One of the most terrifying financial experiences you might find yourself facing is identity theft. Perhaps you have applied for a loan and been rejected. Or perhaps you checked your online banking and noticed unauthorized transactions. Or maybe you received a communication about a credit card that you did not apply for. Whatever the case, identity theft can be a debilitating experience that leaves people feeling violated and paranoid.
Luckily, our Huntington Beach identity theft lawyers know how to help. At Loker Law, we have a proven track record of experience helping our clients reclaim their identity and their money, as well as additional compensation in many cases. We have helped clients earn settlements in excess of $100,000, and we believe our experience can be beneficial no matter the identity theft circumstances you are facing. Reach out to schedule a free initial consultation and learn how we can help keep you protected.
The Steps To Take If Your Identity Is Stolen
If you have recently learned that your identity was stolen, you may feel panicked and don’t know where to start. First thing’s first – take a deep breath. Next, complete these steps:
- First, contact the fraud departments of Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, the three major credit bureaus, and alert them that your identity has been stolen. Contacting them will allow them to place a hold on your report alerting creditors that no one should be able to take out loans or credit cards in your name.
- Report the identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and fill out a report that will allow you to start a paper trail. This report is important, so keep multiple copies.
- The police also need to be alerted about the identity theft. Their report will help you continue your paper trail, so be sure to obtain a copy.
- Contact your credit card company. Our Huntington Beach identity theft lawyers can help you with this step to potentially get back money that was stolen from your accounts (we can also help you with the steps above and below!). You can also try to have debts removed from your file. The reports from police and the FTC will be useful for this step, because you want to do what you can to convince them you are not a scammer.
- Document everything as extensively as possible. If there continues to be suspicious activity concerning your money and credit, combat it and document it. Having as much evidence as possible on your side ensures that companies understand you are not illegally trying to disavow legitimate debt.
How Our Huntington Beach Identity Theft Lawyers Can Help
When you are trying to fight off identity theft, working with an attorney means that you have the force of the law on your side. It also helps to have someone who understands identity theft law so that you can understand your options and the appropriate steps to take. Our identity theft lawyers can assist you with:
- Navigating the legal process, which can often be confusing. There are many little details when it comes to law, so we can help ensure you do not overlook anything important.
- Going after identity thieves and pursuing damages, so that you can recover your finances and bring the perpetrators to justice.
- Repairing any damage to your credit report and continuing to monitor your report after everything is settled.
Loker Law Can Help You Fight Identity Theft
At Loker Law, we want to help you protect yourself from anyone who wants to take advantage of you financially. It can be hard to repair credit and recoup valuables, so we believe that you should have the best possible representation when you are being faced with debts and faults you did not incur. Reach out for a free consultation to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
How was my identity stolen?
People commit identity theft through avenues such as phishing, mail theft, form jacking, card skimming, and many more methods. There are many ways that identity theft occurs in our technology-saturated world, so it is important to stay vigilant.
What are some signs my identity has been stolen?
There are many warning signs that point to identity theft. New accounts, debts, credit cards, and loans that you did not authorize are tell-tale signs. For verification, you can check your credit report to be certain, and if there is any sign of fraudulent activity, you need to reach out to us.
What should I monitor after my identity has been stolen?
Whether or not your identity has been stolen, you always want to closely monitor your credit report, as well as your financial information like credit card and banking accounts. You can also set up purchase alerts so you can be immediately informed of fraudulent purchases.
