Theft & Fraud Prevention
Tax Scams and How to Report Them!
The Denver Police Department does not investigate fraudulent tax returns but will investigate fraud by computer/telephone where scammers attempt to convince individuals to send money (usually in the form of Google Play or iTunes gift cards) to settle a fictitious tax debt with the IRS.
The IRS has information and resources to recognize and report tax fraud for individuals and small businesses. You can find information and report state tax scams by clicking here.
Identity Theft Prevention Tips
Minimize your risk of identity theft by following a few simple precautions:
- Shred trash (checks, junk mail and personal documents) with a cross-cut or confetti shredder.
- Remove mail from your mailbox as often as possible and consider secured mail.
- Minimize financial and personal information carried on your person or in public, especially your Social Security Number.
- Do not leave purses/wallets unattended in vehicles or in public.
- Opt out of credit card solicitations and request your bank not mail convenience checks.
- Do not give out personal or account information unless you know who you are speaking to and you made the contact.
If You Are a Victim of Identity Theft or Fraud
If you have experienced the loss or theft of any checks, credit, or debit cards, or if you have been the victim of an electronic account compromise, you may file a report on-line at www.denvergov.org/policereport as long as you are a Denver resident and/or have knowledge that your account information was fraudulently presented inside of the City and County of Denver.
If you are a victim of an identity theft, you should make a report with the Denver Police Department if the crime occurred in Denver or if you are a Denver Resident. You are able to report this crime quickly by using our online form at www.denvergov.org/policereport or at any Denver Police station (DPD HQ at 1331 Cherokee Street is only staffed from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm). In addition, you should contact the following agencies to report the identity theft (when applicable):
Equifax - Fraud Line: 1-800-525-6285
(check your credit and put a 90 day Fraud Alert on your name and Social Security Number)
Experian - Fraud Line 1-888-397-3742
(check your credit and put a 90 day Fraud Alert on your name and Social Security Number)
Trans Union - Fraud Line 1-800-680-7289
(check your credit and put a 90 day Fraud Alert on your name and Social Security Number)
In addition to reporting the incident, the Denver Police Fraud Unit recommends that you contact the appropriate financial institutions to dispute the fraudulent charges and provide a copy of your Police Report. Closing the account may be necessary.
Follow-up with a second credit check (1 free check per year at www.annualcreditreport.com) and monitor accounts.
Federal Trade Commission ID Theft Hotline: 1-877-438-4338 or www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft2012/ for further information and statistical purposes.
Social Security Fraud Hotline: 1-800-269-0271 (if your Social Security Number is involved in employment-related fraud)
Victims of an Internet crime or scam in which the suspect appears to be outside Denver can also report the incident the Internet Crime Complaint Center (link to www.IC3.gov ). This includes suspects outside the U.S.
Police Administration Building
1331 Cherokee Street
Denver, CO 80204
Phone: (720) 913-6010
Non-Emergency Line: (720) 913-2000
Dial 911 for Emergencies
Vehicle and Bicycle Theft
Visit our neighborhood crime prevention page to learn about vehicle safety and security. If you are a Denver resident or own a car that is registered in Denver and your car has been stolen, immediately contact the Denver Police Department at (720) 913-2000 to report the crime. The online reporting system cannot be used for stolen vehicles.
Registering your bike is a great tool that aids officers in the recovery of stolen bikes and helps ensure the bicycle is returned to its rightful owner. You may also register your bike at any police station or COP Shop.
For more information on bike registration, bicycle auctions, and recovered bikes, contact:
Detective Lance Rushton
Phone: (720) 865-0090
Police Administration Building
1331 Cherokee Street
Denver, CO 80204
Denver Police Department
Non-Emergency: 720-913-2000
Emergency: Dial 9-1-1
