Community: Identity Theft PreventionTips
Identity theft is unauthorized use of personal identifying information. This occurs when someone steals your personal information and uses it without your permission. Identity theft remains one of the fastest growing crimes in America. Identity theft can wreak havoc with your credit and it can take time, money and patience to resolve.
“Dumpster diving” provides access to your valuable personal information. The suspect rummages through your garbage, the trash of businesses or public dumps, looking for pre-approved credit cards, credit card bills, and bank statements. Also useful will be your social security numbers, your street address, email address, and telephone numbers. With this information thieves can commit; identity theft, bank fraud, credit card fraud, and loan fraud. They can drain your bank account, run up charges on your credit card, open a new utility account, and receive medical treatments.
Be aware! Be alert if you observe:
• Your credit score is unusually low
• Your credit report contains inaccurate or false information
• There are unexplained withdrawals from your bank account
• Merchants refuse your checks
• Debt collectors contact you for debts that are not yours
• Unfamiliar accounts and or charge accounts appear on your credit report
• Medical bills arrive for services you didn’t use
Minimize your risk by:
• Guarding your Social Security number
• Shredding documents with personal information
• Using intricate passwords
• Being on the lookout for online scammers and thieves
• Always keep your purse and or wallet safe and secure
• Monitor your credit card accounts and bank statements each month
• Immediately report unauthorized use of your credit cards and unexplained withdrawal from your bank
• Check your credit score regularly
Contact Information:
Detective William Bailey
(818) 898-1260
[email protected]
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