Identity Theft

Identity Theft Defined


Identity Theft is defined by State Statute as when a person commits the crime of identity theft if he or she knowingly and with the intent to deceive or defraud obtains, possesses, transfers, uses, or attempts to obtain, transfer or use, one or more means of identification not lawfully issued for his or her use. View State Statute RsMO 570.223.


Credit Card Theft vs. Identity Theft


Commonly, people believe they are victims of identity theft if their credit cards are stolen and used. That is not always the case. If your credit card has been stolen and used by another person, you are the victim of theft and credit card fraud. If your credit card number has been stolen and used, but you still have your credit card in your possession, you are the victim of identity theft.


If you are a Creve Coeur resident and think you are a victim of identity theft, please contact Detective Michael Neporadny at (314) 274-2111. You should bring these three things when you meet with detectives:

  • A copy of your credit report
  • Proof that you have requested a fraud alert on your accounts
  • Any phishing scam emails you have received in the last three months


Phishing & Vishing


Phishing is when a fraudulent website uses bank information, for example a site that copies the look of a bank web site and asks you to update your information. Vishing is the telephone version of this, for example when someone calls you and asks for your personal information.


Identity Theft is not always perpetrated by a stranger. In some instances, people are victimized by people they know who would have easy access to their information.


IRS Tax-Related Identity Theft


Tax season is a stressful time of year for many. Tax-related identity theft can make matters even more stressful. What is tax-related identity theft?

  • Tax-related identity theft occurs when another individual steals and uses your social security number (SSN) to file a fraudulent refund with the IRS.
  • Generally, an identity thief will use your SSN to file a false return early in the year. Many victims do not find out about the fraudulent filing until they file their own taxes. At this time, or shortly thereafter, you will get a response from the IRS stating they have either accepted your return, or your SSN was already used to submit a return.

Steps to take if you become victim:
 

  • Respond immediately to any IRS notice; call the number provided by your tax consultant.
  • Complete IRS Form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit.
  • Continue to pay your taxes and file your return. This will be done by mailing in your appropriate documentation to the IRS instead of electronic filing.

IRS Form 14039 can be completed online.


Once the Online form is completed, print the form. Either mail or fax the document using the contact information provided on page 2.


Once this is completed, contact one of the three credit bureaus to place a fraud alert on your account. The three credit bureaus can be contacted by using the following contact information:


Verify the information on your credit report is accurate, closing any and all unauthorized accounts and disputing any accounts established without your permission.


  • IRS Form 14039 is sufficient when only tax-related identity theft has been discovered. (Not necessary to file an additional police report)
  • If you discover any other unauthorized accounts on your credit report, file a police report with the agency in which you reside.

Additional information regarding ways to prevent and detect identity theft can be found on the IRS website.


If you have further questions regarding identity theft or how to file an identity theft report, please contact Detective Michael Neporadny at (314) 274-2111.