REPORTS FROM ROBOCOP

REPORTS FROM ROBOCOP’S REPOSITORY

News You Can Use by Officer Scott Bachman

IDENTITY THEFT

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 Fraud Complaint Center at www.ifccfbi.gov. The IFCC is a clearinghouse for such crimes as fraud, computer intrusion/takeover and other crimes involving the use of a computer. 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

Federal Trade Commission
www.ftc.gov

Privacy Rights Clearing House
www.privacyrights.org

U.S. Government Account Office
www.gao.gov

U.S. Postal Inspection Service
www.usps.gov/postalinspectors

International Association of Financial
Crimes Investigators
www.iafci.org (go to links section)

BACK TO LINKS PAGE