What can I do if I'm a victim of identity theft in Indiana?

1. Immediate Steps

(a) File an FTC Identity Theft Report at IdentityTheft.gov with the FTC Affidavit. (b) File a police report with your local Indiana agency. (c) Place a fraud alert with Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion. (d) Place a credit freeze at all three bureaus, free under 15 U.S.C. § 1681c-1.

2. FCRA Rights

The Fair Credit Reporting Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq., provides blocking (§ 1681c-2), disputes (§ 1681i), and records access (§ 1681g(e)).

3. State Identity Theft Statute

I.C. § 35-43-5-3.5 (Identity Deception) is a Level 6 felony (6 months-2.5 years); Level 5 (1-6 years) if loss over $50,000 or victim is dead/incapacitated. Synthetic Identity Deception under § 35-43-5-3.8 similarly graded.

4. State Identity Theft Passport / Victim Notification

Indiana does not issue a formal passport but the AG's Identity Theft Unit provides victim assistance and complaint processing.

5. Restitution & Civil Remedies

Civil suit under I.C. § 34-24-3 (Crime Victims' Recovery) allows treble damages plus attorney's fees. Criminal restitution mandatory under I.C. § 35-50-5-3.

6. Tax-Related ID Theft

File IRS Form 14039 and request an IP PIN at IRS.gov; notify the Indiana Department of Revenue.

7. Child ID Theft

I.C. § 24-5-24.5-9 allows protected consumer freezes for minors, free of charge.

8. Medical ID Theft

Notify insurer and request HIPAA accounting (45 C.F.R. § 164.528).

9. Synthetic Identity / Account Takeover

I.C. § 35-43-5-3.8 specifically addresses synthetic identity deception; Regulation E (12 C.F.R. § 1005.6) covers EFTs.

10. Statute of Limitations

Civil claims under § 34-24-3 follow Indiana's 2-year tort SOL, I.C. § 34-11-2-4.

This is legal information, not legal advice.