Identity Theft
ngpf.org Last Updated: 10/22/26
High School Personal Finance: Semester Course
Learning Objectives
Students will be able to…
Identify different types of identity theft, how they can occur, and the impact they can have on someone’s life
Take measures to protect their personal information
Understand current trends about identity theft
Outline what steps to take if they are a victim of identity theft
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Intro
How many minors have had their identity stolen?
ngpf.org 5/8/2024
Q:
Consumer Skills
QUESTION OF THE DAY
Consumer Skills
A:
QUESTION OF THE DAY
1 in 50
FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS
Learn It
Understanding Identity Theft: Risks and Prevention
Hundreds of thousands of people’s personal information is compromised every year in the United States alone. So, what exactly is identity theft, and how can it impact you?
Watch this video to find out.
Identity Theft: The Impact on One’s Life
In a few sentences, explain how identity theft can impact a person’s life.
Sentence Starter: Identity theft can drastically affect an individual's life by…
Identity Theft: Non-Monetary Costs
Provide one example that illustrates the non-monetary costs of ID theft.
Sentence Starter: One example of a non-monetary cost of identity theft is…
Identity Theft: Protect Your Personal Information
What is one step you can take to protect your personal information?
Sentence Starter: One step I can take to safeguard my personal information is…
Do It
Activity: Types of Identity Theft
In the last resource, you heard how a person could have their financial identity stolen. Unfortunately, that’s not the only way identity theft can be used against you.
In this activity, you’ll learn about other types of identity theft that you should be on the lookout for.
Follow the directions on the worksheet to complete this activity.
Worksheet: COMPARE: Types of Identity Theft
Learn It
Understanding Identity Theft: Trends and Prevention
As we complete more of our transactions online, our personal information is increasingly subject to being stolen and used by identity thieves.
Use this report to learn about the current trends on identity theft and answer the questions.
Report: Trends in Identity Theft
Identity Theft: The Most Common Type
What is the #1 type of identity theft, based on # of reports? Think of at least one reason why this type of identity theft is so much more common than others.
Sentence Starter: The #1 form of identity theft is...
Identity Theft: Credit Card Fraud
Looking on page 14, what type of credit card fraud is the most common?
Sentence Starter: The most common type of credit card fraud, as mentioned on page 14, is...
Identity Theft: Top 3 Trends
Take a look at the graph on page 15. How would you describe the trends for each of the top 3 types of ID theft?
Sentence Starter: When examining the graph on page 15, the trend for the first type of ID theft shows that...
Identity Theft: Comparing Trends
What type of ID theft occurs MOST often for people age 19 and under? How does this compare to the most common type of ID theft for the 20-29 and 30-39 age groups?
Sentence Starter: The most frequent type of ID theft for individuals aged 19 and under is...
Identity Theft: Key Takeaways
Identify one key takeaway you have from looking at the latest identity theft trends.
Sentence Starter: One key takeaway from the latest identity theft trends is that...
Safeguarding Your Identity: Prevention and Action
As you’ve learned throughout this lesson, you can’t guarantee that you will be safe from ID theft even if you take all of the preventative measures.
Watch this video and investigate the infographic to find out what you should do if you find your personal information has been compromised.
Video: How to Recognize Identity Theft and What to Do About It
Infographic: 10 Tips for Data Breach Victims
Safeguarding Your Identity: Filing a Report
How can filing a report with the FTC assist you if you’ve been a victim of identity theft?
Sentence Starter: Filing a report with the FTC can assist victims of identity theft by…
Safeguarding Your Identity: Steps to Take if Your Identity is Compromised
Besides filing a report with the FTC, write down the 3 steps you should take if you believe your identity has been compromised.
Sentence Starter: If I believe my identity has been compromised, the first step I would take is…
Safeguarding Your Identity: Practical Steps to Take
While some of these tips may not be applicable yet, what is one thing from the infographic list that a teen could consider doing today to help protect their personal information?
Sentence Starter: One practical step I could take today to safeguard my personal information, based on the infographic, is…
Exit Ticket
Exit Ticket 1: Protect Your Personal Info
All of these are practical ways to protect your personal financial information EXCEPT…
Exit Ticket 2: Identity Theft Trends in the US
Which of the following is TRUE about identity theft trends in the U.S.?
Exit Ticket: What Steps to Take if Your Info is Exposed?
Which of these is the BEST step to take after realizing your financial information may have been exposed while out shopping?