With the Holiday Season coming to an end and the New Year beginning, it is important to remain vigilant. Identity theft is a topic that is critical because once you become victimized, it is difficult to clear your name and credit if it becomes compromised. Perpetrators will steal data such as social security numbers, date of birth, addresses, and bank account information. If your information is stolen, you may receive correspondence from companies or creditors for debt you weren’t aware of.
There have been recent vehicle burglaries where wallets, pocketbooks, and backpacks have been left in both the front and back seats. The victim’s driver’s license, debit cards, and check book were in possession of perpetrators that wrote checks and passed them using the bank’s drive through teller lane that is farthest from the window also known as “felony lane.” The person passing the check will disguise themselves to match the appearance on the victim’s photo identification card by using wigs and sunglasses. It may sound peculiar to some but it works because the teller is busy with the transaction and cannot truly verify the identity. This is why it is so important not to leave anything of value in your vehicle even if it’s locked.
Credit card fraud and other financial scams are one of the most reported uses for identity theft. Some criminals steal credit card information only to make immediate purchases before the card is reported stolen. One of the bigger problems is if other accounts are opened under your name. You may see bank or credit card transactions against your account that you did not make. There may be outstanding debt from different accounts that will be in your name and will be your responsibility to pay them off or start the process of claiming identity theft. The process of clearing your name and credit can be costly and take an emotional toll on the victim.
Here are some tips to help prevent identity theft:
- Shred all documents that you no longer need that have personal information on them.
- Notify the post office to hold your mail if you will be out of town or have someone you trust pick up your mail.
- If using on-line sources for banking or shopping, make sure the site is secure and try to avoid using public computers or public Wi-Fi.
- Watch your surroundings when entering PIN numbers as criminals will attempt to watch from behind.
- Avoid providing personal information over the phone unless you are sure of who you are giving it to.
- Regularly check your credit report for suspicious activity.
If you become a victim it is important to:
- Immediately notify the company you have credit with about any transaction you did not authorize.
- File a police report or an online report with the Federal Trade Commission.
- Notify the three credit agencies: Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax.
- Follow-up to make sure that your credit is flagged for fraudulent activity. A fraud alert can be put on your credit to alert businesses that they must contact you prior to opening accounts.
The Lady Lake Police Department reminds you that we are here to help protect you from criminal activity but protecting your identity starts with you. Using some of these tips can help you from becoming a victim.
