Identity Theft

If your personal information is accidentally disclosed or deliberately stolen, quickly taking the steps recommended below can minimize the potential for the theft of your identity. (Browse steps recommended by the FTC.)

• Place a credit freeze on your credit accounts. Under Indiana law, a credit freeze can block an identity thief from opening a new account or obtaining credit in your name.
  • Keep in mind that a credit freeze won’t prevent a thief from making charges to your existing accounts.
  • The credit freeze can be temporarily lifted when needed. 

• Place a "Fraud Alert" on your credit reports, and review the reports carefully. The alert tells creditors to follow certain procedures before they open new accounts in your name or make changes to your existing accounts. The three nationwide consumer reporting companies have toll-free numbers for placing an initial 90-day fraud alert; a call to one company is sufficient:
  • • TransUnion: www.transunion.com, 1-800-680-7289
    • Experian: www.experian.com, 1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)
    • Equifax: www.equifax.com, 1-800-525-6285

Placing a fraud alert entitles you to free copies of your credit reports. Look for inquiries from companies you haven't contacted, accounts you didn't open, and debts on your accounts that you can't explain.

Note: these are not the same as a security freeze.

• Close accounts. Close any accounts that have been tampered with or established fraudulently:
  • Call the security or fraud departments of each company where an account was opened or changed without your okay. Follow up in writing, with copies of supporting documents.
  • Use the ID Theft Affidavit to support your written statement.
  • Ask for verification that the disputed account has been closed and the fraudulent debts discharged.
  • Keep copies of documents and records of your conversations about the theft.

• File a police report. File a report with law enforcement officials to help you with creditors who may want proof of the crime. This report will also help you claim your rights as a victim of identity theft.

• Report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Your report helps law enforcement officials across the country in their investigations.
  • • Online: https://www.identitytheft.gov/ 
      
    • By phone: 1-877-ID-THEFT (438-4338) or TTY, 1-866-653-4261

• Consider an identity theft monitoring service. You may wish to consider purchasing a third party Identity Theft monitoring service, which typically monitors your credit and other consumer reports on your behalf. For more information, see Choosing an Identity Theft Monitoring Service from Complete ID.