The Kimball Police Dept. recently concluded investigation of an identity theft complaint. Identity theft complaints are becoming more popular in rural areas than ever before, however many people believe crime is not an issue in small communities. Identity theft is the criminal act of assuming another person’s name, address, social security number or birthdate to commit fraud. Investigation of these crimes is difficult and time-consuming. Identity thefts cost more than just money. They can damage one’s name and reputation within their community. This is damage that may not be easily remedied, and as a result an individual could be arrested for crimes he or she did not commit. To determine if you are at risk of being a victim of identity theft answer the following questions: •Do I keep personal identification numbers in my wallet with my ATM and credit cards? •Do I only take the ATM or credit cards I need with me? •Do I check all transactions when I get my monthly credit card bills? •Do I shred bank statements, credit card bills or other documents before putting them in the trash? •Do I shred applications for unwanted pre-approved credit cards before throwing them out? •Do I request an annual copy of my credit report? •If I fail to receive my normal amount of mail do I check with the post office to see if someone has filed a change of address card? If you answered NO to three or more questions you are at risk. How identity theft works Identity thieves generally operate in the following manner: •They steal wallets and purses containing ID cards, credit cards and bank cards. •They steal mail, including bank and credit card statements, pre-approved credit offers, telephone calling cards and tax information. •They complete a change of address form to divert mail to another location. •They rummage through personal trash and business trash for information, also known as “dumpster diving.” •They fraudulently obtain credit reports by posing as a landlord, employer or someone else with the right to the information. •They get their target’s personnel records at work and personal information from home. •They use personal information shared on the Internet. •They buy personal information from “inside sources” Personal protection While there is always a chance of becoming a victim of identity theft, individuals can take certain measures to protect themselves. •Never give out personal information over the phone. Your social security number, date of birth, mother’s maiden name, credit card number and bank pin code (unless you initiated the phone call) should be protected and released only when absolutely necessary. •Shred pre-approved credit card applications, receipts, bills, and other unwanted information before discarding. •Empty wallet of extra credit cards and IDs. •Cancel unused cards and maintain a list of frequently used cards. •Order a credit report from the three credit bureaus once a year to check for fraudulent activity or other discrepancies. The three credit bureaus are °Equifax (800) 997-2493 °Experian Information Sol-utions (formerly TRW) (800) 397-3742 °Transunion (800) 916-8800. If you still become a victim, contact the fraud departments of each of the three major credit bureaus. Tell them you’re an identity theft victim and request that a fraud alert be placed in your file. Then close all accounts that you know or believe have been tampered with or opened fraudulently. File a police report and notify the Federal Trade Commission at (800) ID-THEFT. Review home and business practices to determine if you are at risk of being a victim of identity theft A few simple document changes will make you less likely to become a victim of this crime. If you have any questions regarding identity theft, please contact your local police or sheriff’s department to assist you in this manner.
