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Identity Theft/ Computer crimes/phone scams

This article was written by members of the Police Advisory Committee.

Identity theft is of concern to many of our residents.  A good resource to prevent and to help after identity theft: www.ag.ny.gove/consumer-frauds-bureau/identity-theft

While there is no 100% guaranteed way to prevent identity theft, there are ways to make it less likely. Below are just a few and we urge you to visit listed government websites for additional information.

  • Sign up with a reputable “pay for” identity theft service. 
  • Check your credit report yearly. www.ftc.gov  and use search tool: “Free credit report.”  www.annualcreditreport.com
  • Put a “hold / freeze” on your credit score.

From Consumer finance.gov “credit reporting file, so a security freeze, also called a credit freeze, prevents you or others from opening accounts in your name. Security freezes can be useful in preventing an identity thief from opening a new credit account in your name.”

For more information: www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-does-it-mean-to-put-a-freeze-on-my-credit-report-en-1341/

  • While not using an ATM is the only sure fire way to protect from ATM theft,  there are times you must use an ATM.  Be vigilant and if visiting an ATM at night or when the bank is closed, it is best to have someone with you.
  • Use security systems put in place by your financial institutions.  Some banks offer temporary “PIN”s for access to your banking at an ATM. These are available through the APP for your bank.
  • When using an ATM, cover the pin pad with your free hand or object such as a purse or wallet, making sure no other items of importance are facing up.   Feel all around the card reader area prior to inserting your card.  Scammers will at times, insert a card reader into the bank reader to retrieve your bank card numbers.  The pin pad may also be cloned, making it possible for thieves to copy your PIN.
  • Request a “tap” type of ATM card to prevent having to insert the card.
  • Check your bank and credit statements frequently.  Many banks and credit companies give alerts immediately after the transaction.  Pay attention to the alerts to be sure the purchase has your authorization.
  • Do not carry your social security number in your wallet.  Keep it in a locked “fire safe.”
  • Never respond to an email with a link that takes you to what appears to be your banks website.  If you receive such an email, access your bank directly through the web.
  • Never give out passwords to anyone over the phone or online unless you initiate the call, and you are certain the number you called is indeed the official agency / business of your choice.
  • Use commercially available computer programs to clean all personal data from your electronics, to include printers, prior to disposing of.
  • Use different passwords for each website using a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. 
  • Use a strong password on your Wi-fi connection.
  • Consider a data encryption program for all of your devices.
  • Change your passwords monthly.
  • Consider an online secure password management website or APP
  • Use computer security software to include malware protection on all of your devices.
  • Turn off your Bluetooth when not in use.
  • Use a VPN if using public Wi-fi.
  • Lock your smart phone.  See note below to change your lock screen to have a visible phone number to call if phone is lost.
  • Shred all personal documents.
  • Collect your mail daily and put a hold on your mail with the post office when you will be away.
  • Pay attention to billing cycles and note if a bill is late or missing.
  • Use the US Postal Service’s free “Informed Delivery” service available on their website to have a daily email with visuals of the mail you are to receive. www.usps.com
  • When possible, bring your mail that includes a check to the inside Post Office box.  Thieves have used various means to steal letters out of the postal boxes not inside the lobby and home mailboxes.  Checks can be “washed” to change the amount of the check and personal information can be stolen.
  • Do not answer the phone with unknown phone numbers.  Let the call go to voice mail.  If the call is important, the caller will leave a message and you can then decide if you want to call the person back.
  • Never offer to “pay bail” for a relative until you call the phone number listed online for the agency that is asking for bail.  Scammers will pretend to be a lawyer and will ask for bail money. While it seems unlikely to happen to you, many a concerned relative may panic and not be able to think clearly if they think a loved one needs help.
  • You will never have to pay money to collect lottery winnings.  Scammers will contact people and say that they won a lottery but need your assistance to collect.  They will ask for “good faith” money up front.  Never give money to anyone you do not know well. 
  • If you have any question if a caller or an email is legitimate, offer to meet the caller/ emailer at your local police department.  Notify the police in advance to meet you.
  • If you have elderly family members, with their permission, put your name on their bank account so that you are aware of any unusual withdrawals.

While all these tips are helpful, those who are intent on harming others will often find a way around safeguards. If you believe you have been a victim of a scam or identity theft or feel uneasy about anything, immediately call and if needed, file a report with the Croton Police Department: 914-271-5177

Identity theft information through the Westchester County District Attorney’s office: https://www.westchesterda.net/crime-prevention/identitytheft

Note: To facilitate the possible return of a lost and lock screen secured cell phone, laptop or another device:

Using any photograph, with your phone’s editing tools, add a text box to your photo, centering the text to include only your first name and “If found, adding a family member or friend’s phone number.  Save the edited photo, click on the photo, and now make it your lock screen.  

This article was written by members of the Police Advisory Committee as part of the Community Information Project.