Police Department
Crime Prevention - Identity Theft
Identity Theft has become the fastest growing crime in the
United States and according to the Federal Trade Commission
(FTC), Indiana's most prevalent form of I.D. Theft is "Utilities
Fraud". This indicates that after the thief obtains YOUR
information, that he/she will most likely use it to open up an
account with the gas company, telephone company, electric
company, etc.
- Buy and use a cross-cut shredder. Shred EVERYTHING!
Thieves can find a lot of "pieces to the puzzle" in your
discarded trash.
- Avoid leaving your mail in the mailbox overnight.
Retrieve it as soon as possible.
- Avoid giving out your personal information including
account numbers over the telephone and internet unless you
are the one who initiated contact. A common form of this is
when the thief finds out your banks name and contacts you
portraying to be them. Conduct account updating or other
personal information recordkeeping in person whenever
possible. This form of I.D. Theft is call "Phishing".
- Opt out of pre-approved credit cards by calling
1-800-680-7293.
- Request companies to stop selling your personal
information. This can be done by writing to EACH of the
three major credit reporting agencies (Transunion, Experian,
& Equifax).
- Keep only the necessary credit cards and other personal
information needed in your purse/ wallet. Report lost or
stolen cards as soon as possible. Write down the telephone
number and name of each card you own (NO account numbers
please) and keep these in several locations such as the
glove box, the desk at home, your office desk, etc.
- Request a copy of your credit report(s) as often as
allowed.
- File a police report. Most banks, affidavits, etc.
require a police report number (control number) to help
regain your identity and limit your exposure.
Please visit the Federal Trade Commission for more great
ideas on Identity Theft prevention and tips for what you should
do if you're a victim. Their website is
www.FTC.gov. Return to top |
