Fraud
"Your Local
Police Department is responsible for the investigation of property
crimes involving the manipulation of documents such "fraud". This type
of crime is on the increase due to the ease with which funds can be
transferred via paper or electronic documents.
To
protect yourself from becoming a victim, you should do the following:
- Get a copy
of your own credit report every six months and check it to make sure there
aren't any credit card or checking accounts you didn't open.
- Never give
your credit card number to someone who calls you on the telephone.
- Read your
monthly statements carefully and report any discrepancies immediately.
- Rip up or
shred your old checks and bills before putting them in the trash.
- When you
renew your driver's license, don't use your Social Security number as your
license number.
- There's no
sense in making your Social Security number too easily available.
- If you are
shopping online, make sure the site is secured "https://"
and that a padlock icon shows on the bottom right of your desktop.
- Buy ONLY
from reputable companies and make sure you read their privacy policies, and
terms.
- Guard the
Personal Identification Number (PIN) you use on your various credit cards.
- Don't write
them down in your personal planner, and don't leave them on a slip of paper
in your purse or wallet.
- Learn to ask
"Why?" when people request financial information.
