Credit Card Fraud / Stolen Identity

It’s growing like wildfire. And it’s one of the easiest crimes to get away with, for now…. And it not only CAN happen to you, but it probably WILL happen to you sooner or later. My department is getting a rash of incidents involving credit card fraud and stolen identity cases. We cover this topic in greater detail in our book CopTalk but I’ll touch on some important safeguards and tips.

First off, shred ALL information regarding credit card, checking, or banking information that you throw away. You’d be amazed how many people go through your trash looking for this type of information while you are asleep or away. If you are like me, you get numerous offers in the mail offering credit cards. If you throw them away intact, someone can obtain a pre-approved credit card in your name with very little trouble. You probably wouldn’t know it until you got the first bill. You probably wont be liable for the charges, but it will be a nightmare straightening out your credit again.

Never give out credit card information to anyone you don’t know. If someone calls you requesting credit card or bank information, or ask for your social security number, make sure who know whom you are talking to. Some people use ploys such as claiming to be bank personnel or credit card representatives, and ask you for your personal information to verify your account. Once they have your information, they can make charges on your account. If you are not sure if a caller is legitimate, ask for a call back number or ask to speak to a supervisor. Most crooks won’t give you their call back number. If you feel uncomfortable giving out personal information, then don’t.

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Maybe you don’t know where they are, maybe you just think you know where they are, maybe you don’t even care.

Maybe they were the ones who egged the cars in my neighborhood the other night, including my car.

Maybe they were the ones who stole an outhouse from a construction site in my area and dumped it on its side in the middle of a busy roadway.

Maybe they were the ones killed in a late night drag race last week.

Or maybe they were one of the people shot and killed early Saturday morning during a gang fight at a local motel.

They could be some of the young girls we regularly find intoxicated and partying at local motels after sneaking out of their bedrooms.

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The Great Police Officer

Well, Mr. Citizen, it seems you’ve figured me out. I seem to fit
neatly into the category where you’ve placed me. I’m stereotyped,
standardized, characterized, classified, grouped, and always typical.
Unfortunately, the reverse is true I can never figure you out.

From birth you teach your children that I’m the bogeyman, then
you’re shocked when they identify with my traditional enemy…
The criminal!

You accuse me of coddling criminals… until I catch your kids doing
wrong. You may take an hour for lunch and several coffee breaks each
day, but point me out as a loafer for having one cup. You pride
yourself on your manners, but think nothing of disrupting my
meals with your troubles.

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