City of Wichita - Patrol South 26 Beat

Credit Cards

If your credit/debit cards are lost or stolen, immediately contact your bank or credit card issuer to cancel the card. Prompt reporting can help prevent unauthorized use of your card. If the credit card number has been compromised while you still have possession of the plastic card, immediately notify your bank or credit card issuer to cancel the card. Your bank or credit card issuer may require you to complete a dispute form for any unauthorized charges. The credit card company may issue you a temporary credit and issue a “charge back” to business that accepted the card number without viewing the card. The business, which then suffers the loss, may make a police report if it chooses to do so.

Checks

If your checks or account numbers are stolen, notify your bank or financial institution. Work with your financial institution to close any affected accounts. If your checks are lost or stolen and is being used in Wichita by someone forging your signature, call your bank or financial institution to close your account. Ask your financial institution to notify its check verification service. Your bank may require you to complete an Affidavit of Forgery for any forged check that clears. Your bank may credit your account once you complete the Affidavit of Forgery. The business accepting the forged check may file a police report since they may have lost cash or merchandise as a result of fraud.

If you are reimbursed by a business or financial institution for a monetary loss to you, the business becomes the victim of the forgery or fraud. You are a victim of the theft of your credit card, check or identity. The financial institution or business will be responsible for following up on their loss.

Identity Theft

Identity Theft occurs when someone uses your personal information with the intent defraud for any benefit. For example, someone pretends to be you by using your personal information to create and open new credit card accounts to make purchases and loans for financial gain. The theft or loss of personal information in wallets, purses and on checks can be used by criminals to commit Identity Theft. If someone has used you personal information such as your name along with your social security number, Driver’s License number, bank account number or other identifying information report the fraud to the following organizations:

Contact the nationwide consumer reporting companies to place a fraud alert on your credit report. A fraud alert can help prevent an identity thief from opening additional accounts in your name. Ask for a copy of your credit report to review.

Equifax: 1-800-525-5285; www.equifax.com

Experian: 1-888-397-3742; www.experian.com

TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289: www.transunion.com

You can obtain one free credit report per year from each of the three consumer reporting companies by contacting: annualcreditreport.com

Contact the fraud department for each company where your account was tampered with or the fraudulent account was opened. Close the accounts and follow up in writing along with sending copies (not originals) of supporting documents.

1. The best and only way to prevent thefts from motor vehicles is never to leave valuables in your car unattended – particularly electronic goods such as cellular phones and laptop computers. Preventing the theft of car radios is more difficult. Some car stereo manufacturers make detachable faceplates or stereos that pull easily from the dashboard, allowing you to take it with you or lock it in the trunk.

2. Many thieves now break into cars if there are signs that checkbooks, personal documents, purses, mail or personal items, which would assist in the crime of identity theft, may be inside.

3. Never leave personal identification documents, vehicle ownership titles, or credit cards in your vehicle.

4. Never leave valuables in plain view, even if your car is locked. Put them in the trunk out of sight.

5. If you have a button inside your car that opens the trunk when no key is in the ignition, valuables in your trunk are not secure.

6. Thieves may break into your vehicle if a garage door opener is visible, if they know where you live, or if your car is parked in front of your house. This gives them access to at least your garage and possibly your home.

7. Never leave your car running unattended, even to dash into a business, store, etc.

8. Never leave any keys in the car or ignition, inside a locked garage, or in hide-a-key boxes.

9. Always roll up your windows and lock the car, even if it is parked in front of your home.

10. Always park in high-traffic, well-lighted areas, when possible;

11. Install a mechanical device that locks the steering wheel, column, or brakes. These devices will deter some criminals.

12. Investigate the purchase of a vehicle theft tracking/security system, especially if you own one of the frequently stolen model vehicles.

13. If you must leave your key with a valet, attendant, or mechanic leave only the ignition key. Make sure you are dealing with a reputable firm.

14. Copy your license plate and vehicle information (VIN) numbers on a card and keep them with you. If your vehicle is stolen, the police will need this information to take a report; and,

15. Many vehicles today come with some type of security system from the factory. Normally there are upgraded systems available if you ask. The best choices are systems that shut off the fuel supply so that a car can't be started or driven.

16. If your vehicle is stolen, report it to the police immediately.

Friday, November 20, 2009 :: Currently 48 degrees in Wichita

South City Neighborhood Association Newsletter