- Home
- Departments
- Sheriff's Office
- Resources
- Identity Theft
Identity Theft
Millions of Americans become the victim of Identity Theft or Fraud each year. Here are some steps you can take to keep your identity safe:
What is personal information?
Any combination of the following information can be enough for identity theft to occur:
What is personal information?
Any combination of the following information can be enough for identity theft to occur:
| • Name |
• Date of Birth |
| • Address |
• Social Security Number |
| • Phone Number |
• Mother's Maiden Name |
| • Email Address |
• Financial Account Numbers |
| • ATM Pin |
Basics of safeguarding your information...
Guard your social security number
Do not carry your Social Security card with you and do not ever use your social security number as a PIN or password. Limit the number of identification cards you carry. Many medical cards contain your Social Security number. Do not carry it with you if you do not need it.
Shred, shred, shred
Shred bills, bank statements, receipts, medical billings, credit card offers, and any other items that contain personal or financial information.
Protect your mail
If you are going to be out of town have the post office hold your mail. Place outgoing mail in an official mailbox not your own.
Never give out your personal information
Legitimate companies or agencies do not call or email asking for personal information. Never give out personal information unless you initiated the contact.
Sign up for the Do Not Call Registry
Register your home and mobile residential numbers on the Wisconsin Do Not Call Registry at no cost online or by calling 1-888-382-1222 (TTY 1-866-290-4236); you must call from the phone number you wish to register.
Keep a list of all financial accounts
Keep a list of all credit card and bank account numbers, phone numbers, and expiration dates. This information as well as other sensitive documents should be kept in a safe place, such as a safe.
Stop pre-approved credit card offers
Stop pre-approved credit card officers by calling 1-888-567-8688 or visiting the Opt Out website. Deaf and hard of hearing consumers can opt-in or opt-out of firms offers through the website or by calling 7-1-1 and referring the Relay Operator to 1-800-321-9631.
Check your bills and bank statements
Look at your statements as soon as you get them to see if there are any unauthorized charges or inaccuracies. If there are, report them right away.
Pay attention to internet security
Make certain you have a firewall and updated virus and spyware protection on your computer. Check your browser security settings to make certain that they are not too low.
Use two-factor authentication if offered
Two-factor authentication is a security process in which you, the user, provide two means of identification - something you have and something you know. Something you have is typically a physical token, such as a card or a code sent to your smartphone. Something you know is something memorized, such as personal identification number (PIN) or password.
Check your credit report regularly
Obtain your credit report FREE from each of the three major credit reporting agencies each year. You can get your free credit report from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion by calling 1-877-322-8228 or online here.
Guard your social security number
Do not carry your Social Security card with you and do not ever use your social security number as a PIN or password. Limit the number of identification cards you carry. Many medical cards contain your Social Security number. Do not carry it with you if you do not need it.
Shred, shred, shred
Shred bills, bank statements, receipts, medical billings, credit card offers, and any other items that contain personal or financial information.
Protect your mail
If you are going to be out of town have the post office hold your mail. Place outgoing mail in an official mailbox not your own.
Never give out your personal information
Legitimate companies or agencies do not call or email asking for personal information. Never give out personal information unless you initiated the contact.
Sign up for the Do Not Call Registry
Register your home and mobile residential numbers on the Wisconsin Do Not Call Registry at no cost online or by calling 1-888-382-1222 (TTY 1-866-290-4236); you must call from the phone number you wish to register.
Keep a list of all financial accounts
Keep a list of all credit card and bank account numbers, phone numbers, and expiration dates. This information as well as other sensitive documents should be kept in a safe place, such as a safe.
Stop pre-approved credit card offers
Stop pre-approved credit card officers by calling 1-888-567-8688 or visiting the Opt Out website. Deaf and hard of hearing consumers can opt-in or opt-out of firms offers through the website or by calling 7-1-1 and referring the Relay Operator to 1-800-321-9631.
Check your bills and bank statements
Look at your statements as soon as you get them to see if there are any unauthorized charges or inaccuracies. If there are, report them right away.
Pay attention to internet security
Make certain you have a firewall and updated virus and spyware protection on your computer. Check your browser security settings to make certain that they are not too low.
Use two-factor authentication if offered
Two-factor authentication is a security process in which you, the user, provide two means of identification - something you have and something you know. Something you have is typically a physical token, such as a card or a code sent to your smartphone. Something you know is something memorized, such as personal identification number (PIN) or password.
Check your credit report regularly
Obtain your credit report FREE from each of the three major credit reporting agencies each year. You can get your free credit report from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion by calling 1-877-322-8228 or online here.
What to do if it happens to you...
Contact your bank
Let your bank know that your identity has been stolen even if the thief has not used your bank accounts or ATM/debit card. Consider closing and reopening new accounts with new numbers and obtaining a new ATM/debit card with a new PIN. In addition, you may want to ask your bank if you can place a password on your account.
Contact your creditors
If an identity thief has opened a new account or credit card in your name contact the creditor to close the account and explain what happened as soon as possible.
Report the theft to the police
Let the Sheriff's Office know you are the victim of identity theft. The Sheriff's Office is required to prepare a report of identity theft even if the theft might have occurred at some other place. Request a copy of the police report for your records and keep it in a safe place. Provide the OPP with a copy of the police report. Please be aware that while your complaint is available for public review upon request under Wisconsin's Open Records law, the Sheriff's Office will maintain the confidentiality of your personally identifiable information to the fullest extent permitted by law.
Put a Fraud Alert on your credit report
A fraud alert is a notation that requires a business to take extra reasonable steps to verify a person's identity before issuing a line of credit or offering services. The fraud alert will be active for 90 days and can be renewed. You only need to contact one of the three agencies below and they will notify the other two on your behalf.
Put a Security Freeze on your credit report
A freeze is stronger than a fraud alert because it remains in place until you release it and requires that you be alerted if an account in your name is requested. The freeze must be requested by contacting each of the three credit reporting agencies directly. Unless a police report is provided, the fee is $10 for each agency. You will be given a pin number to temporarily lift the freeze in order for you or a creditor to access your credit report. There may be a $10 fee each time you need to lift the freeze.
File an identity theft complaint with the Office of Privacy Protection (OPP)
The Office of Privacy Protection (OPP) can help you take the steps you need to resolve problems caused by identity theft. You can file an identity theft complaint by calling and requesting a complaint form at 1-800-422-7128 or obtain one online here or email the OPP.
The more information you provide, the more likely the OPP will be able to assist you. Make sure you fill out and return the Non-Consent (notarized) and the Authorization to Release Information forms with the complaint form.
Send the OPP the forms with copies of any documentation that supports your complaint, e.g., billing statements, credit reports, police reports, collection notices.
Contact the Division of Motor Vehicles if your driver's license or ID card is stolen
You can also ask the DMV to place a notation on your driver record so that DMV and law enforcement will require additional identification documents when you conduct business with them. It will require anyone (including you) attempting to use your identity to provide the following items:
Contact your bank
Let your bank know that your identity has been stolen even if the thief has not used your bank accounts or ATM/debit card. Consider closing and reopening new accounts with new numbers and obtaining a new ATM/debit card with a new PIN. In addition, you may want to ask your bank if you can place a password on your account.
Contact your creditors
If an identity thief has opened a new account or credit card in your name contact the creditor to close the account and explain what happened as soon as possible.
Report the theft to the police
Let the Sheriff's Office know you are the victim of identity theft. The Sheriff's Office is required to prepare a report of identity theft even if the theft might have occurred at some other place. Request a copy of the police report for your records and keep it in a safe place. Provide the OPP with a copy of the police report. Please be aware that while your complaint is available for public review upon request under Wisconsin's Open Records law, the Sheriff's Office will maintain the confidentiality of your personally identifiable information to the fullest extent permitted by law.
Put a Fraud Alert on your credit report
A fraud alert is a notation that requires a business to take extra reasonable steps to verify a person's identity before issuing a line of credit or offering services. The fraud alert will be active for 90 days and can be renewed. You only need to contact one of the three agencies below and they will notify the other two on your behalf.
Put a Security Freeze on your credit report
A freeze is stronger than a fraud alert because it remains in place until you release it and requires that you be alerted if an account in your name is requested. The freeze must be requested by contacting each of the three credit reporting agencies directly. Unless a police report is provided, the fee is $10 for each agency. You will be given a pin number to temporarily lift the freeze in order for you or a creditor to access your credit report. There may be a $10 fee each time you need to lift the freeze.
| Experian | Equifax | TransUnion |
| PO Box 9701 | PO Box 105069 | PO Box 2000 |
| Allen, TX 75013 | Atlanta, GA 30348 | Chester, PA 19022 |
| 1-888-397-3742 | 1-800-525-6285 | 1-800-680-7289 |
File an identity theft complaint with the Office of Privacy Protection (OPP)
The Office of Privacy Protection (OPP) can help you take the steps you need to resolve problems caused by identity theft. You can file an identity theft complaint by calling and requesting a complaint form at 1-800-422-7128 or obtain one online here or email the OPP.
The more information you provide, the more likely the OPP will be able to assist you. Make sure you fill out and return the Non-Consent (notarized) and the Authorization to Release Information forms with the complaint form.
Send the OPP the forms with copies of any documentation that supports your complaint, e.g., billing statements, credit reports, police reports, collection notices.
Contact the Division of Motor Vehicles if your driver's license or ID card is stolen
You can also ask the DMV to place a notation on your driver record so that DMV and law enforcement will require additional identification documents when you conduct business with them. It will require anyone (including you) attempting to use your identity to provide the following items:
- Certified birth certificate, passport or other acceptable proof of name and date of birth.
- Two forms of identification listing your name with either your photograph or signature.
Contact the Postal Inspector if your mail was stolen or if an identity thief used a false address
Contact the nearest Postal Inspector by calling the Postal Service at 1-877-876-2455. You can also file a mail theft complaint online here.
If a debt collector contacts you
If a debt collector calls, explain that you are the victim of identity theft and that the bill they are trying to collect is fraudulent. Ask for the steps that need to be taken and any forms you need to fill out to prove that.
If you are accused of a crime committed in your name
Contact the arresting or citing law enforcement agency to inform them of the situation. You may be required to file a petition with the court to request and prove your innocence. Once law enforcement or a judge conclude that you were not the person who committed the crime, you will be given a Certificate of Clearance that you will need to keep with you at all times.
In some cases, criminal identity theft may best be handled by contacting a private attorney to assist with working through the legal process. The Wisconsin Lawyer Referral and Information Service can help you find affordable representation in your area. They can be reached at 1-800-362-9082.
Contact the nearest Postal Inspector by calling the Postal Service at 1-877-876-2455. You can also file a mail theft complaint online here.
If a debt collector contacts you
If a debt collector calls, explain that you are the victim of identity theft and that the bill they are trying to collect is fraudulent. Ask for the steps that need to be taken and any forms you need to fill out to prove that.
If you are accused of a crime committed in your name
Contact the arresting or citing law enforcement agency to inform them of the situation. You may be required to file a petition with the court to request and prove your innocence. Once law enforcement or a judge conclude that you were not the person who committed the crime, you will be given a Certificate of Clearance that you will need to keep with you at all times.
In some cases, criminal identity theft may best be handled by contacting a private attorney to assist with working through the legal process. The Wisconsin Lawyer Referral and Information Service can help you find affordable representation in your area. They can be reached at 1-800-362-9082.
/QuickLinks.aspx