Holliston Police Department

The growth of technology has changed our lives dramatically. Computers were viewed as a luxury or even an extravagance 30 years ago. We relied on television, newspapers, and radio as primary sources of news and information. Cables, modems, and online services were virtually nonexistent.

Office of the Attorney General

United States Department of Justice: Cyber Crime Unit

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (I.C.E.)

Today, computers are prevalent in businesses, homes, schools, libraries, and even airports. The World Wide Web provides instant access to news, reference information, shopping, banking, stock trading, auctions, and travel information and reservations. People routinely use the Internet to take college courses, play games, listen to music, and view videos. Chat rooms and e-mails are now replacing telephones as our favorite means of long-distance communication.

The proliferation of computer technology obviously has enhanced our lives in many ways, such as enabling improved productivity and efficiency at work, school, and home. Anyone with access to a computer and modem now has unparalleled recreational and educational opportunities.

Unfortunately, criminals are also using modern technology—to prey on innocent victims. Computers and the Internet have made the predator’s job easier. Historically, child predators found their victims in public places where children tend to gather—schoolyards, playgrounds, and shopping malls. Today, with so many children online, the Internet provides predators a new place—cyberspace—to target children for criminal acts. This approach eliminates many of the risks predators face when making contact in person.

Identity Theft

How does it occur?

Identity theft is defined as when when one person gains personal information and/or poses (or intends to impose) as another person for the purpose of obtaining credit, goods, services, or for the purpose of committing a fraud or other crime. (see M.G.L. c.265 s.37E)

Identity theft occurs when someone obtains your name, social security number, driver's license number, place of employment, employee identification number, maiden name, credit card numbers, any of your passwords or pin numbers, OR any combination thereof that leads to an unconsented use of someone's identity resulting in financial loss to either the victim or any creditor that extended credit after the theft

It may occur through...

1) Personal information taken while you use an ATM,

use a credit card at a store, or verbally pass on your

personal information when people are present.

2) Personal information is taken from your mail

service or your trash

3) Personal information is taken from your computer

use (responses, purchases, etc.)

What do I if I am a victim of identity theft?

(in addition to creditor notification)

1. CALL YOUR LOCAL POLICE DEPARTMENT

File a police report and ask the police to attach your Federal Trade

Commission (FTC) complaint to the police report.

May be able to proceed under the Identity Fraud Statute

(M.G.L. c.266 s.37E) depending on jurisdiction

2. CONTACT THE MAJOR CREDIT BUREAUS

Equifax (800)525-6285

Experian (800)397-3742

TransUnion (800)680-7289

3. CALL THE SOCIAL SECURITY FRAUD HOTLINE

Alert them in case your SSN was compromised.

Office of the Inspector General (800)269-0271

4. CONTACT THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION (FTC)

Call the FTC directly at 1-877-ID-THEFT or visit their website

at www.ftc.gov/idtheft

Deter.Detect.Defend