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.
Identity Theft Unit
The Ohio Attorney General's Consumer Protection Section has created an Identity Theft Unit to help victims of identity theft rectify the effects of identity theft by working with credit reporting agencies, creditors, collectors, and any other entity who may have information that was obtained under fraudulent circumstances or though providing the necessary information to victims of identity theft to remedy the effects themselves. The unit currently offers two programs: Traditional Assistance and Self-Help Assistance.
Traditional Assistance
Our 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. For this program, you must file and submit a copy of a police report to our office and you must complete and submit an identity theft affidavit and an identity theft notification form.
Download identity theft affidavit
Download identity theft notification form
Self-Help Assistance
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. If you choose this option, you will still be assigned a consumer advocate to help you navigate the process should you require assistance.
Download self-help identity theft notification form
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