Debit Card Number Reported Stolen

An Auburn woman contacted after her debit card number was used to make an unauthorized transaction in Watkinsville.

The woman said someone obtained her Gwinnett Federal Credit Union debit card number and used it to purchase $99.40 worth of merchandise at a convenience store.

The case is listed as active.

Gwinnett County Police offer the following tips for avoiding and detecting identity theft and related crimes:

• When using an ATM machine, make sure no one is watching you enter your PIN number.
• Check your credit history at least once a year for any unauthorized accounts in your name.
• Shred pre-approved credit card applications before discarding them.
• When expecting credit cards or checks through the mail, check your mailbox promptly each day to help reduce the possibility of mail theft.
• If your wallet or purse is lost or stolen, notify your bank and credit card companies as soon as possible.
• Never provide a social security number or bank account numbers to anyone over the telephone or via e-mail unless absolutely certain the person or company is legitimate.
• Use direct deposit whenever possible.
• Do not use your social security number as your driver's license number.
• Properly dispose of credit card receipts by shredding them completely.
• When discarding credit card statements, shred them completely.
• Be aware of the possibility of fraud when making purchases over the Internet.

Other recent Dacula area incidents investigated by the Gwinnett Police Department include:

April 9

• Entering auto in the 1400 block of Belfaire Lake Trail.

April 10

• Theft by shoplifting in the 3300 block of Hamilton Mill Road.

April 11

• Simple assault in the 1300 block of Wilkes Crest Court.
• Theft by taking in the 500 block of Harbins Road.