Posted by smcnamee I have received money orders from someone I don’t know. Could I bring them to the police station to be verified "Legal Tender" so as not to be caught up in a possible fraudulent scheme? Dear smcnamee, It may be a fishing expedition. Crooks that partake in these expeditions send out mass mailings in the hopes that one or two people will bite on their lure. You’re wise to be cautious.  Unfortunately, this often works, and it is hard to trace the originator.  You can call the Financial Crimes Unit in your jurisdiction and speak to an investigator about your situation. If you live in the city of Sacramento, the telephone number is 808-0650. Our investigators are doing mo

Community shredding events play a valuable role in protecting individuals against identity theft and fraud. Documents containing sensitive personal information like Social Security and account numbers are actively sought out by people who commit identity crimes. Identity crime experts and law enforcement warn against keeping personal documents unprotected in homes or disposing of them without micro- shredding. This Saturday, April 30, Golden 1 Credit Union and Iron Mountain will host the region’s largest   free shred event.  More than 96,000 pounds of confidential documents  destroyed at the last event!   Come between 9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. this Saturday, April 30 to: The Golden 1 Operat

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personally identifying information, like your name, Social Security number, or credit card number, without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes. Any person who obtains, or attempts to obtain, credit, goods, services, real property, or medical information without the consent of the individual is guilty of a crime according to California law. Identity theft is a very serious crime and can have disastrous effects on the person who is victimized. Potential victims need to act quickly in order to minimize the damage. “Know Your Rights: California Identity Theft Victims’ Rights” discusses victims’ rights and can assist consumers in clearin