Identity Theft & Fraud

Identity theft is not a NEW crime; it is as old as civilization itself. As man has evolved so to has the criminal’s ability to present themselves as someone they are not. In today’s high tec. world it has become much more complicated for a criminal to assume someone else’s identity IF proper precautions are taken. Identity theft occurs when someone, you know or may not know, uses your personal information to commit fraud or other crimes. Depending on the complexity of the crime the thief may only need your name, but they may also use your Social Security number, credit card number, bank account number or other identifying information to perpetuate their crime. The economic devastation on an individual can be staggering; costing them thousands of dollars and taking years to correct. The impact to corporations has resulted in higher costs that are consequently passed on to the consumer. If you believe that you have become a victim of Identity Theft or Fraud or you would like more information on how to prevent it check out the links below or CONTACT the Sheriff's Office. Take precautions; do not give out personal information to anyone unless you are confident that they are who they represent themselves to be. When ordering products from the internet read the security and privacy policy and look for valid VeriSign, Better Business OnLine Reliability Program logo. There are other organizations that provide security and privacy verification, so check out that organizations website and verify their program.


Do not give credit card information on line unless it is a secure site. If the site is secure you will see a LOCKED padlock icon in the lower right portion of the Internet Explorer window. This will indicate that the site you are viewing is using 128 bit SSL encryption. If you double click the LOCKED padlock icon it will give you the certification information for that site and the dates should be valid.

IDENTITY THEFT occurs when someone uses your personal information such as your name, Social Security number, credit card number or other identifying information, without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes. CLICK on the agency Logo for more information or to file a complaint.

FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION (FTC)
BUREAU OF CONSUMER PROTECTION

COMPLAINT FORM

Phone: 877.FTC.HELP (877.382.4357)

DO NOT CALL REGISTRY gives you a choice about whether to receive telemarketing calls at home. You can register your home or mobile phone for free or file a complaint by CLICKING on the agency's logo.

NATIONAL DO NOT CALL REGISTRY

Call to register: 888.382.1222

TELEPHONE OR INTERNET FRAUD occurs when a thief uses that medium to sell a product or service they never provide or to collect donations for a charity that never receives them or never existed. CLICK on the agency Logo for more information or to file a complaint.

NATIONAL FRAUD INFORMATION CENTER (NFIC)
National Consumer's League

Phone: 800.876.7060

MAIL FRAUD is committed when the U.S. mail is used by a company or individual to commit a crime, scheme or to defraud another. CLICK on the agency Logo for more information or to file a complaint.

POSTAL INSPECTION SERVICE

COMPLAINT FORM

Phone : 410.715.7700
Fax : 410.715.7788

MEDICARE FRAUD is committed when a doctor or company over charges for services or for patients that they no longer see or may be deceased. CLICK on the agency Logo for more information or to file a complaint.

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

Phone: 800.HHS.TIPS (800.447.8477)
Fax: 800.223.8164
TTY: 800.377.4950

E-Mail: HHSTips@oig.hhs.gov

SOCIAL SECURITY FRAUD is committed when funds are paid out for persons that are not or no longer disabled or otherwise eligible or deceased. CLICK on the agency Logo for more information or to file a complaint.

SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION
OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

Phone: 800.269.0271

TELEMARKETING/TELEPHONE FRAUD is committed when the telephone is used by a company or individual to commit a crime, scheme or to defraud another. CLICK on the agency Logo for more information or to file a complaint.

FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION (FTC)
BUREAU OF CONSUMER PROTECTION

Phone: 877.FTC.HELP (877.382.4357)

BUSINESS RELATED COMPLAINTS can be reported to the Better Business Bureau when a company refuses to supply a good or service as promised or engages in unprofessional or unethical practices. CLICK on the agency Logo for more information or to file a complaint.

BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU

BBB OF WESTERN VIRGINIA

Phone: 540.342.3455
Fax: 540.345.2289

NIGERIAN SCAMS, 4-1-9 Scams, OR ADVANCE FEE FRAUD is committed when an individual receives an E-mail, letter or fax from an alleged "official" representing a foreign government or agency making an offer to transfer millions of dollars in "over invoiced contract" funds, or other assets into your personal bank account. Other forms of schemes include: c.o.d. of goods or services, real estate ventures, purchases of crude oil at reduced prices, beneficiary of a will, recipient of an award and paper currency conversion. CLICK on the agency Logo for more information or to file a complaint.

U.S. SECRET SERVICE

Roanoke Office
Phone: 540.857.2208

CREDIT REPORTS: Beginning in September 2005 you'll be able to get your credit report for free. A recent amendment to the Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requires each of the nationwide consumer reporting companies to provide you with a free copy of your credit report, at your request, once every 12 months. This service is operated by the Federal Trade Commission. CLICK on the agency Logo for more information or to file a complaint.

ANNUAL CREDIT REPORT REQUEST SERVICE
PO Box 105283
Atlanta, Georgia 30348-5283

Phone: 877.322.8228
TDD service: 877.730.4104

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