Police News: Tips to protect you from identity theft

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Editors Note: This is the start of a monthly column from JPD Chief Florentino Perez.

Florentino Perez/Jefferson Police Chief

Monthly Crime Prevention Tips: Identity Theft Prevention

This Month I will like to inform the public on Identity Theft and steps you can take to limit a criminal access to you and your identity. We find ourselves surrounded by technology daily, it makes our lives simpler. The ability to scan your phone with preloaded Credit Card information, to make purchases at the local grocery store or to purchase items online have become common practice. The simplicity has also made it easier for criminally motivated individuals to gain access to your Identity. The Police Department has taken a dozen of reports this past year in relation to Credit Card/Debit Card abuse, Fraudulent Checks and Identity Theft and Fake Bank Accounts being opened in an individual’s name. With most of the incidents, the victim has been able to recover the lost monies, but some were not as fortunate and lost hundreds of dollars. Some steps you can began taking now include: store personal, financial documents in a safe place at home and work; Limit what you carry, leave social security card’s and Medicare card’s at home unless you will need them for a specific reason; Don’t share your personal, financial information over the phone unless you know the caller to a legitimate company or government entity; Inspect your credit card receipts, It should never show your full account number on a statement; Use only one credit card for your online purchases. Do not use a debit card to make online purchases; Pick up your mail promptly and use a secure mailbox; Shred Credit offers, loan and credit applications when you no longer need them; Use different and strong passwords for each of your accounts and then safeguard them; Before you sell, give away or dispose of electronic devices, reset or clear all personal data; Monitor your Credit Reports. Additionally, we have had reports of individuals receiving phone calls from who they believe to the law enforcement. No local law enforcement will call you on the phone and demand financial information. We have also seen these criminal bandits spoof local law enforcement numbers. Simply hang up and call the local police agency number that you know to be correct and speak to a real police officer regarding the false call.  

Please don’t hesitate reporting identity theft, and please take the above preventative steps.

Be Safe,

—Chief Florentino Perez