This division in the Criminal Investigations Bureau investigates crimes such as: Check forgery, A.T.M. card fraud, Debit card fraud, Assumed identity, Phone card theft and Credit card fraud.

If you are the victim of one of the crimes listed above, we can provide you with information on organizations that can assist you. These organizations will assist you in securing your credit history and preventing further fraud.

Check forgery:

If someone has been forging checks on your account or has opened an account in your name, you need to take the following steps:

 If your checks were lost or stolen, report the theft to the sheriff's office or police department of the jurisdiction where the theft occurred. Provide the deputy or police officer a sworn statement stating that no one has permission to use your stolen checks.

 Notify your bank of the theft and fill out any forgery affidavits for checks that have been passed. Your bank will report the forgery to the sheriff's office or police department (depending on jurisdiction) according to the individual policy.

 Notify the credit reporting company of the theft of your checks. The bank will be considered the victim of the forgery if they have reimbursed your loss.

Debit Card Theft, Phone Cards, Stored Value, A.T.M. Cards:

If your debit card or number has been stolen, take the following steps:

 Immediately notify your bank of the loss or theft. Do not delay as debit cards are often used immediately after they are stolen. If your bank credits your account for the fraudulent withdrawals, they will be considered the victim. The bank then has the discretion to pursue a police investigation.

 Report the theft of the card to the sheriff's office or police department in the jurisdiction of where the theft occurred. Provide the officer or deputy a sworn statement stating no one has permission to use your stolen debit card. This is required for prosecution of the suspect.

Credit Card Fraud and Assumed Identity Fraud:

If someone has been fraudulently using your credit cards, you need to take the following steps:

 Immediately notify your credit card company. Do not delay a stolen credit cards are used immediately after they are stolen.

 Report the loss or theft of your credit cards or the use of its number to the Sheriff's Office or Police Department of the jurisdiction where the theft occurred. Provide the Officer or Deputy a sworn statement stating all circumstances surrounding the loss or theft of your card(s) and that no one else has permission to use your credit card or its number.

 If someone has been setting up fraudulent credit accounts in your name, contact the credit card company and cancel the accounts. Call the credit reporting company and report the fraud.