FIREWORKS

It is illegal to purchase, sell or discharge fireworks in the City of Mentor. To report violations, call (440) 974-5760.  Safety Tips flyer.

What to do if you are the victim of IDENTITY THEFT:

1. Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) (1-877-IDTHEFT) for assistance from trained counselors in resolving credit related problems. This organization acts as the clearinghouse for information related to identity theft crimes.

2. Contact the fraud departments of the three major credit reporting agencies: EQUIFAX (1-800-525-6285) www.equifax.com, EXPERIAN (1-888-397-3742), TRANSUNION (1-800-680-7289).  Ask them to put a fraud alert on your account and add a victim’s statement requesting creditors to contact the victim before opening new accounts in his or her name. Also request copies of your credit report.

3. IF A DRIVER’S LICENSE IS INVOLVED, contact the BMV. If the driver’s license uses the social security number, REQUEST A NEW DRIVER’S LICENSE NUMBER. In such cases, also check with the Social Security Administration (1-800-269-0271) to determine the accuracy and integrity of your account.

4. If bank accounts are involved, report the loss to each financial institution, cancel existing accounts and open new ones with new account numbers. If deemed necessary, place stop payments on outstanding checks and contact creditors to explain.

5. Cancel each credit and charge card and request new cards with new account numbers.

6. Contact the utility or service provider if unauthorized new accounts have been opened. If the companies do not cooperate, contact the state’s public utility commission and/or the Federal Communications Commission (for telephone companies).

7. Change the locks on your house and cars if there is any indication that these have been copied or otherwise compromised.