Police: Be on alert for identity theft and fraud

October 08, 2012, 5:40 pm by Alexandria Randolph

Identity theft is more prevalent in places with a high population in retirees, authorities say. For people in Marble Falls, the local Chamber of Commerce is offering a class to prevent such occurrences.

Internet identity theft and money scams are increasing in frequency — posing a great threat to communities with a high number of retirees.

Identity theft and fraud crimes are more prevalent in communities with a high population of retirees such as Marble Falls and Horseshoe Bay, authorities say.

Fraud and identity theft can occur through a variety of means. The most common are mail and email money request scams.

Marble Falls Police Capt. Glenn Hanson said that often fraud is where you would least expect to find it.

"Some people carry credit card swipers that look like key-fabs,” he said. "They could get your information without you even knowing it.”

Due to the recent increase in workplace fraud, the Marble Falls Lake LBJ Chamber of Commerce has introduced the Fraud Reality Check Lunch N’ Learn to take place on Wednesday, Oct. 10 at 11:30 a.m. at chamber offices at 916 Second St. Lunch will be $5 a plate for Chamber members or $10 for non-members. Seats available by reservation only. Call Kathy Daniels at 830.693.2815. More classes will be scheduled in the coming months, chamber officials said.

For the full story, see Tuesday's Highlander.