FRESNO, Calif. (KMPH) – No one is above being a victim of identity theft – not even a federal agent.
Luckily Fresno police were able to trace the thieves to a home in southwest Fresno.
Officers with the Career Criminal Auto Theft Task Force, forced open a door to serve a search warrant at one home Tuesday afternoon.
After that, they served a second warrant at another home, and in the end, took two people away in handcuffs.
http://liarcatchers.com/identity_theft_investigation.html
It all started nearly a year ago, when a federal agent with the Homeland Security Department’s car was stolen – he had left a pay stub with his personal and bank information in the car.
It wasn’t until recently that the federal agent realized he was a victim of identity theft. He went to pay for a meal, but when he swiped his credit card, it got declined. After that, he realized thieves had opened several credit cards under his name.
“You know, it shows you anybody can be a victim, we have to watch our bank accounts, always checking our credit, very important,” said Sgt. Timothy Tietjen.
That’s the same advice the Better Business Bureau is giving.
But they warn, now most of the time, identity thieves steal your information with e-mails or text messages – the latest scams claim the president will give you money to pay your bills, or stores will give you gift cards for free.
“President Obama is not going to pay your utility, the Better Business Bureau did not have an influx of complaints, Walmart is not going to give you a $100 gift card for free, neither is Target. Any time you’re being asked to give money to receive money, to give information to get money, you should always know that’s a scam,” said Joey Fernandez, with the Central California Better Business Bureau.
She says the first thing anyone should do, when they find out they’ve fallen for a scam, or if someone’s stolen their information, is call police…because your case could help investigators track down the thief.
After searching two homes Tuesday, police say they not only found the federal agent’s information, but several other stolen identities as well.
“I’m sure we’ll be able to solve numerous cases and auto thefts because of this search warrant,” said Sgt. Tietjen.
Police and the BBB say everyone should take steps to protect their identities.
First, by checking your credit report with three credit bureaus: TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax.
They say you should also regularly check your bank and credit card accounts for any fraudulent charges.
Also, shred documents using ‘cross cut’ shredders.
And of course, leave sensitive documents at home in a safe place – never leave them in your car or purse.
