Lake County Court of Common Pleas
 Probate Division

Ted Klammer, Probate Judge 

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Lake County
Probate Court
25 North Park Place
Painesville, OH 44077

Phone:      (440) 350-2626
West End: (440) 918-2626
Fax:            (440) 350-2628
West End: (440) 918-2628


Hours of Service:
Monday-Friday
7:30 am to 5 pm*

*Closed on holidays
observed by
Lake County

 

IDENTITY FRAUD

What is Identity Fraud

  •  Identity Fraud occurs when a criminal obtains and uses someone else's personal information such as credit card numbers, bank account numbers, insurance information and Social Security numbers to purchase goods or services fraudulently.  Identity Fraud is a crime!

Ohio House Bill 48

  • Ohio House Bill 48 renames the criminal offense of "identity fraud" when it is committed against an elderly person or disabled adult as "identity theft against an elderly person or disabled adult" and enhances the penalty one degree higher for "identity fraud against an elderly person or disabled adult."

  • Also, Ohio House Bill 48 permits the attorney general, in cooperation with a law enforcement agency, to issue identity fraud passports.

Identity Fraud Passports

  • Identity Fraud Passport provides fraud victims a way to prove to law enforcement and creditors that their identity has been stolen.

  • Identity fraud victim calls the local law enforcement to report the crime, and apply for a passport at http://www.ag.state.oh.us/victim/idtheft/index.asp

  • After a police report is taken, the officer files the victim's Passport application through Ohio Law Enforcement Gateway.  The officer obtains personal information and electronically captures the victim's fingerprint, photograph, and signature.  The police report and application are sent to the Ohio Attorney's office, where the information is verified and a Passport card with unique identifier number is issued.

Credit Reports

  • The information in your credit report determines in large part what kind of credit, from car loans to credit cards to mortgages, you'll be able to get.

  • Under the Federal Fair and Accurate Transaction Act, as of March 1, 2005, Ohio residents are eligible to receive a free credit report every 12 months from each of the nationwide consumer credit reporting companies.  There are three major credit reporting bureaus: Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax.

  • You should get a copy of your report from each credit reporting agency.  Monitoring your credit card statements and your credit report are the most important steps you can take to safeguard your credit identity.

  • To order your report from Equifax: Equifax Credit Information Services Inc., P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374, 1-800-685-111, http://www.equifax.com

  • To order your report from Experian:  National Consumer Assistance Center, P.O. Box 2002, Allen, TX, 75013, 1-888-397-3742, http://www.experian.com

  • To order your report from TransUnion: Consumer Disclosure Center, P.O. Box 1000, Chester, PA 19022, 1-800-916-8800, http://www.transunion.com

Removal of Name from Marketing Lists

  • In addition to credit reports, you should also remove your name from marketing lists to further reduce your risk of being a victim of identity fraud. 

  • Credit offers:  Call Experian at 1-888-567-8688 to be deleted from the mailing list of all three major credit companies.  Also, call or write to your specific credit card companies and tell them to stop selling your name to all outside companies and affiliates.

  • Mailing lists:  Send a letter requesting removal of your name and address from mailing lists to:  Mail Preference Service, c/o Direct Marketing Association, P.O. Box 9008, Farmingdale, NY 11735.

  • Telemarketing lists:  Send a letter requesting the removal of your name and phone number from all telemarketing lists:  Telephone Preference Service, c/o Direct Marketing Association, P.O. Box 9014, Farmingdale, NY 11735.

  • Sweepstakes Offers: Call and request removal: Publisher's Clearinghouse: 1-800-645-9242, Reader's Digest: 1-800-234-9000

  • Emails:  Reduce the amount of unsolicited e-mail you receive at: Direct Marketing Association, http://www.e-mps.org

Other Helpful Tips on Reducing The Risk of Identity Fraud

  • Shred or destroy credit card statements, bills, insurance papers or bank statements before throwing them out.

  • When making a credit card purchase. ask for the carbons if the retailer is not using carbonless forms.

  • Carry only one or two credit cards in your wallet.

  • Cancel all unused credit card accounts.

  • Keep a list of all your credit cards, so you can quickly contact your creditors in case your cards are lost or stolen.  Do the same with bank accounts.

  • Never toss ATM and credit card receipts in the public trash.

  • Watch the mail when you are expecting a new credit card.  Immediately contact issuer if the credit card does not arrive.

  • Be careful before you use a credit card or supply personal information online.

  • Never give out personal or financial information over the phone.

  • Review all financial statements for any unusual activity

  • When creating passwords and PINs, do not use anything that could be discovered easily by thieves.

  • Memorize all your passwords and PINs.

  • Release your Social Security Number only when absolutely necessary or when required by law.

  • Do not carry your social security card in your wallet.

 

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