Leave ID Thieves Out in the Cold

1
Leave ID Thieves Out in the Cold
Consumer Action PowerPoint Training Slides

• Protecting yourself with a credit file security
  freeze

www.consumer-action.org Privacy Information
Project
2
Identity Theft

• What is identity theft?
• How might someone steal your personal
  information?
• How could someone use your personal information
  after they get it?

3
Whats a Security Freeze?

• Makes credit file off-limits to anyone requesting
  it from three major credit reporting agencies
• Equifax, Experian, TransUnion
• If creditor cant evaluate the borrowers credit
  history, the credit request will be denied
• Your credit file remains available to you,
  existing creditors, law enforcement and
  government agencies

4
Security Freeze Pros

• Stops crooks from opening accounts in your name
• Free for ID theft victims
• Does not stop you from getting new credit
• Does not expire
• Doesnt affect your credit score
• Cheaper more effective than a credit monitoring
  service

5
Security Freeze Cons

• Can be expensive for non-victims
• Can delay transactions
• Makes instant credit unavailable
• Does not prevent existing account fraud

6
Determining If a Freeze Is Right for You

• Are you an identity theft victim?
• Do you have reason to be believe youre
  particularly likely to become a victim?
• Are you actively applying for credit, services, a
  rental home, insurance coverage, or a job that
  requires a background check?
• If you are not a victim, can you afford the fees
  to place and lift the freeze?

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How to Freeze Your Credit File

• Freeze with all 3 credit reporting agencies
• Submit required documentation
• Pay fee, if required
• Both spouses must freeze to be fully protected
• Receive confirmation letter and PIN/password

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Documentation for a Freeze Request

• Name
• Social Security number
• Birth date
• Copy of government-issued ID
• Proof of current address

• Fee, if required
• ID theft report, if applicable
• Proof of age, if required
• Other

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How to Lift and Remove a Freeze

• Date-range or specific creditor lift?
• Lift fees
• Making the lift request
• When will the lift be processed?
• Removing the freeze

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More Ways to Prevent ID Theft

• Check your credit reports
• Shred documents
• Lock mailbox
• Opt out of marketing mail
• Dont carry your Social Security number with you
• At home, keep sensitive info out of sight

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Contact Consumer Action

• Call us at
• 415-777-9648 or 213-624-4631
• Email us at
• outreach_at_consumer-action.org

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Class Evaluation

• Please fill out the evaluation form and leave it
  on your way out.
• Thank you!