Hawaii's Fraud Prevention and Resource Guide, 3Rd Edition
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HAWAII’S FRAUD PREVENTION AND RESOURCE GUIDE 3RD EDITION LETTER FROM GOVERNOR DAVID IGE Aloha! I am proud to introduce the third edition of Hawaii’s Special Message from Fraud Prevention and Resource Guide. Special Message from Governor David Y. Ige Fraud activity continues to grow at an alarming rate. Governor David Y. Ige In Recognition of In 2018, nearly $1.5 billion was lost nationally, and in In Recognition of Group Builders, Inc. Hawaii $6 million. Local families are devastated by the Group Builders, Inc.40th Anniversary depletion of their savings, retirement, and investments. Fraud is a major concern for the elderly, but ultimately th 40 Anniversary anyone can be victimized. ǡʹͲͳͻ ǡ ǤͶͲAs Governor,Ǥ I continue to support the efforts of the Department of the ǡʹͲͳͻcompany’s foundͳͻͻǡacieto “Lito”Attorney Alcantra, General, Charlie Cook Crime and other Prevention and Justice Assistance Division; ǦǡǤ Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Office of the Securities ǡ ǤͶͲ ǡ ǤCommissioner; the Department of Health, Executive Office on Aging who company’s foundͳͻͻǡʹͷ acieto “Lito” Alcantra,Hawai‘i Ǥ Charlie Cook and other collaborated to produce this guide on fraud awareness. Being informed, ǦǡǤ Ǥ ǡ Ǥis the best tool to prevent individuals from becoming victims of fraud and ǡ ǡ identity theft. We must practice preventative strategies and help our fellow ʹͷ Hawai‘i Ǥ Award from the Hawai‘i Carpenters Union and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the United Filipino Councilcommunity of Hawai‘i. members. Ǥ ǡ ǤǤ It is important to reportin Hawai‘i these and crimes to the proper authorities. ǡ Ǥ Award from the Hawai‘i Carpenters Union and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the United FilipinoǤ Council of Hawai‘i. Let’s continue to work together to protect our citizens. Ǥ Ǥ Ǥin Hawai‘i and With warmest regards, Ǥ ǡ Ǥ DAVID Y. IGE GDavidovernor, Y. State Ige of Hawai‘i Ǥ Ǥ Governor, State of Hawaii ǡ DAVID Y. IGE Governor, State of Hawai‘i Hawaii’s Fraud Prevention & Resource Guide | 3rd Edition 1 21164_Fraud Prevention Resource Guide.indd 1 5/1/20 11:04 AM Hawaii’s Fraud Prevention and Resource Guide, 3rd Edition This guide is provided by the Department of the Attorney General, Crime Prevention and Justice Assistance Division; Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Office of the Securities Commissioner; and the Department of Health, Executive Office on Aging, Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP Hawaii). This guide was supported in part by grant number 90MPPG0053 from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects with government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official ACL policy. This guide is provided as a public service. The information contained within is for general informational purposes and may not be applicable or relevant to every situation. Neither the State of Hawaii nor any agency, officer, or employee of the State of Hawaii makes any representations, guarantees, or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information provided in this guide. Accordingly, under no circumstances shall the State of Hawaii or any agency, officer, or employee of the State of Hawaii be liable for any special, consequential, or incidental damages that may result from the use of or reliance upon the information in this guide. ©2020 State of Hawaii, Department of the Attorney General, Crime Prevention and Justice Assistance Division; Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Office of the Securities Commissioner; and the Department of Health, Executive Office on Aging, Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP Hawaii). For more information about reprint permission, contact the Department of the Attorney General, Crime Prevention and Justice Assistance Division, (808) 586-1444. May 2020 2 Hawaii’s Fraud Prevention & Resource Guide | 3rd Edition 21164_Fraud Prevention Resource Guide.indd 2 5/1/20 11:04 AM Table of Contents INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................8 IDENTITY THEFT .................................................................................................... 9 How Do Thieves Get Your Information? ..................................................... 10 Internet Phishing ........................................................................................10 Social Networks .........................................................................................10 Mail .................................................................................................................11 Phone............................................................................................................. 11 Person-To-Person ........................................................................................11 Preventive Tips To Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft .....................12 HOW SCAMMERS ACCESS YOU ....................................................................13 Malware ...............................................................................................................14 Adware .................................................................................................................14 Ransomware ......................................................................................................14 Scammer Tactics ................................................................................................14 ONLINE COMMUNICATIONS: SOCIAL NETWORKS ...........................16 Top 5 Social Media Scams Hidden Urls ..................................................................................................17 Phishing Requests ......................................................................................18 Hidden Charges ..........................................................................................18 Cash Grabs .................................................................................................18 Chain Letters .............................................................................................. 19 Preventive Tips When Using Online Communications: Social Networks ...............................................19 MAIL .......................................................................................................................... 20 Common Mail Fraud and Scams .................................................................20 If You Suspect A Mail Scam ..........................................................................20 Preventive Tips For Mail Fraud .......................................................................21 PERSON TO PERSON ..........................................................................................22 Common Person-to-Person Scams .............................................................22 Preventive Tips For Person-to-Person Fraud .............................................22 PHONE .......................................................................................................................23 Common Phone Scams ..................................................................................23 Preventive Tips For Phone Scams ................................................................23 Hawaii’s Fraud Prevention & Resource Guide | 3rd Edition 3 21164_Fraud Prevention Resource Guide.indd 3 5/1/20 11:04 AM WHAT KINDS OF INFORMATION ARE MOST IMPORTANT TO PROTECT? .............................................................................24 WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU THINK YOUR INFORMATION HAS BEEN LOST OR STOLEN? ........................................................................24 WHERE TO GET HELP .........................................................................................25 If You Are A Victim Of Identity Theft ...........................................................25 If Your Child Is A Victim Of Identity Theft ................................................. 26 If You Are A Victim Of Tax Identity Theft ....................................................27 How To Get Your Free Credit Report ..........................................................28 Security Freeze ..................................................................................................28 PREVENTIVE TIPS WHEN USING YOUR ELECTRONIC DEVICES ....29 Be Alert To Impersonators ...............................................................................31 Safely Dispose Of Personal Information ......................................................31 Encrypt Your Data ..............................................................................................31 Keep Passwords Private ..................................................................................32 Don’t Overshare On Social Networking Sites ...........................................32 Securing Your Social Security Number ......................................................33 Keeping Your Devices Secure And Use Security Software .................. 33 Avoid Phishing Emails .....................................................................................33 Be Wise About Wi-Fi ......................................................................................34 Lock Up Your Laptop .....................................................................................