Page 12 - The Scoop February 2021

DDS NEWSLETTER

OIS Fights

Cybercrime by

Investigator Karen Brooks

With more and more services being offered online, the potential for fraud also grows. When someone uses
a computer for the purposes of committing a crime, it is called a cybercrime. While there are many activities
that fall under the broad term of cybercrime, fraud and identity theft are issues that the Office of Investigative
Services (OIS) combats every day.

Based on a study from the Consumer Sentinel Network, Georgia was ranked first in the reports of identity theft
from 2019 with 427 reports per 100,000 people. Types of identity theft include credit card fraud, loan fraud,
bank fraud, utility fraud, and document or benefits fraud.

Investigators have seen an increase in fraudulent online accounts where a customers personal identifying in-
formation was used. Investigators have encountered account take overs and newly created accounts. In work-
ing these cases, Investigators often learn that there was some type of fraudulent financial benefit attempted or
obtained.

A person’s identifying information can be compromised in a variety of ways. You can help investigators by re-
porting suspicious activity and by helping to safeguard personal information. Helpful tips to avoid becoming a
victim of identity theft would be taking precautions with documents that contain personal information. Shred
unnecessary documents that contain personal information instead of throwing them away. Monitor your
financial accounts regularly and register for transaction notifications. Freeze your credit with Equifax, Experian
and Transunion unless you intend to obtain a line of credit.

Consumer Sentinel Network/Federal Trade Commission

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