Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine

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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.

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