Overview

Identity theft is one of the fastest rising crimes in the country. Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information to commit fraud or other crimes. The average cost to an identity theft victim is $35,000.

The Creve Coeur Police Department recognizes that this crime is becoming more prominent. Sometimes, taking preventative measures of securing your identity make it difficult for thieves to successfully take over your assets. The Identity Theft Protection Services website offers information on a variety of companies that may be able to assist you in protecting your identity. For more information on what first steps you should take if your identity is already stolen, please visit the Federal Trade Commission, Identity Theft Consumer Information website.

Steps To Take To Avoid Becoming A Victim of Identity Theft

• Check your credit report for accuracy and fraud abuse from each of the three credit agencies once a year at www.annualcreditreport.com.
• Don't use a date of birth as your password, use a combination of upper-case and lower-case letters, numbers and symbols.
• Keep only the credit cards you need in your wallet.
• Promptly check your financial statements to verify your purchases.
• Memorize your passwords and Social Security Number; don't carry them with you.
• Place "holds" or "alerts" on your Social Security Number with each of the credit agencies.
• Never give personal information to a stranger in person, over the phone, computer, or in writing.
• Never leave receipts behind at ATMs, merchants, banks or gasoline pumps.
• Shred pre-approved credit applications, bills and other financial information before discarding.

Identity Theft Prevention Class

Due to growing demand, the Creve Coeur Police Department, in conjunction with the Creve Coeur Joint Crime Prevention Partnership, will be offering periodic classes on Identity Theft prevention. This class will be co-instructed with the Crime Prevention officer and a Creve Coeur Police Department financial crimes detective. To see when the next class will be held, please go to our Calendar of Events and complete the registration form.

If you have any further questions about Identity Theft or believe you have become a victim, please refer to the Identity Theft section of our website or contact the Crime Prevention Office at (314) 442-2075.