INTERNET SAFETY AND IDENTITY THEFT - OFFICE OF CONSUMER PROTECTION - Potomac Community ...
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OFFICE OF
CONSUMER PROTECTION
INTERNET SAFETY AND IDENTITY THEFT
Quick Fact:
“The 2016 Identity Fraud Study, released by Javelin Strategy
& Research, found that $15 billion was stolen from 13.1
million U.S. consumers in 2015, compared with $16 billion
and 12.7 million victims a year earlier. In the past six years’
identity thieves have stolen $112 billion.”
http://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/identity-theft-and-cybercrime
Tips and Tools
The Triple Ds are:
•D e t e r
•D e t e c t
•D e f e n d
What is identity theft? Has anyone had their identity stolen?
Identity theft is when someone uses your name or personal information to
obtain goods or services without your permission.
The Information can be your:
• Name and address
• Credit card or bank account numbers
• Social security number
• Medicare and Medical insurance account numbers
The most common forms of identity theft:
• Financial account crimes
• Medical fraud
• Improper use of government benefits
• Impersonation of another individual
Grocery Stores Online
Doctor’s Office
Work
Pharmacy
Restaurants
School
Gas Station
Deter • Shred documents • Protect • Don’t give out personal • Unsolicited emails • Password • Personal information
Detect
BE ALERT!
• Bills
• Unexpected account statements
• Denials of credit
• Unknown purchases
• Unrecognize financial statements
INSPECT:
• Credit report annually
• Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion
• www.AnnualCreditReport.com
• If information is inaccurate, contact reporting company. More info at
www.ftc.gov/idtheft
Defend • “Fraud Alert” • Contact the security or fraud departments • File a police report • Apply for a driver’s license restriction code through the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (info on program) • Report to the Federal Trade Commission
MVA Help Prevent Identity theft
Process:
• MVA voluntary program
• “R” Driver license restriction code
• Police Report
• Pay application Fee
Advantage:
• Stop at any traffic stop and no id
• The authorities will alert you of
identity theftPotential Risks for Internet Users • Phishing • Spam • Malware • Transactions that are not secure • Social networking
Protecting Your Computer and Data • Use a firewall • Install antivirus software • Install antispyware software • Use a spam filter • Perform timely updates • Create strong passwords • Secure your wireless (wifi) networks
Protecting Your Privacy from Online Marketers • Reveal as little as possible about yourself on unfamiliar sites • “Cookies” • Alternative email address • Spam • Logos “TRUST MARK”
More Tips and Tools • Back up • Automatically update your OS software • Hard drive • Secure site by looking for the SSL encryption (https:// not just http://) • Credit card or debit • Passwords • Shop online • Be careful on: attachments, websites, and downloading “free” software • “Chain letters” and junk emails • Trust your instincts. If something appears too good to be true, it probably is. • Don’t click on banner ads or pop-up windows
Thank you for your attention.
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