Residents billed for electronics ordered without their knowledge.
By: Purvi Desa
Two residents reported attempts by someone to use their credit information to buy computer equipment, and police say residents need to be tight-lipped with their personal information.
A Chamberlain Drive resident reported to police on Feb. 6 that someone opened an account with Dell Computers using his information, and received $3,000 of equipment from the company. Police said they contacted Dell, and the report was forwarded to their detectives for further review.
In a separate incident on Jan. 28, a Balmoral Court resident reported receiving a $1,307.77 bill from Dell Financial Services for a computer he did not purchase. The victim also contacted Dell, who informed him that the computer had not been delivered.
The company advised the victim that his Social Security number must have been compromised in order for the purchase to be made.
Hillsborough Police Lt. Bill Geary said Wednesday the incidents highlight the need for residents to protect their personal information.
"In other words, you don’t want to be handing your Social Security number, driver’s license number, or date of birth to anyone," he said. "You want to keep that confident."
Lt. Geary said it’s OK for people to submit necessary information when purchasing a product on the Internet, but be wary when unnecessary information is requested.
"Quite frequently, illegitimate sites will ask you for your Social Security number, driver’s license number, or date of birth," he said. "I’m pretty sure that legitimate sites will never contact you for that information. If you’re ever prompted for that, that should throw a red flag."
The other thing that residents should watch out for is mail solicitations, Lt. Geary said, adding that sometimes people receive information through the mail notifying them of things such as they an approved for credit or eligibility for another item. "That stuff should be shredded and not just discarded," he said.
For people who are already victims of identity theft, Lt. Geary said, he highly recommends them to call the Police Department.
"We will investigate all forms of identity theft," he said. "We will contact all entities that the victims of identity theft have come in contact with."
Lt. Geary said that the information of identity theft victims who have filed reports with police are usually put on the National Crime Information Center database, which alerts police officers when anyone uses a former victim’s information, whether it is the victim themselves or another person.
"Be extra cautious with your personal information," Lt. Geary advises residents. "Don’t be too liberal in handing your information. Always check your credit reports for any inaccuracies."

