Crime Prevention Tips

FRAUD ALERT!!!

Beware of any emails from Regions Bank stating your account is on hold, Bank of America stating they are upgrading its transaction security standards and asks you to click the upgrade button, National City Bank and Huntington National Bank asking you to confirm, update and verify your account data at the given link and IRS Tax Refund Notification Search Tax Refund Online that asks you to enter your e-mail, full name, social security number, date of birth, mother?s maiden name and then press search.

• E-mail will ask you to confirm/update/verify your account data by visiting the given link. You will be taken to a spoof website where your details will be captured for the phishers, (bad guys).
• Bans and the IRS never sends their users e-mails requesting personal details in this way.
• The real URL of the spoof website has been chosen to look very similar to the actual Bank URL. Don’t be fooled.

Identity Theft

What is Identity Theft?

It is the unauthorized acquisition and use of a person’s identity and personal information for the purpose of fraudulently obtaining credit, property, services, or to avoid payment of a debt, or any other legal obligation. Identity theft is the fastest growing white collar crime in America that affects 750,000 victims annually.

How is your identity stolen?

·         Trash Theft

·         Personal Theft

·         Mail Theft

·         Credit Bureaus

·         Restaurants

·         Internet

·         False Change of Address

·         Any business where your personal information is revealed.

What do the thieves hope to get?

·         Credit Cards

·         Checks (Including Cancelled Checks)

·         Pre-approved Credit Card Applications

·         Convenience Checks

·         Credit Bureau Printouts

·         Bank Statements

·         Credit Card Statements

What do I do if my identity is stolen?

1.      Contact the Federal Trade Commission @ 1-877-ID THEFT (877-438-4338) or www.consumer.gov/idtheft

2.      Notify the three major credit bureaus:
1) Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
2) Experian: 1-888-397-3742
3) TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289
Request a credit report and have your credit, “Red Flagged.”

3.      Compile a history of documents, statements, mail, etc. involving the identity theft.

4.      Contact your local police department. Reminderville Police Department dispatch is (330) 425-7874.

5.      Notify the Postal Inspector.

How do I protect myself from becoming a victim?

·         Do not leave mail in your mailbox overnight or on weekends.

·         Deposit mail in U.S. Postal Service collection boxes.

·         Shred or tear up unwanted documents that contain personal information, including pre-approved credit card applications.

·         Review your consumer credit report annually.

·         Report lost or stolen credit cards to the issuer immediately.

·         Sign your new credit cards – before someone else does.

·         Memorize your social security number and passwords; don’t carry them with you. Do not use your date of birth as your password.

·         Don’t leave receipts behind – ATMs, bank counters, gasoline pumps, etc.

·         Check expiration dates on your credit cards. Contact the issuer if you do not receive your replacement cards before your old cards expire.

·         Match credit card receipts against monthly bills and check financial statements for accuracy.

·         Do not give any personal information over the phone or the internet.

Links for additional information on identity theft:
US Postal Inspection Service – www.usps.com/postalinspectors
Federal Trade Commission - www.consumer.gov/idtheft
US Secret Service – www.secretservice.gov
Department of Justice – www.usdoj.gov/criminal/fraud/idtheft