Discovering you are a victim of identity theft can be devastating on many levels. However, something many are unsure of is how to proceed and if they must report identity theft to the police. Because this can be incredibly overwhelming, it’s important to understand that it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced California identity theft victim lawyer for additional guidance and legal help during these times.
How Does Identity Theft Happen?
Identity theft occurs when someone accesses your personal or financial information for their benefit by using that information pretending to be you. This can include someone using your social security number, date of birth, and address to apply for a loan in your name with no intention of paying it back or using your credit cards to make large purchases.
Thieves can access this information in many ways. Most commonly, this is through online data breaches. When you utilize different services, from online retailers to your bank, your information is stored electronically. If these security measures are breached, you’ll find that someone can access this information to use or even sell it on the dark net for others to use.
Unfortunately, identity theft can impact many aspects of your life. Most commonly, this is financial. Your credit score will likely plummet as loans taken out in your name are left unpaid, which can in turn affect your ability to be approved for loans or housing. As a result, you can also suffer emotionally, as many victims of identity theft report feeling anxious and depressed.
Do I Need to Report This to the Police?
It’s important to understand you are not legally required to report identity theft to the police. However, there are several instances in which it may be in your best interest to do so. though it may not feel worth the time, you should file a report if any of the following circumstances apply to your situation:
- The creditor requires a police report for their internal investigation into the theft
- You know or believe you know who the perpetrator is
- You have sufficient evidence or information that could aid in a police investigation
- Your identity was used for criminal purposes or during an encounter with the police
In addition to filing a police report, you should connect with an experienced identity theft victim attorney. Not only can they assist in filing a civil suit against the perpetrator if you know who they are, but they can assist you in recovering and reclaiming your identity. Unfortunately, the process of disputing this can be overwhelming and frustrating, so having an experienced attorney help you with this process is critical.
At Loker Law, APC, we understand how complex these matters can be. That’s why we are committed to making this process as easy as possible for you. Connect with us today to learn how we can help.
