Nixon adds tools to fight fraud

Nixon launched the online submission option Feb. 6 during National Consumer Protection Week.

“This is another way to make government more effective and more efficient,” Nixon said in a news release. “Last year, we handled nearly 90,000 complaints and inquiries from consumers, and that number is going to grow.”

Another tool launched Feb. 6 is a new, separate complaint form for reporting identity theft.

“In the last six months, we've received almost 300 complaints about identity theft,” Nixon said.

“I expect that number to also increase as more consumers learn how to detect and report identity theft. Right now, many victims of identity theft don't report the problem to the authorities,” he added.

According to Federal Trade Commission reports, identity theft comprised nearly 40 percent of all consumer complaints in 2005. The FTC data shows that 3,920 identity theft complaints came from Missouri.

Unauthorized bank withdrawals, opening new credit card accounts, establishing new cellular phone service and gaining personal information through bogus e-mail messages are the most common identity theft complaints made to Nixon's office.

To prevent identity theft, Nixon offers several tips:

o Consumers should never give out their personal information unless they initiate the contact with the party requesting it.

o Social Security numbers should be left off of checks and drivers' licenses.

o Sensitive mail should be sent via a secure, locking mailbox.

o Monthly financial statements and credit reports should be checked carefully for incorrect entries.

o Be sure that credit and debit card receipts only show the last five digits of account numbers, as required by Missouri law.

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