Over the past week, Newark Police have received multiple reports from residents that they have received a letter from American Express indicating that a bank account had been opened in their name. The letter goes on to explain that American Express closed the account within a day or two. No purchases were made and no victim lost any money.
The letters from American Express are legitimate and they are meant to inform the recipient that their personal information may have been compromised through well publicized data breaches. It is unknown exactly when, or how, the personal information was obtained.
Members of the public who believe that their personal information may have been compromised are urged to report the incident to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at their website: https://www.identitytheft.gov/Assistant. The website provides additional instructions as to steps that can be taken in response to a possible identity theft.
In addition, victims of identity theft can follow this advice from the FTC:
More information is available from the Federal Trade Commission at their website: www.identitytheft.gov
Anyone who has questions about identity theft can contact our Victim Services Coordinator, Ms. Melissa Pennachi, at (302) 366-7100 x. 3137 or by email.