Economic Crimes Unit
Economic Crimes Unit
Davie Police Department’s Economic Crimes Unit handles complaints about identity theft, credit card and check fraud, telemarketing fraud, mortgage fraud, elderly exploitation, and other financial-related crimes. Too often, unsuspecting victims of economic crime do not realize they have been defrauded until days, weeks, and sometimes months after the crime has occurred, and after the criminals are usually long gone.
By following several simple rules, a person can learn to protect themselves against economic crimes and identity theft:
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Memorize your social security number, passwords and PIN numbers. Never give out personal information, including credit card and Social Security numbers over the phone.
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Carry only the ID and credit cards you need, usually a driver's license, one or two credit cards and an insurance card. Leave the others locked in a secure place. Keep your purse or wallet in a safe place, especially when you're at work,
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Take ATM and receipts for all purchases with you; do not leave them with the clerk or in a garbage can next to the ATM machine. Promptly review all bank and credit card statements for accuracy. Report any irregularities to the bank or credit card company immediately.
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Invest in a shredder and destroy unneeded credit card receipts, bills, statements and other documents which include personal and financial information.
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Secure your mailbox. One of the most common way thieves obtain identity information is through stolen mail. Never place outgoing mail in an unlocked residential mailbox.
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Place passwords on all credit card, bank and phone accounts. Never use identifying information such as your mother's maiden name, the last four digits of your social security number or your birth date as passwords.
