Scam Victim Resources
Scammers can be very convincing. They call, email, and send text messages trying to get money or sensitive personal information. If you have fallen victim to a scam, please consider utilizing the resources listed below.
Depending on the type of scam there are several things you may need to do to further protect yourself against further financial harm:
- Immediately stop all contact with the scammer.
- If you provided sensitive personal information, banking information or access to accounts, immediately notify your financial institutions, and change passwords on accounts.
- Contact the Meridian Police Department to file a police report. You can come to the station or call non-emergency dispatch at 208-377-6790.
- Report the crime to the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) through the FBI.
- Report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
For crypto specific scams:
For mail theft, mail fraud, or suspicious mail specific scams:
Identity Theft Victim Resources
Identity theft occurs when someone steals your identity to commit fraud. Stealing your identity could mean using personal information without your permission, such as, your name, Social Security number, or credit card number. If you believe you are a victim of identity theft, please consider utilizing the resources listed below.
How do I report identity theft?
- Contact the Meridian Police Department to file a police report. You can come to the station or call non-emergency dispatch at 208-377-6790.
- If you feel you need assistance with handling your identity theft, contact the Identity Theft Resource Center, call: 1-888-400-5530 or email: itrc@idtheftcenter.org
If you would like to handle the reporting of your identity theft yourself, you may continue on with the following recommendations:
- Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or call 1-877-438-4338
- Contact the three major credit reporting agencies and ask them to place fraud alerts and a credit freeze on your accounts.
- Contact the fraud department at your credit card issuers, bank, and other places where you have accounts.
Financial Crime Prevention
To prevent financial crimes, protect your personal information, monitor your accounts regularly, pull your credit regularly, and be cautious of online and phone scams.
How To Get Your Free Annual Credit Reports
The three nationwide credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — have a centralized website, toll-free telephone number, and mailing address so you can order your free annual reports in one place. Visit Free Credit Reports | Consumer Advice or call: 1-877-322-8228
Freeze Your Credit and Other Personal Identifying Information
Frozen Pii- Created by a data breach victim and cybercrime prosecutor, Frozen Pii helps you implement credit freezes—the most effective way to prevent criminals from opening fraudulent accounts in your name.
Visit: Frozen Pii | Your guide to free identity protection
Learn About Identity Theft
The Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) is a non-profit organization established to empower and guide consumers, victims, business and government to minimize risk and mitigate the impact of identity compromise and crime.
Visit: Identity Theft Resource Center or call: 1-888-336-9044 or email: itrc@idtheftcenter.org