Kokua Line
Kokua Line
Identity theft against
law in HawaiiQuestion: I recently was a victim of identity theft. I've already notified the three major credit reporting bureaus, and an alert has been put on my information. I also contacted the Honolulu Police Department, but the officer who assisted me said I couldn't file a report because nothing has been taken from me monetarily. He said that until funds are taken, it's not considered a crime. The thief obviously has my personal information and has been opening accounts in my name. Wouldn't you consider that theft? Why can't I report this to HPD and have them put it on file for my own peace of mind? Do you have any other suggestions?
Answer: You should have been able to make a police report.
Contact police Detective Letha DeCaires, coordinator of the Honolulu CrimeStoppers Program, 529-3950.
"There was some confusion, as the ID theft law was only recently passed," she said, adding that HPD was working to resolve that with clear policies.
DeCaires was referring to a new state law that sets felony penalties for someone who steals a person's identity and for someone who obtains identity documents under false pretenses.
Auwe
Unfortunately, you can't always rely on the kindness of strangers regarding the return of a lost wallet or purse containing credit cards ("Kokua Line," Aug. 28).When my wife's handbag was stolen from our van, it included all her credit cards, but more important, her driver's license with our street address on it. Don't think just because you got back your credit cards that you are safe.
All one needs is the credit card number and expiration date to purchase things over the phone or Internet.
I use a P.O. box on my driver's license so if it is lost with my credit cards and spare key to my car or home inside my wallet, it would be very difficult to find out where I live. The best thing to do if your keys and credit cards are returned is to get new card numbers and change the locks on your house and car(s). -- Craig Watanabe (no relation)
Detective Letha DeCaires, coordinator of the Honolulu CrimeStoppers program, says you are "right on target."
Although she does believe "that there are really nice people doing things for the right reason and at the right time," she also advises that taking steps to protect yourself against identity theft "is very wise."
She noted a recent case involving people whose car was broken into near the Maunawili Trail. They were able to get everything back, except their money and bank debit card, in an hour, but DeCaires said she advised them to "cancel everything and put an alert on your (financial) files."
The trend HPD is seeing now is, thieves going immediately on the Internet to purchase cellular phones using someone's personal information.
"They will take your information and go right online to purchase a cell phone," she said. Even if that cell phone is good only for one month, it allows the thief to use "a huge amount" of time on the phone, she said.
Useful phone numbers
Got a question or complaint?
Call 529-4773, fax 529-4750, or write to Kokua Line,
Honolulu Star-Bulletin, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., No. 7-210,
Honolulu 96813. As many as possible will be answered.
E-mail to kokualine@starbulletin.com