Ask the Investigator

LOCAL Registered Sex Offenders

2005-03-28T12:10:00.007-08:00

Q. I live in a part of Fort Collins where there is a lot of rental property and a lot of people moving in and out. I have smaller children and I get really nervous when these new “neighbors” talk to my children as they ride their bikes in the area. Can you help me find out if there are any registered sex offenders in my area?

A. I can do better than that – if you will contact me your zip code I will personally e-mail or mail you the information on any registered sex offenders in your zip code (as identified by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation) – including their address, photos, etc.

I Need My Own Military Records - Tell me How.

2005-03-28T12:10:00.006-08:00

Q. I am in need of my old military records to file a claim with the Veterans Administration. I really don’t know where to begin with so many new privacy laws. One of the offices told me I needed to file an “FOI” with the government. What is it and how to I go about getting my old records?

A. The “FOI” they are referring to is a “Freedom of Information” Act Request Letter. There is an on-line booklet called, “How to Use the FOI Act”. Point your web browser at this address: http://www.rcfp.org/foiact/index.html The booklet is designed as a general "do-it-yourself" guide to using the federal Freedom of Information Act. This booklet was researched and edited by The FOI Service Center, a project of the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press. It describes how to use the Act as an effective investigative tool, and provides sample letters, forms and directories to assist you in dealing with the government promptly and effectively. It’s even automated – the site will assist you in completed your request letter – really cool!

Registering a Company Name

2005-03-28T12:10:00.005-08:00

Q. I have a GREAT idea for a new company name, but I want to make sure no one else is currently using my name – how do I go about checking this out?

A. Some folks don’t realize the importance of checking out their name. There can be several legal implications. On the web, go to: http://www.businesstax.state.co.us/tradenames/ or, you can call the Colorado Secretary of State at: 303-894-2200.

Serving Legal Documents in Another State

2005-03-28T12:10:00.004-08:00

Q. I have some legal documents I need served in Wilmington, NC. I don’t know anyone there. How can I find a process server I can trust? Are there any guarantees? I don’t want to pay a stranger and get ripped off. What do you suggest?

A. Well, I can tell you want I do personally when I need an “out of
area process server” – I go to NAPPS (National Association of Professional Process Servers). You can go to their site, put in the zip code nearest your person to be served and they will give you a list of process servers in that area, along with their telephone numbers, how long they have been serving and the number of years they have belonged to the association. Each member of NAPPS agrees to abide by the provisions and principles set forth in their code of ethics. You have recourse, should you be unhappy with their work (I never have been). Their toll-free number, should you not have Internet access, is 1-800-477-8211.

Finding Names of Radiologists

2005-03-28T12:10:00.003-08:00

Q. I have a new product that I think will be of great interest to Radiologists (X-Ray doctors) in private practice and working in hospitals. How can I get an accurate, up-to-date list of these doctors in the U.S. and Canada?

A. One of the most reliable and trustworthy companies I’ve come across, in this regard, is InfoUSA (they are a lead generation company). Their toll-free telephone number is: 1-800-321-0869. Their website is: http://list.infousa.com/ You can start as small as one city or several states. Really a great source – check them out!

2005-01-04T13:45:00.012-08:00

POLYGRAPH

Q. Is there anyone in Fort Collins that does lie-detector tests for domestic situations? My husband has agreed to take one, but I can’t find one locally. Can you help? Please publish in your next issue – before he changes his mind!

A. To my knowledge, there is none locally, other than law enforcement agencies and they will administer the test for criminal activity only. There are two national organizations for polygraph examiners. Both sites contain names and contact information for polygraph examiners. The National Polygraph Association can be reached at 520-326-4756, or on-line at: http://www.nationalpolygraph.org/ The American Polygraph Association can be reached at 800-272-8037, or on-line at: www.polygraph.org

Verifying Social Security Numbers for business

2005-01-04T13:45:00.011-08:00

Q. We run a small, seasonal business and will be hiring some new people soon. Is there any easy way to verify if someone is using their Social Security number, and not someone else’s number?

A. Actually, there is a toll-free telephone number set up, just for small business people like yourself. Just call the toll-free number for employers - 1-800-772-6270 - weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. EST. You will be asked for your company name and EIN (Employer Identification Number). Then you will be asked to provide the following information for each name/SSN you want to verify:

SSN,
last name,
first name,
middle initial (if applicable),
date of birth, and
gender.

They will verify up to five numbers per call. Good luck and happy hiring!

Friend in the Federal Penitentiary??

2005-01-04T13:45:00.010-08:00

Q. I heard a buddy of mine from high school has been arrested on some serious drug
charges and may be doing time in a Federal Penitentiary – how can I find out?

A. A couple of ways come to mind – first, contact the US Marshal Service, 202-307-9054. The US Marshal Service was most likely the arresting authority. I would also check the Federal Prison Hotline, 202-307-3126.

Lost Postal Money Order Receipt

2005-01-04T13:45:00.009-08:00

Q. I sent my brother a US Postal Money Order for $200.00 and have misplaced the receipt. The local post office said they can’t help me without it. Am I just out the $200 bucks? Can you help?

A. Certainly. For inquiries about lost, stolen or uncashed postal money orders the US Postal Service has established a toll-free hotline. Contact them at 800-868-2443.

Find the missing money --

2005-01-04T13:45:00.008-08:00

Q. We received a letter from an “investigator” in another state who told us that he had located some “missing money” with my daughter’s name on. He said that for a fee of 35% he would send us the paperwork so she could file her claim. Is this legal? Can you help?

A. In Colorado? Legal? No. Sometimes, we just get real lucky. On this one I just pointed the folks in the right direction and they have now received the funds that were owed to their daughter (a joint ownership savings account with her and her grandpa). The site that I sent them to was: http://www.treasurer.state.co.us/payback/index.htm This is the Unclaimed Property page from the Treasury Office, State of Colorado’s Great Payback Program.. From this site you can search for missing monies for all family members and even bid on E-Bay for Colorado Unclaimed Properties. No web access – no problem. For searching assistance call toll-free: 1-800-825-2111, Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm. Good luck – happy hunting $$$$$

Vietnam - Medal of Honor

2005-01-04T13:45:00.007-08:00

Q. My friend’s dad is always bragging about winning the medal of honor in Vietnam. I can’t seem to find a list – can you help? How can I contact someone?

A. It has been my experience that most true Medal of Honor recipients do NOT brag about their awards. The Medal of Honor is the nation’s highest military honor. The act of bravery must be above and beyond the call of duty and witnessed by at least two persons. Claiming to be a Medal of Honor winner when you’re not is a federal crime that will be actively investigated and prosecuted by the FBI. First, contact the Congressional Medal of Honor Society to learn if a person really is a recipient (834-884-8862), then, if not listed, contact your local office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

ILLEGAL MOVIE DOWNLOAD

2005-01-04T13:45:00.006-08:00

Q. I know someone who downloads movies on the internet – sometimes before they even hit the local theatres. Is there a reward or something for turning this guy in? How would I go about it – who do I contact?

A. There IS a reward of up to $15,000 that may be paid for information that leads to arrest and conviction of persons engaged in piracy A separate reward of $2,500 to the first person who reports a pirate lab where arrests and/or seizure of pirate product or equipment occurs. For more information contact the Motion Picture Association of America at 800-662-6797. Informants may remain anonymous if requested. Their website address is: http://www.mpaa.org/anti-piracy/contact/index.htm.

2005-01-04T13:45:00.005-08:00

Q. I was recently hired at a financial institution. I signed an agreement allowing my employer to do a “full” background check – exactly what is involved and how deep does that go?

A. Let me say first that there are different “levels” of background checks. For example, some employers only check your driving record and criminal record, while others check your credit report as well. It sounds like your employer is doing a level one background check – someone who will be handling large amounts of cash, or stocks, bonds and mutual funds. Here is the verification checklist that I use – the employer may request additional info:

Full legal name * Prior names used * Aliases* Social Security number * Date of birth * Current address * Past Addresses * Vehicle/License plate * Driving history * Litigation history * Criminal history * Sex offender check * Bankruptcies * Tax liens * Judgments * Corporations * Other business entities * News checks * Associates/Associations * Marital Check * Divorce check * Internet check * Death Index check * UCC filings * Professional licenses * Former/Current employers * Former/Current neighbors * Former/Current spouses * Former/Current partners * Former/Current Landlords * Educational Verification

Checking on non-profit organizations

2005-01-04T13:45:00.004-08:00

Q. My mother is an elderly person and likes to support several, what I consider “questionable” non-profit organizations. Is there any way I can check on the status of these groups without my mother’s knowledge? I just want to know if they are legit and how much of the money actually goes to the cause and how much goes to “administrative” costs.

A. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has established a toll-free tax exempt organization customer service number - that number is 877-829-5500. They will tell you whether or not an organization has tax-exempt status plus additional information. So far as how funds are spent – there’s a privately run website called GuideStar.com. Many times the information you get there reveals income and expense data as well as the organization’s Employment Identification Number (EIN). Their web address is: www.guidestar.com Good luck – I hope everything checks out fine.

Identy Theft

2005-01-04T13:45:00.003-08:00

Q. I’ve heard so much lately about “Identity Theft”. Exactly what is it and how can I protect myself against it?

A. Excellent question – First, what is “Identity Theft”? Identity theft is when a person assumes your identity (pretends to be you) and opens bank, credit card or other accounts to commit fraud or theft. The imposter then rents apartments, buys a new stereo, rents a car, takes a vacation and stays in fancy hotels – all at your expense. You may not even be aware of these events until angry creditors start calling you for past-due accounts or, you are denied credit yourself. The Federal Trade Commission says the crime is growing at an alarming rate, with estimated 9.9 million victims in 2002.
So, what can you do to prevent your ID from being stolen?

1) SHRED, SHRED, SHRED! Office Depot, Office Max, Wal-Mart all have inexpensive shredding machines (around $30). Do not throw away old mail, tax returns or cancelled checks from 5 years ago – shred them – shred any and all documents that may have personal information.

2) Avoid carrying your driver’s license and your Social Security card together. With these two documents the imposter can take over your identity almost immediately.

3) Utility bills, credit card payments, etc. that you are sending by US Postal Service – drop them directly into a postal drop box. Avoid putting outgoing mail in your home mailbox for pickup (they can be picked up by anyone).

4) Review your credit report – look for any suspicious activity or cards you did not request. Report this immediately (there is a toll-free number and instructions included with each report).

5) Put a “fraud alert” on your credit files. When you put an alert on your file the credit bureau must contact YOU before any new credit can be established in your name.

Who do I contact to keep my Social Security number from being used by others and to put a “fraud alert” on my file? For more information about obtaining a copy of your current credit report and putting a fraud alert on your credit file, contact the credit bureaus: Equifax, (800) 685-1111; Experian, (800) 311-4769; or TransUnion, (800) 888-4213.

Charges against a physician's License

2005-01-04T13:45:00.002-08:00

Q. How do I go about finding out if my father’s physician has ever had any charges or disciplinary actions brought against his license?

A. Physicians Masterfile is a database of the American Medical Association that contains address, biographical, and disciplinary information on every physician in the United States. You can write to the American Medical Association, 515 N. State Street, Chicago, IL 60610. Or, you can call them at 800-621-8335. Their web address is: http://dbapps.ama-assn.org/aps/amahg.htm.

Using a "puffed up" resume

2005-01-04T13:45:00.001-08:00

Q. I used a “puffed up” resume to land a new job recently, but I worry that somewhere down the road, years from now, they will find out and fire me. Do many people “fudge” on their resumes?

A. A recent article from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) warned:“Although current estimates vary considerably, it's likely that as many as 40 percent of resumes include inappropriate exaggerations and other misrepresentations. It's also likely that at least one of 10 applicants claiming a college degree doesn't have one.” There have even been movies made about it (my favorite: “Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter is Dead”). Find someone in the company you feel comfortable with (a supervisor or personnel) and come clean – tell your real story and be prepared for the worse. Here is a site worth looking at: http://www.studentclearinghouse.org/dvev/dv_hallofshame.htm

Finding a Canadian Company

2005-01-04T13:45:00.000-08:00

Q. I think my mom’s new boyfriend is a big liar – he’s always bragging about his company in Canada – he’s such a big shot and everything. Is there anyway I can find out about his company and if he really is the “Chief Executive Officer”?

A. Actually, there is an information service that may be of some help to you. It is called Infomart Online. I have personally never had need to use them, but am told they are quite good. The focus on Canadian businesses and their sources include newspapers, newswires, corporate profiles and more. Search by his name or the company name. Toll-free 800-668-9215 or on the net: www.infomart.ca

Old Stock Certificates

2004-07-17T14:31:00.000-07:00

Q. When going through our grandmother's attic recently, we found some old stock certificates in a trunk. How can we find out if they still have value?

A. Stock Search International will help you in researching the value of stock certificates for a modest fee. Their telephone number is (800) 537-4523. Good luck!

My FBI File

2004-07-17T13:21:00.002-07:00

Q. Is it possible for anyone to request a copy of their FBI file? I have always been curious if my anti-war demonstrations of the sixties are reflected anywheree in my FBI file.

A. Yes. Anyone can request a copy of their own criminal record from the FBI. For more information and appropriate forms, you need to call (202) 324-5454.

Lost Savings Bonds - What can we do?

2004-07-17T13:21:00.001-07:00

Q. My husband and I have accumulated Series E Savings Bonds over the years. When we retired, we moved to a smaller house and seemed to have misplaced those savings bonds. What can we do? Are we out of luck?

A. No, you are not out of luck. The Bureau of Public Debt maintains information on who purchases and/or redeemed US Savings Bonds. If your savings bonds have been stolen, lost or destroyed, an application for relief can be made through this agency. Their telephone number is (304) 480-6112.

Is My Buddy in Prison?

2004-07-17T13:21:00.000-07:00

Q. I heard recently that a buddy of mine from high school has been incarcerated for a Federal Offense. I don't know how to locate which one of the Federal Prisons that he may be in. Can you help?

A. Yes. Available to the general public is the Federal Prison Locator, which tells if a person has been or is in a Federal facility. If incarcerated before 1981 cal (202) 307-3126. If after 1981, cal (202) 307-2934 for information. This is a free service. Good luck!