Fraud schemes, which have been in existence for decades, have a tendancy to resurface around the holidays. With the surge of reported identity theft cases, consumers are urged to take extra precautions to secure their personal information.
Each year, the Long Beach Police Department reminds consumers that they can help prevent becoming a victim by following safety guidelines.
• Keep track of your ATM/debit cards and purchases. “Skimming” is a fairly new fraud scheme where a device is used to capture account and personal information encoded on magnetic stripes, which has become prevalent throughout the country. Make sure the cashier or restaurant server returns your card in a reasonable time frame.
• Never give out your Social Security number or credit card account and beware of charity organization phone solicitors.
• Do not print Social Security or driver’s license numbers on your personal checks
• Do not write your PIN number onto your ATM/debit cards or other credit cards.
• Shred financial documents, including promotional “pre-approved” credit card applications and sales receipts that list your account number.
• Do not leave outgoing mail at your mailbox for the postal carrier to pick up.
• Order a copy of your credit card profile from all three credit bureau reporting agencies review for unusual activity. This can be done annually for no charge at www.AnnualCreditReport.com.
• Place gifts and packages in your trunk or out of sight.
• Park in well-lit areas and avoid shopping alone–there is safety in numbers.
• Try to use credit or debit cards for purchases to avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
• When home, keep gifts away from windows and practice regular home security such as motion-sensor lighting.
• If traveling, postpone your mail and newspaper deliveries so your home doesn’t look deserted.
• If a business, lock unused doors as long as its not in violation of the Fire Code.
• Keep only necessary cash in the register, vary the schedule and route of bank deposits, and make sure the register is clearly visible to passers-by.
For more information, call the Police Department’s Community Relations Division at (562) 570-7215.
