Materials Developed By:CLARIFI1-800-989-2227

CLARIFI

ID Theft & Scams Don’t be a Victim

CLARIFI’s Mission

• Our Mission– We create hope by helping people identify and secure the

more important assets in their lives.

• Our Promise– Clarity, hope, empowerment.

• Our envisioned future– Everyone will have affordable access to the intellectual and

technological resources required to comprehend and master the financial aspects of their lives.

About CLARIFIA Non-Profit Community Service Since 1966• Counseling Programs (13 Offices)

– Budget and Credit Counseling– Debt Management– Credit Report Counseling– Pre-filing Bankruptcy Counseling– Housing Counseling

• Education Programs– FinanciallyHers - Women’s Financial Education– Financial Smarts– Financial Smarts for Seniors– Philadelphia Saves

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What Is Identity TheftIdentity theft and identity fraud are terms used to refer to all types of crime in which someone wrongfully obtains and uses another person’s personal data in some way that involves fraud or deception, typically for economic gain.

Source: U. S. Department of Justice

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Types of Identity Theft

• Unauthorized use of name• Unauthorized phone call charged• Unauthorized credit card purchase• Unauthorized use of Social Security number• Use of stolen cards• Complete assumption of victims identity

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Identity Fraud Impact

The FTC latest estimates:– 8.3MM Americans were affected

– Losses exceeded $15.6 billion

– Individuals averaged 4 hours correcting and disputing fraudulent activity (55-130 hours were not uncommon)

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Methods of Obtaining Data

• Dumpster Diving• Skimming• Phishing• Change Address• Stealing• Pretexting

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Steps to Protect YourselfAvoid ID Theft

• Be suspicious of requests for information• Check your account statements/report discrepancies • Review your credit report regularly• Maintain and safeguard personal finance

records/receipts/bank cards• Identity Theft Insurance: Do Research!• Shred!

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Protect Yourself Avoid Predators

• Use known businesses• Get references, and call them• Investigate contractors before hiring• Trust your instincts• Talk to reputable counselors if having doubts about

the transaction• Never put your home at risk

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Protect YourselfTelemarketers/Salespeople

• Do not give personal information to callers• Only give information to those you called• Verify all phone numbers given to you before using• Be wary of people who appear to know you• Investigate door-to-door salespeople/contractors• Opt out of telemarketing - use Do Not Call

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National Do Not Call

• Limits telemarketing calls• Telemarketers have up to 31 days to take you off their

listings• Managed by Federal Trade Commission• FTC does not have registry solicitations• You can register by phone or online

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Do Not Call Registration

• www.donotcall.gov

• 1-888-382-1222

• TTY: 1-866-290-4236

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How To Fight BackUnwanted Telemarketing

File a complaint at the registry website, phone or TTYwith the following:

– Name or telephone number of caller– Date of call– Your registered phone number– Your name and address are optional

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Protecting YourselfAgainst Internet Scams/Frauds

• Avoid suspicious websites• Delete suspicious email without opening• Never give information over the internet without

knowing for sure who’s the source

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Protecting YourselfAgainst Internet Scams/Frauds

• Phone and verify any suspicious retailer email• Avoid putting personal information on a shared

computer• Make sure you have a secured site when using

personal information: e.g. https://www.

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How to Fight Back Against Credit and ID Theft

• Notify credit bureaus and establish 90-day fraud alerts• Obtain free copies of credit reports • File a police report• An extension of fraud alert for 7 years with evidence

of open fraudulent accounts and police report

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How to Fight BackAgainst Credit and ID Theft (cont.)

• Instruct credit bureaus in writing to remove inquiries generated due to fraudulent access

• Request credit bureaus to notify anyone receiving your credit report in the last 6 months that disputed and erroneous information was included

• Opt Out of CRA mailing lists• Request a Security Freeze

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How To Order Your Free Credit Report

• 877-322-8228

• www.annualcreditreport.com

• Annual Credit Report Request ServiceP.O. Box 105281Atlanta, GA 30348-5281

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How to Opt OutRemove yourself from pre-approved

offerings for credit and insurance:

1 - 888 - 567- 8688or

www.optoutprescreen.com

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Security Freeze

• Blocks new credit accounts from opening under your SSN

• New credit accounts opened only with PIN code• 11/1/07: Available in all states• PA $10….NJ $ 5 fee; PA free >65• Processed through the Credit Reporting Agencies

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In Conclusion

• Identity theft and fraud are serious crimes with the potential for costly and long-lasting hardship

• Prevent becoming a victim by protecting your personal information and finances and doing your homework

• Request and review you credit reports at least annually, more frequently if you suspect fraud

• Use the Do Not Call and Opt Out resources• Report all frauds to the appropriate areas

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Resources

• www.ftc.gov• www.donotcall.gov • www.optoutprescreen.com • www.cccsdv.org• www.transunion.com• www.equifax.com• www.experian.com

CLARIFI Information

Contacting CLARIFI– 1608 Walnut St., 10th Floor

Philadelphia, PA 19103– www.clarifi.org– 1-800-989-2227