The Ocala Police Department investigates “Identity Theft” cases on behalf of the citizens of our community and the citizens of other communities if the perpetrator commits the crime from the city limits of Ocala. The Federal Trade Commission estimates that every 79 seconds a United States citizen becomes the victim of an Identity Theft.

What is Identity Theft?
In Florida “Identity Theft” is known and prosecuted as the “Criminal Use of Personal Identification Information”, Florida statute 817.568. The crime is committed when a victim's personal information is compromised and used to open accounts, purchase tangible property, apply for loans, credit cards, establish services with utility companies, rent homes and more, all in the victim's name without their consent or knowledge. Personal Identification information is described as your Name, Date of Birth, Addresses, Telephone numbers, Driver's License number, Social Security Number, Credit card account numbers and Bank account numbers.

Tips for Prevention
Never give out your personal information over the phone or over the Internet unless you have initiated the contact and completely trust the person or business you are communicating with. This includes credit card and bank account numbers. Always question the identity of people / companies that initiate contact with you via email, mail, telephone or even in person. Remember, ID cards, letterheads and business cards can easily be falsely created using today’s modern technology.

Reconcile all of your bank and credit card statements as soon as practical after you receive them. Challenge any unauthorized transactions immediately. The sooner Identity Theft is identified the better the chances of resolving the matter.

Do not carry your extra credit cards or other important identity documents in your purse or wallet except when necessary. Minimize the amount of credit cards you own and cancel unused credit accounts. During physical card transactions, never let your card out of your sight, this is especially true for restaurants. It is best to hold on to your card and enter it into the machine yourself - never let a waiter disappear with your card, even if he is processing your transaction, skimming is very popular in restaurants.. Be aware of people watching over your shoulder when you are using your credit card or ATM card. Always ensure you keep your PIN safely hidden from the view of others. Never write your PIN numbers on your credit cards. Never discard credit card or ATM transaction receipts where other people can obtain them. 		Cut up and dispose of all inactive or old credit or ATM cards. Even expired cards can benefit criminals. Keep a photocopy of all cards (both front and back) kept in your wallet or purse in a safe and secure place. This makes it easier to contact every relevant institution in the event that your cards are stolen.

Never simply throw out pre approved credit offers, receipts or other important documents, always shred them. Dumpster Diving and Trash Can Surfing is an easy way for identity thieves to obtain your personal information. It presents vast opportunities to find information that can be worth a lot of money to a thief. Shred all paperwork that has an account number (bank statements, credit card statements & receipts, utility bills), a signature, your social security number or medical or legal information.

Protect your Social Security Number (SSN). This is not a number just anyone should be given. Always ask why companies or people might want your SSN. Never have your SSN printed on your checks.

Never leave mail unattended in your mailbox. Thieves have been known to steal incoming and outgoing mail with the intent of gaining your account statements that normally have your account numbers printed on them. When paying bills deliver them to a secure mail drop box or directly to the post office. Direct all your incoming mail to a post office box or secured box. This is especially relevant for bank and credit card statements, utility bills, etc.

When making Internet transactions, ensure you are using a secure server and you completely trust the companies you are dealing with. Secured Internet sites will begin with the letters “https” rather than “http”. 

Know your credit
A new Federal law allows consumers to inspect their credit reports for suspicious activity at no cost once a year. You can request a copy of your credit reports free of charge from all three major credit-reporting agencies, Equifax, Trans Union and Experian. You can also obtain a copy of all three credit reports online simultaneously by visiting www.annualcreditreport.com . This service is also provided to the consumer free of charge.

Report all suspicious activity to your creditors and your local Law Enforcement agency immediately.