For you and your teens
Did You Know?
Identity theft is one of the fastest growing financial crimes in the United States. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), in 2003 alone, approximately one in four Americans had their identities stolen by criminals. Qwest Communications wants to help educate people and families about the dangers of fraud and identity theft, how to prevent it, and what to do if their identity is stolen.
FAST FACTS
- 10 MILLION Americans were victims of identity theft in 2003.
- 18 TO 29 YEAR-OLD age group was the number one target for identity-theft related crimes in 2003.
- 5 BILLION is the estimated amount by the FTC that identity theft cost consumers in 2003.
SOURCE: National and State Trends in Identity Theft Jan. 2003-Dec. 2003, Federal Trade Commission
Teenagers & Identity Theft
Teens are often a target of identity theft because:
- Thieves assume no one is checking their credit, so the theft can go on for longer.
- Most teenagers go for years without using their Social Security Number (SSN).
- Often, teens first realize they have been victimized when they go to apply for a driver's license and find out one already has been issued to someone else using their name and SSN.
Know the Signs
Your teenager might be a victim of identity theft if:
- They apply for a driver's license and find out another one has already been issued under their name. They might even find out they already have a few tickets!
- They are denied applications for student loans, an apartment or a credit card.
- They get pre-approved credit card offers, collection statements or bank statements in the mail.
- Lots of telemarketers call asking to speak with them.
Additional Resources
The following online resources provide some great information on identity theft:
Qwest provides a resource through this site that educates consumers on many aspects of identity theft and fraud.
The Federal Trade Commission's Web site offers the latest facts for consumers on identity theft — how it happens, what to look out for and what to do if you are a victim.
These sites connect you to more information about how to protect your family online. Beware of spyware that is often used to gather confidential information, and in most cases the victim has no idea their information is being stolen.
Advice for Your Family
The following are a few tips to help protect you and your teens from identity theft:
- BUY A SHREDDER. Shred any financial information including receipts, bills, account statements and credit offers before throwing them away.
- GUARD YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION. Password-protect your wireless phone, PDA and laptop, and don't store personal identification information on these and other devices.
- PROTECT YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER. Even when asked, don't provide your Social Security number when applying for your first job. It's not necessary. Also, don't use your Social Security number on your driver's license.
- DON'T BE INTIMIDATED. Tell your teens to ask adults (e.g., coaches, teachers and employers) who request personal information how they'll use it and how they'll protect it from identity theft.
- MONITOR your credit reports at least once a year.
- CARRY ONLY THE CREDIT CARDS YOU NEED in your wallet and report lost or stolen cards immediately.
- CHECK YOUR TEEN OUT. When your teen turns 16 begin to regularly monitor bank and credit card statements for fraudulent activities.
Common Types of Identity Theft
- Shoulder Surfing: In public places, criminals may watch and listen from a nearby location as you punch in your telephone calling card number or credit card number or give your credit card number to a retailer.
- Dumpster Diving: Criminals go through your garbage and dumpsters to obtain copies of your checks, credit card or bank statements, or other records that include your name, address and telephone number.
- Credit Cards: Criminals try and retrieve discarded applications for pre-approved credit cards in the mail and attempt to activate the cards for their use without your knowledge and they may also try and intercept your mail from your mailbox.
- The Internet: The Web is an appealing place for criminals to obtain identifying data, such as passwords or banking information. Many people respond to unsolicited e-mail that promises some benefit but requests identifying data, without realizing that in some cases, the information they provide will be used to assume their identity.
