Victim Resources

The Southern Utah University Police Department's mission is to provide services to all victims of crime with the utmost dignity and respect. Southern Utah University Police Department will help victims of crime understand the resources available to them on campus as well as off campus. Information for victim services will be free and confidential.

Utah State Legislature - Victim Bill of Rights 77-37-3

Southern Utah University Policy 601

Local Resources

Canyon Creek Services
24 Hour Crisis Line (Domestic Violence or Sexual Assault) - 435-233-5732
Business Line - 435-867-9411

Iron County Victim Services 435-867-7544

SUU Center of Health and Wellness 435-865-8752

SUU Counseling & Psychological Services 435-865-8621

Victim Advocate

Need help or have questions on what to do following a crime? Request to speak with our victim advocate. Services provided include the following:

• Support through reporting, investigation and court procedures

• Liaison between victim and law enforcement
• Notifications of case status and updates on investigations
• Assistance in applying for Protective Orders an Civil Stalking Injunctions
• Limited emergency funding
• On-scene response
• Information about victim rights
• Help in accessing community and campus resources

Identity Theft

Identity theft is a criminal offense. It occurs when a person knowingly transfers or uses without lawful authority, a means of identification of another person with the intent to commit or to aid or abet any unlawful activity that constitutes a violation of federal law or that constitutes a felony under any applicable state or local law.
If someone has stolen your identity, take three actions immediately.

1. First, contact the fraud departments of each of the three major credit bureaus. Tell them to flag your file with a Fraud Alert/Victim Impact, a statement that creditors should call you for permission before they open any new accounts in your name.
2. Second, contact the creditors for any accounts that have been tampered with or opened fraudulently. Ask to speak with someone in the security or fraud department, and follow up in writing.
3. Third, file a report with local police. Afterwards, get a copy of the report in case the bank, credit card company, or others involved need proof of the crime.

Additional actions you can take if you are the victim of identity theft include:

• Contact all creditors, by phone and in writing, to inform them of the problem
• Call your nearest Postal Inspection Service office and your local police
• Contact the FTC ID Theft Division, 1-877-438-4338 or through the Internet, using the FTC online complaint form to report the problem or their ID Theft site. The FTC is the federal clearinghouse for consumer complaints about identity theft. The information you provide can help the FTC and other law enforcement agencies track, investigate, and prosecute identity thieves.
• Alert your bank to flag your accounts and to contact you to confirm unusual activity
• Request a change of PIN and new password on existing credit cards/ATM or debit cards if you believe your existing accounts have been wrongfully accessed
• Keep a log of all contacts and make copies of all documents
• Contact the Social Security Administration's Fraud Hotline, 1-800-269-0271
• Contact the state office of the Department of Motor Vehicles to see if another license was issued in your name. If so, request a new license number and fill out the DMV's complaint form to begin the fraud investigation process.

ID Theft Affidavit

To make certain that you do not become responsible for the debts incurred by the identity thief, you must provide proof that you didn't create the debt to each of the companies where accounts were opened or used in your name.

A working group composed of credit grantors, consumer advocates and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) developed an ID Theft Affidavit to help you report information to many companies using just one standard form. Use of this affidavit is optional.

You can use this affidavit where a new account was opened in your name. The information will enable the companies to investigate the fraud and decide the outcome of your claim.

The affidavit has two parts:

• ID Theft Affidavit is where you report general information about yourself and the theft.
• Fraudulent Account Statement is where you describe the fraudulent account(s) opened in your name. Use a separate affidavit for each company you need to write to.

When you send the affidavit to the companies, attach copies of any supporting documents (e.g., drivers license, police report) you have.

• Complete this affidavit as soon as possible
• Be as accurate and complete as possible
• Send the appropriate documents to each company be certified mail, return receipt requested
• Keep a copy of everything you submit for your records

Internet Crimes

• Extremely short time allowance to complete transaction
• Request for shipping or fees paid up front
• First contact is not initiated by you
• Claiming to be your provider (of any type of service) but asking you for account details
• Request to communicate and complete transaction outside the original program.

Helpful Contacts

• U.S. Department of Justice
• Identity Theft Prevention and Survival
• Direct Marketing Association
  888-5OPT-OUT
• Social Security Administration
  800-269-0271
• Telecheck
  800-366-2425
• National Processing Company
  800-526-5380

Medical ID Theft

Medical ID theft is on the rise as well.  Many victims do not even take this into consideration.  The following information will assist you in understanding what you should be aware of.  Guard your Medical ID

National Resources

Battered Women's Justice Project
Childhelp USA National Hotline
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Federal Trade Commission Identity Theft Hotline
Identity Theft Prevention and Survival
Mothers Against Drunk Driving
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children