Going Out Alone?
Don’t count money or check ID’s on the street – that’s an invitation to rob you. Stay alert and don’t distract yourself while out on the street.
Don’t space out when you’re alone. Remember there is no one to depend upon but yourself. Stay alert and keep your wits about you at all times.
Avoid carrying items you cannot afford to lose.
Glance into the backseat of your car as you approach it – it’s highly unlikely anyone can be inside the locked car, but it’ll make you feel more confident when you’re alone to KNOW you’re alone. CLICK HERE for more information.
Identity Theft and Computer Crime
White collar crime, computer fraud and identity theft have taken hours of investigators’ time to determine the nature and depth of the offenses. According to the Attorney General, Illinois ranks fifth in identity theft complaints and the Department encourages all residents and businesses to protect themselves.
Please take advantage of sites such as www.freecreditreport.com or www.consumer.gov/idtheft to learn how to protect yourself. The Department offers an Identity Theft Victim Assistance program for you as well.
Victim/Witness Assistance
Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s Consumer Protection Division protects Illinois consumers and businesses victimized by fraud, deception, and unfair business practices. The work of the Division is carried out by the following bureaus: Consumer Fraud Bureau, Charitable Trust Bureau, Franchise Bureau, Health Care Bureau, and Veterans Rights Bureau.
Although the Attorney General’s Office will do it’s best to assist you, the Attorney General’s Office is prohibited from representing citizens privately. Click here to learn more.
Identity Theft Prevention
The Federal Trade Commission has developed a website that is a one-stop national resource to learn about the crime of identity theft. It provides detailed information to help you deter, detect, and defend against identity theft.
On the website, consumers can learn how to avoid identity theft – and learn what to do if their identity is stolen. Businesses can learn how to help their customers deal with identity theft, as well as how to prevent problems in the first place. Law enforcement can get resources and learn how to help victims of identity theft.
Click here to learn more.