The Information Technology department held a Webcast on identity theft Feb. 16 in the recently remodeled auditorium of the Memorial Classroom Building.

   The presentation, shown on Microsoft PowerPoint through Microsoft Office Live Meeting, featured three presenters that focused on defining "identity theft," explaining ways consumers can protect against it and providing proper steps for victims. It also detailed "identity theft and the online world" as well as provided resources on the topic.

What is Identity Theft?

   Under the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003, identity theft means: "A fraud committed or attempted using the identifying information of another person." An important difference exists between credit card fraud and someone actually assuming an identity to commit fraud, according to the presentation.

   "Identity theft can affect any of us at any time, and the results can be staggering," said Scott Parsons, deputy assistant secretary for the Office of Critical Infrastructure Protection and Compliance Policy. "There are many things consumers can do to limit the instances of identity theft."

   Parsons said the most common, prevalent ways identity theft occurs is by low-tech means. The presentation outlined these ways:

   Common types of identity theft or financial fraud include unauthorized transactions on an existing account, prolonged use or emptying of a financial account and creation of new accounts. Parsons said the takeover of existing accounts could be more easily corrected than the creation of new ones.

   "There are many important things we can do to protect ourselves," Parsons said. "Do not carry your social security number with you. Do not keep personal identity numbers with you. Beware of giving anyone information over the phone or Internet."

   The presentation outlined warning signs of identity theft: 

• A financial institution may call if a transaction seems out of the ordinary.
• You may see unauthorized charges on a credit card or checking account statement.
• You may see an account that you did not open on your credit report.
• You may get a call from a collection agency asking why you have not paid a bill.

   Parsons said if you become a victim, it is important to act quickly. He recommended contacting the financial institutions or the companies where your information has been misused and alert them of the theft. He also stressed several other important steps to take. 

   "You want to contact your local police department to report your crime and a get a copy of your police report," he said. "Contact the Federal Trade Commission for helpful information." 

   Children can also be a victim of identity theft and sometimes not realize it until they apply for a college loan, according to Parsons. Children's social security numbers should be guarded with the same caution as an adult's. 

   The presentation emphasized the importance of checking your credit report at least once a year. This will allow consumers to see if any accounts have been opened without their knowledge. Parsons said it was especially important to check your credit report before making a large purchase. 

Identity Theft and the Online World 

   The presentation defined phishing as spam or junk e-mails that seek to obtain the same kind of information an identity thief wants. They may mimic: financial institutions, government agencies, computer software companies, e-commerce sites and other legitimate business.  

   "It's gotten tougher to tell the difference between a real e-mail and a phishing e-mail," said Howard Schmidt, President & CEO R & H Security Consulting LLC. "They may ask you to go to a Web site and enter in your information. They may contain a link that takes you to a Web site that looks just like your bank's." 

   The presentation defined spyware as software that monitors your online activity and diverts information while you are using legitimate Web sites. It may be installed on a computer when the consumer visits deceptive Web sites, downloads seemingly innocent games or other software, or opens e-mails that may have spyware attached. 

   The Webcast offered a number of ways consumers could practice online safety: 

• Protect your computer like you would your personal financial information.
• Turn it off when you walk away from the computer so that no one else can gain access while you are not there.
• Use a firewall and anti-spam filter.
• Make sure your operating system and software are updated on a frequent basis.
• Do not use the same password for every account.
• Know the Web address of the Web site you are going to visit.
• Read and learn how the Web site is going to use and protect your personal information.
• Clean your hard drive before you dispose of an old computer.

   The presentation concluded with the mentioning of a DVD titled "Identity Theft: Outsmarting The Crooks DVD," which can be purchased here. 

   "We really encourage you to take a look at this (DVD)," Parsons said. "We've received an incredible response. We think it will be a useful tool." 

   The National Webcast Initiative began in June 2004, holding its first session, "Cyber Security: The Three Things You Should Have Done Yesterday and The Three Things You Should Do Today," June 22. The Webcasts are held on a regular basis and strive to offer useful information on current topics.

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