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KANDO (Kaul Avenue Neighborhood Development Organization)
Crime Identity Theft Presentation
KANDO Hosts
KANDO hosted a neighborhood presentation on crime identity theft. The program was held on Tuesday August 16, 2005 at the Redemption Lutheran Church on 68th Street. Pastor Winkel introduced Special Agent Dennis Drazkowski of the Department of Justice.
The following is a recap of some of the important information Agent Drazkowski passed on to us.
Identity theft occurs when someone obtains and uses a person’s identifying information, such as name, address, date of birth, social security number, or mother’s maiden name to commit fraud. With this information an imposter can open new credit card accounts, drain your bank accounts, purchase automobiles, apply for loans, open utility services and on and on…….
Although it was stressed we cannot guarantee we will not become a victim, there are some suggestions to help keep our identity safe and they are as follows:
· Do not carry your social security card in your wallet. Minimize the number of credit cards & ID you carry.
· Always question why someone needs your social security number, especially when asked over the phone for your number.
· Do not put your social security number on your checks.
· Ask for a new ID# on your insurance cards. These numbers are generally your social security number and the criminals know it.
· Buy a shredder and always shred all personal records and documents.
· Be aware of “Social Engineering”. This is the criminal calling on the phone and gaining information from you. They will gain your trust and before you are aware of it, they have extracted very valuable information from you. Your social security number, your mother’s maiden number, your charge card numbers etc. Always be aware of the clever criminal that will attempt to gain your trust!
· If you have a computer and do your personal banking or purchase on line, invest in firewall software. Hackers are gaining access to computers all the time!
· Eliminate the unwanted charge card applications coming to your home. They do have your information on them and can be used against you. Contact this number #1-888-5-opt-out and they will ask for your social security number. After you give it to them, let them know you wish to opt out of prepaid credit card offers. They’ll ask you if it is for 3 years or life. You will receive a letter in the mail confirming and you will have to send back. Note: This does not prevent you from applying for additional credit; this will just prevent your information from being passed around and possibly allowing the criminal to access it.
Agent Drazkowski passed on additional information to us and some of it was:
· If you are a victim, notify your local police (933-2222 ext.2). There is a new law that if a law enforcement officer receives information that an identity theft occurred they have to take a report. The law further states that if the crime is occurring in another state, the officer must call that city where the crime is occurring and make contact with the police in that area. In other words, if someone has obtained your identity and live in a different state, they are committing the crime in that state and must be prosecuted where they live.
· The State of Wisconsin is a leader prosecuting identity theft. We are the first State to have this crime a felon. It is a Class H felony and the fine is not to exceed $10,000.00 or imprisonment not to exceed 6 years, or both. The Wisconsin State Statute is
1. 943.201 “Unauthorized Use of an Individual’s Personal Identifying Information or Documents.”
2. 943.203 “Unauthorized Use of an Entity’s Identifying Information or Documents.”
If you are a victim of identity theft, the following are some things you should do:
§ Contact local law enforcement to report the crime
§ Contact the fraud department from each of the 3 credit bureaus:
1. Experian, #888-397-3742
2. Equifax, #800-525-6285
3. Trans Union, #800-680-7289 (call this number 1st)
§ Obtain a free copy of your credit report and review it.
§ Please fraud alert and a victim statement asking creditors to contact you.
§ Contact creditors for any fraudulent accounts opened or tampered.
§ Document and keep records of all correspondence.
It was suggested that you are always aware of what is on your credit report. As of March 1, 2005 consumers in the midwestern states can now obtain a copy of their credit report free. You are encouraged to do this on a yearly basis. The three nationwide consumer reporting companies have set up one central website, toll-free telephone number, and mailing addresses through which you can order your free annual report. To order, click on www.annualcreditreport.com, call 877-322-8228, or complete the Annual Credit Report Request Form, which can be downloaded from www.ftc.gov/credit and mail to Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281. NO DO NOT contact the three nationwide consumer reporting companies individually. They are only providing free annual credit reports through the above methods.
I will end this with saying that this was one of the most valuable presentations I have seen all year. If you ever have an opportunity to attend something like this I urge you to do so. I hope I have given you enough information to begin protecting your identity.
KANDO thanks Pastor Winkel and his hospitality!
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