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Residents
learn how to protect against identity theft
Beth
Rumsey
Staff Writer
State
Attorney General Greg Zoeller visited Ripley County on Tuesday,
March 1 to teach residents how to take action to prevent them
from becoming victims of identity theft, scams and frauds.
Outreach Service team members visited various locations in the
county to provide information on free services available.
Residents at Buckeye Village in Osgood learned the importance
of placing their phone number on the state and national Do
Not Call registry. According to Holly Lester, Outreach Service,
a person can register up to five numbers with the state list.
The number to call for the state registry is 888-834-9969. The
national registry number is 888-382-1222.
Lester also explained the importance of knowing what is on ones
credit report. Your reputation can be based on the information
in a credit report, she said.
All three consumer reporting companies must provide a free copy
of an individuals credit report once a year upon request.
You can request your copy from all three companies by visiting
www.annual creditreport.com at no cost. Those who do not have
internet access can call 877-322-8228 to request a free report.
The Attorney Generals office can help those who have become
a victim of identity theft. The ID Theft Unit provides investigative
services to help promote the prosecution of identity thieves.
Individuals can place a security freeze on their credit reports
free of charge. The security freeze is a consumer right provided
by Indiana law and is the most effective way to protect against
ID theft, according to Lester.
A security freeze, or credit freeze, can block someone from opening
a new account or obtaining credit in your name. It also keeps
new creditors from accessing your report without authorization.
Other tips to prevent ID theft include do not share personal information
with a company you do not know; be aware of missing bills or unexpected
mail such as credit cards or account statements; and shop with
cash when visiting festivals, fairs or sporting events.
Report ID theft to the local police department and the Attorney
Generals ID Theft Unit as soon as you become aware that
your personal information has been stolen.
The Consumer Protection Services also helps Hoosiers to find any
unclaimed property. According to Lester, 99% of the property is
money from bank accounts or utility deposits left behind when
a person moves without leaving a forwarding address.
More information on services provided by the Attorney Generals
office can be found on the web at www.indiana consumer.com or
by calling 800-382-5516.
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LINDA
CHANDLER PHOTO
State Attorney General Greg Zoeller visited
Ripley and Dearborn counties on Tuesday to help residents
to learn more about protecting themselves against identity
theft, scams and frauds. His first stop was at the Ripley
County courthouse to speak with the office holders about
various concerns. Pictured above from left, Assessor Shawna
Bushhorn, Attorney General Zoeller, Prosecutor Ric Hertel
and Deputy Prosecutor Ryan King.
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