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Computer Crimes & Identity Theft
Computer Forensics
Campbell County has trained personnel to investigate computer forensic crimes, including identity theft.
Identity Theft
Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes and affects one in five people every year. Additionally, it costs businesses billions of dollars annually.
Advances in technology have created an information revolution that has transformed government, business, commerce, education, and communication. Unfortunately, the increased use of computers has also increased the opportunities for criminal activity.
Every day our Computer Crime Unit receives stories about identity thieves or con artists who are using technology to commit crimes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Identity Theft
What do I do if I believe I am the victim of identity theft?
You should first contact your local law enforcement and your credit bureau to notify them that you believe you are the victim of identity crime.
Our office is concerned with helping all Virginians avoid becoming victims of identity theft. The Office of the Attorney General of Virginia has a booklet called How to Avoid Identity Theft and a Guide for Victims that serves as a guide for victims. It also provides information to safeguard against identity theft.
If you are disputing fraudulent debts and accounts opened by an identity thief, the Identity Theft Affidavit now simplifies the process. Instead of completing different forms, you can use the Identity Theft Affidavit to alert companies where a new account was opened in your name. The company can then investigate the fraud and decide the outcome of your claim.
The Identity Theft Affidavit is found in How to Avoid Identity Theft and a Guide for Victims. You may print a copy of this booklet or request a hard copy by emailing cybercrime@oag.state.va.us.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) also is actively involved in fighting identity theft. Visit Consumer.gov, which is maintained by the FTC, for more information about identity theft.
Beginning Sept, 1, 2005, federal law requires that each of the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) provide one free credit report per year to every person upon request. You may order your free credit report from each of the three bureaus at the Annual Credit Report website.
What is the Attorney General's Identity Theft Passport?
The Identity Theft Passport is designed to serve as a shield to protect victims from unlawful detention or the arrest for crimes committed by someone else under a stolen identity.
An Identity Theft Passport is available to any Virginian who
• Has filed a police report because they believe they are a victim of identity crime;
• And/or has obtained a court order expunging their record as a result of identity crime.
If you have filed a police report because you are a victim of an identity crime or you have obtained an expungement order, you may apply for an Identity Theft Passport from the Office of the Attorney General of Virginia.
The Office of the Attorney General will record the fact that you have filed a police report or obtained an expungement order and will issue you an Identity Theft Passport stating that. The Office of the Attorney General will also keep a record of your application for an Identity Theft Passport and your information on file.
The Identity Theft Passport is a card that you can carry and present to law enforcement or other individuals who may challenge you about your identity in the event you are the victim of identity crime. The Identity Theft Passport is designed to serve as a shield to protect victims from unlawful detention or the arrest for crimes committed by someone else under a stolen identity.
You may download the application for an Identity Theft Passport from the website of the Attorney General of Virginia. Then you can print it, complete it, sign it, and mail it to:
Office of the Attorney General
Computer Crime Section
900 East Main Street
Richmond, VA 23219
You may also write the Attorney General’s office at the above address and request that an application be mailed to you.
Contact Us
-
Winston W. Clark, III, Sheriff
87 Courthouse Lane
P.O. Box 280
Rustburg, VA 24588
434-332-9580
(non-emergency)
Emergency: 911
- Central Virginia Crime Stoppers
- National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
- Project Lifesaver
- Victim Information and Notification Network
- Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services
- Virginia Sheriff's Association
- Virginia State Police Sex Offender Registration Search
- The Aware Foundation of Virginia