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 The fireweed plant turns brilliant colors after the first frost, as this one seen along the Little Lakes trail in upper Rock Creek Canyon shows. Mammoth Times Photo/Wendilyn Grasseschi |
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Sheriffs show how to safeguard your identity during the holidays |
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Friday, 07 December 2007 |
The Mono County Sheriff’s Department recently received some helpful tips from the National Sheriffs' Association in an article, “Nation's sheriffs recommend making a safety list and checking it twice: holiday tips that could safeguard against financial crimes.” They write, in part:
The holidays are often synonymous with shopping—on Main Street, in malls and online. Unfortunately, not everyone is looking for the best deal, but instead, the easiest opportunity to steal from unsuspecting Americans. Identity theft, robbery and check fraud are increasingly prevalent during the holidays. To safeguard against financial crimes this holiday season, the National Sheriffs' Association offers these timely tips:
Don't carry important personal information in your purse or wallet. As the holiday shopping season gets underway, purse snatchers and pickpockets are on the prowl, looking for distracted shoppers from whom they can steal cash and personal information. Be sure your purse or wallet does not include sensitive information like your Social Security number, personal identification numbers (PINs) and passwords. A thief can use these details to order checks or credit cards, apply for loans or otherwise commit fraud using your name.
Use direct deposit. Your mail—both incoming and outgoing—can be vulnerable, especially during the holidays when criminal activity is heightened. Direct deposit eliminates the risk of lost or stolen checks, reduces fraud and gives people faster access to their money on payment day. Direct deposit also protects against identity theft. To sign up for direct deposits you can call the Go Direct helpline at (800) 333-1795 or sign-up online at http://www.GoDirect.org. It's free and takes less than five minutes. Know who you're dealing with when you shop online. Many Americans enjoy the convenience of online holiday shopping. If you're one of them, be certain the business is legitimate. If you have not heard of the company before, it is always a good idea to check with your local Better Business Bureau before making any purchase or providing them with personal financial information.
Don't let your holiday trash become a thief's treasure. Identity thieves have become experts in picking through your trash. What's worse, during the holidays there may be a delay in garbage pick up, meaning your trash could be sitting outside, unprotected, for an even longer period of time. Make sure you shred every document headed for the trash that may have personal information, including check stubs, credit card applications, monthly bank statements, receipts and other documents thieves can use to commit fraud.
Pay careful attention to your holiday credit card bills and bank statements. Whether or not you are a person who relies heavily on your credit card during the holiday season, make sure you are the only one who gets to make this decision. Carefully check your credit card and bank statements to ensure no one else is using your card and illegally making purchases in your name. If you notice anything suspicious, or if you suddenly stop receiving credit card or bank statements, contact your financial institution immediately.
The law requires that arrest information be made available to the public. This publication may contain suspect information about individuals booked by the Mono Count Sheriff's Department recently. Names of juveniles (under 18) are not made public. Suspect information and ongoing investigation details are also withheld. Since most cases have yet to be adjudicated, all charges should be considered allegations. For questions/concerns regarding any information contained in this publication, contact Lt. Ralph Obenberger at (760) 932-7549. |
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Last Updated ( Friday, 21 December 2007 )
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