REPORTS FROM ROBOCOP’S REPOSITORY
News You Can Use by Officer Scott Bachman
HOW
NOT TO LOSE YOUR SHIRT AND YOUR GOOD NAME
What is Identity Theft?
Identity Theft involves acquiring key pieces of someone's
identifying information, such as name, address, date of birth, social security
number and information enabling the identity thief to commit numerous forms of
fraud which include, but are not limited to, taking over the victim's financial
accounts, opening new bank accounts, purchasing automobiles, applying for loans,
credit cards and social security benefits, renting apartments and establishing
services with utility and phone companies.
Identity Theft has become a significant
tool in a criminal’s toolbox. It
is not a new concept although due to our electronic coming of age with Internet
purchases, electronic bank payments and mobile data technology there are far
more opportunities than simply stealing mail out of your mailbox.
Many of our financial transactions are electronic and with that our
personal data is recorded and stored. Recently
several large corporate databases had their records compromised and stolen
creating much concern. Computers are
often left unattended and unsecured and laptop computers have become even more
of a target. There are no easy
solutions. Computers and the
Internet have become a way of life. Consumer
preference and mailing lists are the mainstay of retail and wholesale marketing
in this country. Some websites collate and offer
extended personal information for free which is then posted for public view.
Unlisted phone numbers, dates of birth and residential addresses are
available with nothing more than a click of a computer mouse.
Steps which may assist with maintaining
your personal information are:
 | Never
give anyone your Social Security Number or credit card information without
proper cause and always confirm who you are speaking to.
A legitimate charitable organization will not ask you for that type
of information over the phone particularly if the call was unsolicited.
If you have doubts about a charitable request a form can be mailed to
you identifying the charity and alternative methods of payment.
Information should not be offered on unsecured Internet sites as well
as e-mails to anyone. Consider
the same thing when faxing information.
|
| PIN
and personal passwords for credit cards, online accounts and ATMs should not
be shared. |
| Shred
documents such as credit card bills, mortgage statements or tax records
regardless if it is trash or being recycled. |
| Check
your monthly bank statement for unusual entries or amounts.
Getting a copy of your credit report is also an option from time to
time. |
| Consider
how accessible your information may be in your home if there are contractors
present and you are not. |
| Use
common sense. That may make all
the difference in the world. |
Reporting Identity Theft
Call 911 to make a police report. The
sooner information is documented and entered into crime computers the easier it
may be to adjust illegal financial transactions to your accounts.
Also, it provides law enforcement with possible identifiers and methods
of operation to develop a suspect. Police
departments can share this information and hopefully make an arrest.
If you have purchased something over the Internet, haven't received it
and feel that you are a victim of a theft and not just a business dispute, you
must report this to the agency in which the suspect resides. You may also
file a report to the Internet Crime
Complaint Center (IC3).
The Center is a clearinghouse for such crimes as fraud, computer
intrusion/takeover and other crimes involving the use of a computer/Internet. Upon
receipt of the complaint they will forward a copy to the appropriate
jurisdiction for review.
Consult your local and state governments regarding specific laws in your
jurisdiction as they apply to Identity Theft and Internet Fraud.
Informational Web Sites
U.S. Government Accounting Office
U.S. Postal Inspection Service
International Association of Financial
Crimes Investigators
