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- Identity theft happens when someone steals your
name, address or other personal information and uses it for their
financial gain. Basically, they become you!
- All a thief needs is a little information about
you such as your driver's license, checking account or credit card
number, Social Security number or even just your wireless phone.
- 40 percent of Americans, under the age of 25,
believe they are more likely to be hit by lightning, to be audited by
the IRS, or to win the lottery than be the victim of a computer security
problem --The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA), 2004
- In truth, cyber security threats, including
viruses, phishing scams, and hacking, affect about 70 percent of
computer users! While the odds of being hit by lightning are 0.0000102
percent, according to the U.S. National Weather Service. - BBC, 2004
You may have been a
victim of identity theft and should obtain a current credit report to
check if:
- You apply for your driver’s license and find out
another one has already been issued under your name. You might even find
out you already have a few tickets!
- You are denied applications for student loans, an
apartment or credit card.
- You get pre-approved credit card offers,
collection statements or bank statements in the mail.
- Lots of telemarketers call asking to speak with
you.
- Keep your birth certificate and Social Security
card in a safe place – not with you!
- Keep your wireless phone, driver’s license, check
book and credit card in a safe place. Do not loan these items to anyone!
- Do not give your personal information over the
phone or Internet unless you are sure you are interacting with a
reputable organization.
- For older young adults, check your credit report
thoroughly before applying for a student loan or your first apartment.
- If you’re going off to college, ask the school
not to use your Social Security number as your college ID number. Also,
be very careful who you give your Social Security number to!
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