Identity Theft

Identity theft is a serious and increasingly common crime in the United States. From unauthorized credit card charges to fraudulent loans opened in your name, identity theft can wreak havoc on your finances, credit score, and peace of mind. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), millions of Americans fall victim to identity theft each year—and recovering from it can be complex and stressful.

At Lforlaw.com, we connect consumers with experienced attorneys who specialize in identity theft and consumer protection law. Whether your identity was stolen by a cybercriminal, through a data breach, or by someone you know, we help you assert your rights and regain control of your financial and personal information.

What Is Identity Theft?

Identity theft occurs when someone wrongfully obtains and uses another person’s personal data—such as name, Social Security number, credit card information, or bank account details—without permission, typically for economic gain.

Common forms include:

Credit card fraud
Loan or mortgage fraud
Tax identity theft
Medical identity theft
Government benefits fraud
Criminal identity theft (using your identity during arrest)

Even small infractions, like someone opening a utility account using your name, can lead to damaging consequences.

Warning Signs of Identity Theft

You may be a victim of identity theft if you notice:

Unauthorized charges on your credit cards or bank statements
New accounts or inquiries you didn’t initiate
Debt collectors calling about unknown debts
A sudden drop in your credit score
Tax return rejections or discrepancies with the IRS
Notifications about data breaches from companies you do business with
Early detection is key. If you suspect identity theft, it’s crucial to act immediately to minimize damage.

Federal and State Legal Protections

Several federal laws protect consumers from identity theft, including:

• Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)

Gives you the right to:

Dispute inaccurate information on your credit report
Place a fraud alert or credit freeze on your credit file

• Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA)

Allows you to:

Dispute unauthorized credit card charges
Limit your liability to $50 (or $0 if reported promptly)

• Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act

Classifies identity theft as a federal crime punishable by fines and prison.

• State Laws

Most U.S. states have enacted additional consumer protection laws that allow victims to sue for damages, attorneys’ fees, and injunctive relief against companies or individuals that failed to safeguard personal information.

What To Do If You’re a Victim

Place a Fraud Alert
Contact one of the three credit bureaus—Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion. They must notify the other two.
Obtain Your Credit Reports
Review all three for unauthorized accounts or errors.
Report to the FTC
File a report at IdentityTheft.gov. You’ll receive a recovery plan and documentation to use with creditors and law enforcement.
File a Police Report
Necessary for certain legal proceedings and to prove fraud occurred.
Dispute Unauthorized Accounts or Charges
Write to banks, lenders, or service providers. Provide a copy of your FTC report and police report.
Monitor and Repair Your Credit
Ongoing monitoring is essential. You may also need legal help to remove incorrect information and stop further damage.

When to Hire an Attorney

While many identity theft victims try to resolve the issue themselves, legal help becomes critical when:

Credit bureaus refuse to correct inaccurate information
You face collection attempts or lawsuits over fraudulent debts
Your bank, employer, or data holder failed to protect your information
You suffer financial harm or emotional distress due to negligence or willful misconduct

An attorney can help you file disputes, take legal action against negligent parties, and guide you through the complex process of clearing your name.