>> Preventing Identity Theft in 2010 (10/2009)

Behind the Badge: A Message from Sheriff Ted Mink.

Identity theft is a fast-growing crime that changes quickly.  Investigators still see cases involving “dumpster diving,” and still recommend shredding sensitive documents.  But criminals have added new tactics — some sophisticated and some unbelievably simple. 

Here are some criminal tactics you may remember, and some you may not have seen.

Texts, e-mails and calls from credit unions, etc.
In recent months, many local residents have received text messages on their cell phones purportedly from their credit unions, saying something like, “Your account has been suspended.”  The texts then ask the recipient to take action: texting, calling or going online to provide their personal account information.

A similar tactic involves e-mails “from” banks or credit unions, using the bank’s logo and looking very official.  In another version, the scammer actually places a call to the victim, identifies himself as a bank representative, and then asks the victim to verify personal or financial information.

Do not fall prey to these scams.  Your bank will not request personal information from you, even for “verification.”  Delete the text messages and e-mails, and do not respond.  If you’re unsure, call your bank directly using the number that you already have.

“Grandma, I need money”
This incredibly simple and mean-spirited scam involves just a phone and Western Union.  The criminal will target a senior citizen, and call her.  When the victim answers, the criminal says, “Grandma?”  The victim then usually says, “David?” providing the name of her grandchild to the criminal.  He affirms that he’s David, and then says he needs her to wire money to him because of a DUI.  He pleads with her not to tell anyone.  If she asks why he sounds different, he may say that he has a cold. 

Jefferson County has seen several seniors fall victim to this scam.  If you get any kind of call like this, hang up and call your grandchild directly on the number that you have, or call another relative to check the facts.

Job scam
In this scam, victims find out about work-from-home jobs on Web sites like Craigslist, or via incoming e-mail from senders unknown to them.  They sign on to “work from home” and then are instructed to cash fraudulent checks or send money to various places. 

Jury duty scam
In this scam, victims receive a phone call from someone telling them they failed to appear for jury duty and now there is a warrant out for their arrest.  The caller then asks the victim to verify his name, date of birth, and other personal information.  The caller will also ask for the victim’s social security number and sometimes even for credit card numbers.  The information is then used to commit identity theft.

Online purchases
Scammers who make fraudulent online purchases using your account information often make them in small amounts so you won’t notice.  Over time, they add up to big bucks.  Check your online account purchases, your bank statements and your credit card statements regularly, and look for purchases you don’t recognize.

Reporting a crime
To report identity theft, call our non-emergency number: 303-277-0211.  If the Sheriff’s Office is not the proper authority to investigate this crime, we will give the information to the appropriate law enforcement agency, such as the FBI or U.S. Secret Service.

Top three tips from our investigators
Here are some tips that are always relevant.

• Be proactive with your accounts.  Check your various bank and credit card accounts regularly for fraudulent transactions.  Request your free credit report annually.  It only takes a day for your credit to be ruined, so take the time to stay on top of your account activity and contact your bank about any unusual activity right away.
  
• Never answer any inquiries that you didn’t initiate.  Your banks and lenders will not contact you via phone, e-mail or text, asking you for personal information.  If you didn’t initiate the contact, don’t provide any info.
  
• Verify everything before you take action.  Criminals are crafty.  Some pose as your bank; others are so brazen as to pose as your grandson.  Before sending any money or information anywhere, call the number you have on record to verify the recipient. 

  For more information on identity theft, visit our Web site here.

Behind the Badge Archive

Last Modified: Oct 16, 2009 01:17 PM