Identity Theft

If someone is using your personal information to open new accounts, write checks, or create loans, then you need to take steps immediately to protect yourself and your money. Let Northwestern Bank help make this difficult time easier for you.

You can visit IdentityTheft.gov for more information on preventing identity theft and what to do if it happens to you.

Step 1: Contact your Bank

• We can help you with identifying fraudulent transactions, placing alerts on your accounts, and more. Stop in at any of our locations or call the closest one to you

Step 2: Call the companies where you know the fraud occurred

• Talk with the fraud department
• Close or freeze the accounts, so no one can add new charges without your authorization
• Change logins, passwords, and PINs

Step 3: Place a free fraud alert and get a copy of your credit report

Contact one of the three credit bureaus

• That company will automatically tell the other two
• You will get a letter from each company verifying the fraud alert
• Equifax.com/CreditReportAssistance or 1-888-766-0008
• Experian.com/fraudalert or 1-888-397-3742
• TransUnion.com/fraud or 1-800-680-7289 

Get a free copy of your credit report and check for accounts that you don't recognize

• Annualcreditreport.com
• 1-877-322-8228

Step 4: File a report with your local police department

Go to your local police office with:

• A copy of your Identity Theft Affidavit
• A government-issued photo ID
• Proof of your address
• Any proof you have of the theft
• The Federal Trade Commission’s Memo to Law Enforcement
  • Available at IdentityTheft.gov

Step 5: Report the identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission

• Complete an Identity Theft Affidavit at ftc.gov/complaint or call 1-877-438-4338 to create a report
• Print a copy of the form and keep it in a safe place. This affidavit, plus a police report, helps guarantee you certain rights and proves to businesses that your identity was stolen.

Step 6: Check if you qualify for Northwestern Bank’s Identity Theft Reimbursement Insurance

You can visit IdentityTheft.gov for more information on preventing identity theft and what to do if it happens to you.