Atrain1
10-20-2011, 17:55
Area law enforcement agencies communicating as rash of banking fraud cases sweep Northern Colorado
By Madeline Novey Staff Writer
Posted: 10/20/2011 12:26:27 PM MDT
LOVELAND -- As the number of banking fraud cases balloon across Northern Colorado, several agencies are working together to coordinate and minimize repetition of investigative efforts.
This afternoon, Loveland Police Department Lt. Tim Brown said when faced with the sheer size of each agency's caseload -- Loveland took 173 reports of fraud between Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon -- there are discussions taking place about the need for more structured collaboration.
Between Oct. 8 and Wednesday afternoon, the Loveland Police Department has recorded between 300 and 350 complaints of banking fraud.
Inter-agency communication is currently happening via phone and email, Brown said, but "depending on needs, (the agencies) may develop this into something more formalized in the near future."
Loveland has worked with the Larimer and Weld County sheriff's offices, Berthoud and Windsor police departments and had some interaction with the departments in Johnstown and Milliken, Brown said, all of which have received reports of fraud over the past few days especially.
It is unclear at this point how many people are involved in the fraudulent activity, though Brown told the Reporter-Herald earlier this week there are indications more than one person is involved.
Authorities have asked people to watch their transactions and bank accounts closely. Any suspicious activity should be reported to a local police department -- the sooner the better, Brown said.
"Reporting is huge at this point," he said, adding that any documentation to back up claims is helpful.
People who notice suspicious activity can call the Loveland Police Department at 667-2151 or Larimer County Sheriff's Office at 416-1985. More tips to protect your identity are available on www.protectyouridnow.com or http://larimersheriff.org/site-page/identity-theft-prevention.
Madeline Novey can be reached at 669-5050, ext. 516, or mnovey@reporter-herald.com.
By Madeline Novey Staff Writer
Posted: 10/20/2011 12:26:27 PM MDT
LOVELAND -- As the number of banking fraud cases balloon across Northern Colorado, several agencies are working together to coordinate and minimize repetition of investigative efforts.
This afternoon, Loveland Police Department Lt. Tim Brown said when faced with the sheer size of each agency's caseload -- Loveland took 173 reports of fraud between Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon -- there are discussions taking place about the need for more structured collaboration.
Between Oct. 8 and Wednesday afternoon, the Loveland Police Department has recorded between 300 and 350 complaints of banking fraud.
Inter-agency communication is currently happening via phone and email, Brown said, but "depending on needs, (the agencies) may develop this into something more formalized in the near future."
Loveland has worked with the Larimer and Weld County sheriff's offices, Berthoud and Windsor police departments and had some interaction with the departments in Johnstown and Milliken, Brown said, all of which have received reports of fraud over the past few days especially.
It is unclear at this point how many people are involved in the fraudulent activity, though Brown told the Reporter-Herald earlier this week there are indications more than one person is involved.
Authorities have asked people to watch their transactions and bank accounts closely. Any suspicious activity should be reported to a local police department -- the sooner the better, Brown said.
"Reporting is huge at this point," he said, adding that any documentation to back up claims is helpful.
People who notice suspicious activity can call the Loveland Police Department at 667-2151 or Larimer County Sheriff's Office at 416-1985. More tips to protect your identity are available on www.protectyouridnow.com or http://larimersheriff.org/site-page/identity-theft-prevention.
Madeline Novey can be reached at 669-5050, ext. 516, or mnovey@reporter-herald.com.