Police: Be on alert for identity theft and fraud

October 08, 2012, 9:00 pm by Alexandria Randolph

Identity theft can happen to anyone. Learn to protect yourself and your assets.

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.”

More often than not, too much trust can be a person’s downfall when it comes to information theft. 

For more information on the class or to read the rest of the story, see Tuesday's Highlander.