Scams & Identity Theft

Identity Theft & Personal Computing Tips

Tip #1

Your mobile devices such as your cell phone, iPad and lap top, are just as vulnerable to digital attacks as your home computer. Take the same precautions you take with your home computer to project your information on your mobile devices. Use anti-malware to prevent infection by viruses, worms and Trojan horses. Encrypting your data also helps to prevent data loss and eavesdropping attempts on mobile devices. The Pocatello Police Department asks you to take the extra steps to protect yourself from theft and fraud.

Tip #2

Never store sensitive information such as bank account numbers or Social Security numbers on your mobile device. Only store data to which you need quick access. A mobile device is too easily lost or stolen, to use to store sensitive information. The Pocatello Police Department reminds you to take extra precautions to protect yourself from identity fraud.

Tip #3

Nearly 11 million mobile device apps were downloaded in 2010. Many apps do more than users realize, opening the door to mobile application security concerns. A 2011 study showed that less than 1 in 20 smartphones and tablets have third party security software installed in them, despite a steady increase in threats from device loss or theft, malware and viruses. Mobile malware is growing at an alarming rate. Use anti-malware and anti-virus software to protect your information. The Pocatello Police Department wants you to take the steps to protect yourself from identity theft and fraud.

Identity Theft Packet

The identity theft packet (PDF) contains information to assist you in the correction of your credit and to help ensure that you are not responsible for the debts incurred by the identity thief.

The Fair & Accurate Credit Transactions Act

The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA) of 2003 (PDF) is a summary of rights of identity theft victims under the law.

Theft Affidavit

Theft affidavit (PDF) is a voluntary form for filing a report with law enforcement and disputes with credit reporting agencies and creditors about identity theft-related problems.