Police Department

Fraud & Identity Theft

Protect Yourself from Identity Theft and Fraud
Identity theft and online scams are growing threats that can impact anyone, regardless of age or background. Scammers often pose as legitimate businesses, government agencies, or even friends to trick individuals into sharing sensitive information or sending money. Recognizing the signs of fraud – such as urgent messages, requests for personal data, or unexpected financial transactions – is the first step in protecting yourself. Each year, millions of Americans fall victim to identity theft, with losses reaching billions of dollars. This guide outlines the immediate steps to take if your personal information has been compromised, and offers practical tips to help you secure your identity, report fraud, and recover from a scam.

1. Cease All Communication
   • Stop all contact with the scammer immediately.
   • Do not respond to further messages, emails, or calls.
2. Secure Your Accounts
   • Change passwords on all online accounts (email, banking, social media).
   • Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) or multifactor authentication on important accounts.
3. Report the Scam
   • File a report with your local police department.
   • Report cyber-related crimes to the Internet Crime Complaint Center.
4. Contact Your Bank or Financial Institution
   • Inform your bank, credit card issuer, or payment platform.
   • Request to stop or reverse unauthorized transactions.
5. Notify Credit Bureaus
   • Contact major credit bureaus to report fraud and place alerts:
     • Equifax
     • Experian
     • TransUnion
   • Consider freezing your credit to prevent new accounts.
6. Check for Unauthorized Transactions
   • Review bank statements, credit card bills, and other accounts.
   • Dispute any fraudulent transactions immediately.
7. Scan Devices for Malware
   • Run a full virus and malware scan on your devices.
   • Update your antivirus software and security settings.
8. Monitor Your Identity
   • Use an identity theft monitoring service or check your credit report regularly.
   • Watch for new credit cards, loans, or accounts opened in your name.
9. Document Everything
   • Communications with the Scammer:
     • Save all emails, text messages, and chat logs.
     • Take screenshots of conversations, phone numbers, usernames, and email addresses.
     • Record dates, times, and contents of any phone calls (if legally allowed).
   • Transaction Records:
     • Save all receipts, bank statements, and transaction details.
     • Document cryptocurrency transactions, including wallet addresses and transaction IDs.
     • Keep receipts for cash deposits, noting location and time.
   • Notifications to Credit Bureaus:
     • Keep records of fraud alerts and credit freezes.
     • Save confirmation emails or letters from credit bureaus.
   • Screenshots of Scam Websites or Social Media Profiles:
     • Capture scammer websites, social media profiles, or ads.
     • Document URLs and details of the scammer’s online presence.
   • Additional Expenses Incurred:
     • Record costs associated with the scam, such as legal fees, monitoring services, or repairs.
     • Keep receipts or invoices for related expenses.
   • Personal Notes and Timelines:
     • Maintain a timeline of scam events and actions taken.
     • Note any changes in the scammer’s behavior or contact attempts.
   • Reports Filed with Authorities:
     • Keep copies of reports filed with police and federal agencies, including case numbers.
     • Save confirmation emails or screenshots of submitted reports.
   • Correspondence with Financial Institutions:
     • Record all communications with banks, credit card companies, or payment platforms.
     • Save emails, chat logs, and correspondence records.
   • Evidence of Malware or Device Compromise:
     • Save reports from antivirus scans showing detected malware or suspicious activity.
     • Note device changes, unauthorized access, or unusual account behavior.
   • Identity Theft or Fraudulent Activity Alerts:
     • Keep alerts from identity theft monitoring services.
     • Document suspicious activity or unauthorized accounts opened in your name.
10. Seek Support
    • Reach out to victim support organizations for guidance and emotional support.
    • Contact local consumer protection agencies.
11. Consider Purchasing an Identify Theft Protection Program