Fraud Center

Protecting Your Accounts, Identity, and Peace of Mind

Protecting your accounts and personal information matters—and we’re here to help you stay a step ahead. German American State Bank keeps a close eye on unusual activity, offers secure digital banking tools, and provides easy access to the resources you need to stay informed. As a division of Foresight Bank, we also benefit from broader fraud‑prevention expertise and technology that strengthens the protection we offer our customers.

Here, you’ll find simple steps to take, ways to recognize suspicious activity, and trusted tools for handling identity theft or scams. Start with the guidance below and explore the full set of resources to stay protected.

Identity Theft Resources

We frequently direct customers to trusted national resources for step-by-step help and education, including:

Identify Theft: What to Know, What to Do Identity Theft Interactive Guide: What to do Tips to Avoid Phishing Scams

Free Annual Credit Reports

Request a free credit report from each of the three major bureaus at
AnnualCreditReport.com or by calling (877) 322-8228.

What To Do If You’re a Victim of Identity Theft

If you believe you’re a victim of identity theft, take these steps as soon as possible and keep detailed notes of who you spoke with and when, plus copies of all correspondence.
 

Step 1: Place a Fraud Alert and Review Your Credit Reports

A fraud alert tells lenders to take extra steps to verify your identity before opening new accounts.

Contact one of the three credit bureaus; they are required to notify the others:

• Equifax: 1-800-685-1111 · www.equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services
• Experian: 1-888-397-3742 · www.experian.com/help
• TransUnion: 1-888-909-8872 · www.transunion.com/credit-help

After placing an alert, you’re entitled to free copies of your credit reports. Review them carefully for:

• Accounts you didn’t open
• Inquiries from companies you don’t recognize
• Incorrect personal information (address, SSN, employers, etc.)

If you find errors or fraudulent activity, work with the bureaus to have that information corrected.

For more help, contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338) or visit ftc.gov/idtheft.

Step 2: Close or Correct Compromised Accounts

For any account you know—or suspect—has been opened or used fraudulently:

• Call the company’s fraud or security department right away
• Follow up in writing with copies (not originals) of any supporting documents
• Send letters by certified mail with return receipt and keep copies for your records

When opening replacement accounts, choose new PINs and passwords that are hard to guess. Avoid using your birth date, phone number, or mother’s maiden name.

Your bank or creditors may have their own fraud dispute forms—request and complete these if needed. Additional details on closing or reopening accounts can be found on the FTC’s website.

Don’t forget to notify your bank(s) immediately of possible identity theft so we can help protect your accounts.

Step 3: File a Police Report

File a report with your local police department in the community where the identity theft occurred.

• Ask for a copy of the report or at least the report number
• This can be helpful when working with creditors or credit bureaus that require proof of the crime

If local police are reluctant to take a report, ask if you can file a “Miscellaneous Incident” report, or contact another jurisdiction (such as state police).
 

Step 4: File a Complaint with the FTC

Filing a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission helps law enforcement track and address identity theft nationwide. The FTC can:

• Share your complaint with other government agencies and companies
• Use the information to investigate and enforce consumer protection laws

You can file a complaint at ftc.gov/idtheft or by calling 1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338).