The HCSO Financial Crimes Unit wants to protect you from financial loss.
Scams/Fraud
If you receive a phone call, email, or text message instructing you to purchase a prepaid merchant Gift/Debit Card, Cryptocurrency, Bank Wire Transfer or Money Order to Pay:
- Jury Duty fines
- Law enforcement for bail
- Hospital for emergency treatment of a loved one
- Ransom
- Utility company to avoid service interruption
- Publishers Clearing House to win a prize
Terminate the call, it’s a SCAM!
ATM Skimming
ATM “Skimming” occurs when a criminal attaches a card reading device over the real card reader located either at the lobby entrance door or on the ATM machine. The fraudulent device looks identical to the real device, and is equipped with electronic recorders that will capture the financial information from your card. This data is later used to create “cloned” cards which will be used to withdraw money.
What You Can Do!
- When entering your PIN, cover the key pad with your other hand to prevent possible hidden cameras from recording your number
- Immediately report any skimming devices to your financial institution and the HCSO
- Inspect the ATM, gas pump, or credit card reader before using it
Identity Theft
Identity Theft requires only a few pieces of valid personal information. With them, criminals can apply for and receive credit cards or debit cards in your name. Your credit can be damaged quickly and your efforts to correct these problems can become a nightmare.
What You Can Do!
- If a credit card you applied for doesn’t arrive in a timely fashion, notify the issuing bank
- Never carry extra credit cards in your wallet or purse
- Never provide personal information over the phone, such as social security number, date of birth, mother’s maiden name, credit card or bank PIN numbers unless you initiated the call
- Memorize your Social Security Number, and never carry the card in your wallet
Financial victim contact:
- Your creditors and bank to change all passwords and PINS
- Credit bureaus to request a fraud alert/victim impact file
- Equifax www.equifax.com, 1-800-685-1111
- Experian www.experian.com, 1-888-397-3742
- Trans-Union www.tuc.com, 1-8000-916-8800