CRIME ALERTS

Identity Theft

(Posted 05-05-05)

Identity theft is a growing concern in our community.  Here is some helpful information regarding identity theft.

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your name, Social Security number, date of birth, or other identifying information, without authority, to commit fraud. 

If you believe that you are a victim of identity theft:

1. You have the right to ask that nationwide consumer reporting companies place "fraud alerts" in your file to let potential creditors and others know that you may be a victim of identity  theft. For more information visit www.consumer.gov/idtheft.

2. You have the right to free copies of the information in your file (your "file disclosure").  For more information visit www.ftc.gov/credit.

3. You have the right to obtain documents relating to fraudulent transactions made or accounts opened using your personal information.  For more information visit www.consumer.gov.idtheft.

4. You have the right to obtain information from a debt collector.

5. If you believe information in your file results from identity theft, you have the  right to ask that a consumer reporting agency block that information from your file. 

6. You also may prevent businesses from reporting information about you to consumer reporting agencies if you believe the information is a result of identity theft. 

To learn more about identify theft and how to deal with its consequences, visit www.consumer.gov/idtheft, or write to the FTC.  You may have additional rights under state law.  For more information, contact your local consumer protection agency or your state attorney general.

In addition to the new rights and procedures to help consumers deal with the  effects of identity theft, the FCRA has many other important consumer protections.  They are described in more detail at www.ftc.gov/credit.

Child Safety in Vehicles

Safety Tips Provided by Kids in Cars

Posted 10/21/2005

Children should never be left alone in a vehicle, not even to run a quick errand.  Kids in Cars offers parents the following tips to help keep their children safe.

·        Plan ahead to use drive-through services where available such as pharmacies and      banks.  More and more services are adding drive-through convenience, including dry cleaners, restaurants (beyond fast food), libraries, grocery stores, and even dog grooming.  A quick search on the Internet will help you find convenient drive-through services in your area.

·        Call dry cleaners and other businesses to schedule pick-up and drop-off services at your vehicle.  Most businesses will bring service curbside if you call ahead.

·        Make advance arrangements for your child-care provider to meet you at your vehicle.  Alternatively, plan extra time into your pick-up/drop-off routine to bring all children inside with you.

·        Use your debit or credit card at the gas pump.

·        Ask grocery store clerks to load your bags into your vehicle return the grocery cart.

·        If possible, leave your children with a responsible adult.  Arrange a baby-sitting co-op with your neighbor to give you an hour to run errands. 

Accident can happen right in your own garage or driveway.  Kids in Cars offers parents the following tips to help prevent accidents in or around vehicles.

·        Keep vehicles locked at all times - - even in the garage or driveway.

·        Never leave keys within the reach of children.

·        Teach children to never play in or around vehicles.

·        Consider installing cross-view mirrors and/or a backup detection device on your vehicle.

·        Make sure all young passengers have left your car after it is parked.

·        When a child is missing, check vehicles and trunks immediately.

·        If a child is locked inside a vehicle, get them out as quickly as possible.  If they are hot or appear sick, call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number.

Kids in Cars is a Missouri-based, national, non-profit organization dedicated to preventing injuries and deaths that occur due to children being left unattended in or around the motor vehicles.  Kids in Cars has embarked on a mission to pursue preventative legislation in all 50 states to make sure that no child is ever, not even for a minute, left alone in or around a motor vehicle.  For more information on Kids in Cars, to donate or volunteer please visit www.kidsincars.org.