Identity Theft

What Eight Numbers Do Identity Thieves Want to Steal from You?

Posted on June 21, 2014 by Melissa Hart

This article explains why identity thieves want eight different numbers and also provides some helpful tips for avoiding identity theft. The eight numbers include:

1. Phone numbers
2. Specific dates (birth, college attendance, employment, etc.) and Zip Codes
3. PIN Codes
4. Social Security Numbers
5. Bank Account Numbers
6. IP Address
7. Driver’s License and Passport Numbers
8. Health Insurance Account Numbers

For more information go to

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/8-numbers-identity-thieves-want-103033107.html

Teaching Suggestions

You may want to use the information in this blog post and the original article to

  • Stress that identity theft is on the rise. According to the article, data breaches are now the third certainty in life and sooner or later, you will become a victim.
  • Ask students who have had their identity stolen what steps were necessary to solve the problems associated with identity theft.

Discussion Questions

1. What have you done to protect the eight numbers that thieves want and need to steal your identity?

2. Today many companies offer services designed to help protect your identity. These companies charge from $100 to $200 a year or more. Would you consider using one of these services?

Categories: Chapter 5, Credit Cards, Debit Cards, Identity Theft | Tags: , , | Leave a comment

Bogus $10,000 Credit Line

Posted on June 4, 2014 by Melissa Hart

In May 2014, the Federal Trade Commission mailed checks totaling over $3.7 million to over 26,000 consumers whose bank accounts were debited without their consent by EDebitPay LLC.  The company deceptively offered a $10,000 credit line that was really a membership to a website where consumers could buy goods.

In 2011, a federal district court ordered the company to pay more than $3.7 million after finding that the defendants were in contempt of court for violating a 2008 court order by selling a bogus “$10,000 credit line”, and a “no cost” prepaid debit card with hidden fees, to consumers who were unemployed or had poor credit.

The Federal Trade Commission works for consumers to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices and to provide information to help spot, stop, and avoid them.

For additional information on fraudulent business practices, go to

http://www.ftc.gov

Discussion Questions

1.  How do you discover that someone has debited your bank accounts?

2.  What steps can you take to prevent such fraudulent business practices?

Teaching Suggestions

*  Ask students what actions might they take to ensure that their credit cards and other financial information are secure.

*  Ask students to compile a list of resources a person can use to report such fraudulent business practices, and check out a company’s reputation before signing a contract.

Categories: Chapter 5, Identity Theft | Tags: , , , | Leave a comment

Protect Your Personal Information and Money

Posted on May 15, 2014 by Melissa Hart

Recent reports about thieves gaining access to sensitive personal information that can be used to commit fraud or steal money, sometimes involving major security breaches at large retailers such as Target stores.  While federal laws and industry practices generally limit losses for unauthorized transactions involving bank accounts, debit and credit cards, it pays to be proactive.

Be careful when you use social networking sites.  Scammers use social networking sites to gather details about individuals, such as their place or date of birth, a pet’s name, their mother’s maiden name, and other information that can help them figure out passwords–or how to reset them.  Even small amount of information can help them steal your identity, such as by answering security questions that control access to accounts.  According to Michael Benardo, Chief of the FDIC’s Cyber Fraud and Financial Crimes Section, “Don’t share your ‘page’ or access with anyone you don’t know and trust.  Criminals may pretend to be your ‘friend’  or relative to convince you to send money or divulge personal information.”

For additional information and tips on avoiding fraud at social media sites, go to the Internet Crime Complaint Center at

http://www.ic3.gov/media/2009/091001.aspx and http://www.fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/news/cnfall13/socialmedia.html

Discussion Questions

1.  What can you do to guard against scams involving fraudulent requests to wire money or send a prepaid card?

2.  Why should you be suspicious about unsolicited emails or text messages asking you to click on a link or open an attachment?

Teaching Suggestions

You may want to use the information in this blog and the websites to

*  Discuss the importance of regularly reviewing your transactions in your credit card and bank statements.

*  Carefully choose user IDs and passwords for your computers, mobile devices, and online accounts.

*  Periodically review your credit reports to make sure someone else has not obtained a credit card or a loan in your name.

Categories: Chapter 5, Credit Scores, Identity Theft | Tags: , | Leave a comment

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