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  Theft Victim
Fraud and forgery
The function of the Fraud and Forgery unit is the follow-up investigation of cases of check forgery, counterfeiting, and credit card theft. Patrol officers take the initial reports on all these crimes, and are able to close most cases. The Detectives assigned to the Fraud and Forgery unit are actively involved in specific follow-ups in certain cases which patrol officers cannot easily accomplish. They also assists in educating Walnut Creek businesses and residents in fraud prevention. The following is information on specific programs and current fraud issues:

 
Non-Sufficient Funds/Account Closed Checks: The Walnut Creek Police Department participates in the Contra Costa County District Attorney Bad Check Diversion Restitution Program. This Program attempts to collect on checks for merchants and private persons who have been victimized by bad check writers. The Program also acts as a clearinghouse for criminal prosecutions related to Non-Sufficient Funds (NSF) and closed account check cases. Such reports should be made directly to the Bad Check Diversion Restitution Program at 866-639-8093 or you can click on the following link:
http://www.co.contra-costa.ca.us/depart/da/Bad_Check_Diversion_Restitution/Introduction.htm

Identity theft: Interwoven with many cases of fraud and forgery is a new crime, Identity Theft. Starting with a stolen Social Security number and a mother's maiden name, identity thieves can open new accounts in your name and obtain goods, services, and money. You first become notified when the bills start arriving or creditors calling looking for bills to be paid. The Walnut Creek Police Department takes reports on identity theft when your identifying information is used to obtain goods and services within the city limits. If your information is used elsewhere, we can take a courtesy report, but investigative responsibility lies where the goods or services were obtained. If you find yourself a victim of identity theft, follow steps as outlined in: Identity Theft

Ponzi schemes and other "too good to be true" frauds: Still a persistent problem are the old fashioned 'Bunco' crimes. One such fraud involved the "Canadian Lottery." An elderly resident received a call from a man identifying himself as a Canadian Lottery official. The caller told the victim he was a winner of the lottery and he needed to send a check to Canada for payment up front for taxes in Canada. Report such calls immediately to the Police Department. The common theme in all such frauds is that the victim is asked to give money up front for a prize or a gift. Also beware of Investments which promise excessive returns with relatively little investment.

Forgery: Often part of other crimes, forgery of checks is a huge problem. Criminals will steal checks or counterfeit them using easily obtained commercial software. The checks are then forged and passed by criminals using counterfeit identification. Banks do not guarantee forged documents, so the business that accepts the check suffers the loss.

Credit Card Fraud: Another huge problem, which leads to higher costs passed onto consumers. Criminals use stolen credit cards- a now growing problem of counterfeit credit cards. Since identification is normally not required, this is an easy crime to commit. Normally the credit card company absorbs the loss, providing the physical credit card was used at the point of sale. If no credit card is presented, such as in a mail order or Internet transaction, the merchant takes the loss. Checking the card to see if it is lost or stolen does not protect the merchant in those cases. Control your credit cards closely, and if lost, report them immediately to your credit card company.