Identity+Theft


 * Kristen and Catherine **

Identity theft is a misnomer, since you cannot actually “steal” an identity, it is more correct to say identity fraud. However identity theft is the more common reference. It is the wrongful obtaining and using of another person’s personal information, usually name, date of birth, social security number, bank account, credit card number, etc., for economical gain. People can steal your identity by watching you type in your PIN number, going through your trash for checks or credit card statements/applications, listening to you give your credit card number at a hotel or car rental shop, or through the internet. “In recent years, the Internet has become an appealing place for criminals to obtain identifying data, such as passwords or even banking information. In their haste to explore the exciting features of the Internet, many people respond to "spam" ­ unsolicited E-mail ­ that promises them some benefit but requests identifying data, without realizing that in many cases, the requester has no intention of keeping his promise. In some cases, criminals reportedly have used computer technology to obtain large amounts of personal data.” [1]
 * Description:**

All school personnel are responsible for reporting fraud, waste, or abuse to the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Inspector General. [2] Teachers and administrators are charged with protecting students; they work with personal information on a daily basis and are responsible for keeping that information private (birthdays, social security numbers, home addresses, health records, etc). Many schools now have ID cards for their students; educators need to be sure that the ID number assigned to students is not their Social Security number in order to prevent what happened at a middle school in Virginia. [3] Furthermore, teachers are usually the ones teaching students about internet safety, they need to make sure that students can distinguish between a “good” and ”bad” website and know not to enter personal information on a non-secure site. Teachers also need to teach students about what makes a “secure” password vs. one that is easily hacked. Educators also have to be careful that they themselves do not become victims of identity theft since their personal records are on file in the school and the county Board of Education offices. Additionally, teachers sign up for many associations, networks, newsletters, etc. and need to be careful not to enter personal information on an unsecure site.
 * What is the impact of this issue on K-12 schools, educators, and students?**

Grades K-5 Not many people know this, but identity thieves steal children's identities because children are easy targets. They have cleaner records than adults and it is easier to obtain a credit card using children's names. Technology is becoming more popular with younger children. Teachers have to begin warning children about protecting their identity. First, teachers have to explain that children should not give out their personal information without asking a parent or guardian. Parents can help their children with this topic by first determining what information the schools really need concerning their children. For example, birth certificates help verify children's ages and vaccination records, but parents do not need to give out their children's social security number. Second, parents can ask how records are being kept and disposed of. Sometimes, only members in the office can access a child's file, but teachers may be given access. It is important for parents to ask where the records are being kept: filing cabinets, computers, teacher's grade book, etc. Third, if the school needs any documents, then parents can make the copies themselves instead of bringing the original document into school. This way, parents can keep the original copy at home. I understand that the previous information does not explain how to integrate "identity theft" into daily instruction; however, parents and teachers can work together to help teach elementary school children the importance of keeping important and personal information private. Teachers can help by explaining how important it is for children to not talk to strangers. Also, when a young child feels threatened or scared, he or she can turn to the teacher for help.
 * Integrating this topic into Daily Instruction:**

Grades 7-8 As students get older and become aware of technology, teachers need to stress the importance of keeping personal information private. For example, young children are starting to make Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter profiles to keep in touch with friends on-line. Teachers, as well as parents, need to make students understand the concept of privacy on world-wide based websites. Teachers can show students where and how to make a profile public. On Facebook, there is a setting where students can prevent other people from searching them or blocking their profile picture. Student should become aware of basic facts: shredding important documents with your name and address on it, mailing your letters at the post office, giving out your social security number only when necessary, and knowing when to respond to promotions. These facts are just some instances when students should be careful, but there are many other ways to protect yourself. On the computer, students should download firewalls and pop-up blockers to help them stop hackers from accessing their computers.

Grades 9-12 At this level, teachers really need to incorporate identity theft into their instruction plans because this is the time where students consider applying for credit, having their own personal savings/checking account, and finding part-time jobs. Also, high school students are becoming more aware of the real world. They are moving away from the concept of "things don't happen to me" and moving towards thinking like an adult. More students are learning how to drive and going out on weekends. Learning about identity theft can help them realize the importance of keeping personal information private. Teachers should provide tips to helping their students protect their identity. For example, some tips can help high school students protect themselves. First, when entering a pin number at an atm or sitting at a computer, students should become aware of who is behind them. If someone is behind you, then make sure he or she is not looking over your shoulder. Second, if students receive a credit card, then they should not sign the back of it. Instead, write "see photo identification." Unfortunately, some people never check the signiture on the back of a credit card, but when people do, they can ask for photo id. Third, if students have a savings/checking account, then they should check their monthly statements frequently. This process can help students become aware of strange amounts. Fourth, students can pay their bills at the post office. They should never leave mail in their mailboxes because anyone can come and steal it. Finally, students who purchase items on-line should check out the website before purchasing anything. If the website is legitimate, then students can feel safe about buying on-line, and students will trust the website.

[] - The FTC’s website – gives information on what ID theft is, how to prevent it, and what to do if your identity is stolen. The site offers sections for specifics such as businesses, military personal, consumers, and law enforcement. This is a great general overview of how to prevent your ID from being stolen and what to do if it is. [] - Department of Justice website on Identity Theft, how it occurs, how to prevent it, and what to do if you find yourself a victim. One of the easiest to navigate most user-friendly sites we found. [] - The Wikipedia definition of Identity theft, including definition of, types, and examples from around the world. This is an easy site for anyone to find and understand as it uses simple syntax, not the professional and political wording that the government sites use.
 * Additional Links:**

1. [] 2. [] 3. [] 4. [|Identity Theft in Schools] 5. [] 6 []
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