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Reporting Fraud
Guidance on credit/debit card abuse, identity theft, and unemployment fraud.
Fraud can occur in some very different forms. Some of the most common forms of fraud are credit/debit card abuse, identity theft, and unemployment fraud. Any other type of fraud should be discussed with the responding officer to assist in the best way to report the fraud.
Credit / Debit Card Abuse
This could be someone using your credit/debit card number online to make purchases, creating a card with the number on it and using it, or physically taking the card and making purchases. It is a violation of the Texas Penal Code 32.31. When the victim lives in our city, we will assist you by taking a case report, the crime occurred wherever the purchases were made. We can give you a "Report of Crime" form to provide to your credit card company if needed. We will forward the case report to the agency where the crime occurred. What you need to do to report this is meet with an officer and fill out a voluntary statement. The identity theft form is not needed.
Identify Theft
Identity theft is defined as the theft or misuse of personal or financial identifiers in order to gain something of value and/or to facilitate other criminal activity. Identity theft is a violation of the Texas Penal Code section 32.51. Please note that due to criminal jurisdiction, we may not pursue charges against violators. All cases will be referred to the proper jurisdiction if such charges are possible. What you need to do to report this is meet with an officer, confirm the case meets the elements of identity theft, and fill out the Identity Theft Packet - Print Only (PDF). A case report will be created once you submit the identity theft packet.
Unemployment Fraud
This is a claim with the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) in your name. So long as there is no unauthorized activity on your credit report, the victim of the crime is the Texas Workforce Commission. To properly report this meet with an officer, who will verify that it meets this criteria. You will be provided with the TWC website and "Report of Crime" form with the call for service number. Report the fraud to the TWC per their instructions.
To report unemployment fraud, please visit the Texas Workforce Commission - Reporting Fraud page.
You may report this by calling the number given, or by sending an email. Due to the large number of calls, you may have to leave a message with the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) if you call.
The Leander Police Department is diligent in its efforts to apprehend and stop those individuals responsible for committing identity theft. This Identity Theft Packet - Print Only (PDF) is essential in helping the investigator understand, evaluate, and ultimately bring your case to a close. It is important that you take the time to complete this packet and return it to the Leander Police Department. Upon the return of your completed, signed, and notarized affidavit, it will be assigned to an investigating officer and a case number will be assigned.
However, if it is determined that the Leander Police Department is not the appropriate agency to investigate your case or the department does not have jurisdiction, then the affidavit will be forwarded to the appropriate agency. You will be notified of the transfer of the affidavit.
The Identity Theft Affidavit is a sworn statement and will be used as evidence in court should an arrest be made. It is essential that the information you provide be accurate and true. The last two pages, the Personal Statement of Fact, are the description of your case and will initially serve as a summary. The Affidavit of Fact pages must be signed in front of a notary.
If you believe you are the victim of Identity Theft, take the following steps to protect yourself and your credit. Keep a log of all conversations with authorities and financial entities. Also know that businesses may release information to you, the victim, but law enforcement will be required to subpoena the information. Faster investigation and resolution may occur if you obtain as much information as possible. The sooner you take action to limit the fraudulent use of personal information, the easier it will be to correct any damage already done. Please bring credit reports with you to the police department to assist in the investigation.
The packet also contains phone numbers to credit reporting agencies for you to call and place a "freeze" on your credit.