Identity Theft

What is Identity Theft?

“With more information available online, criminals have greater opportunities to steal personal information. Consumers must protect themselves.

“Identity theft occurs when a criminal obtains and uses someone else’s personal information — credit card numbers, bank account numbers, insurance information or Social Security number — to purchase goods or services fraudulently.

“Identity theft is a state and federal crime. Those who think they are a victim of identity theft should immediately contact their local police department or sheriff’s office and file a police report.”

— From the Ohio Attorney General’s website.  This site has a lot of information to help you protect yourself and what to do if you think you are a victim of Identity Theft.  

What to do if you think you are a victim of Identity Theft

The Ohio Attorney General’s office offers two programs for residents who have been a victim of Identity Theft:

• Traditional Assistance: the AG’s office “will provide you with a consumer advocate who will personally reach out to various credit agencies, creditors, collectors, etc.; the advocate will be responsible for communicating with various entities and for keeping you informed. This option is ideal for someone who does not feel comfortable in attempting to rectify the effects of identity theft him or herself.”
• Self-Help Assistance: the AG’s office “Our office will provide you with a step-by-step guide for you to attempt to rectify the effects of identity theft yourself. The guide will include necessary contact information and form letters to dispute information on your credit report, dispute charges, etc.  This option is ideal for someone who wishes to contact credit reporting agencies, creditors, etc. by himself/herself and to move at his/her own pace.”

More information and the required forms can be found here.

In addition, call the Montville Township Police Department dispatcher at 330-725-2204 to report the problem.   

What to do if you think your Personal Information has been compromised

“If you discover that your personal information has been compromised, perhaps at your work or a company with which you do business, you first should realize that a breach of security—especially involving encoded data—does not necessarily mean that your identity has been stolen. It does, however, increase the potential that your information could be misused. As a result, you may wish to take certain precautionary steps immediately.”

The Ohio Attorney General’s office website outlines these steps which include calling the major credit agencies, monitoring and possibly freezing your credit reports, and thoroughly informing yourself about Identity Theft.