Article Contributed on: 3/9/2007 1:52:37 PM
FRAUD ALERT!
Reducing Mail Identity Theft
Mail theft is one of the most common ways that thieves steal information for identity theft crimes. District Attorney Scott Storey strongly urges residents to:
Take your bills to be paid inside the Post Office; do not leave them in your mailbox or in street corner postal boxes. Consider using automated payment plans or paying bills online through your financial institution - both are safer than mailing a check. Thieves will take the account numbers from the bottom of your check and counterfeit new checks using readily available check-making software.
When processing your income tax returns, opt to file the return electronically, or at the least, mail the return inside the Post Office. Tax returns include Social Security Numbers, which when stolen can be used to open fraudulent credit accounts or to seek employment.
Have paychecks, benefit, pension and Social Security checks direct deposited into your account, rather than having a check mailed to you. Expecting an income tax refund? It's always wise to ask the Department of Revenue and the U.S. Treasury to send the refund electronically to your account.
When ordering new checks, ask your bank or credit union to receive and hold the checks for you, rather than have them mailed to your home. If your checks are stolen, you have 30 days from the date of your last bank statement to report the forgery to your financial institution, and the most for which you can be held responsible is $50.
Call your bank and credit card customer service and ask to "opt out" of all marketing programs, including 'convenience' checks mailings.
Opt out of unsolicited credit card offers, by calling 1-888-567-8688 or online at www.optoutprescreen.com. You will be required to enter your Social Security Number, but it is secure.
For Assistance Call:
District Attorney's Fraud Line 303-271-6980
Email: casefraudline@jeffco.us
CASE is a Partnership of the District Attorney and the
Community to Prevent Financial Exploitation
To schedule a "Power Against Fraud" crime prevention seminar, call:
303-271-6970