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Extra Graphic On 10/15, new Baltimore, Albuquerque Field Offices will enhance FBI's counterterrorism mission. Read Director Mueller's remarks during Baltimore dedication.
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Retiring Chicago Special Agent in Charge Thomas Kneir, on what it's been like working for the FBI: "To say it's been interesting would be a huge understatement. You kind of get thrown into the middle of history."

Preventing Identity Theft graphicDON’T LET THIS HAPPEN TO YOU!
How to Protect Your Good Name from Identity Theft

Are collection agencies suddenly demanding payment for items you’ve never bought? Have you stopped getting your credit card and bank statements in the mail? Are stores refusing your checks, claiming you have a history of bouncing them, even though you don’t?

You may be a victim of identity theft.

Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the U.S., claiming more than 10 million victims a year. The FBI is working with its partners--private sector companies, regulatory agencies, and other law enforcement organizations--to curb identity fraud (see Monday’s story). But you can help us--and more importantly, help yourself--by taking some basic preventative steps.

Some “do’s” and “don’t’s”:

DO:

  • Order a copy of your credit report each year from one of the national credit bureaus and review it closely for any questionable entries;
  • Shred or cut up all credit card receipts and old bank statements and bills before throwing them away;
  • Close all unused credit card or bank accounts;
  • Remove your name from mailing lists for pre-approved credit lines and telemarketers;
  • Keep your PIN number hidden when you use an ATM or public telephone;
  • Contact your creditor or service provider if you notice odd charges or if expected bills don’t arrive;
  • Update your computer virus software, use a secure browser, and install a firewall program.

DON’T:

  • Give out personal information via the phone, mail, or Internet unless YOU initiated contact;
  • Carry information like your Social Security Number (SSN) or any PIN numbers or passwords in your purse or wallet;
  • Put your SSN on your checks or other identifiers.

If your identity HAS been stolen, we urge you to take immediate action:

  1. Place a fraud alert on your credit file by notifying one of the national credit bureaus;
  2. Contact all creditors and financial institutions that an identity thief may have used to conduct transactions in your name and close all tampered accounts;
  3. Contact your local police department, as well as your local FBI field office, and file a report;
  4. File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (the FBI and other law enforcement agencies use these complaints in their investigations). Online identity thefts may also be reported to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).

A Final Message: BE AWARE and manage your personal information carefully!

Links: FBI Tips to Avoid Impersonation/Identity Fraud | DOJ’s Identity Theft and Fraud website


Recent Stories

Graphic link to Recent Stories
Announcements
On 10/21, a Texas man is charges in connection with an attack on El Paso mosque.
On 10/19, six charged in Chicago in fraudulent document case.
On 10/19, 19 members of New Jersey's largest, oldest "Bloods" street gang charged in racketeering indictment.
On 10/19, two Virginia men sentenced for hate crime at historically African-American church.

On 10/14, increased reward offered for info re: 2003 ricin-laced threat letters in South Carolina and Tennessee. See also Reward Poster (pdf).

On 10/15, naturalized U.S. citizen sentenced in Virginia in terrorism financing case.
On 10/14, lawyer found guilty in San Francisco of stealing/misusing more than $2 million in clients' settlement funds.
On 10/14, Knoxville resident arrested for attempt to use explosives to damage a building.
On 10/13, federal authorities arrested an Iowa man for sending e-mail threats to a national Arab-American leader.
On 10/13, German company Bayer AG agrees to plead guilty in price-fixing conspiracy.
On 10/8, Nashville resident arrested by Joint Terrorism Task Force on weapons charges.

On 10/7, superceding indictment in Florida charges two men in terrorism conspiracy.

Photograph of Chris SweckerOn 10/7, FBI exec testifies before Congress on the Bureau's efforts to combat mortgage fraud.

On 10/6, British resident indicted in Connecticut on charges of providing material support to terrorists.

Photograph of Public Affairs Assistant Director Cassandra ChandlerOn 10/6, FBI exec takes "opposing view" on Bureau translation capabilities in USA Today debate.
The FBI and the Jamestown, NY, PD need your help in locating a missing woman and are offering a reward for useful information.
Counterterrorism SealPREVENTING TERRORIST ATTACK:
How You Can Help
New E-Scams and Warnings

Responding to Your Concerns:
- Can the FBI look at your library records any time they want?
- FBI interviews at Special Events
- Checks and Balances on the FBI

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