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Monday, July 21, 1997
Background
Sheriff warns citizens about 'true-name' credit fraud
Credit and credit card fraud is a growing problem nationwide, and Caddo Parish Sheriff Don Hathaway says the local area is, unfortunately, no exception.
"Investigators in our White Collar Crime Unit have uncovered more than 130 cases of credit fraud in the past year," Sheriff Hathaway said. "We have already arrested 10 people in this on-going investigation, but we need the help of citizens who believe they are victims of credit fraud. Contact our White Collar Crime Unit by calling 226-6630."
The Sheriff termed the current rash of cases "true-name" credit fraud. "These criminals are able to obtain bogus identification by using actual names, social security numbers and other person-specific information," he said. "They then use this bogus identification to illegally obtain credit privileges in any number of ways."
To help avoid being a victim of fraudulent credit card use, Sheriff Hathaway reminded citizens to keep all their credit card charge receipts. "Carefully check the receipts against the charges itemized on monthly credit card statements," he continued, "and report any unauthorized charges to the credit card company immediately."
Sheriff Hathaway urged citizens who believe they are victims of "true-name" credit fraud to obtain a credit report from one or all of these companies: TRW (1-800-392-1122), Trans Union (1-312-408-1050) and Equfax (1-800-685-1111).
"While TRW is the company that handles credit reports in this part of the country," the Sheriff said, "credit fraud against someone in Caddo Parish may well be carried out coast to coast. Therefore, it would be best to get a credit report from all three companies."
The Sheriff also cautioned citizens to destroy any unsolicited and unwanted pre-approved credit cards or checks that come in the mail from credit card companies. "Cut up the unwanted cards," he urged, "and shred the checks rather than simply throwing them in the trash."