Identity Theft

Identity Theft

Identity theft is a common term used for crimes in which someone wrongfully obtains and uses another’s personal information without their knowledge to commit fraud and other crimes.

Over 500,000 Americans become victims of identity theft annually, costing them and financial institutions approximately $750 million.

Once victimized, it could take months or even years to clear one’s credit rating.

Identity Theft Methods

• Collecting Garbage --Thieves rummage through trash looking for paperwork containing your personal information.
• Skimming -- Thieves utilize special devices to steal your credit card numbers as you use them at locations such as ATMs and gas pumps.
• Phishing -- Thieves pretend to be financial institutions, companies, or government agencies and send email or pop-up messages to get you to reveal your personal information.
• Hacking -- Thieves hack into your computer to steal your email or other online account information.
• Stealing -- Thieves steal wallets and purses; mail, bank and credit card statements; pre-approved credit card offers; new checks or tax information.

Prevention Tips

• Do not carry extra credit card, your social security card, passport, or birth certificate except when absolutely necessary.
• Do not give out personal information on the phone, through the mail or over the internet unless you know who you are dealing with when using public Wi-Fi connections.
• Never click on links sent in unsolicited e-mails. Use firewalls, anti-spyware and anti-virus software to protect your home computer.
• Shred all paperwork with financial and personal information on it before throwing it in the garbage.
• Keep your personal information in a secure place at home.
• Monitor you credit report regularly.

For additional prevention tips and Identity Theft Information, visit the following websites:

• The National Crime Prevention Council -- www.ncpc.org
• Federal Trade Commission -- www.fraud.org

Victim Resources

• Contact the Marco Island Police Department at 239-389-5050 to file a report. Get a copy of the report and retain it for your records.
• Immediately change your passwords and PIN numbers.
• Contact your creditors and let them know you are a victim. These include mortgage holders, credit card companies, telephone and utility companies, banks, etc.
• If your bank accounts or credit card accounts have been tampered with, close them and open new ones.
• If the thief is using your Social Security Numbers, report it to the Social Security Fraud Hotline.
• If the theft of your identity is the result of stolen mail, report it to the U.S. Postal Inspector.
• Contact the fraud departments of all major credit bureaus and ask for a fraud alert to be places on your file.

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

• Equifax: 800-525-6285
• Experian: 888-397-3742
• Trans Union: 800-680-7289
• Social Security Fraud Hotline: 800-269-0271
• U.S. Postal Inspector: 877-876-2455

Marco Island Police Department

51 Bald Eagle Drive

Marco Island, Florida  34145

General / Non-Emergency  239-389-5050

Emergency: 9-1-1