[LSPD] Fraud and Identity Theft Awareness (NR025-22ds)

[Peak.]

 

Los Santos Police Department
Los Santos, San Andreas
 

News Release

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18th September 2022

NA025-22ds

 

Fraud and Identity Theft Awareness

Fraud and Identity theft is an invisible crime, one that is often only discovered upon receive a bill, a collection notice, or when a payment transaction fails. Once discovered, it can have devastating effects on one’s credit, extending towards affecting day to day life. Everyone can be a victim of fraud, from investment bankers, teenagers, police officers, and the elderly all having devastating consequences on those affected.

In recent times, and perhaps conventially within the city criminals create convincing Job Offers stating they're legitimate employers. Once someone applies for the job, they ask the employee for their information such as routing numbers, email, phone number, and home address. Once the employee has given all their information a loan will be taken out on their name. The criminal then tricks the employee to send a portion of the loaned money to their account. Once the employee does this, the criminal/employer cuts all contact. Leaving the employee with all the fees of the loan company.

You can protect yourself!

• Be wary of job offers that want you to receive wires or checks and send money somewhere else.
• BE WARY of online postings for job offers, residential rentals, or the sale of goods. Thoroughly research these offers before sending any money or providing them with any of your personal information.
• Make sure to investigate unfamiliar companies before investing in them.
• DON’T respond if you receive an unsolicited email that asks you to confirm personal information such as your bank account or credit card number.
• DO NOT send money to anyone before verifying the information given by the caller.
• DO NOT give any personal information to the caller as they typically will try to obtain information from
  you to validate the debt.
• DO NOT call any number given by the caller or that shows on your caller ID.
  Check your bank records regularly, report any suspicious transfers that go in and out of your account.
• DO NOT click on suspicious links or visit websites that you are uncertain or are unsecure.

Remember, if it sounds too good to be true. Then it probably is.

If you feel you have been a victim of fraud or identity theft, then visit your local police station or contact 9101 to discuss with one of our specially trained officers. Don't feel foolish or afraid to report - fraud is a under reported offense and we require your help in order to investigate criminals preying on the vulnerable.
 

 Join The Team  LSPD on Facebrowser
1308 San Andreas Avenue • Los Santos • San Andreas
Non-Emergency: 9101 • Email: [email protected]

 

Edited September 18, 2022 by Peak.