Sheriff News, Public Enemies and Cold Cases

Anti-Theft Campaign in Works
Check-scam victims lose about $3,500, postal groups report
Source: Deseret Morning News (10/08/07)

     The U.S. Postal Service and the Postal Inspection Service are sponsoring the "Fake Checks" public-awareness campaign aimed at protecting people against fraud. The average check-scam victim loses about $3,500 and is solely responsible for the loss. International scam artists have found that U.S. consumers and the financial institutions they use for banking are easy prey, the Postal Inspection Service said in a statement.
     The awareness campaign involves the use of television spots, print pieces and Internet advertisements that will remind consumers that check scams typically operate under the anonymity of the Web and that they don't work in person.
     Popular scams include business propositions, the promise of friendship or a love interest and notification that the e-mail recipient has been selected as a lottery or sweepstakes winner. In many cases, the scam involves a request that the victim deposit a check for the criminal, who then for some reason asks for money back and, if successful, gets it before the original bad check doesn't clear.
     If anyone believes they are a victim of a check scam, they can report it to www.fakechecks.org or call the Postal Inspection Service at 800-372-8347.

What You Can do to Avoid Identity Theft

Visit www.choicepoint.com for contact and other information

Check your accounts.
Wait to receive a ChoicePoint mailer to learn if you are a potential victim.
Check your credit report. Credit bureaus can be reached at:
- Equifax — 1-800-525-6285, P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241, www.equifax.com.
- Experian — 1-888-397-3742, P.O. Box 9532, Allen, TX 75013, www.experian.com.
- TransUnion — Fraud Victim Assistance Division, 1-800-680-7289, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92864-6790, www.transunion.com.

The Utah Attorney General's Office launched a new Web site called IRIS - Identity Theft Reporting Information System - where victims can go to file a complaint that will be sent directly to the proper law enforcement agency. The site gives victims step-by-step directions on how to repair their credit and resolve other problems caused by ID theft. Located at www.idtheft.utah.gov the site also includes a section with information on current scams and illegal solicitations.

How to Guard Against Mail Theft

Never send cash or coins in the mail.
Promptly remove mail from your mailbox after delivery.
Never leave mail in the mailbox overnight.
Have the post office hold your mail while you're on vacation or away from home for an extended period.
If you don't receive a check or other valuable mail you're expecting, contact the issuing agency immediately.
Notify the post office if you change addresses.
Always deposit your outgoing mail at the post office or hand it to your letter carrier.
Ask your bank for secure checks that can't be altered.