Protect yourself from Identity Theft during Tax Season

Taxing your Peace of Mind: 

Tips to Protect your Refund and You.

With the April 15th tax deadline looming large, thieves are looking for a tax refund too –yours.  The National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) advises you to take extra precautions during tax season to keep your personal information and your refund safe.

 

From engaging in tax rebate scams to phishing and identity theft, thieves are targeting your money.  Tax season heightens the

 

heightens the risk of identity theft –one of the fastest growing and most harmful crimes in America.  The El Centro Police Department and the NCPC, offer these tips:

1)  Retrieve your mail from your   mailbox promptly:  Consider using direct deposit as an alternative to receiving a mailed check.  Ask the post office to hold your mail if you are going away on travel.

2) Don’t respond to requests to verify personal info. unless you initiated the contact with a legitimate business or financial institution.

3) Destroy or shred documents that you don’t need to keep for long periods.

4) Carefully review your mail.  Check monthly credit card and bank statements for unfamiliar transactions.

5) Check your credit report.  The law entitles you to at least one free report a year from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union)

Toyota &

Nissan Owners

Beware

Experience vs.

Discipline

Please be advised that Toyota and Nissan        vehicles are being targeted by thieves who are looking to steal CATALYTIC CONVERTERS.  Consider parking your vehicle in your garage, or in a well lit area at night.  Talk with your mechanic to discuss alternate theft prevention methods.

El Centro Police Department

Crime Prevention Unit /Neighborhood Watch

150 N. 11th St.

El Centro, CA 92243

El Centro Community Partner Meetings

The El Centro P.D. invites all community members to attend these open forum meetings where guest speakers  discuss the topics.  These meetings also offer residents the opportunity to voice concerns.  Meetings are offered throughout El Centro for your convenience.

 

April’s Topic:  Volunteer Services

May’s Topic:  DUI Awareness

June’s Topic:  Summertime Activities for Youth                        All Meetings Begin at 6 p.m.  

Kennedy Middle School Cafeteria: 4/3, 5/1, 6/5

Hedrick School Cafeteria:  4/10, 5/8, 6/12

El Centro Community Center:  4/17, 5/15

Sunflower School Cafeteria: 4/24, 5/22