Fraud Info

Have you been the victim of identity theft?

If your identity has been stolen, you need to act immediately to ensure that you protect your credit and personal finances.

TAKE THESE STEPS RIGHT AWAY

• Contact your local police or other law enforcement agency. Identity theft is a crime, and to protect your rights and prove your case, you’ll probably need to file a police report.
• Notify OCB and anywhere else you bank, so we can provide protection.
• Contact the three major credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian, or Trans Union -- numbers and websites below) and request that they place a Fraud Alert on your credit report. That way, banks and other credit issuers will know that they need to verify your identity before approving new credit.
• Notify all of your credit card issuers and other creditors so they are aware and can send you new cards. If a credit thief has opened an account in your name, send a request to close it (include a copy of the police report).
• File an identity theft complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-IDTHEFT or www.consumer.gov/idtheft.

AS YOU RECOVER FROM IDENTITY THEFT

Keep good records of all your activities, because that may protect you in the event a creditor makes a mistake or someone attempts to steal from you again down the road. If you’re contacted by a debt collector regarding credit you didn’t open, explain that you’ve been the victim of identity theft and ask what information the debt collector will need to correct their records.

NOT SURE YOU’RE A VICTIM?

One of the best ways to determine whether someone has stolen your identity is to review your credit report. Federal law says that you’re entitled to one free report each year from each of three major credit reporting agencies. To get yours, visit www.annualcrediterport.com or call 877-322-8228. After you receive your report, review it to ensure that the information is accurate, and that there are no unfamiliar accounts. If something is incorrect, follow the instructions in the report. (Be aware: although there’s no charge for using this site, the credit reporting agencies may try to sell you additional services you may not need, such as paying extra for a credit score.)

CREDIT REPORTING AGENCIES

Equifax
(888) 766-0008
www.equifax.com

Experian
(888) EXPERIAN (888-397-3742)
www.experian.com

TransUnion
(800) 680-7289
www.transunion.com

LINKS TO INFORMATIVE WEBSITES

Indiana Attorney General
www.in.gov/attorneygeneral/2853.htm
Resources for Indiana identity theft victims

Identity Theft Resource Center
www.idtheftcenter.org
Advice and practical information from a nonprofit organization.

Federal Trade Commission
www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/feature-0014-identity-theft
A government clearinghouse for identity theft information

Privacy Rights Clearinghouse
www.privacyrights.org/consumer-guides/identity-theft-what-do-if-it-happens-you
Information from a nonprofit consumer advocacy organization on what to do if you’re a victim.

FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center
www.ic3.gov
Assistance with identity theft and other crimes committed over the internet.