Identity Theft
Identity theft is when criminals get access to someone’s personal information. They then use it to steal their identity.
They could then pretend to open bank accounts, get credit cards, loans and mortgages or to claim benefits. They could even take over someone’s accounts and change the address.
They can steal someone’s name and reputation. Then can use this to make money.
How the fraudsters operate
Here are a few ways which these criminals work:
- They search through rubbish to find bills or bank statements
- They target flats where shared mail boxes make theft easier
- They bribe or rob postal workers or purchase the information from other criminals
- They search through unattended bags.
Warning signs
There are a number of warning signs to look out for:
- If you get bills or invoices for goods you have not ordered
- If you get collection letters for debt that isn’t yours or
- There are transactions on your bank or credit card statements that you do not recognise
- Important documents such as your passport or driving licence may have been stolen.
Take action
There are a number of steps you can take to avoid falling victim to identity theft:
- Keep all your important documents safe and secure
- When using a credit or debit card, make sure it’s never out of your sight
- Cash machines may have been tampered with. Your cards could be skimmed and cloned
- Never give out your personal details when you’re contacted by phone, fax, post or email
- Always offer to ring back any suspicious callers but check the phone number you are given
- When throwing out documents which contain personal information try to shred them so that nobody could read your personal details
- Always check your bank and credit card statements. Report any transactions you don’t recognise, even small amounts
- Close all accounts you no longer need
- Move your mail when moving home by arranging with the post office to forward your mail to your new address
- Get organisations to send to your new address.
If you think you’re a victim
If you think you might be a victim of identity theft, don’t delay:
- Contact your bank or building society
- Keep a record of all communication
- Report the matter to the police and note the crime reference number
- Request a copy of your credit report (such as Equifax or Experian) – you can ask for incorrect information to be removed.
UPDATES
A 52 year old male was arrested for Drink Driving on Tulloch Road, Perth on Friday the 3rd November.
2 males were arrested for drugs offences after officers stopped a vehicle on A90, Perth to Dundee and found a quantity of Drugs and Cash within. Both males will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal.
An 18 year old female was arrested for Drink Driving on B8062, Crieff on Friday 10th November.
During the last 2 week 8 drivers were found to be without insurance, 1 also had no licence.
RECENT INCIDENTS
Between Sunday 29th October & Thursday 2nd November unknown persons have cut the fence at Auchingarrich wildlife centre, Comrie allowing a number of animals to escape. CR/264106/23
Between Thursday 2nd & Sunday 5th November a shed was broken into at McDonald Court, Perth and a number of items taken from within before replacing the padlock. CR/317442/23
Between Sunday 5th & Wednesday 8th November damage has been caused to the metal shutter at The Pavillion Café, Macrosty Park, Crieff, No entry was gained to the Café. CR/317630/23
On Thursday 2nd November Perth high school was vandalised with graffiti CR/318104/23 and between Friday 3rd and Monday 6th November Perth Grammar School was also targeted with Graffiti. CR/318179/23
On Thursday 9th November 3 windows were smashed by youths at Perth College, Perth. CR/319147/23
Between Sunday 12th and Wednesday 15th November a property in Hawarden Terrace, Perth was broken into and a number of items stolen from within, including an X Box. CR/372599/23
Anyone with any information that may be useful should contact Tayside Division on 101 or any police officer, quoting the crime reference number listed at each incident. Alternatively information can be passed anonymously via the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.