The Economic Crimes Unit was formed to investigate complex financial crimes, such as schemes involving a large number of persons, identity thefts or internet fraud. The investigators assigned to the Economic Crimes Unit often work closely with other Federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, as well as banks, credit card companies, and other financial institutions. Some members of the unit are Certified Fraud Examiners as well as members of the United States Secret Service Southwest Florida High-Tech Crimes Task Force and the International Association of Financial Crimes Investigators.

If you have been the victim of an economic crime, the Economic Crimes Unit can provide you with information on organizations that can assist you in restoring your credit history, restoring your financial status and how to prevent further fraud from happening.

Learn to protect yourself against economic crimes and identity theft by starting with these simple rules:

• Memorize your social security number, passwords and PIN numbers. Never give out personal information, including credit card and Social Security numbers over the phone.
• Carry only the ID and credit cards you need, usually a driver's license, one or two credit cards and an insurance card. Leave the others locked in a secure place. Keep your purse or wallet in a safe place, especially when you're at work.
• Take ATM and receipts for all purchases with you; do not leave them with the clerk or in a garbage can next to the ATM machine. Promptly review all bank and credit card statements for accuracy. Report any irregularities to the bank or credit card company immediately.
• Invest in a shredder and destroy unneeded credit card receipts, bills, statements and other documents which include personal and financial information.
• Secure your mailbox. The second most common way thieves obtain identity information is through stolen mail. Never place outgoing mail in an unlocked residential mailbox.
• Place passwords on all credit card, bank and phone accounts. Never use identifying information such as your mother's maiden name, the last four digits of your social security number or your birth date as passwords.

Contact Information

Economic Crimes Unit
7474 Utilities Road
Punta Gorda FL 33982
(941) 833-1891
EconomicCrimes@ccso.org