, or government agencies, and steal personal information on the job. • misuse the name of a legitimate business, and call or send emails thattrick you into revealing personal information. • pretend to offer ajob, a loan, oran apartment, and ask you to send personal information to "qualify." • steal your wallet, purse, backpack, or mail, and remove your credit cards, driver's license, passport, health insurance card, and other items that show personal information. How to Protect Your Information • Read your credit reports. You have a right to a free credit report every 12 months from each of the three nationwide credit reporting companies. Order all three reports at once, or order one report every four months. To order, go to annualcreditreport.com or call 1- 877- 322 -8228. • Read your bank, credit card, and account statements, and the explanation of medical benefits from your health plan. If a statement has mistakes or doesn't come on time, contact the business. • Shred all documents that show personal, financial, and medical information before you throw them away. • Don't respond to email, text, and phone messages that ask for personal information. Legitimate companies don't ask for information this way. Delete the messages. • Create passwords that mix letters, numbers, and special characters. Don't use the same password ' for more than one account. • If you shop or bank online, use websites that protect your financial information with encryption. An encrypted site has "https" at the beginning of the web address; "s" is for secure. • If you use a public wireless network, don't send information to any website that isn't fully encrypted. • Use anti-virus and anti- spyware software, and a firewall on your computer. • Set your computer's operating system, web browser, and security system to update automatically. If Your Identity is Stolen... ® Flag Your Credit Reports Call one of the nationwide credit reporting companies, and ask for a fraud alert on your credit report. The company you call must contact the other two so they can put fraud alerts on your files. An initial fraud alert is good for 90 days. Equifax 1-800-525-6285 Experian 1 -888- 397 -3741 TransUnian 1- 800 -680 -7289 © Order Your Credit Reports Each company's credit report about you is slightly different, so order a report from each company. When you order, you must answer some questions to prove your identity. Read your reports carefully to see if the information is correct. If you see mistakes or signs of fraud, contact the credit reporting company. ® Create an Identity Theft Report An Identity Theft Report can help you get fraudulent information removed from your credit report, stop a company from collecting debts caused by identity theft, and get information about accounts a thief opened in your name. To create an Identity Theft Report: • file a complaint with the FTC atftc.gov /complaint or 1-877-438-4338; TTY: 1-866-653-4261. Your completed complaint is called an FTC Affidavit. • take your FTC Affidavit to your local police, or to the police where the theft occurred, and file a police report. Get a copy of the police report. The two documents comprise an Identity Theft Report Red Flags of Identity Theft • mistakes on your bank, credit card, or other account statements • mistakes on the explanation of medical benefits from your health plan • your regular bills and account statements don't arrive on time • bills or collection notices j for products or services you never received • calls from debt collectors about debts that don't belong to you • a notice from the IRS that someone used your Social Security number • mail, email, or calls about accounts orjobs in your minor child's name • unwarranted collection notices on your credit report • businesses turn down your checks • you are turned down unexpectedly for a loan orjob TAKING J CHARGE J W,AI 10 00 Ii YOUF IDE"It" Is slam" Taking Charge: Wha t To Do If Your Iden tity Is Stolen Available online atftc.gov /idtheft Order free copies at bulkorder.ftc.gov FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION FTC.GOV /IDTHEFT 1- 877 - I0-THEFT (438 -4338) CRIME ALERTS o TRAFFIC ADVISORIES • COMMUNITY UPDATES i Receive important, official information directly from the Newport Beach Police Department via Nixie. What is Nixie? Nixie is a community information service built exclusively to provide secure and reliable communications. This authenti- cated service connects city agencies to citizens in real -time, delivering information to residents of geographically targeted areas and neighborhoods. ❑ Nixie messages are delivered via email, SMS /text message, and over the web. For more information about Nixie and its capabilities please see: "Frequently Asked Questions" found at http: // www.nixle.com /fags.htmi ❑ Should you need additional assistance, Nixie provides free citizen support via e -mail at support @nixle.com. -u Gotowmnixlexom `� Click "Sign Up Now!" Create an account by choosing a User Name and Password lfyou chose to have the police department setup your account, your User Name will be your name " and Passwor d willbe password" Enter an e-mail address and cell phone number where you would like to receive messages T£XT MESSAGEs. lfyou sign up wfth your cell phone, you will receive text messages aspartofyour text - messaging plan (standard test message rates apply). ''6 Enter your address or a nearby intersection '"!l Click "Sign Me Up" Bill= Newport Beach Police Department Tunny FOft8q IA ]Ctl. C5I!D_m KT RESIDENTIAL BURGLARIES - Balboa Peninsula Since the beginning or Febmary the Sal _ Increase in residential burglaries In tbe' - S. unlocked doors or windows. In all bu- c `* me Dreak -ins which nave ouurred a1 a y Beach Police Depannnent wants to btf li L- ` doors and mndI And never nesuaad i 1 Locations Colon , Navigate 8 Discover . Enter a torn tip cone or rrldres. ®t J 3eacn w m es[ms[e[ Santa Ana CUSTOMIZE YOUR ACCOUNT: 't Log in at www.nix1e.com -I!I Click "Locations Click "Add New" to add addresses in Newport Beach or around the country. Do your relatives live out of the area? Keep track of what's happening near your loved ones and the places you work, live, or visit. -16 Click "Settings" Select a location from the left -hand menu and subscribe to receive messages from each agency by checking the "Subscribe" option. Adjust which messages by priority level are sent to your e-mail and /or cell phone. Please note: you must opt -in to receive messages from your local community groups. Q CAR REPAIR SCAMS • RD42 The nerporl Beam Police Department s aelang residents to ee aware of p05s1011 artsis operaPng Aa110 the City On January 10 2013 Me suspect descrMed ON, approached a wCtlm outside of pb residence In The 100 clock of Game[ and told tnafnecdWdn%[hetictlnlsvehlne The suspect sad he CONd OY the Notches dumper and dmken door handle for 51 .1011011 The sector agreed and may suspe fWouad me wide to his Nor, to get me mean s residence where the sus %&, MEME sad see would nave Id order anew do Visit us on the 6VEB for more information on crime prevention and the services we offer. www.nbpd.org Calls for Service ❑ Crime Statistics 0 For Kids and Parents 0 Neighborhood Watch -1 Sex Offenders 0 Business Watch ❑Homeland Security ❑ Crime Prevention G Identity Theft G Home Security Inspection G Child Passenger Safety Seats Ei Animal Control ❑ Emergency Management Plan ❑ Bicycle Safety ❑ Boardwalk Safety 0 Alternative Vehicles 0 Make a Report 0 Vacation Check 0 Solicitor Registration 0 Phone Numbers & E -Mails 0 Location and Driving Directions 0 Hours, Services & Fees 0 Divisions & Sections Calls for Service TM b.babp.o.Yftcoyw .qw awcxT Mit/(tibi.ItTliaaaMbbfs. bW N Yow ab M. 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Ily0ab xw. 0395'}013 lyyy}}.• vEnIC1E 5TCV ❑ Teen Academy 0 WN ❑ Citizens' Academy Press Releases I 0 Volunteer ❑ Newsletters & Crime Alerts 0 Explorer Calls for Service ❑ Crime Statistics 0 For Kids and Parents 0 Neighborhood Watch -1 Sex Offenders 0 Business Watch ❑Homeland Security ❑ Crime Prevention G Identity Theft G Home Security Inspection G Child Passenger Safety Seats Ei Animal Control ❑ Emergency Management Plan ❑ Bicycle Safety ❑ Boardwalk Safety 0 Alternative Vehicles 0 Make a Report 0 Vacation Check 0 Solicitor Registration 0 Phone Numbers & E -Mails 0 Location and Driving Directions 0 Hours, Services & Fees 0 Divisions & Sections Calls for Service TM b.babp.o.Yftcoyw .qw awcxT Mit/(tibi.ItTliaaaMbbfs. bW N Yow ab M. V a vbka.a. b ibL r.l m rbla Y.3f o w e.b /s a.vts N.bs7ee br � pabf M yoe.aY bbMw. wPOewvl�a<i'�a M M.bMOfMea NeIOhborhooa Am: 20 Last Updated: 3/81207310:00:74 AM No -Days f•J "T. Ily0ab xw. Crime Prevention Unit 644 -3699 Always report suspicious activity! 644 -3717 0395'}013 lyyy}}.• vEnIC1E 5TCV IRY.iE .YF:xWONV NO m.74NC[.m11N 0 WN o3rosnol3>:mw 13malw sFxl(1F Srce fevlxE ArE lESxfxsr a3en OM- WI3}:I}Ox Ib M PA3 C1EQ 1}00 &CCNSWi1NAM PAi CxECL afpx wlosmnlss.r. 13auo11} P. a<ac Imo aoa sAxnawce 17 xexa3D srmox O1.51m133:". IYMOON SUSRICIOVS SV81K3 GPIMY ORi5Ax13A.. Fl9.V EA 03N5 0133'4W J3 N SUSNCICMK VR4 IWft IXGRIw". AWM1SFD/CM w _O Nmo Crime Prevention Unit 644 -3699 Always report suspicious activity! 644 -3717 Protecting Your Identity: What to Know, What to Do Overview Identity protection Protection from what? Warning signs of identity theft How you can reduce your risk What is identity theft? Identity theft: • Someone steals your personal information • Uses it without permission • Can damage your finances, credit history and reputation Warning Signs How do you know if your identity was stolen? • mistakes on accounts or your Explanation of Medical benefits regular bills go missing • calls from debt collectors for debts that aren't yours • notice from the IRS • calls or mail about accounts in your minor child's name 7/22/2013 1 How does identity theft happen? Identity thieves will: • steal information from trash or from a business • trick you into revealing information • take your wallet or purse • use skimming devices • pretend to offer a job, loan, or apartment to get your information Reduce Your Risk Identity protection means treating your personal information with care. Make it a habit. like buckling your seatbelt, or locking your doors at night Reduce Your Risk What can you do? • Obtain a FREE credit report every 12 months To order: annualc red itreport.corn 1- 877 - 322 -8228 Reduce Your Risk Read your bank, credit and account statements, and Explanation of Medical benefits. • Look for charges you didn't make. • Be alert for bills that don't arrive when you expect them. • Follow up if you get account statements you don't expect. 7/22/2013 q Reduce Your Risk Respond quickly to notices from the Internal Revenue Service. • If someone has used your Social Security number on a tax return, contact IRS's Specialized Identity Theft Protection Unit - 1- 600 - 908 -4490 Reduce Your Risk Secure your Social Security Number. • If someone asks for it, ask: - Why do you need it? - How will it be used? - How do you protect it? Reduce Your Risk Protect Your Personal Information. • Keep your important papers secure. • Be careful with your mail — recently thefts in Newport Beach. • Shred sensitive documents. • Don't overshare on social networking sites. Reduce Your Risk Be alert to online impersonators. • Do you know who is getting your personal information? • Don't click on links in ernails. • Contact customer service. 7/22/2013 3 Reduce Your Risk Protect your computer. Use anti -virus software, anti - spyware software, and n firewall. Create strong passwords. Keep your computer's operating system, browser, and security up to dale. Reduce Your Risk Protect your computer. Encrypt your data. Be wise about wi -fi. Reduce Your Risk Protect your computer. Lock tip your laptop. Read privacy policies. Contact the FTC File an identity theft complaint with the FTC: - tic.gowcomplaint - 1- 877 -ID -THEFT - 1- 877438 -4338 Learn more identity theft: - 8c.govridtheft 7/22/2013 4 r '> FEDERAL TRADE COMMISS X12 CONSUMER INFORMATION Identity Theft Protection Services Identity theft protection services can help you monitor your accounts. They can place fraud alerts or freezes on your credit reports or remove your name from marketing mailing lists. Many people find it valuable and convenient to pay a company to keep track of their financial accounts, credit reports, and personal information. Other people choose to do this on their own for free. Before you pay for a service, evaluate it and its track record before you pay any fees. Can a Monitoring Service Prevent Identity Theft? Identity theft protection companies may help you: • 'lock," "flag," or "freeze" your credit reports • place a fraud alert or credit freeze on your reports • renew or update your alerts or freezes automatically An identity theft victim can place a fraud alert or renewal for free. Some companies, including consumer reporting companies, offer subscriptions to credit monitoring services. These services track your credit report, and generally send you an email about recent activity, like an inquiry or new account. The more frequent or more detailed the report, the more expensive the service. Some companies offer services to help you rebuild your identity after a theft. Typically, you give these services a limited power of attorney, which allows them to act on your behalf when dealing with consumer reporting companies, creditors, or other information sources. Many companies offer additional services, including removing your name from mailing lists or pre- screened offers of credit or insurance, representing your legal interests, "guaranteeing" reimbursement in the event you experience a loss due to identity theft, or helping you track down whether your personal information has been exposed online. July 2012 1' Avoiding Identity Theft Identity theft can make it hard for you to get credit, a job, a place to live, or utilities. But you can reduce your risk of being hurt by identity theft. How can I protect my identity? Protect your personal information. That helps you protect your identity. Here are some things you can do: • At home > keep your financial records, Social Security and Medicare cards in a safe place shred papers that have your personal or medical information > take mail out of your mailbox as soon as you can • As you do business > only give your Social Security number if you must. Ask if you can use another kind of identification do not give your personal information to someone who calls you or emails you • On the computer use passwords that are not easy to guess. Use numbers and symbols when you can > do not respond to emails or other messages that ask for personal information > do not put personal information on a computer in a public place, like the library How will 1 know if someone steals my identity? Read your bills and account statements. Watch for: • things you did not buy • withdrawals you did not make • a change of your address that you did not expect • bills that stop coming 77 Look at medical statements. You might see charges you do not recognize. That might mean someone stole your identity. Get your credit report. You get one free credit report every year from each credit reporting company. To order: • Call Annual Credit Report at 1- 877 - 322 -8228. • Answer questions from a recorded system. You have to give your address, Social Security number, and birth date. • Choose to only show the last four numbers of your Social Security number. It is safer than showing the full number on your report. • Choose which credit reporting company you want a report from. (You get one report free from each company every year.) The company mails your report to you. It should arrive two to three weeks after you call. Read your credit report carefully. Look for mistakes or accounts you do not recognize. This could mean someone stole your identity. September 2012 1 FederaLTrade Commission I consumer.gov I'M Recovering from Identity Theft If someone stole your identity, act fast. Fast action can help reduce the damage identity theft can cause. What should I do if a thief uses my information? Step 1: Place an initial fraud alert on your three credit reports • Call anyone of the three credit reporting companies. That company must tell the other two. Fraud departments of the credit reporting companies: Equifax 1- 800 -525 -6285 Experian 1- 888 - 397 -3742 Transunion 1- 800 - 680 -7289 Step 2: Order your credit reports • Call all three credit reporting companies and order your credit report from each. Identity theft victims can get the reports for free. • You might know that some of your accounts are affected by identity theft. Contact those accounts now. Talk to someone in the fraud department of the company. Then write the company a letter. Step 3: Create an Identity Theft Report Submit a complaint to the FTC. You can call or do it online. • By phone: Call 1- 877 - 438 -4338 (1- 866 - 653 -4261 TTY) talk to a counselor. The counselor will ask questions to gather information about your complaint ask the counselor to email you a link so you can print your complaint. Your completed complaint is called the "Identity Theft Affidavit" > go online to save or print your Identity Theft Affidavit. • Online: Gotoftc.gov/complain t > Type your information into the online form, following the prompts on every screen. Review all the information you typed > Click the button to submit your complaint. Your submitted complaint is called an "Identity Theft Affidavit" Save the complaint reference number > Click the link to save the Identity Theft Affidavit to your computer > Print your Identity Theft Affidavit. Keep it in a safe place. • File a police report. Take your FTC Identity Theft Affidavit with you Get a copy of the police report or the number of the police report • Attach your FTC Identity Theft Affidavit to your police report. That is your Identity Theft Report. Keep it in a safe place. September 2012 1 Federal Trade Commission I consumer.gov OW Money Wiring Scams Wiring money is like sending cash. Do not wire money to people you do not know. How do I spot a money wiring scam? Most money wiring scams look like this: • someone you do not know asks you to wire money A scammer might use different ways to convince you to wire money. The scammer might say: • you won a prize, or inherited money, but you have to pay fees first • you won the lottery, but you have to pay some taxes first • a friend or family member is in trouble and needs you to send money to help • you need to pay for something you just bought online before they send it • you got a check for too much money and need to send back the extra These are all tricks. When you hear stories like these, you have spotted a money wiring scam. How do I avoid a money wiring scam? Scammers are good at being friendly. They also are good at fooling people. Here is how you can stop a scammer: • Never wire money to someone you do not know. • Never wire money because someone contacted you: > even if you feel like you know the person > even if the person says he is your friend or related to you What if I already wired money to someone? If you sent money to someone who contacted you, report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). • Call the FTC at 1- 877- 382 -4357 • Go online: ftc.Fov /complaint The FTC uses complaints to build cases against scammers. Any information you can give helps investigators. September 2012 1 Federal Trade Commission I consumer.gov