LIHU‘E — Kaua‘i police officers, detectives and members of the Office Prosecuting Attorney attended an identity theft training seminar hosted by the National Organization for Victim Assistance, according to a County of Kaua‘i news release. James Gierke, director of Victim
LIHU‘E — Kaua‘i police officers, detectives and members of the Office Prosecuting Attorney attended an identity theft training seminar hosted by the National Organization for Victim Assistance, according to a County of Kaua‘i news release.
James Gierke, director of Victim Services of the Alexandria, a Virginia-based organization, worked with attendees to examine the emergence of identity theft, the various ways it is perpetrated and the connections between identity theft and violent organized crime, human smuggling, domestic violence and stalking and crimes against the elderly, the release states.
First Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Jake Delaplane reviewed current Hawai‘i statutes with the audience, reminding them that the crime of identify theft is a felony, regardless if there is any accompanying theft.
“Identity theft can destroy a person’s livelihood” states Prosecutor Shaylene Iseri-Carvalho. “These joint trainings and collaborative efforts with the Kaua‘i Police Department illustrate our commitment to seeking justice for the victims of these despicable crimes.”
Some easy, important tips to protect yourself from identity theft include:
• Shred or burn documents that contain personal information that may be a treasure trove for thieves
• Password protect telephones, computers and network access
• Only open email attachments from known senders
• Do not give personal information in an email or websites
• Limit information available on social networking sites (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, etc.)
• Do not use the same password for all of your online accounts
• Do not do online banking or access Internet accounts using unsecured wireless networks
• Utilize free annual credit reports (www.annualcreditreport.com)
If you feel that you are a victim of identity theft, contact the Kaua‘i Police Department to file a police report. Even if nothing of physical substance is taken, one may feel victimized and there are definite steps that should be taken in order to protect their rights.
