what kind of lawyer do i need for identity theft

by Prof. Cordia Bahringer IV 8 min read

In which case you will need to hire an experienced and competent attorney to investigate and prosecute the culprit. Our identity theft attorneys are experts at recovering stolen money and protecting the interests of their clients. Cases for this type of crime require lawyers who know the law and have extensive investigative capacity.

Full Answer

Do I need to hire a lawyer for identity theft?

An FCRA lawyer can assist you if you have fallen victim to identity theft by helping unwind the damage to your credit and obtain monetary relief for you to compensate you for the financial losses you have suffered. Post navigation. ← Previous Post.

What kind of lawyer do I need for identity theft?

Lawyers for Identity Theft Victims. The attorneys at Morgan & Morgan have experience navigating identity theft cases and work tirelessly to hold identity thieves and other parties accountable for their actions. Our attorneys have a history of success helping consumers restore their good names, reputation, and credit after their identities were stolen.

What does an identity theft attorney do?

Feb 14, 2021 ¡ An identity theft lawyer is a legal professional who possesses specific knowledge of identity theft laws and circumstances surrounding these crimes. Identify theft cases can be complicated since they involve the justice system, financial institutions, and other attorneys.

What to do if you are accused of identity theft?

Identity theft is a crime that occurs when someone obtains another person’s private information in a wrongful manner through fraud or deception, usually so that the perpetrator can achieve economic gain. When identity theft occurs, there are two main parties who may wish to seek legal counsel: defendants and victims.

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How much does it cost to resolve identity theft?

Compare the Best Identity Theft Protection ServicesCompanyMonthly Cost#1 (tie)Identity Guard » 4.1 out of 5$29.99 $23.99#3IDShield » 4 out of 5$17.95#4 (tie)IdentityIQ » 3.8 out of 5$29.99#4 (tie)LifeLock » 3.8 out of 5$34.992 more rows•Mar 2, 2022

What are the 3 types of identity theft?

The three most common types of identity theft are financial, medical and online. Learn how you can prevent them and what to do if they happen to you.

What to do when you find out who stole your identity?

Report Identity Theft. Report identity (ID) theft to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) online at IdentityTheft.gov or by phone at 1-877-438-4338. The FTC will collect the details of your situation.Dec 14, 2021

What are four types of identity theft crimes?

The four types of identity theft include medical, criminal, financial and child identity theft.

How do most cases of identity theft begin?

Highlights: There are a number of ways identity thieves may obtain your personal information. Fraudsters may dig through mail or trash in search of credit card or bank statements. Unsecured web sites or public Wi-Fi may allow identity thieves to access your information electronically.

What are the most common things stolen during identity theft?

Identity theft begins when someone takes your personally identifiable information such as your name, Social Security Number, date of birth, your mother's maiden name, and your address to use it, without your knowledge or permission, for their personal financial gain.

Do police Investigate identity theft?

There is an expectation that the police will investigate and prosecute identity thieves. However in all reality, these types of issues are rarely investigated by the police. The report is filed and documented - and then no further action is taken. This most likely do to a variety of issues.

Do identity thieves get caught?

Are identity thieves ever caught? Identity theft statistics for 2020 are not available yet; however, 2006 research showed that federal authorities arrest only 0.14% of the criminals (one person in 700 identity theft suspects). In contrast, nearly 45% of violent crime and 16% of property crime suspects were arrested.

What consequences can victims of identity theft face?

Damaged credit: If an identity thief steals your Social Security number (SSN), opens new accounts in your name and never pays, it could ruin your credit history. Not only can this impact your ability to get credit, but it can also hurt your job prospects and increase your auto and homeowners insurance premiums.Jul 23, 2019

What are the 5 most common types of identity theft?

5 types of identity theftFinancial identity theft.Medical identity theft.Criminal identity theft.Synthetic identity theft.Child identity theft.Dec 20, 2021

Can someone use your Social Security number with a different name?

A dishonest person who has your Social Security number can use it to get other personal information about you. Identity thieves can use your number and your good credit to apply for more credit in your name. Then, when they use the credit cards and don't pay the bills, it damages your credit.

How do you check if SSN has been stolen?

To see if your Social Security number is being used by someone else for employment purposes, review your Social Security Statement at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount to look for suspicious activity. Finally, you'll want to use additional scrutiny by regularly checking your bank and credit card accounts online.Sep 22, 2017

What is identity theft?

Identity Theft Defined. Identity theft is a crime in the United States. Identity theft typically involves someone using or taking another’s personal information for deception or economic benefit. It can occur in many ways, including online and offline methods.

What are some examples of identity theft?

Identity theft examples of who needs a lawyer may include: 1 Someone stole your wallet or purse to steal your identity 2 Your detractor found your information by dumpster diving 3 Someone stole your mail or redirected it to another address 4 You gave money to a person over the phone, and the company in question does not have a record of the transaction 5 You cannot get a loan or a job due to false information that you can’t resolve on your own

How does identity theft affect victims?

The impact of identity theft can severely harm victims and may be challenging to prove. A victim can erroneously end up with a criminal background or experience financial consequences. It is essential to protect your personal information and data to avoid identity theft.

How much does a data breach cost?

Identity theft statistics for data breaches estimate that a data breach’s average cost is $3.86 million.

What is a phone scam?

Scammers may offer an extended warranty, free vacation, or ask you to install software while appearing to be communicating on behalf of a reputable source.

What is mail theft?

Mail theft occurs when someone steals your mail to gain information about you or obtain money. They may use your personal data to engage in many crimes or in hopes of cashing checks.

What happens if someone steals your wallet?

Someone stole your mail or redirected it to another address. You gave money to a person over the phone, and the company in question does not have a record of the transaction.

What is identity theft?

Identity theft is a crime that occurs when someone obtains another person’s private information in a wrongful manner through fraud or deception, usually so that the perpetrator can achieve economic gain.

How does the state represent identity theft victims?

When a person is a victim of a crime, the state represents his or her interests by pursuing criminal charges with the help of the county prosecutor or the US attorney. However, an identity theft victim may choose to retain counsel to help with a civil lawsuit against the defendant in case the state chose not to press charges or if the victim wants to pursue a case civilly. Additionally, a person may wish to retain an attorney to help with the process of correcting his or her credit information or the consequences of the illegal acts . An attorney may assist victims in the following ways:

How does identity theft occur?

One common cause is by retrieving discarded pre-approval notices for credit and submitting this information unbeknownst to the recipient of this communication. Identity theft may involve other crimes, such as mail fraud in which a perpetrator intercepts mail and redirects it to another location in order to use private information. Identity theft may also occur electronically when a perpetrator retrieves the victim’s credit information or infects the computer he or she is using by getting the victim to open up spam mail.

Why do attorneys write subpoenas?

An attorney may prepare a letter or subpoena in order to acquire certain records from creditors and other agencies to assist in criminal prosecution or in support of a civil suit. This information can sometimes lead investigators to the perpetrator. For example, credit applications may contain the culprit’s physical address or telephone number.

What an Identity Theft lawyer can do for you

An identity theft attorney will work to hold the thief responsible, recover financial losses, and repair damages you have experienced as a result. If someone is using your name to open accounts and make purchases, you may need a consumers’ rights attorney.

Why hire an Identity theft attorney

When someone else uses your name without your consent, you are the victim of identity theft and may benefit from the services of an identity theft attorney.

Did you know?

The No. 1 cause of identity fraud is not from online identity theft, but from the old-fashioned burglary of your wallet, purse, and other personal identification. If you suspect someone has stolen your identity, contact an identity theft attorney.

What to do if you think you are a victim of identity theft?

If you think you may be a victim of identity theft, you should retain an identity theft attorney to help restore your stolen identity. Dealing with identity theft on your own can become overwhelming. An attorney who is specialized in consumer protection law will be able to make this difficult process less stressful for you.

How to recover identity theft?

If you think you may be a victim of identity theft, you should retain an identity theft attorney to help restore your stolen identity. Dealing with identity theft on your own can become overwhelming. An attorney who is specialized in consumer protection law will be able to make this difficult process less stressful for you.#N#Some of the ways an identity theft attorney may be able to help you include: 1 Contacting uncooperative creditors, credit bureaus, or debt collectors and dealing with them directly 2 Determining the appropriate legal action to take against uncooperative creditors, credit bureaus, and debt collectors 3 Helping you remove fraudulent information from your credit report 4 Providing their legal expertise when handling difficult identity theft issues for you 5 Offering their legal background and experience to easily navigate through the confusing legal system 6 Staying up to date with current consumer protection laws that may affect the outcome of your case 7 Helping you protect your valuable financial information 8 Helping you get your finances in order 9 Explaining your legal options

Is identity theft a risk?

When your identity is on the line, you should not take any risks. Identity theft is dangerous and needs to be penalized strictly. Contact an identity theft attorney in your area today.

What is financial identity theft?

Financial identity theft. The victim’s identifying information is used to steal money, property, services, or obtain credit. Criminal identity theft. By using someone else’s identity at the time of arrest after committing a crime. Theft of commercial identity.

What is identity theft in California?

The crime of identity theft is criminalized in California Penal Code Section 530.5 . It consists of committing fraud using the identification of another person to commit a crime. Identity theft can be carried out through different modalities such as burglary , theft or robbery .

What happens when someone steals your name?

People who are victims of identity theft are often subjected to public scorn. Their credibility and reputation may be compromised when their good name is usurped by an identity thief. In addition to financial losses and other damages that may be suffered as a consequence of the crime.

How long is a misdemeanor in California?

Felony: From 16 months to two or three years in a state prison and / or a fine of up to $ 10,000.

How long can you go to jail for identity theft?

On the other hand, under federal law, a person charged with identity theft may face: Between 5, 15, 20 and 30 years in a federal prison and; Additional sanctions such as: Community service and probation; Job loss; Return of property (money, property and others) stolen from the victim.

Can you send a copy of a crime report to the credit bureaus?

After reporting the crime to the local police, you can send a copy of the report to the credit bureaus. California law allows this procedure, so that the victim is protected from subsequent debts charged to him/her.

What is the Identity Cards Act?

Identity Cards Act. While the Identity Cards Act 2006 permits the collection of personal information without consent for reasons of justice, it also creates specific identity theft crimes relating to ID cards (such as driving licenses and passports).

What is the Fraud Act?

Finally, the Fraud Act 2006 directly targets modern methods of identity theft by making online “phishing” for and “pharming” of personal information illegal. Phishing involves acquiring virtual personal details by hacking online databases while pharming aims to obtain personal information by assuming the identity ...

What is the data protection act?

Furthermore, the Data Protection Act of 1998 states that private information such as a person’s ethnic identity, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, financial, health or family records can only be divulged in very limited circumstances.

Is the theft act still relevant?

The Theft Act 1968 is still relevant when it comes to prosecuting identity thieves as it creates the offence of illegally using another’s identity or manipulating information for the purpose of stealing goods, property or money.

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