When you and your spouse get married, you may feel like nothing is too personal to share. After all, you have legally tied your life to theirs, so you may not think twice before sharing sensitive information. However, you may be devastated to learn that your spouse is responsible for stealing your identity. As such, understanding your legal options and how to prevent identity theft in the future is critical. If this reflects your circumstances, the following blog and a California domestic identity theft lawyer can help you fight to reclaim your identity.
What Should I Do if I Find That My Spouse Stole My Identity?
When you discover that your identity has been compromised, it can be incredibly upsetting. However, when you find that your spouse is the perpetrator, you may feel betrayed and heartbroken by their actions. Regardless, it’s important to stay focused and take the necessary steps to mitigate damages and prevent further issues from arising as a result of this theft.
Generally, the first thing you should do if you discover that your spouse has compromised your identity is to alert the credit reporting agencies and request a fraud alert or credit freeze be placed on your account. A fraud alert will alert any creditors looking to open an account in your name to verify your identity first, while a freeze will prevent anyone from accessing your credit report. Which option is right for you will depend on your unique circumstances.
Next, you should contact any creditors or financial institutions that may have been impacted by the theft. For example, if your spouse tried to make a large purchase using the credit card they opened in your name, you can contact the company to explain your circumstances. They may be able to assist in reversing the purchase and closing the account.
How Can I Prevent Identity Theft in the Future?
As a result of this egregious violation of trust by the person you trust the most, it’s normal to wonder what steps you can take in the future to prevent further instances of identity theft. Generally, the first thing you should do is store your documents in a secure location. Unlike hackers who need special skills and technology to infiltrate your devices, your spouse can look at your mail and get the details they need. As such, investing in a secure lockbox to store sensitive details is critical. Additionally, you should shred any documents you don’t need.
Identity theft can be incredibly complex, and navigating the aftermath is often overwhelming. If you are a victim, it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced attorney who can help guide you through disputing the inclusion of this information on your credit report and reclaiming your identity. At Loker Law, we understand how frustrating these issues can be. Connect with us today to learn how our firm will fight for you.
