Identity Crimes (Theft, Compromise & Misuse) with Mona Terry

When you search for customer service numbers online, you might
come across a scammer’s number instead. It’s important to be
cautious when sharing personal information, and to verify
identities before responding to requests for sensitive
data. 


Today’s guest is Mona Terry. As Chief Victims Officer at Identity
Theft Resource Center, she navigates the complexities of identity
protection and identity crime recovery and management of
multi-million dollar federal grants. She analyzes victim
experiences to create ITRC’s Identity Report and to provide
information about new and ongoing trends in identity crimes.
Show Notes:

[0:55] - Mona describes her role as Chief Victims Officer at
Identity Theft Resource Center and how she found herself in this
job.

[3:18] - Identity crimes include theft, compromise, and
misuse. What’s the difference?

[4:26] - The number one recorded compromise is through scams,
where people give their information to someone else.

[5:30] - It is also becoming more common for someone to
search for a customer service number and come across a scammer’s
number instead.

[7:01] - Some of the strategies in detecting fake websites
are not helpful any longer with scammers using AI tools to make
things look more legitimate.

[10:10] - Misuse is when someone else takes over your account
and is making charges or establishing new accounts in your name.

[11:41] - Account takeovers don't only include credit cards.
Social media account takeovers can be just as dangerous and more
common.

[13:28] - Identity theft is what it sounds like—stealing
information with the intent to misuse it.

[15:24] - If you suspect something is compromised, Mona
recommends freezing your credit account.

[16:45] - Freezing your account and checking credit reports
is easier than it used to be.

[19:32] - Mona describes how the Identity Theft Resource
Center walks victims through the steps in resolving problems.

[21:23] - Some situations are harder to resolve than others.

[23:51] - Team members at Identity Theft Resource Center are
not therapists, but they are trauma informed and listen to
victims as they are guided through a process.

[26:27] - When working with the Identity Theft Resource
Center, clients get a recovery plan.

[29:08] - If victims have tried something or don’t feel
comfortable with something, ITRC can step in and help.

[31:50] - Don’t be afraid to check for problems. Sometimes
problems don’t show themselves immediately.



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