According to La Porte police Sgt. John Krueger, increase in fraud has occurred in “relative accordance with other crimes and the general rise in population.”

Fraud is a deceptive act or series of actions which aim to take an individual’s money, property or anything else of value. Krueger emphasizes that fraud can be cloaked in a countless number of ways.

The increase in cases may also be related to fraudulent techniques evolving, making more individuals open to being targeted.Shane Pellerin Law Firm Probate Lawyer

With the increase in technology and business practices, criminals increasingly will use scams, unethical sales tactics or thefts related to technology.

Households with home phones are vulnerable because scammers collect published phone numbers and entice residents with lies, including the following:

  • Mandatory utility repairs.
  • Arrest warrants for unpaid fines.
  • Possible actions for failing to appear for jury duty.
  • Court subpoenas or falsely reporting that family members are in jail.

Internet and email fraud can include:

  • IRS tax return and payment claims.
  • Home repair gimmicks.
  • Offers requiring little or no money down.
  • So-called improved health care hoaxes.
  • Medical equipment fraud.

Checks sent by standard mail are especially vulnerable and can be lost or stolen in transit. The La Porte police remind citizens that automatic deposit allows checks to be easily deposited into a bank account. Utility bills can be set up for automatic payment in a variety of options to get around the need to send a physical check.

Elderly residents and consumers can be especially prone to scammers and imposters.

Sgt. Krueger provides a list of tips to prevent becoming a victim of fraud:

  • Remember to monitor card and account statements frequently.
  • Report missing cards immediately and cancel all inactive accounts.
  • Do not volunteer any personal information unless necessary.
  • Sign new cards upon receipt.
  • Shred sensitive documents before disposing of them.
  • Install anti-virus and anti-spyware software.
  • Change passwords regularly.

For more resources, the Texas Attorney General’s Office provides a detailed list on how the public can protect themselves against the “countless” forms of fraud.

Source: Houston Chronicle “Fraud comes in “countless” varieties” by Y. C. Orozco, October 17, 2016