Crime & Safety

Police Blotter: Debit Card Fraud

A woman is assaulted on Valentine's Day and $120 is stolen during the attack.

A woman is attacked in a Hermosa Beach parking structure and the receives a report of fraudulent debit card purchases.

Here is a short summary of the recent crimes.

Downtown Assault

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A woman was physically attacked when she walked into a parking structure on the 500 block of Pier Avenue on Feb. 14 around 6:34 p.m., according to police reports. The woman was knocked unconscious during the assault and told police that she later discovered $120 was taken from her purse.

Card Theft

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A victim’s bank debit card was used to purchase numerous items and services across the county without the cardholder’s permission, police were told Wednesday. If a Hermosa resident experiences a similar crime, police suggest on their website notifying both credit bureaus and creditors:

  • Get replacement debit or credit cards with new account numbers for your accounts that have been used fraudulently.
  • Contact all creditors immediately with whom your name has been used fraudulently by phone and in writing.
  • Ask that old accounts be processed as "account closed at consumer's request." This is better than "card lost or stolen." When this statement is reported to credit bureaus, it can be interpreted as blaming you for the loss.
  • Carefully monitor your mail and credit card bills for evidence of new fraudulent activity. If anything looks suspicious, report it immediately.
  • Call and write the fraud units of three credit reporting companies if you notice fraudulent activity—Experian, Equifax, and Trans Union.
  • Ask that your account be flagged, and insist that the flag is put at the front of your credit report. Be sure to ask how long the fraud alert is posted on your account, and how you can extend it if necessary.
  • Ask the credit bureaus in writing to provide you with a free copy of your credit report every few months so you can monitor it yourself.


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