MoonachiePD.Org
Identity Theft is another crime in which people simply
believe "it is not going to happen to me". However, it is safe to say that
the millions of people who fall victim to Identity Theft each year have, at
one time or another, thought the same thing, only to be proven wrong.
Identity thieves are good at what they do and it is up to you take every
precaution to avoid becoming a victim.
Although there are many steps you can, and should, take to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft, sometimes those intent on obtaining and using your personal information succeed. When thieves get your driver's license number, name, address, social security numbers, credit/bank cards or account numbers they can do serious damage to your credit, your reputation, and your family. Why make it easy for them, take precautions and be prepared:
DO NOT carry your social security card, keep it at a safe place at your home. There is no reason for you to have this on your person, besides, most know the number by memory.
DO NOT throw away paperwork that contains personal or financial information, such as old credit card bills, pre-approved credit card applications, utility bills etc.
SHRED these items to ensure that your information can not be obtained and used for fraudulent purposes.
Protect your mail. If you do not have a mail slot in your front door, try installing a locked mailbox.
Review your itemized credit card statements carefully for unknown charges and contact the credit card company immediately to inquire about any questionable transactions
If you carry a pocket book, carry it with the strap securely around your body and towards the front, keeping it closed unless retrieving or putting back items.
If you carry a wallet, do not keep it in loose outside pockets. Carry it in your front pocket or an inside pocket.
Keep a financial account information Emergency Sheet that includes:
1. The name of every bank/credit card you may carry, including expiration dates.
2. Each account number and any important information about each account
3. The customer service and/or emergency contact numbers for each account. Keep all of this information on 1 sheet in a safe place at home.
NEVER CARRY THIS SHEET WITH YOU.
Hopefully you will never need to use it.
Taking preventative steps will greatly reduce your chances of becoming a victim of identity theft. However, you can never be 100 % protected. In the event that you realize that you have become a victim it is extremely important for you to take immediate action to reduce the possible consequences.
What should you do ? Who should you call ? We all know, Time is Money, so act quickly !
First, immediately CANCEL the credit/bank card, account, or membership that you feel may have been compromised. If you have lost your driver's license, contact DMV and have your number changed. Review these accounts for any unusual activity. See below for Important Contact Information.
Immediately file a police report. NJDMV, banks and credit card companies will most likely want to know that have you filed a police report and may request a case number. Of course, retrace your steps and try to determine where and when you may have been when your identification had been lost or stolen. It will be the police department that is responsible for the location of such an incident where you must file the report. Provide as much information to the police as possible so they may conduct as thorough of an investigation as possible. See below for Important Contact Information.
In many cases, victims do not realize they have been victimized for some period of time. It would be wise to check your credit report, at least once a year, and review it carefully to make sure you recognize all accounts and transactions. If you discover information on your credit report that is not familiar to you, immediately contact such account and obtain information as to when it was opened and by whom. Contact information for all three major credit bureaus are listed below.
IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION
You can Pick up a NJ State Police ID Theft Victim's Reference Guide
including this and other information at Moonachie Police Headquarters.
Copy this information and keep it with your Emergency Account and Financial Information Sheet.
Reporting Fraudulent use of your Social Security Number
Contact Social Security Administration 1.800.269.0271
http://www.ssa.gov/oig
.