Police Department

Protect Yourself from Identity Theft & Fraud

Online scams and identity theft can affect anyone—but you can take steps to protect yourself and recover if something goes wrong. Scammers often pretend to be banks, government agencies, or even friends to trick people into sharing personal information or sending money. Knowing the signs of a scam is the first—and most important—step to protecting yourself.

Did You Know? Each year, millions of Americans experience identity theft, with reported losses totaling billions of dollars.

Cease All Contact

• Stop all contact with the scammer immediately.
• Do not respond to further messages, emails, or calls.

Secure Your Accounts

• Change passwords on all online accounts (email, banking, social media).
• Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) or multifactor authentication on important accounts.

Report the Scam

• File a report by calling the non-emergency line: 509.456.2233 or submit one online
• For cyber-crimes, report to the Internet Crime Complaint Center.

Notify Financial Institutions

• Inform your bank, credit card issuer, or payment platform.
• Request to reverse unauthorized charges or freeze affected accounts.

Notify Credit Bureaus

• Contact major credit bureaus to report fraud and place alerts:
  • Equifax
  • Experian
  • TransUnion
• Consider freezing your credit to prevent new accounts from being opened.

Check for Unauthorized Activity

• Review your bank and credit card statements closely.
• Make sure all software and security settings are up to date.

Scan Your Devices

• Run antivirus and malware scans on your phone and computer.
• Update your antivirus software and security settings.

Monitor Your Identity

• Use a credit monitoring service or check your credit report regularly.
• Be alert for any new credit cards, loans, or accounts in your name.

Document Everything

Keep detailed notes and save everything. These records help with investigations, reports, and financial recovery.

• Communications with the Scammer:
  • Save all emails, text messages, screenshots, and contact info.
  • Note dates, times, and what was said.
• Transaction Records:
  • Keep receipts and transaction logs—especially for crypto or wire transfers.
• Notifications to Credit Bureaus:
  • Save copies of alerts, freezes, and confirmation emails.
• Screenshots of Online Scams
  • Document scam websites, social media profiles, and ads.
  • Capture URLs and visual evidence.
• Costs You Incur
  • Keep receipts for any legal help, repairs, or monitoring services.
• Your Timeline:
  • Write down what happened, when, and how you responded.
  • Note any changes in scammer behavior.
• Official Reports
  • Save copies of police and federal reports and case numbers.
• Conversations with Financial Institutions
  • Record calls, chat logs, and emails with your bank or credit card company.
• Evidence of Malware or Hacking
  • Keep reports from antivirus scans.
  • Document any strange activity on your devices or accounts.
• Identity Theft Alerts
  • Save alerts from monitoring services.
  • Track any unauthorized accounts or identity misuse.

Seek Support

• Reach out to victim assistance groups or consumer protection agencies.
• Emotional support matters too—don’t hesitate to talk to someone.

Consider Identity Theft Protection

• Identity monitoring programs can alert you early and help you recover faster.