When you use your credit card online or input your personal information into sites, it’s essential to understand that these actions put you at risk of identity theft. Unfortunately, even websites that claim to be secure can be prone to data breaches, putting your information in the hands of thieves, and subsequently ruining your credit. If your identity has been compromised, it’s important to know how to proceed. The following blog explores how you can recover from identity theft with the assistance of a California identity theft victim lawyer.
What Can I Do to Recover From Identity Theft?
When you notice accounts you never opened on your credit report, it’s vital to act fast. The first thing you must do is place a fraud alert on your identity. This prevents the thief from using your information to open more accounts in your name, as lenders must contact you directly to verify that you want to open the account before proceeding.
Next, you’ll need to contact the creditors involved in the fraud to inform them of the fraudulent accounts. For example, if you notice an auto loan on your credit report you did not authorize, you can ask them to close the account since it is not yours.
Once you’ve contacted the lenders, you’ll need to file a report with the government about your identity theft. This is an essential step, as this report can help when you dispute the fraud with the three agencies.
Finally, you must contact the bureaus to inform them of the theft and dispute any fraudulent accounts on your report. You’ll need to include a detailed description of the fraud, and including the report you filed with the government can help.
How Can a Lawyer Help Me?
Generally, lenders and reporting agencies have a time frame in which they must respond to disputes. If these entities do not respond or fail to remedy the error, it’s crucial to enlist the assistance of a lawyer. Your credit determines what loans you can take out, where you can live, and even what jobs you can work. As such repairing your credit after your identity has been compromised is essential.
As a consumer, the Fair Credit Reporting Act grants you the right to have fraudulent and inaccurate accounts removed from your account, in addition to hard inquiries that are associated with them. In the event the bureau doesn’t comply, they can be found in violation of this act.
If you’re ready to recover from identity theft, Loker Law can help. Our dedicated legal team has the experience necessary to help you navigate this complex legal matter. Contact us today to learn how we can help you regain control of your finances after your identity has been compromised.
