Last year alone, more than 9.9 million Americans were victims of identity theft, a crime that cost them roughly $5 billion dollars. The number of ID theft victims and their total losses are probably much higher. It's hard to pin down, because law enforcement agencies may classify ID theft differently--it can involve credit card fraud, Internet fraud, or mail theft, among other crimes. The FTC reported that only four percent of victims cited stolen mail as the source of personal information. Even so, U.S. Postal Inspectors, charged with protecting the nation’s mail system from criminal misuse, are leaders in the fight against identity theft. Postal Inspectors provide these ID theft tips:

- Learn about how identity thieves can steal your name and your money.
- Review your consumer credit reports annually.
- Shred and destroy unwanted documents that contain personal information.
- Deposit mail in U.S. Postal Service collection boxes.
- Don’t leave mail in your mailbox overnight or on weekends.
- If you’re a victim of identity theft and the U.S. Mail is involved, call your nearest Postal Inspection Service office and local police or report identity theft on-line.

More information on ID Theft:

Identity Theft occurs when an unauthorized person uses your name, date of birth, social security number, etc. to obtain credit without your consent. Identity Theft or Identity Fraud became a crime in Virginia on July 1, 2000. Additionally, several states have laws similar to Virginia’s and it is covered under a section of the Federal Code, Title 18, United States Code-Section 1028.

These offenses are very difficult to pursue and specific financial documentation required can only be obtained by the crime victim. If your credit was compromised in several different states, a Federal Agency may more appropriately investigate your case. Although the Code of Virginia Section 18.2-186.3 grants the Fairfax County Police Department authority to investigate these crimes, agencies or businesses outside of Virginia do not have to comply with our subpoena requests.

Review Before Signing
Always add up your charge slip before signing it. Draw lines through blank areas. Never sign a blank charge slip.

Save Receipts
Receipts are proof of your purchases and transactions. They are invaluable in the event of a dispute. Don’t throw away your debit or credit card receipts.

Check Your Accounts Frequently
With credit card fraud on the rise, check your credit card and debit accounts often. Don’t wait to review your statement at the end of the month. Call your bank or check your account on line regularly.

Check Your Monthly Statement
Check your monthly billing statement carefully to see if it includes transactions or purchases you did not authorize. Compare your receipts to the billing statement. Be on guard for dishonest merchants who might change your receipt after you sign it. You are especially susceptible to this if you leave a line blank on a restaurant credit receipt.

Shred, Shred, Shred
When you’ve reconciled your monthly billing statement, shred your receipts to prevent thieves from rifling through your trash to obtain your account information.

If You Suspect Fraud, Act Immediately
Notify the issuer of your debit or card as soon as you discover an error by phone. If you suspect fraud, notify the card issuer by letter in order to preserve your rights under the Fair Credit Billing Act.

Click here for the Federal Trade Commission Identity Theft Site

Click Here for the Wikipedia Identity Theft Information page.

 

 

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Leewood Times Guide to Going Green
Leewood Times 2008 Winter Guide
Leewood Times Bar-B-Que Tips & Tricks
Leewood Times Energy Saving Tips Winter / Summer
Leewood Times Guide to Fall Festivals
Leewood Times Guide to Holiday Entertaining
Leewood Times Guide to Local Farmers Markets
Leewood Times Guide to Volunteering
Leewood Times Spring Yard Maintenance Tips
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