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IDENTITY THEFT AND FRAUD
Walnut Creek Police Department February 2001
Identity theft and identity fraud are terms used to refer to all types of crime in which someone wrongfully obtains and uses another person's personal data in some way that involved fraud or deception, typically for economic gain.
Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in America, affecting approximately 500,000 new victims each year.
How Identity Theft or Fraud is Committed
* In public places, criminals may engage in "shoulder surfing" - watching you from a nearby location as you punch in your telephone calling card number or credit card number.
* Some criminals engage in "dumpster diving" - going through your garbage cans or a commercial dumpster or trash bin - to obtain copies of your checks, credit card or bank statements, or other records that typically bear your name, address or even your telephone number.
* Criminals may simply steal your wallet or purse.
* If you have received applications for "pre-approved" credit cards in the mail, but discard them without tearing up the enclosed materials, criminals may retrieve them and try to activate the cards for their use without your knowledge.
* Criminals may open up a new credit card account, using your name, date of birth and Social Security number. When they use the credit card and don't pay the bills, the delinquent account is reported on your credit report.
* They may establish a cellular phone service in your name.
* They may open a bank account in your name and write bad checks on that account.
* Criminals may pilfer bank statements, credit card statements, pre-approved credit card applications, etc., from your mailbox.
Prevention of Identity Theft or Fraud
* Limit the amount of confidential or personal information you carry in your wallet or purse. Do not carry bank account numbers, personal identification numbers (PINs), passports, birth certificates or Social Security cards.
* Avoid carrying more blank checks than you actually need. A criminal can fraudulently use the sensitive information often pre-printed on your checks (address, bank account number, and telephone numbers). Do not have your Social Security number pre-printed on your checks.
* Keep good backup information about your accounts, in case your wallet or purse is lost or stolen.
* When you go on vacation, take along a list of toll-free telephone numbers for your banking and credit card companies - not your card numbers - and keep the list in a safe place other than your wallet or purse.
* Consider canceling any credit cards you don't really need or haven't used in six months.
* Never provide personal information (Social Security number, credit card number, address, etc.) over the telephone unless you initiate the call and are familiar or acquainted with the business.
* Destroy - preferably shred - credit card applications you receive in the mail and don't use.
* Review your credit card bills and your checking account statements as soon as they are received, to ensure that no fraudulent activity has taken place.
* Obtain a copy of your credit report at least once a year to check for errors.
* Be careful at ATM's and using phone cards. "Shoulder Surfers" can obtain your "PIN Number" and get access to your accounts.
* Do not put checks in the mail from your home mailbox. Drop them off at a U.S. Mailbox or the U.S. Post Office. Mail theft is common. It is easy to change the name of the recipient on the check with an acid wash.
* When you order new credit cards in the mail, or your previous ones have expired, watch the calendar to make sure you get the card within the appropriate time. If it is not received by a certain date, call the credit card granter immediately and find out if the card was sent. Find out if a change of address was filed if you don't receive the card or billing statement.
* Obtain a post office box, or locked mailbox, if you can.
* Do not put your telephone number on your checks.
* Consider making your telephone number an unlisted number or just use an initial instead of full first name in the directory.
* Obtain credit cards and business cards with your picture on them, whenever possible.
* If someone you don't know calls you on the telephone and offers you the chance to receive a "major" credit card, a prize, or other valuable item, but asks you for personal data - such as your Social Security number, credit card number, or mother's maiden name - ask them to send you a written application form. If they won't do it, tell them you are not interested and hang up.
* When you are traveling, have your mail held at your local post office, or ask someone you know well and trust to collect and hold your mail while you are away.
* If your monthly credit card or bank statements do not arrive at the normal time of the month, call the financial institution or credit card company immediately and ask about it.
What to Do if You Are the Victim of Identity Theft of Fraud
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SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
CALL THE POLICE ABOUT ALL SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY
Don't worry about "bothering" them - this is what they are for. Don't worry about being embarrassed if your suspicions prove unfounded. Better to think about what could happen if you don't act.
Recently, two neighbors called the police to report two suspicious subjects who were seen walking up to several residences and looking around suspiciously. Officers were dispatched and upon arrival of the officers, both suspects attempted to flee. Both were apprehended and taken into custody. It was determined both suspects had extensive criminal records including burglary and sexual assault.
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH IN ACTION!
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AUTO BURGLARY PREVENTION
Auto burglary continues to be one of Walnut Creeks highest crime statistics. Listed below are prevention methods each one of us could use to reduce our chances of being a victim.
* Always lock your vehicle at all times.
* When you park your car, remove cellular phones, stereos, and other valuable possessions.
* Try to park in a well lit area or install a motion detector light in the area of your parked vehicle.
Remember, most auto burglaries are a crime of opportunity. If your vehicle is unlocked and valuables are in plain sight, you are more likely to be a victim.
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