Peoria County Sheriff’s Office: Identity Theft

The Peoria County Sheriff's Office recognizes that Identity Theft, in its many different forms, is a growing trend in our community, as well as nationally and across the globe. In recognizing this trend, the Peoria County Sheriff's Office would like to assist in educating Peoria County residents on how to minimize the risks of becoming a victim of Identity Theft, and the best steps you should take to restore your credit if you do become a victim. The following information is intended to assist you.

Identity Theft, what is it?

Identity Theft occurs when someone uses various parts of your identifying information, such as your name, date of birth, or Social Security number, or credit card numbers to obtain merchandise, credit, services and / or commit fraudulent activity. Types of ID Theft include:

• credit card fraud
• phone and utilities fraud
• bank/finance fraud
• government documents fraud
• other various fraud by using your personal information.

There are a variety of ways ID thieves obtain your information, such as:

• Dumpster Diving-Your information is obtained by going through your garbage.
• Skimming - A skimming device is used to read your credit card numbers.
• Phishing-Pop-up’s messages on your computer that appear to be legitimate.
• Change of Address-Your mail is rerouted to another location.
• Pretexting Phone or computer solicitation.
• Theft-Your wallet, purse, checkbook, credit cards are stolen.

Why is this a problem for you?

Identity Theft usually affects a person’s credit rating and can make it difficult for the victim to obtain new lines of credit despite the fact that they are a victim and have done nothing wrong. Creditors attempt to pursue the victim for financial compensation until you prove that you did not commit the fraudulent activity.

Keep in mind, that an ID thief sometimes waits for the victim to re-establish their good credit rating and then re-victimizes them.

What do you do now that you have become a victim of Identity Theft?

• Contact the Law Enforcement Agency in which you reside. You are obligated to make a police report before the credit reporting agency and/or your creditors will take steps to help correct your credit.
• Contact the 3 major credit reporting agencies and the FTC and report your victimization:
  Equifax: 800-525-6285
  Experian: 888-397-3742
  Trans Union: 800-680-7289
  Federal Trade Commission: 877-382-4357
• Request a restriction be placed on your credit so that no other lines of credit may be opened without your direct authorization.
• Contact the creditor that was used for fraudulent purposes and complete an affidavit of forgery if requested.
• Keep a record of your actions, including any official paperwork that may later assist in the investigation of your Identity Theft, and / or assist you in re-establishing your good credit.
• Keep a close watch on your monthly credit statements. Most creditors give you up to 60 days to challenge charges to your accounts.

How do I protect myself from Identity Theft?

• Shred or burn all financial and personal documents. Use a cross cut shredder.
• Safe guard your Social Security Number (Don't carry in wallet, checkbook, etc).
• Review all monthly banking and credit statements and address discrepancies immediately.
• Use mail drop boxes for out-going mail and pick-up received mail in a timely manner.
• Have a lower limit credit card used for on-line purchases and vacations.
• Don’t respond to Phishing and Pre-text scams by providing personal information.
• Use trusted businesses and on-line merchants. Make sure site is secure.
• Keep computer Anti-Virus and Firewall programs up to date on your computer.
• Dispose of electronic data properly (old computers, PDA’s, cellular telephones).
• Obtain a yearly free credit report.

Frequently asked questions

Can I safely use the Internet and my computer for financial banking, purchases, etc?

We believe so given the following cautions. Always ensure that your computer has up to date Internet security features, such as an active Firewall and Anti-Virus program. Do not use the same security password with your different on-line accounts and try not to use things that are familiar to you such as family and pet names, dates of birth, etc. Try to vary the password sequence with number, letters, and capitalization. Most on-line accounts have safety features, such as a padlock icon that is displayed when the on-line activity is secure and / or the letter "S" will be included in the URL; example: https://www.youraccount.com

Should I ever give my personal information to someone?

Do not respond to unsolicited on-line inquiries, such as e-mails, pop-up windows, instant messages that state your accounts have been compromised and then they ask for your information as validation. This is one way suspects obtain your information (Phishing / Pretexting. Your creditors already know your account information, which means they will not ask you for it. Keep in mind some of these inquiries may appear to come from your creditors by having a similar web page and / or URL address or Hyperlink that direct you to the somewhere the suspect has created to capture your personal information.

I won a foreign lottery, should I cash the check?

Foreign lotteries usually originate from Nigeria or Canada. The people involved in these scams will ask that you provide your account numbers so that a transaction may be completed to deposit monies into your account, or they will ask you to cash a series of checks and return a certain amount to them via Western Union. Don’t. The checks they send will be counterfeit and your account information will be used to drain your accounts.