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Identity Theft
Identity theft has become a rapidly growing crime. It is challenging to find those responsible for crimes related to identity theft. However, the Allen Police Department is committed to assisting citizens with referrals and investigation.
Financial institutions commonly require a police report for crimes involving identity fraud. The Allen Police Department will take a report if the offense occurred in our city. We will also take a report if you live in the City of Allen.
In order to assist you with your case, we need the appropriate information. Please print and complete the Fraud Victim Packet prior contacting APD to file a police report. When you are ready to file the report, please bring any relevant documents involving your case.
Financial institutions commonly require a police report for crimes involving identity fraud. The Allen Police Department will take a report if the offense occurred in our city. We will also take a report if you live in the City of Allen.
In order to assist you with your case, we need the appropriate information. Please print and complete the Fraud Victim Packet prior contacting APD to file a police report. When you are ready to file the report, please bring any relevant documents involving your case.
Tax fraud is one of the most common forms of identity theft. Using your social security number, identity thieves file false tax returns and claim your refund for themselves. Victims typically don't discover the fraud until their own tax returns are denied.
The best way to prevent tax fraud is to file your taxes as early as possible. The IRS also urges taxpayers to protect their social security numbers. Don't routinely carry your social security card with you, and be selective about sharing your number with businesses or organizations who ask for it.
If you are a victim of tax fraud, you should file a police report and submit an identity theft affidavit to the IRS. You should also continue to file your tax return, even if by paper.
For more resources regarding tax fraud, including step-by-step instructions for victims, visit IRS.gov.
The best way to prevent tax fraud is to file your taxes as early as possible. The IRS also urges taxpayers to protect their social security numbers. Don't routinely carry your social security card with you, and be selective about sharing your number with businesses or organizations who ask for it.
If you are a victim of tax fraud, you should file a police report and submit an identity theft affidavit to the IRS. You should also continue to file your tax return, even if by paper.
For more resources regarding tax fraud, including step-by-step instructions for victims, visit IRS.gov.
Credit fraud exists in many forms, from using stolen cards to opening new lines of credit in a victim's name. Credit fraud can happen even if your credit cards or checkbook are not physically stolen. To prevent fraud, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Allen Police urge people to take the following precautions:
- Never leave your wallet/purse in a vehicle, even if it is hidden or locked.
- Don't leave your purse unattended or out of sight (sitting in a grocery cart, for example, or hanging from the back of a chair at a restaurant).
- Shred all personal documents before throwing them away, especially bank statements, tax documents and credit card offers.
- Be selective about providing your credit card number or bank account information to online retailers.
- Check your credit card and bank account statements thoroughly and frequently. Immediately alert your financial institution if you notice suspicious activity.
- Take advantage of free annual credit reports from AnnualCreditReport.com. These reports will identify any new lines of credit opened in your name.
- If you have young children, check their credit reports, too. A child's social security number can be used by identity thieves to open bank and credit card accounts, apply for government benefits, or rent a place to live. Learn more about child identity theft.
Identity thieves often obtain money or personal information from victims through careful manipulation. Some will claim they are IRS agents and threaten your arrest. Others will pose as grandchildren, calling with an emergency request for wired money. A few will claim you won a clearinghouse or lottery, asking you to cash a check and return a fee in order to keep your winnings. Allen Police have even investigated "sweetheart scams," in which thieves use popular dating sites to build a relationship with their victims, then request financial help to cover an emergency or pay for a visit.
Before giving personal or financial information to someone via phone or website, Allen Police recommend the following:
Before giving personal or financial information to someone via phone or website, Allen Police recommend the following:
- If anyone asks for money through Green Dot, Western Union or Moneygram, see it as a major red flag.
- Verify the identity of phone callers who ask for money or personal information, even if they claim to be a relative or friend. It's okay to ask questions or even hang up!
- Don't click on unsolicited email links, even if they appear to come from a legitimate website. Scammers can easily create fake websites that trick you into revealing passwords or personal information. Instead of clicking on provided links, type in the website address directly to log in.
- If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be extremely skeptical of any person or organization that offers you large sums of money, whether they claim it is unclaimed tax refunds or lottery winnings.