Identity Theft: A Growing Problem. presented by Melissa Elson Agency Liaison Office of Privacy Protection - Bureau of Consumer Protection

Identity Theft: A Growing Problem presented by Melissa Elson Agency Liaison Office of Privacy Protection - Bureau of Consumer Protection

Identity Theft What it is How it happens How to protect yourself How to spot it What to do

What is Identity Theft? Misuse of another s personal information to fraudulently obtain or money goods services job medical treatment government benefits hide from law enforcement

What is Personally Identifiable name in combination with: Information? Address Phone number Social Security number Driver s license or passport number Date of birth Financial account numbers Pin numbers and passwords Biometric data

Facts Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in the United States Every two seconds someone becomes a victim There were 783 reported data breaches in 2014 Those affected by a data breach are three times more likely to become victims of identity theft

A Growing Problem 2012 - #31 2013 - #27 2014 - #26

In Wisconsin 24,321 identity theft and fraud complaints in 2014 Imposter scams - 12% Government benefits 50%

Types of Identity Theft Financial Child Medical Criminal

Potential Harm Direct financial losses Damage to financial status or credit score Denial of employment or housing Possible civil judgments or criminal record Time and cost to repair damage Emotional harm

Identity Theft by Age 19 and younger 6% Ages 20 to 59 74% 60 and older 20%

Why College Students? Clean credit history Pre-approved credit offers Lax in monitoring financial accounts PII not securely stored in dorm rooms Mail piles up, not shredded

How it Happens Dumpster diving / stolen mail Social networking Data breaches Phishing scams Stolen wallet / phone

Scam: Work from Home

Scam: Phantom Debt

Scam: Check Overpayment

Spot a Scam Know who you are dealing with Ask for information in writing Don t rush decisions Do your research If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is

Social Networking Social networking can lead to identity theft by sharing too much information or connecting with people we don t know

What Identity Thieves Want Full name Complete date of birth Home town Graduation dates Parent s names

Social Networking Risks Phishing scams Fake profiles Hidden charges Malware Free stuff 3 rd party apps GPS location

Social Security Number

Actual Public Profile

Digital Footprint Utilize privacy settings Minimize friends Limit what you share Strong passwords Secure Wi-Fi Google 2-step authentication

2-Step Authentication Added layer of security Combines something you know with something you have

Wi-Fi Unsecure Wi-Fi can lead to identity theft because it creates an open door for hackers to steal our personal information

What is Wi-Fi? Wireless Fidelity Radio waves Hotspots

Man-in-the-middle Threats

Wi-Fi Tips Operating system and browsers up Anti-virus and malware protection Hotspots Secure home network Turn off automatic connections HTTPS

Passwords Weak passwords can lead to identity theft because they are easy to guess and predictable for criminals

Strong Passwords Not an actual word The longer, the better Mix numbers, letters and symbols Combine upper and lower case Don t reuse Change often Passphrase

Passphrase I want to rock and roll all night! iw2r&ran!

Prevention Tips Do Not Call Shred Post Office Opt-out Wallet

Prevention Tips Wi-Fi Social Security number Strong passwords Social networking

Fraud Alert Extra verification One call Free 90 days Renew Can extend 7 years with police report

Security Freeze Blocks all new credit Contact all three credit bureaus $10 for each credit bureau Fees waived with police report Permanent $10 to lift freeze

Spot it Earnings Statement Monitor accounts alerts Explanation of Benefits Review bills Check your credit reports

Warning Signs Unauthorized charges or lines of credit Denied credit, employment or housing Unsolicited change of address Increased insurance rates Notice from IRS Suspicious phone calls

If an Identity Theft Victim Report fraudulent charges or accounts Check credit reports Fraud Alert or Security Freeze Police report Office of Privacy Protection Federal Trade Commission

Questions? Consumer Protection Hotline 1-800-422-7128 privacy.wi.gov @WisconsinOPP