Palm Beach County Crime Prevention Unit Deputy John Ledford addressed the recent West Boca Security Liaison Meeting, informing attendees that identity theft is currently the fastest growing area crime. And although the federal government mandates victims of such crime can only be held responsible for an amount no greater than $50.00, time spent on the phone attempting to clear up bogus credit charges or unauthorized banking withdrawals can be more costly.

Changing the manner in which you pay bills can be a positive step toward minimizing or even avoiding identity theft. More often than not residents feel secure placing check payments in their mailbox and pulling up the red flag.  Unfortunately that red flag may beckon someone other than your mailman, especially when your payment is placed in your mailbox overnight.  Thieves hoping to obtain banking information have been pilfering check payments from resident’s mailboxes in order to obtain data codes from the check face. Once in possession of such account information the task of protecting your checking account can become a daunting challenge for you and your bank to address. If you have not looked into online banking you may want to consider doing so. Banking websites offer a secure service that eliminates the expense of postage and efficiently provides immediate proof of payment.

Another helpful idea offered by Deputy Ledford in preventing identity theft is the monitoring of documents discarded in weekly trash. Documents containing credit and banking information and those containing social security numbers should never be tossed in a trash bag for curb side pickup. Dumpster Drivers, i.e. thieves that stalk neighborhoods stealing trash bags, are looking for just such information to support their crime efforts.  Consider the purchase of a paper shredder to keep personal information safe.

Search engine www.spokeo.com indiscriminately disseminates private information on-line.  Visitors to this sight are often shocked to discover their political affiliation, age, religion, home value, education and even choice of hobbies displayed for public viewing. However this particular search engine does offer a response tab to request removal of such private information and it is highly recommended that you take advantage of the removal option.

As previously reported in The Lakesite News, a home in Amber Bay was broken into on June 28 and a home in Harbour Landing was broken into on July 7.  Stay alert for strangers walking or driving through your neighborhood and if you suspect foul play do not hesitate to contact the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s office 561-995-2800.

For additional crime prevention tips and information please visit the official Palm Beach County Sheriff’s website at www.PBSO.org