| "Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personally identifying information, like your name, Social Security number, or credit card number, without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes.
The FTC estimates that as many as 9 million Americans have their identities stolen each year. In fact, you or someone you know may have experienced some form of identity theft. The crime takes many forms. Identity thieves may rent an apartment, obtain a credit card, or establish a telephone account in your name. You may not find out about the theft until you review your credit report or a credit card statement and notice charges you didn’t make—or until you’re contacted by a debt collector. Identity theft is serious. While some identity theft victims can resolve their problems quickly, others spend hundreds of dollars and many days repairing damage to their good name and credit record. Some consumers victimized by identity theft may lose out on job opportunities, or be denied loans for education, housing or cars because of negative information on their credit reports. In rare cases, they may even be arrested for crimes they did not commit." If you are a victim of identity theft, the documents below can provide you with valuable information regarding the action needed to be taken. Identity Theft Information Packet - a comprehensive booklet, providing victims with information on how to contact the 3 Credit Bureaus and having their credit reports flagged, preventing possible damage to their credit scores. Also includes information on how and why to report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the national clearing house for Identity Theft cases. Provides tips on how to safeguard your identity and gives information on how their personal information is obtained. Identity Theft Information Form – This is an 11 page Identity Theft report form. (This is the actual report form that is to be completed by the victim and brought to the Police Department, for a case number to be assigned.) Providing as much information as possible, when completing this report, is crucial in determining where and how the investigation will proceed. Providing as much detail will assist investigators with possible leads and other investigative entities to be included in the case. FS-106 Organizing Your Identity Theft Case - A 5 page fact sheet, giving the victim valuable information about how to organize and keep track of their Identity Theft case, including details on how and why to keep a log book. FS-112 Enhancing Victim and Investigator Communications - An 8 page fact sheet, providing the victim with information as to why the victim seems to do all of the work at the onset of the case. If you would like more detailed information, please visit the following links: Federal Trade Commission Website http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/consumers/about-identity-theft.html Identity Theft Center www.idtheftcenter.com International Association of Chief’s of Police ID Safety Program link http://www.theiacp.org/idsafety/ |
| IDENTITY THEFT |