Q: I keep recieving "hot check" notices from merchants, what am I supposed to do?
A: Contact the merchant and advise them that someone is forging your checks and supply them with the police report number and have the merchant send the original check to the Financial Crimes Unit.
Q: Why is the original document required to file charges?
A: We have to be able to tie the suspect to the forged check. This is often done by processing the prints on the forged check and comparing them to the suspect. No charges can be filed if the suspect can not be linked to the check.
Q: My checks or credit cards were stolen in the mail. Can I report them stolen?
A: Yes, however, you must report this to the U. S Postal Inspector. They have jurisdiction for investigating thefts involving the U. S. mail.
Q: What if my checks or credit cards are stolen from my purse?
A: Our office does not investigate the theft of checks or credit cards. We only investigate cases involving the passing of forged or counterfeit checks or the fraudulent use of a credit card. If your checks are stolen from anywhere other than the mail, you should call 911 to make your report. The offense will be forwarded to the police substation nearest to the location of the offense. A detective assigned to that division will work the offense.
Q: What do I do if someone uses my identity to open a charge account or checking account in my name?
A: You may reduce your risk of being victimized if you do the things listed below.
Charge or Credit Account:
- Immediately contact the issuer of the credit, the credit card company, such as American Express or Visa, a department store, or a bank. We also recommend contacting someone who works in the "LOSS PREVENTION" department for the company, instead of someone in their customer service department.
- When your American Express, Visa, or any other card is used to purchase merchandise, you should also contact the store where the card was used. Again, contact someone who works in "LOSS PREVENTION" for the store and not someone in customer service.
- Contact all three (3) of the credit reporting companies and report the incident to each of them. (Please refer to phone numbers provided below)
Q: How do I contact the credit bureaus or the check verification companies?
A: Credit Bureaus:
- Trans Union Fraud Victim Assistance 800-680-7289
- TRW/Experian Consumer Fraud Assistance 800-301-7195
- Equifax Consumer Fraud Unit 800-525-6285
Check Verification Companies:
- Telecheck 800-366-2425
- National Processing Co. 800-526-5380
*** Make ALL your notifications by telephone, and in writing.
Q: How can I reduce my risk of becoming a victim of fraud?
A: You can reduce the risk of becoming a victim of fraud by following the advice below:
- Don't use your birth date or mother's maiden name as a password for your accounts.
- Avoid writing your account numbers on your checks when paying your credit card bills. If a criminal steals your monthly bank statement, these canceled checks will give the criminal all the information he or she needs to commit fraud.
- Protect your Social Security number. Be careful to whom you give it. Do NOT put it or your drivers license number on your checks.
- Shred your credit card receipts and bank statements before throwing away in the trash.
- Request credit reports from each of the credit bureaus, checking for discrepancies, on a regular basis.
Q: My drivers license was stolen and someone is using my number. What do I do?
A: If your drivers license number is compromised you must contact the Texas Department of Public Safety. Their phone number varies depending on where you live. You can find their phone number in the BLUE pages of the telephone book under "State Government". You should call the office nearest your residence.
