Technology is the newest weapon used by both law enforcement and criminals. It’s a high-tech game of cat and mouse, with information floating throughout the world wide web as chunks of megabytes and megapixels that can be retrieved for either good or bad intentions. During the next four weeks, we will look at how technology has changed how police patrol their beats. From surveillance systems, to social media and cell phones, to ransomware threats to identity theft, a crime can be committed – or resolved – by a simple keystroke.
We conclude the series with the never-ending battle to keep criminals from stealing personal information.



Will Smith is one of the most-recognized actors in the world. The “Prince of Bel-Air” has won four Grammy Awards, and he’s been nominated for five Golden Globe Awards and two Academy Awards.
Although Smith is easily known for his work in the “Men in Black” franchise and “Independence Day,” a thief named Carlos Lomax stole enough information to set up 14 credit card accounts and rack up $33,000 in charges in Smith’s name.
It’s also happened to Tiger Woods, Bill Gates, former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Cher, Steven Spielberg, Oprah Winfrey and probably to you or many of your closest friends.
“The truth is, you can steal a lot more money, quickly, with a computer,” said Clay County Sheriff’s Deputy Chris Padgett. “Businesses rarely get robbed now. Real criminals, smart criminals, career criminals, don’t typically rob businesses or do things where there’s actual human contact anymore. They’ve evolved the crime into the digital realm. Statistically, (crime) is getting worse, but you have to look how it’s evolved, as well. Crime is very much in the digital age today. In 10 minutes, someone can simply access your bank account, withdraw the $50,000 you saved up and be gone.”
Thieves use stolen identities in a myriad of ways. They steal tax refunds, create false identities, set up phony credit, government assistance and social media accounts, make extravagant purchases and, of course, steal money.
Data breaches have become commonplace. Getting a name, address and social security number is as good as giving a robber the key to the safe. And only two states – California and Texas – have more reported cases of identity theft than Florida, according to Federal Trade Commission’s Consumer Sentinel Network.
“Identity theft is one of the most prevalent crimes in the United States and often goes unreported,” said CCSO Det. Mike Pesek.
Credit card companies are completing a switch from cards that swipe to cards with chips. But nothing works better than being careful how and where you use your card. Simple steps can limit your exposure to scammers, like:
• Never give your personal information – social security number, birthdate, address or driver’s license number – to anyone unless you initiated the call.
• Check your account frequently, especially if you have online access.
• Look for skimmers on credit card readers, especially at gas pumps. If the security tape is broken or if the slot for the card isn’t firmly attached, go to another station.
• Don’t let anyone see you enter your pin number and never give your pin number to the clerk.
• Only make online purchases to companies you know and trust, and never buy anything online with a debit card.
• Never respond to emails or telephone calls from your bank, cable, utilities or email company, especially if they’re looking for account information. Tell them you’ll call them at the phone number listed on your account invoice.
• Shred bills, invoices and credit card statements.
• Never keep your pin number with your credit or debit cards.
Another key way to protect your credit card is to remove the three-digit CVC code on the back of a credit card, according to Bobby Fultz, VyStar Credit Union Fraud Investigation Manager.
“Write that code down and keep it somewhere else or memorize it,” Fultz said. “Then scratch the code off. You need that CVC to make most online purchases.”
“On an individual note, awareness and education are the best means to combat identity theft and related fraud,” Pesek said. “The Clay County Sheriff’s Office has led the way in providing free presentations to banks, businesses, church groups and other organizations to help educate our citizens. The Clay County Sheriff’s Office partners with both state and federal agencies to recognize new trends in identity theft and fraud. The Clay County Sheriff’s Office has a dedicated Financial Crimes Unit (and Cyber Crime Unit) that receives specialized training in identify theft and related fraud.”
Banks constantly are on guard for the latest hack. Fraud departments look for unusual expenditures and are quick to lock a card’s use.
“There’s no way to 100% prevent it,” Fultz said. “It’s a never-ended process. You have to use preventive maintenance. Set up alerts with your banking institutions for any purchase. Don’t count on others to protect you. Do your due diligence.”
According to Lifelock, there are necessary steps to take when your identity is stolen, like:
• Call the companies and banks where the theft occurred.
• Notify the three credit recording companies – Equifax, Experian and Trans Union – and get a copy of your credit report. After that, tell them to freeze your report and block new information.
• Get the documents used to defraud you.
• Demand information used by debt collectors.
• Contact Federal Trade Commission and send that report to companies who report your information.
• Contact the Internal Revenue Service.
• Alert your medical insurance provider.
• Contact your state’s department of motor vehicles.
• Check your other accounts.
Of course, the one way to prevent credit card fraud and identity theft is to pay with cash. Just don’t use an ATM machine.