Yo, Holmesburg, don’t be
scammed by ID thieves

By Diane Prokop
Times Staff Writer

Concern over identity fraud was the hot topic at last week’s Holmesburg Civic Association meeting.
Jeanne Austin, community relations officer in the 8th Police District, told attendees that identity theft is the "fastest growing crime in America today." Often times the thieves have racked up $40,000 to $50,000 in debt before the victim becomes aware of it.
"There’s no way to stop it. It’s up to each of us individually to protect our information.," she said.
Austin urged everyone to shred their mail and documents before putting them in the trash.
"As soon as you put your trash out, it’s public property," she said. "With a new name, Social Security number, address and date of birth, they’re applying for a new card in your name."
One resident suggested that medication labels be removed or covered to prevent would-be thieves from knowing what medications you have in your home.
Should you become a victim of identity theft, here are some tips from the Philadelphia Police Department:
• Obtain a copy of the fraudulent contract or application, which is the key document proving the person who signed it isn’t you.
• Find the company that issued the report. Try to get past the gatekeepers to someone who is in charge.
• Contact the credit bureaus that hold your credit report. Ask them to log the theft and remove the bad accounts from your report, giving as much proof as possible. You may meet difficulties, but by law, the bureau must correct any wrong information.
• Have a "fraud alert" put on your credit report. This should alert credit grantors to check a new application.
• Keep meticulous, dated records of your attempts to clean the record — letters, phone calls, and what was said.
• Never agree to pay any portion of the debt just to get the debt collectors off your back. The balance will stay on your record.
• Remember, you are not a victim. Do not let these people intimidate you. Contact the police to fight back.
To report identity theft and get help on how to restore your credit, contact the Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Response Center, toll-free at 1-877-382-4357 or online at www.consumer.gov/idtheft
For law-enforcement help, call Philadelphia police at 911.
In other business, civic president Fred Moore alerted Austin and civic members about a racist flier being distributed around Welsh Road and Leon Street supporting the Aryan Nations.
Moore also asked for suggestions for speakers to come to the civic meetings. Call the civic group with ideas at 215-332-6781. ••
The next Holmesburg Civic Association meeting will be held at 7:15 p.m., on Tuesday, Feb. 12, at the Holmesburg Community Center, Rhawn and Ditman streets.
Reporter Diane Prokop can be reached at 215-354-3036 or dprokop@phillynews.com