How can I obtain an order
of protection?
An order of
protection is a written court order signed by a judge.
If you have been a victim of domestic violence, you can
obtain an order of protection against a family member,
household member, or someone you have had a dating
relationship with. The State’s Attorney’s office can
help you get an order of protection if you press
criminal charges against the abuser.
If you do not want to press
criminal charges or if the State’s Attorney office will
not help you get an order of protection, you can obtain
the order of protection in civil court. For assistance,
you may contact Safe Passage at 756-5228, obtain a
private attorney, or you can represent yourself. An
order of protection is free.
What can I do about
annoying/harassing phone calls?
You are required to file a report with the police
department. You should then call the Nuisance Bureau at
800/257-2969 Monday thru Friday, 8:00 a.m. thru 5:00
p.m. Advise the Nuisance Bureau that you are receiving
annoying/harassing phone calls and that you have made a
report with the DeKalb Police Department. They will
require our case number.
Upon receiving an annoying/harassing phone call, you are
to hang up, wait for a dial tone, dial *57 and follow
the recorded instructions. This will trace the call and
save the information in the phone company’s computer.
The phone company will then only release the trap
information to law enforcement. After 18 days they will
fax all successful traces.
There will be a charge to
your phone bill of $4 per successful trace.
Who do I call when I get a ‘bounced’ check?
If a check is
returned to you due to ‘non-sufficient funds,’ you
should call the DeKalb County State’s Attorney’s office
at 815/895-7164.
How do I report suspected
drug trafficking in my neighborhood?
We suggest you
call the North Central Narcotics Task Force (NCNTF) at
815/756-2032 first. You may also call the DeKalb Police
Department non-emergency number at 815/748-8400. It is
helpful to obtain as much information as you can, such
as vehicle description, registration information,
suspect(s) description, etc.
REMEMBER, your call will remain anonymous!!
What information do you have regarding senior citizens?
Unfortunately,
senior citizens are a target of fraud and abuse. Just
remember, NEVER
release personal information over the telephone or to a
stranger who has come to your home.
NEVER give out
your date of birth, driver’s license number, bank
account numbers, or credit card numbers to anyone!
If you think you have
been a victim of a crime or have accidentally given
personal information to someone, you may call the police
department any time at 815/748-8400.
Other
agencies who assist senior citizens are:
Elderly Care Services of DeKalb County 815/758-6550
Senior Help Abuse Hotline 800/252-8955 from 8:30 a.m. to
5:00 p.m., Monday thru Friday
800/279-0400 from 5:00 p.m.
to 8:30 a.m. Monday thru Friday and on weekends
Hard of Hearing 800/526-0844
How can I protect myself
from being a victim of identity theft?
Did you know that identity theft is the number
one crime in America and it is estimated to increase
over 1000%?
Identity
theft is exactly what it sounds like. Someone literally
steals your identity for personal gain. Usually what
happens is that a person obtains information such as
your social security number and/or driver license number
to commit various forms of fraud. The thief may apply
for loans or credit cards, rent apartments, lease cars,
obtain services, and much more. The victim,
unfortunately, is then left with a ruined credit history
or having the complicated task of regaining financial
health or trying to restore their reputation in the
community.
Here are some helpful hints on how to protect yourself
from being a victim:
- Check your credit
reports once a year.
- Guard your Social
Security number. When possible, don’t carry
your Social Security card with you. Don’t
put your SSN or drivers license number on
your checks.
- Guard your personal
information. You should never give your
Social Security number to anyone unless they
have a good reason for needing it. Watch for
people who may try to eavesdrop and overhear
the information you give out orally.
- Carefully destroy
papers you throw out, especially those with
sensitive or identifying information.
- Be suspicious of
telephone solicitors. Never provide
information unless you have initiated the
call.
- Use a locked mailbox
to send and receive all mail.
- Reduce the number of
preapproved credit card offers you receive
(they will ask for your SSN).
|
For further
information on identity theft, we encourage you to visit
the Department of Justice website:
www.usdoj.gov/criminal/fraud/idtheft.html |
