News
IRS Rebate Scam
The IRS has warned taxpayers to beware of several current e-mail and telephone scams that use the IRS as a lure. The goal is to trick people into revealing personal and financial information which the scammers can use to commit identity theft. The IRS has seen several variations of a refund-related bogus e-mail which falsely claims to come from the IRS, tells the recipient that he or she is eligible for a tax refund for a specific amount, and instructs the recipient to click on a link in the e-mail to access a refund claim form. The form asks the recipient to enter personal information that the scammers can then use to access the recipient's bank or credit card account. The e-mail is a phony. The IRS does not send unsolicited e-mail about tax account matters. Filing a tax return is the only way to apply for a tax refund; there is no separate application form. For more information see http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=178061,00.html
A Safe New Year is a Happier One
When you make your New Year's resolutions this year, will personal safety considerations play a role?
While our cities, universities and workplaces are protected by dedicated police and security officers, ultimately, you are responsible and most successful for our own personal safety. Even the simplest activities can reduce our personal safety risk...
1. Deter and Detect Identity Theft -- As identity theft continues to increase, proactive steps are needed to protect ourselves and our personal information.
- Review your credit report and credit/debit statements regularly.
- Shred documents containing personal information.
- Keep your Social Security number and pin numbers confidential.
- Opt out of unnecessary mailing lists.
- Remove personal information from company and family websites.
2. Drive for Life -- Driving can be a safety risk all on its own and there are many other factors that can influence our safety. To ensure a safer driving experience:
- Be extra cautious while driving at night and in hazardous conditions.
- Carry emergency supplies including flares or reflectors.
- Take valuables with you or store them out of view.
- Do not give rides to strangers or stop to assist with a disabled vehicle.
3. Beware of Telemarketers -- Phone scams often catch us off guard as we would never expect to become a victim within the safety of our own homes. But it does happen.
- Generally, if an offer sounds to good to be true, it is.
- If you are considering making a purchase by phone, and you did not initiate the call, ask for a catalog or information to be mailed to you first.
- Never reveal your checking account, credit card or Social Security numbers to a caller regardless of whom they say they are.
4. Travel Safe Not Sorry -- use extra caution to protect your personal safety while traveling.
- Carry minimal cash and keep tickets secure in an inside pocket.
- Do not leave luggage unattended and report abandoned baggage.
- Only use taxis with official markings and at official pick-up areas.
- If you are traveling by car, be sure your vehicle is serviced, route planned and shared with others.
- Do not pick up hitchhikers and keep your vehicle locked.
- Stop mail and newspaper delivery, and hide empty trash cans.
For more information concerning personal safety visit:
National Crime Prevention Council: http://www.ncpc.org/topics/personal-safety
Crime Alerts
Identity Theft Alert
Many individuals in Dunn County have become victims of identity theft on debit and credit cards. Many are noticing repeated $75.00 and $100.00 charges from gasoline stops in Florida and Texas. We have taken a few reports here at UW Stout PD along with the Menomonie Police Department and Dunn County Sheriff's Department. We are aware that investigators with the Federal Government are involved in these investigations in Florida and Texas. The suspects have made false debit/credit cards and are using them to purchase large quantities of fuel. Check your statements regularly. Do not wait until you get a bill once a month. If you can access your account on-line, check that a few times per week. The soonest you can get your card number off the system, the easier it will be to work with the banking agency to clear your account. A report to a police department will be necessary. If the card is a University purchasing card or if you live on campus, call our office to report.
Additional Information:
http://www.fightidentitytheft.com/
http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/idtheft.htm