PROTECTING YOUR MONEY:

IDENTITY THEFTCoach Markus

IDENTITY THEFT MOVIE: THE STORY OF MICHELLE BROWN

Identify Theft: The Story of Michelle Brown

Identity Theft is a Lifetime Television movie that is based on Heddi Larae Ille. It first aired in 2004.

KEY TERMS Social Security number Identity Theft Public records Private records Receipt

SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERWhat is a social security number? - Personal identifier

SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERWhat is it used for?- Tax Collection- Social Security - Financial institutions, universities,

employers- Voting

SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERPrivacy dilemmaThe use of Social Security numbers makes it easier for record keeping to be more accurate and universal between agencies.

SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERRules of Thumb:~ Do not write them on personal checks~ Do not use them as a part of any password~ Do not give your number to anyone, unless it is an official agency, bank, school, etc.

IDENTITY THEFTIdentity Theft is a crime in which someone wants to become you.They can use your personal information to:- Open or use bank accounts- Use Credit cards- Get a driver’s license- Obtain loans- Rentals

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF…Only keep the cards you need in your wallet.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF…Keep your Social Security card in a safe place.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF…Leave your Social Security numbers and Driver’s License numbers off checks.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF…Take, keep, and shred receipts.

WHAT IS A RECEIPT?A receipt is a proof of purchase from a store, restaurant, ATM, etc..Receipts may contain:- Credit card numbers (older machines)- Account balances- Signature of purchaser- Name of buyer

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF…Tear up or shred all Pre-Approved Credit offers.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF…Do not give private information over the phone, unless you initiated the call.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF…Pick up your new checks from the bank, don’t have them mailed.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF…Don’t put private information on your computer.- Passwords- Social security number- Account numbers- Credit card numbers

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF…Check all of your bills and statements carefully. Always look for suspicious charges or balances.

PUBLIC RECORDSPublic records are records that are available to anyone who would like to see them.

WHAT RECORDS ARE…..PUBLIC? Birth records Marriage licenses Divorce records Property deeds Motor vehicle records Voter registration Legal proceedings

PRIVATE RECORDSPrivate records are only available to those who have a reason to see them, and have approved access.- Employment information- IRS/Tax records- Criminal records- Social Service records (Welfare, etc.)- School Records- Medical Records

WHERE SHOULD I KEEP DOCUMENTS?- Home Safe- Bank safe deposit box- On an electric storage device that is

kept in a safe deposit box (not on the computer!)

- Locking file cabinet

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