As peak tax season approaches, be aware of any suspicious activity using your personal information.  The IRS has reported incidents of tax fraud from victims.  There are victims reporting that they are attempting to file their taxes and are being rejected as their social security number has already been used by someone to do so.  With on-line methods for banking, shopping, and also a means of bill payment being more popular, it is important to safeguard your personal information.  It’s a good idea to purchase a cross cutting shredder and shred all documents that you no longer need prior to discarding them.

If you are a victim of tax fraud, you will need to file a police report with your local law enforcement agency and then with the IRS providing them with your case number.  The IRS will investigate the fraudulent activity.  It is a good idea to check your credit history periodically through Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion to ensure that you are not an unsuspecting victim. Continue reading →

Lady Lake Police Department

Robert Tempesta, Chief of Police

Stay Alert-Be patient-Stay Alive: Adhere to New Traffic Signage and New Traffic Patterns on U.S. 27/441

As road construction continues along U.S. Hwy 27/441, the Lady Lake Police Department would like to remind all motorists to be aware of the changing traffic patterns.  There will be more pattern changes as the widening project continues so it important that all motorists pay attention when traveling through the construction zone.  A traffic pattern can be as simple as a shift in a lane that you are traveling on or a detour onto a new roadway like in recent months.

Most local motorists are already aware of the new traffic pattern on U.S. Hwy 27/441 near Fennell Blvd.  This pattern will prevent southbound motorists from accessing the bridge.  Southbound motorists will need to travel to the right of the bridge on a newly constructed roadway.  The southbound side of the bridge is in the process of being removed. Continue reading →

With the Holidays coming to an end and the New Year beginning, it is important to remain aware of where your personal information may have ended up, especially if you shop, pay bills or conduct other on-line transactions.  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.

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 a victim may face is if other accounts are opened under their name.  They may see bank or credit card transactions against their account that they did not make.  A victim may also see outstanding debt from different accounts that will be in their name and will be their responsibility to pay 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.  Continue reading →