Domestic identity fraud occurs when a partner, spouse, or someone in your household uses your personal financial information without your consent. This can include using your credit card, writing false checks, or using your Social Security number. If you believe your domestic partner has spent your money without your permission, continue to read on, then reach out to our experienced California domestic identity theft lawyer to discuss the details of your case and your legal options. Our firm is committed to ensuring you and your financial future are protected.
What Is Domestic Identity Theft?
Domestic identity fraud is a form of identity theft in which a spouse, domestic partner, or someone else close to you uses your personal information or financial details without your consent. Unlike more traditional identity theft, which is often committed by strangers, domestic identity theft can occur as the individual has close access to your financial accounts, mail, and other identifying information. In California, victims of identity theft may have rights under both California and federal identity theft laws, depending on the circumstances of the fraud and resulting financial harm.
An estimated 6 million Americans are impacted by identity theft on an annual basis, which makes it one of the most common crimes to date. Unfortunately, the last thing you may anticipate is to learn that your spouse is the suspect responsible for your financial harm.
Unfortunately, this type of identity theft can have serious impacts on your finances, including your credit score, debt obligations, and financial stability.
Common Forms of Domestic Identity Theft
- Opening credit cards and accounts in your name
- Changing passwords on your financial accounts
- Hiding bills or financial statements
- Taking out loans using your name or your Social Security number
- Forging your signature on financial documents
- Filing fraudulent tax returns using your information
Why Domestic Identity Theft Is Difficult to Detect
Unfortunately, due to the sensitive nature of domestic identity theft, many victims do not realize they are a victim of fraud, as the individual close to them, whether it be their spouse or partner, already has access to their information. As such, the victim may only learn about the theft after:
- Being denied credit
- Receiving debt collection calls
- Discovering an unfamiliar account in your name
- Experiencing a sudden, unexpected drop in credit
Am I a Victim of Domestic Identity Theft in San Luis Obispo County?
Victims of domestic identity theft in San Luis Obispo County and throughout California may face issues involving fraudulent credit accounts, collection harassment, or inaccurate credit reporting. Because fraud often overlaps with consumer protection and reporting issues, reporting suspicious activity as soon as possible is critical to protecting your financial future.
Identity theft and identity fraud are words used to refer to all kinds of crimes in which an individual wrongfully acquires and uses another person’s personal data in some way, including fraud or deception, typically for economic gain.
To begin, according to state law, there is no true difference between whether your significant other is a spouse or a domestic partner. Any unauthorized use of your money or credit cards is unlawful. It may even be deemed a type of domestic financial abuse.
If you believe that your spouse or partner has stolen your identity, it is recommended that you not confront him or her. Instead, you should order copies of your credit reports from:
- Experian
- TransUnion
- Equifax
You should then document suspicious activity and consider filing a police report using the information obtained in your credit report.
Warning Signs of Domestic Identity Theft
- Unfamiliar credit cards or loans in your name
- Collection notices for debts that you didn’t take out
- Unexpected declines in your credit score
- Missing financial statements or mail
- Calls from debt collection agencies regarding debt you don’t recognize
- Tax filing issues with duplicate returns
- Notices of account changes you did not authorize
What You Should Do if You Suspect Identity Fraud?
In the event you suspect that you are a victim of domestic identity fraud, taking immediate action can help minimize and reduce the risk of financial harm. As such, you should:
- Immediately review your credit reports with each of the major reporting agencies
- Freeze your credit report or place a fraud alert on your accounts
- Save screenshots, bank statements, emails, and transaction alerts
- Change passwords for banking records and financial accounts
- Set up two-factor authentication on accounts when possible
- File a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
- Contact a California identity theft attorney about your legal options
What Are the Different Types of Domestic Identity Theft?
In addition to using your money or credit card without your consent, the following includes domestic identity fraud and is often considered a form of financial abuse:
- Engaging in significant unauthorized financial transactions
- Stealing your Social Security number
- Hiding certain assets
- Hiding unpaid bills
- Using your personal information to stalk or harass you
- Forcing you to open up a credit card account, then maxing out said account, and destroying your credit
In the event that your spouse or domestic partner has put you through any of the above circumstances, it is in your best interest to reach out to a dedicated California consumer law attorney who can help you obtain any further evidence. Our legal team is equipped with the knowledge and experience required to ensure you and your legal rights are protected
Additional Forms of Domestic Financial Abuse
- Restricting access to your financial accounts
- Monitoring your spending without consent
- Coercing you into signing financial agreements
- Preventing you from accessing your financial records
- Using shared accounts to garner more debt in your name
Contact a California Consumer Defense Lawyer
If you are facing any sort of consumer-related issue, such as one involving identity theft, a credit report dispute, or you need a debt collection defense attorney to fight for you, our firm is ready to help. Contact Loker Law, APC today to schedule your initial consultation with our experienced legal team.
