Tips Offered to Combat ID Theft

Among the victims was a 48-year-old man, who told police Thursday that Dell computers contacted him regarding a purchase he never made.

A company representative would not tell the man details about the purchase, which is believed to have happened Jan. 4. The man lives on Fernside Boulevard.

Other identity theft victims who contacted police Thursday include a Thompson Avenue resident, 31, along with a 44-year-old woman from Encinal Avenue, who learned she was an identity theft victim when she discovered a problem in her credit history.

A Lincoln Avenue resident also told police Thursday that someone has been using his personal information after he lost his wallet in San Francisco.

Police recommend a number of steps to avoid becoming an identity theft victim.

Along with shredding credit card receipts and unwanted credit card applications, people should never provide their Social Security number to anyone unless they are sure it's for a legitimate purpose.

Police also say people should check their credit rating regularly and use a mail box that is secured -- thieves sometime steal mail as a way to gather personal information.