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Denver Police Department

 

Theft and Fraud Prevention

Don't be vulnerable to credit card and identity theft. Get the latest fraud and theft prevention tips and learn how to respond if you've been the victim of one of these crimes.

What to do when you're a victim of identity theft or fraud

If you have been the victim of stolen credit cards or checks and are a Denver resident and / or the crime occurred in Denver, you may quickly and easily file a police report online at www.denvergov.org/policereport, or by calling at any Denver Police station (DPD HQ at 1331 Cherokee Street is only staffed from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm). For Denver residents, your home address can be used as location for incidents of Denver. An online report my be filed for any type of breach, counterfeiting or electronic compromise such as:

  • Checks
  • Cashiers Checks
  • Money Orders
  • Credit Cards
  • Debit Cards
  • ATM Cards
  • Quest Cards

If you are a victim of an identity theft, you should make a report with the Denver Police Department if the crime occurred in Denver or if you are a Denver Resident.  You are able to report this crime quickly by using our online form at www.denvergov.org/policereport or at any Denver Police station (DPD HQ at 1331 Cherokee Street is only staffed from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm). In addition, you should contact the following agencies to report the identity theft (when applicable):

Equifax - Fraud Line: 1-800-525-6285
(check your credit and put a 90 day Fraud Alert on your name and Social Security Number)

Experian - Fraud Line 1-888-397-3742
(check your credit and put a 90 day Fraud Alert on your name and Social Security Number)

Trans Union - Fraud Line 1-800-680-7289
(check your credit and put a 90 day Fraud Alert on your name and Social Security Number)

In addition to reporting the incident, the Denver Police Fraud Unit recommends that you contact the appropriate financial institutions to dispute the fraudulent charges and provide a copy of your Police Report. Closing the account may be necessary.

Follow-up with a second credit check (1 free check per year at www.annualcreditreport.com) and monitor accounts.

Federal Trade Commission ID Theft Hotline: 1-877-438-4338 or www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft2012/ for further information and statistical purposes.

Social Security Fraud Hotline: 1-800-269-0271 (if your Social Security Number is involved in employment-related fraud)

Colorado License or ID Theft: http://www.colorado.gov/cs/Satellite/Revenue-MV/RMV/1206604920464

Postal Inspection Service Guide to preventing mail fraud http://about.usps.com/publications/pub300a/
pub300a_tech_001.html

Additional Resources:
http://www.ago.state.co.us/idtheft/IDTheft.cfm

Victims of an Internet crime or scam in which the suspect appears to be outside Denver can also report the incident the Internet Crime Complaint Center (link to www.IC3.gov ).  This includes suspects outside the U.S.

Victims of any online or phone scam that appears to originate in Canada can also report the incident to the Canadian Royal Mounted Police Phone Busters Task Force (www.phonebusters.com).

Identity Theft Prevention Tips

Minimize your risk of identity theft by following a few simple precautions:

  • Shred trash (checks, junk mail and personal documents) with a cross-cut or confetti shredder.
  • Remove mail from your mailbox as often as possible and consider secured mail.
  • Minimize financial and personal information carried on your person or in public, especially your Social Security Number.
  • Do not leave purses/wallets unattended in vehicles or in public.
  • Opt out (https://www.optoutprescreen.com/) of credit card solicitations and request your bank not mail convenience checks 
  • Do not give out personal or account information unless you know who you are speaking to and you made the contact.
  • Research and become aware of the numerous types of fraud and scams such as shipping scams, check cashing scams, Nigerian scams, Lotto scams, confidence games and internet scams. Visit the Denver District Attorney's website to get the latest information about scams and fraud in your area. Take the Fraud IQ Test and learn how to protect yourself against common scams.

Latest Fraud Alerts

Visit the Denver District Attorney's website to get the latest information about scams and fraud in your area. Take the Fraud IQ Test and learn how to protect yourself against common scams.

Bike Registration & Theft Tips

Always lock up your bicycles if they’re kept outside or in a garage. Otherwise, keep them inside the house. You should also take time to register your bicycles on our bike registration page. This is a great tool that aids officers in the recovery of a stolen bikes and aids helps ensure the bicycle is returned to its rightful owner. You may also register your bike at any police station or COP Shop.

For more information on bike registration, bicycle auctions, and recovered bikes, contact:

Bicycle Recovery
phone: (720) 865-0090
fax: (720) 865-0051
Detective Lance Rushton
Lance.Rushton@denvergov.org

Vehicle Theft

Visit our neighborhood crime prevention page to learn about vehicle safety and security. If you are a Denver resident or own a car that is registered in Denver and your car has been stolen, immediately contact the Denver Police Departmentat (720) 913-2000 to report the crime. You may not use the online reporting system for a stolen car.