Identity theft is a serious crime. How does it happen? Identity theft commonly begins with the loss or theft of a wallet/purse or obtaining your personal information from unsecure websites on the internet. The criminal then uses the personal information (name, address, date of birth, social security number) without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes. Steps to minimize your risk:
· Don't carry your social security card in a wallet.
· Minimize the number of credit cards & identification you carry.
· Never give out personal information on the phone, through the mail or on the Internet unless you've initiated the contact and are confident about the contact’s credibility.
· Shred charge receipts, credit applications, checks and bank statements, and expired charge cards.
· Use passwords for your credit card, bank and phone accounts but avoid using easily identifiable information.
If you are a victim of identity theft:
· Notify your local police department.
· Contact the fraud department of the three major credit bureaus.
· Obtain a copy of your credit report and review it.
· Contact creditors involved and close tampered accounts.
The Brown Deer Police Department has useful booklets and brochures on ID Theft prevention and victim recovery free for distribution. Feel free to stop by and pick up a copy. Also, officers on dayshift will be handing out the brochures to businesses and residents during routine police contacts and calls for service.
