Identity Theft Prevention

Identity Theft is the fastest growing crime worldwide and prevents difficulties for law enforcement to investigate because of the incorporation of higher levels of technology such as digital scanners, image doctoring software such as Adobe Photoshop, and the Internet.  Identity theft can be defined by several different methods of obtaining a person’s personal information and using this information, usually for monetary gain.  Identity theft presents a huge danger for victims because credit scores can be irreparably damaged, preventing them from obtaining credit lines for new purchases, new cars, or a home. 

Many criminals who engage in identity theft do so from the safety of another country’s borders and never actually meet their victims face-to-face.  With Identity Theft being extremely difficult for local law enforcement to investigate, the Fort Bragg Police Department has compiled several tips that will help community members avoid being victimized by this type of criminal activity. 

Prevention Tips:

·       Never leave your wallet, purse, or checkbook unattended in public or visible in your unattended vehicle.  Thieves capitalize on these opportunities and can use the information contained in these items to hi-jack your identity.

·       Never give personal information such as driver’s license number, social security number, or credit card numbers over the phone or in person to someone whom you don’t know.

·       Shred unused credit card applications, credit card statements, bank statements, and tax and payroll documents before discarding them. 

·       Keep all your passwords and PIN numbers safe and secure and never give them out.

·       Run your credit report annually and check for unauthorized accounts or credit inquiries that you are unaware of.

·       Close any credit accounts that are not in use. 

·       If you misplace or suspect an important document is stolen, notify Law Enforcement immediately.  Don’t wait.

·       If you are a winner of a contest you did not enter, throw it away.  Many times, suspects will request personal information for you to “collect your winnings” and then use this information to fraudulently access your identity. 

·       Be wary of merchants or other services offered from Third World countries such as those located in Africa.

Follow these tips and exercise caution with your identity and you can decrease the risk of falling victim to identity theft.