Types of Frauds

IDENTITY THEFT/ PREVENTION OF CREDIT CARD FRAUDS/CHECK FORGERIES

  • Those receiving checks in the mail on a regular basis should consider the use of Direct Deposit to prevent your checks from being stolen from the mail.
  • Check all monthly statements carefully for charges/checks not authorized by you.
  • Do not give your checking/charge account numbers over the phone to someone you do not know.
  • Do not have Personal Identification Numbers (PIN) written where others can get them. It is best to have them memorized, not written down.
  • Destroy unneeded receipts to keep unauthorized persons from obtaining card numbers.
  • IF YOUR WALLET OR PURSE IS STOLEN, IT IS A POTENTIAL GOLD MINE FOR A THIEF.  HERE IS WHAT YOU MUST DO TO PROTECT YOURSELF.
  1. File a report with the police immediately. Get a copy in case your bank, credit card company or insurance company needs proof of the crime. Copies are available at the Police Department, Monday through Friday, 2460 Government Blvd.
    Case Number: _____________________.
  2. Cancel each credit and charge card. Get new account numbers.
  3. Call the fraud departments of the major credit reporting agencies to prevent misuse of your credit cards.

    Equifax:               (800) 525-6285  
    Experian:             (888) 397-3742
    TransUnion:         (800) 680-7289
  4. Ask the credit bureaus for copies of your credit reports. They are free. Review the reports to make sure no additional fraudulent accounts have been opened in your name or unauthorized changes made to your existing accounts. Recheck in a  few months. Credit reports also  are available at: annualcreditreports.com.
  5. Report the loss to your bank if your wallet or purse contained bank account information, including account numbers, ATM cards or checks. Cancel checking and savings accounts and open new ones. Stop payments on outstanding checks.
  6. Contact the major check verification companies to request that retailers be notified not to accept the stolen checks.

    Telecheck: (800) 710-9898
    Certegy Inc.: (800) 437-5120
  7. 7. To find out if bad checks have been passed in your name, call SCAN at (800) 262-7771.
  8. Get a new ATM card, account number and PIN or password.
  9. Report a stolen driver’s license to the Department of Motor Vehicles (251) 660-2330. Replacement cards are available through the License Commissioner, 574-8562. 10. Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213, for replacement of Social Security and Medicaid cards.