When you find that your identity has been compromised, you may not know how to proceed. However, discovering that your relative is the thief can feel like the ultimate betrayal. You may be unable to secure a loan, housing, or even financial aid to attend college! As such, understanding what you can do to repair your credit score and hold the relative who stole your identity liable is essential. Keep reading to learn more about how familial identity theft can impact your life and why you need a California identity theft victim lawyer to assist you during these challenging times.
How Can a Relative Commit Identity Theft?
When someone’s identity is stolen, it can often be the result of a negligent company that did not secure its systems, leading to a data breach. The information is taken by hackers and sold on the dark web to thieves who will use the information to open accounts or commit fraud in another person’s name.
However, a relative can have easier access to the information necessary to commit identity theft. This is because they have your sensitive details, like your name, address, birthday, and phone number. In some cases, a parent or spouse will have access to your social security number, making it even easier to commit fraud.
A relative may open credit cards and other accounts using the information of older adults or younger children, as these two groups do not have the means to check their credit reports frequently.
Similarly, when an older adult passes away, a relative may use their information to open accounts under their name. This is called “ghosting.”
What Should I Do if I Find a Relative Stole My Identity?
If you discover a relative has stolen your identity, it’s imperative to document any evidence you have.
Next, you’ll want to file a report with the Federal Trade Commission, alerting them to the identity theft. Once you have done that, you can contact the three major credit reporting bureaus to inform them of the fraud and place a freeze on your account. This prevents any new lines of credit from being opened.
Unfortunately, identity theft can have a significant impact on your life. Not only can it ruin financial opportunities, but you may also be falsely associated with criminal activity if a relative committed fraud or other illegal offenses under your name. As such, it’s essential to contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible for guidance.
At Loker Law, we understand how devastating it can be to discover you are a victim of identity theft. That’s why we’re ready to fight for you. Our dedicated legal team will do everything possible to help you recover compensation and hold the thief accountable for the damages you’ve suffered. Contact us today to learn more.
