Today's identity thieves are not limited to stealing wallets and purses. A clever thief can find valuable information in your trash (from discarded mail and credit card receipts), from the Internet, and via phone scams. The best advice that can be provided to you is to always be on guard when asked for your driver's license, your social security number, your date of birth, your credit card number or any other identifiable information. The more cautious you are about who you choose to do business with and who you are willing to share information with, the less likely you are to be victimized. There are many unsuspecting individuals who are too easily convinced to open their wallet or expose their information to strangers. This means that simple questioning of a third party by you of the legitimacy of an offer or the validity of the need for your personal information may help you avert an identity theft disaster.

Usually, search and background check information is kept strictly confidential. Except in serious criminal investigations - like, for instance, if there's a major outstanding warrant out for someone's arrest! Prominently featured on the website is this notice: "Due to the nature of this search, sometimes when a record is found, a police agency or government agency may contact us for information about the case - we will release all information about the request to the agency." But apparently this mastermind didn't bother to read the disclaimer. He provided his legitimate credit card information to order the $43 outstanding warrant search. That's money he probably wishes he hadn't spent, because the transaction was automatically flagged. Thirty minutes later, FBI agents had his home address and phone number in hand.

The number of golfers is limited, so register your foursome in the IACP golf outing for $75 per person soon. ($75 entry fee includes light breakfast, range practice before round, a round of golf, cart, lunch, some beverages, and prizes.) Collared shirt required at Stone Creek Golf Club.

If you can't make the outing or just don't play golf but would like to show your support, sponsor a hole or holes. There are two levels of single hole sponsorship: a $100 Basic Sponsor and a $250 Gold Sponsor. A $1,000 Platinum Sponsor will sponsor every hole. The donation of $100 Basic Sponsorship or $250 Gold Sponsorship includes: a sign with your business placed at one tee along with your company name in the program.

See Something - Hear Something - Say Something, if it makes you wonder call the Crime Stopper number 1- 800-424-9119. Remember the Crime Stoppers web site is continually updated, so check often for the latest crime updates.

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College of DuPage - Criminal Justice Program

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