EVEREST METRO POLICE DEPARTMENT
Honest, Fair and Dignified Service
5303 Mesker Street  Weston  Wisconsin  54476 | Phone: 715.359.4202 | Fax: 715.359.4204

Identity Theft

Identity Theft is America's fastest growing crime.

The Federal Trade Commission reports that identity theft has been the No. 1 complaint from consumers for the last five years. It estimates 11 million people have been victimized.

Identity Theft occurs when a person uses the personal information of another to, or attempts to, obtain credit, goods, or services. Personal information can be a name and birthday, a Social Security number, driver's license number, credit card number, or PIN numbers, or any information that identifies one as a particular individual.

Go now! for more information on Identity Theft and other internet crime schemes.

The IC3 Crime Complaint Center gives victims of Internet crime a convenient and easy-to-use reporting mechanism. They acccept online Internet crime complaints from either the person who believes they were defrauded or from a third party to the complainant.

For more information or to report Internet fraud, go to the
IC3 Crime Complaint Center.

By following these simple tips, you can greatly reduce your chances of becoming a victim of identity theft.

  • Do not carry your extra credit cards, Social Security card, birth certificate, or passport in your wallet or purse except when necessary. This practice minimizes the amount of information a thief can steal. Photocopy everything in your wallet so if it is stolen you know exactly who to call.

  • Do not click on links in any emails you receive from financial institutions - even if you're 100% sure they're legitimate. Instead, go to your browser and type in the domain name of the institution (e.g. www.wellsfargo.com or www.paypal.com) and then login to your account. Some emails you receive about your financial accounts are actually fake and are called "phishing" emails.

  • Make sure your computer is set to automatically download the latest patches and fixes. Any computer operating systems will have security holes. You will want to install a new fix once they are discovered and patched. Both Microsoft Windows and Mac have an easy method for doing this.

  • Install virus and spyware detection software and keep them updated.

  • Install a lockable mailbox at your residence to reduce mail theft.

  • Take credit card receipts with you. Never toss them in a public trash container.

  • Never leave your purse or wallet unattended at work or in church, restaurants, health fitness clubs, parties, or shopping carts. Never leave your purse or wallet in open view in your car, even when your car is locked.

  • Destroy all checks immediately after you close a checking account. Destroy or keep in a secure place any courtesy checks that your bank or credit card company sends to you.

  • Do not have your bank send your new checks to your home address. Tell the bank that you prefer to pick them up.

  • Reconcile your check and credit card statements in a timely fashion, and challenge any purchases you did not make.

  • Limit the number of credit cards you have, and cancel any inactive accounts.

  • Never give any credit card, bank, or Social Security information to anyone by telephone, even if you made the call, unless you can positively verify that the call is legitimate.

  • Minimize exposure of your Social Security and credit card numbers. If the numbers are requested for check-cashing purposes, ask if the business has alternative options such as a check-cashing card.

  • Do not allow your financial institution to print your Social Security number on your personal checks.

  • Safeguard your credit, debit, and ATM card receipts. Shred them before discarding.

  • Memorize your passwords and personal identification numbers (PINs) so you do not have to write them down. Be aware of your surroundings to make sure no one is watching you input your PIN.

  • Keep a list of all your credit accounts and bank accounts in a secure place so you can quickly call the issuers to inform them about missing or stolen cards. Include account numbers, expiration dates, and telephone numbers of customer service and fraud departments.

  • Do not toss pre-approved credit offers in your trash or recycling bin without first shredding them. Dumpster divers use these offers to order credit cards in your name and mail them to their address. Always do the same with other sensitive information like credit card receipts, phone bills, and such.


    • To protect our citizen's right to be free from criminal attack and be secure in their homes and possessions. The Everest Metropolitan Police Department will utilize all means at its disposal to accomplish this mission.

    We are committed to these principles:

    INTEGRITY We have integrity.
    We adhere to the highest moral and ethical standards. We are honest and sincere in dealing with each other and the community. We have the courage to uphold these principles and are proud that they guide us in all we do.

    FAIRNESS We act with fairness.
    Objective, impartial decisions and policies are the foundation of our interactions. We are consistent in our treatment of all persons. Our actions are tempered with reason and equity.

    RESPECT We show respect.
    We recognize the value of our unique cultural diversity and treat all people with kindness, tolerance, and dignity. We cherish and protect the rights, liberties, and freedoms of all as granted by the constitutions and laws of the United States and the State of Wisconsin.