1 Identity Theft Report Leads To More Than 900 Potential Victims In California

Police in California said one person’s report of identity theft earlier this year has led to the discovery of more than 900 additional victims.

The Alameda Police Department said earlier this spring, they received a report of possible identity theft after a single victim was notified by a credit bureau of fraudulent activity and began monitoring their credit reports. They discovered someone was attempting to take out loans in their name over several months, and there were credit inquiries related to vehicles, property rentals and other businesses.

The investigation led to an “elaborate identity theft scheme likely linked to a previously reported mail theft.”

Officers ultimately uncovered identification cards and personal information belonging to more than 900 possible victims.

A search warrant executed at a residence in San Francisco last week led to the recovery of mail, ID cards, bank cards, and personal documents belonging to “numerous” people. Officers also found fraudulent documents, narcotics, paraphernalia, firearms and ammunition.

Police are now working to identify and contact victims whose IDs and other personal information were recovered.

“As a reminder, it is important to regularly monitor your credit reports, bank accounts, and credit card accounts,” police said. “If you believe your mail has been stolen or your personal information may have been compromised, consider placing a free fraud alert on your credit reports. You only need to contact one of the three major credit bureaus, and that bureau will notify the other two. An initial fraud alert lasts one year.”