Identity Theft


Identity Theft

Identity (ID) theft happens when someone steals your personal information to commit fraud.

The identity thief may use your information to apply for credit, file taxes, or get medical services. These acts can damage your credit status, and cost you time and money to restore your good name.

If you have been a victim of Identity theft please contact the Helotes Police Department at (210) 695 – 3087 to file a report. Once you have filed a report please fill out the Helotes Identity Theft Packet Below.

Helotes Identity Theft Packet

Keep these tips in mind to protect yourself from identity theft:

  • Secure your Social Security number (SSN). Don’t carry your Social Security card in your wallet. Only give out your SSN when necessary.
  • Don’t share personal information (birthdate, Social Security number, or bank account number) because someone asks for it.
  • Collect mail every day. Place a hold on your mail when you are away from home for several days.
  • Pay attention to your billing cycles. If bills or financial statements are late, contact the sender.
  • Use the security features on your mobile phone.
  • Update sharing and firewall settings when you’re on a public wi-fi network. Use a virtual private network (VPN), if you use public wi-fi.
  • Review your credit card and bank account statements. Compare receipts with account statements. Watch for unauthorized transactions.
  • Shred receipts, credit offers account statements, and expired credit cards. This can prevent “dumpster divers” from getting your personal information.
  • Store personal information in a safe place.
  • Install firewalls and virus-detection software on your home computer.
  • Create complex passwords that identity thieves cannot guess. Change your passwords if a company that you do business with has breached its databases
  • Review your credit reports once a year. Be certain that they don’t include accounts that you have not opened. You can order it for free from Annualcreditreport.com.
  • Freeze your credit files with EquifaxExperianInnovisTransUnion, and the National Consumer Telecommunications and Utilities Exchange for free. Credit freezes prevent someone from applying for and getting approval for a credit account or utility services in your name.

Information found at Identity Theft | USAGov

Police Department


Rob Hunley
Police Chief


Donnie Palacios

Lieutenant


Krista Vaillencourt

Executive Secretary


Main Phone:
210-695-3087
Fax: 210-695-1816
Non-Emergency: 210-695-2500
Crimestoppers: 210-695-4HPD
Email Police

Always call 911 during an emergency