why would a person who stole your identity get a lawyer

Why do I need an attorney for identity theft?

Contacting an experienced identity theft attorney is an important step in complementing the government’s investigation. Our attorneys have access to experts and resources the government and police may not employ, which may dramatically increase your chances of recovering compensation. Who Can I Sue for Identity Theft?

Can a person go to jail for stealing your identity?

People stealing your identity can be sent to prison but that rarely helps the victim. In this post we will answer the question, “How do I sue for identity theft?” When a thief gets enough of your personal data, they can use it to commit a wide range of identity theft crimes.

What should I do if my identity has been stolen?

If you have had your identity stolen, contact an identity theft attorney as soon as possible. Our attorneys may be able to help to recover financial losses and remedy other injuries you have suffered as a result. To learn more about how our attorneys may be able to help you, please fill out our no cost case review form today.

Can the police determine the identity of an identity thief?

As identity theft becomes more common, determining the identity of the thief has become a challenge for police, often leaving victims without legal recourse against the thieves themselves. It is important to contact an attorney to discuss options that may be available to you if the police cannot be of assistance.

What consequences could you have if someone steals your identity?

A conviction for an identity theft crime can result in time spent in jail or prison. In general, a conviction for a misdemeanor offense can lead to up to a year in jail, while felony sentences can result in several years or more in prison.

What to do if you know who stole your identity?

File a claim with your identity theft insurance, if applicable. ... Notify companies of your stolen identity. ... File a report with the Federal Trade Commission. ... Contact your local police department. ... Place a fraud alert on your credit reports. ... Freeze your credit. ... Sign up for a credit monitoring service, if offered.More items...

Who is financially responsible for paying if your identity is stolen?

If you report your identity theft to the FTC within two business days of discovering it, you will only be liable to pay $50 of any unauthorized use of your bank and credit accounts (under federal law). The longer you leave it, the more that financial liability falls on your shoulders.

Do you ever find out who stole your identity?

If you've been the victim of identity theft, and someone has stolen your Social Security number or personal data to file taxes, open credit accounts, or make charges you didn't authorize, you can find out who committed this illegal act. There's no 100% foolproof way to catch an identity thief.

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.

Is identity theft a felony?

Identity theft of credit, money, goods, services, or other property not exceeding $300 in value is a Class 4 felony. A person who has been previously convicted of identity theft of less than $300 who is convicted of a second or subsequent offense of identity theft of less than $300 is guilty of a Class 3 felony.

How much does it cost to deal with identity theft?

Identity fraud scams cost victims $43 billion and traditional identity fraud cost victims $13 billion, according to a 2021 study by Javelin Strategy & Research. The average loss for a victim of identity theft is $1,100, according to the Javelin study.

What is the average cost of identity theft?

What is the Average Cost of Identity Theft? Most victims, according to the ITRC, lose less than $500. The FTC reports that the median amount of money lost to identity theft is $800. Unfortunately, 21% of identity victims reported losing more than $20,000 to identity thieves in 2020.

How do I check to see if someone is using my Social Security number?

If you believe someone is using your Social Security number to work, get your tax refund, or other abuses involving taxes, contact the IRS online or call 1-800-908-4490. You can order free credit reports annually from the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion).

Does FBI investigate identity theft?

As this Subcommittee is well aware, the FBI, along with other federal law enforcement agencies, investigates and prosecutes individuals who use the identities of others to carry out violations of federal criminal law.

How often 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).

How do you check if my identity is being used?

at 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338) or go to: www.identitytheft.gov/ To order a copy of your Social Security Administration earnings and benefits statement, or to check whether someone has used your Social Security number to get a job or to avoid paying taxes, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/statement/.

What is Identity Theft?

Identity theft is when someone uses your name, address, Social Security number (SSN), bank or credit card account number, or other identifying info...

How can someone steal my identity?

Identity thieves may use any number of low or high-tech methods to gain access to your personally identifying information. Common Examples of How I...

What are the consequences of identity theft?

Once identity thieves have your personal information, they may: Go on spending sprees using your credit and debit card account numbers to buy "big-...

How can I tell if I’m a victim of identity theft?

Monitor the balances of your financial accounts. Look for unexplained charges or withdrawals. Other indications of identity theft include: Failing...

How Can I Prevent Identity Theft?

To avoid becoming a victim of identity theft, there are certain preventative measures you can take. Don't give out personal information such as you...

What should I do if my identity has been stolen?

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) gives you specific rights when you are, or believe that you are, the victim of identity theft. You have the ri...