Fraud & Scams
Scams
As technology has become more readily available around the world, there has been an increase in the number of scams perpetrated on the internet and through email. Billions of dollars are lost each year by United States consumers and businesses that become victims of these scams.
Please choose from the links on the left to read information about the most common scams affecting residents of this area. If you are suspicious of a transaction you are getting involved in or employment you are about to enter into, please email Weatherford Police Department fraud investigators and ask before you take action.
Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.
Other Helpful Sites
Social Security Administration
If you suspect someone is using your social security number to obtain employment, contact the Social Security Administration's fraud hotline at 800-269-0271. Order a copy of your Personal Earnings and Benefit Estimate Statement (PEBES) to check the accuracy of your work history on file with the Social Security Administration. You can obtain a PEBES application at your local Social Security office or at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount/
IRS
The IRS established the Identity Protection Unit to assist taxpayers resolve identity theft issues. Victims can call 800-908-4490 Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Additional information is available at http://www.irs.gov/uac/Taxpayer-Guide-to-Identity-Theft
Federal Trade Commission
This website is a one-stop national resource to learn about the crime of identity theft. It provides detailed information to help you deter, detect, and defend against identity theft. http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/
Attorney General Of Texas
The Office of the Attorney General provides useful information related to identity theft. A step by step resource guide is available at www.texasfightsidtheft.gov
Internet Crime Complainant Center
Internet Crime Complainant Center (IC3) is an alliance between the National White Collar Crime Center and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It provides a central point to report internet based crime. www.ic3.gov
Little Black Book of Scams
This booklet describes the many types of frauds and Internet scams that suspects use to target citizens and steal their money. It was originally developed by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and reproduced by the Canadian Competition Bureau.
US Postal Inspection Service
If you suspect that your mail has been stolen or diverted with a false change-of-address request, contact your local postal inspector at https://postalinspectors.uspis.gov/ or by calling 800-275-8777.
Annual Credit Report
This central site allows you to request a free credit report, once every 12 months from each of the nationwide consumer credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. https://www.annualcreditreport.com
As technology has become more readily available around the world, there has been an increase in the number of scams perpetrated on the internet and through email. Billions of dollars are lost each year by United States consumers and businesses that become victims of these scams.
Please choose from the links on the left to read information about the most common scams affecting residents of this area. If you are suspicious of a transaction you are getting involved in or employment you are about to enter into, please email Weatherford Police Department fraud investigators and ask before you take action.
Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.
Other Helpful Sites
Social Security Administration
If you suspect someone is using your social security number to obtain employment, contact the Social Security Administration's fraud hotline at 800-269-0271. Order a copy of your Personal Earnings and Benefit Estimate Statement (PEBES) to check the accuracy of your work history on file with the Social Security Administration. You can obtain a PEBES application at your local Social Security office or at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount/
IRS
The IRS established the Identity Protection Unit to assist taxpayers resolve identity theft issues. Victims can call 800-908-4490 Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Additional information is available at http://www.irs.gov/uac/Taxpayer-Guide-to-Identity-Theft
Federal Trade Commission
This website is a one-stop national resource to learn about the crime of identity theft. It provides detailed information to help you deter, detect, and defend against identity theft. http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/
Attorney General Of Texas
The Office of the Attorney General provides useful information related to identity theft. A step by step resource guide is available at www.texasfightsidtheft.gov
Internet Crime Complainant Center
Internet Crime Complainant Center (IC3) is an alliance between the National White Collar Crime Center and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It provides a central point to report internet based crime. www.ic3.gov
Little Black Book of Scams
This booklet describes the many types of frauds and Internet scams that suspects use to target citizens and steal their money. It was originally developed by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and reproduced by the Canadian Competition Bureau.
US Postal Inspection Service
If you suspect that your mail has been stolen or diverted with a false change-of-address request, contact your local postal inspector at https://postalinspectors.uspis.gov/ or by calling 800-275-8777.
Annual Credit Report
This central site allows you to request a free credit report, once every 12 months from each of the nationwide consumer credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. https://www.annualcreditreport.com