Theft & Fraud Prevention

Protect Yourself

One of the missions of the Chubbuck Police Department is the prevention of crime. The three types of crime listed on the tabs below have two things in common. First, they are difficult to investigate and prosecute. Second, they are, in almost all instances, completely preventable with a little education and common sense. We strongly urge you to review and put into action the suggestions and tips below so that you will not become the victim of a crime.

We offer the following suggestions that will help you protect yourself from common types of theft: vehicle burglaries, trailer burglaries and storage burglaries. It should be noted that most of these burglaries occur in the warmer months in the early morning hours and they often go unsolved.

Vehicle Burglary Prevention Suggestions

The steps below will lessen the probability that you are the victim of a vehicle burglary. These types of crimes typically result in the sale or pawn of the stolen items. Documentation of valuables as recommended below results in a dramatic increase of the odds of recovery.

  • Keep your vehicle locked at all times when unoccupied
  • Do not store valuables in your vehicle even if they are hidden
  • Never leave your keys inside your vehicle
  • Record the following information about vehicle stereo, satellite radio, etc…
  • Make, model and serial number
  • Initial items such as CDs with a permanent marker
  • Record the following information about mp3 players, cell phones, etc…
  • Make, model and serial number

Trailer Burglary Prevention Suggestions

The best available advice is to invest in a quality lock which is hard to cut or force open (see image below). Documentation of valuables as recommended below results in a dramatic increase of the odds of recovery of your stolen property.

  • Donut style lock
  • Invest in a quality, cut-proof lock
  • Do not store trailer in roadway
  • Ensure that hitch is locked
  • Park trailer with doors toward fence or wall
  • Record the following information about all valuables:
  • Make, model and serial number

Storage Facility Burglary Prevention Suggestions

If you are using a storage facility ask questions about what security safeguards are currently in place. Visit the facility after dark and look for adequate lighting and visibility from the roadway. A quality lock is always the best and cheapest safeguard for your valuables.

  • Invest in a quality, cut-proof lock (see photo above)
  • Use a facility with an external fence, good lighting and cameras
  • Store valuable items near the rear of the storage area
  • Make a list of all items in the storage area. Consider digital photos as well
  • Record the following information about all valuables:
    • Make, model and serial number

We offer the following information that will help you protect yourself from common types of telephone, mail and internet fraud. Most scams take advantage of the victim’s kindess or desire to make “easy” money or help a friend or relative in need. The best overall advice to protect yourself from fraud is to avoid offers that seem either too good to be true or where there seems to be a lot of pressure to act quickly.

Department of Justice Fraud Prevention Information

Internet fraud is, by far, the fastest growing and most common type of fraud. The Department of Justice provides information about both internet fraud and telemarketing fraud. Listed below are some suggestions to help you avoid being the victim of a scam:

  • Protect your personal information: Only share credit card or other personal information when you are buying from a company you know and trust.
  • Know who you are dealing with: Do not do business with any company, entity, or person that will not provide its name , street address and telephone number.
  • Take your time: Resist urges or pressure to act immediately despite the terms and offers. Once you turn over your money, you may never get it back.
  • Read the small print: Get all promises in writing and review them carefully before you make a payment or sign a contract.
  • Never pay for a free gift: Be very suspicious of any offer that asks you to pay for a gift or prize. If it is free or a gift, you should not pay for it.
  • Never send money to a friend or relative until you verify that person’s identity beyond any reasonable doubt. Ask a personal question that only that person should be able to answer.

Onguard Online Information About Spam Scams

OnGuardOnline.gov provides practical tips from the federal government and the technology industry to help you be on guard against internet fraud, secure your computer, and protect your personal information. The ten most common email scams can be found on this web site. Prosecuting online fraud after it has occured is very difficult, knowledge is your best defense.

Learn how to Detect Phishing Schemes in Your Email Inbox

A phishing e-mail is a fraudelent e-mail that is designed to look like a real e-mail from a legitimate bank, e-commerce vendor or other web site. The goal of the phishing website is to get your personal information, credit card number or bank account numbers. There are ways to detect whether the e-mails in your inbox are legitimate or fake. SonicWALL provides a fun and very instructive Phishing IQ Test.

We offer the following suggestions that will help you protect yourself from identity theft. One of the fastest growing crimes in the nation, there were at least 718 reported cases of identity theft in Idaho in 2006. That number is expected to double in 2011. The information and resources on this page are provided by the Federal Trade Commission.

You Can Deter Potential Identity Thieves

As with most crimes, you can take a number of steps to lessen the probability of becoming a victim. Listed below are a few simple steps that should help you protect yourself.

  • Shred documents with personal information before discarding them
  • Protect your social security number – do not carry your card
  • Only give out personal information to people you know and trust
  • Be cautious online – Visit OnGuardOnline.gov for more information
  • Keep your personal information in a secure place at all times

Be Vigilent for Signs of Identity Theft

Regular inspection of your financial statements for unauthorized charges and review of your free annual credit report usually will alert you to any suspicious activity which may be the first sign of identity theft. The following list contains other indicators of potential identity theft.

  • Account statements or bills that do not arrive in the mail as expected
  • Unexpected credit cards, bills or account statements
  • Denials of credit for no apparent reason
  • Calls or letters about purchases you did not make

Defend Yourself When Identity Theft is Suspected

  • Quick action is strongly recommended if you suspect identity theft. You will find that disputed charges will be resolved much more effectively if you follow all the steps below as soon as possible.
  • File a police report with the local police department
  • Close all tampered with or fraudulent financial accounts
    • Contact the organization’s fraud or security department
    • Ask for written or email verification of account closure
    • Keep copies of all documents and conversations
  • Place a fraud alert on each of your three credit reports
    • Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
    • Experian: 1-800-397-3742
    • TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289
  • Report theft to the Federal Trade Commission.

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Hours of Operation

City Hall Lobby Hours
Monday thru Thursday 7:30am-5:30pm

Friday 7:30am-11:30am

Email:  info@cityofchubbuck.us

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(208) 237-2400
290 East Linden Ave.
Chubbuck, ID 83202

 

 

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Chubbuck, ID 83202

 

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