CREDIT IDENTITY THEFT — Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Credit identity theft can damage your finances and reputation.
Learn how to prevent it—and how R23 Law’s California Consumer Protection Attorneys can defend your rights if you become a victim.
Credit identity theft isn’t just a risk—it’s a rising reality for millions of Americans. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), over 1.4 million reports of identity theft were filed in 2020 alone. San Diego residents are not immune, and California ranks among the highest in reported identity theft nationwide.
When someone opens a credit card, loan, or rental agreement in your name, the consequences can be devastating. At R23 Law, our California Consumer Protection Attorneys help victims of credit identity theft not only recover—but protect their rights going forward.
What Is Credit Identity Theft?
Credit identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information—such as your Social Security number, name, or credit card number—to:
Open fraudulent credit cards
Take out unauthorized loans
Rent property or even apply for jobs in your name
Thieves may steal this data by:
Hacking your devices
Phishing through fake emails or websites
Stealing physical documents or mail
Digging through trash for discarded statements
Once your information is compromised, criminals can quickly rack up debt, damage your credit, and leave you to prove the fraud wasn’t your fault.
The Real-World Consequences of Credit Identity Theft
1. Damaged Credit Scores
Even one fraudulent account can lead to missed payments, maxed-out credit lines, and a plummeting score. Collections related to identity theft can remain on your report for up to seven years if not addressed.
2. Loan Denials and Higher Interest Rates
Low credit scores caused by identity theft can result in:
Rejected mortgage or loan applications
Higher interest rates
Larger security deposits
Trouble qualifying for jobs or apartments
3. Legal Trouble
If someone uses your identity to write bad checks, commit fraud, or even commit a crime, you could be investigated. Victims may need to hire attorneys, attend court hearings, and provide extensive documentation to clear their names.
The Hidden Costs: Time and Money
Credit identity theft is not just disruptive—it’s expensive. Victims often spend:
Dozens of hours disputing fraudulent accounts
Fees on credit monitoring and replacement documents
Lost income from time taken off work
Legal expenses to defend against unjust charges
Some recoveries take months—or even years—to resolve.
How to Prevent Credit Identity Theft
R23 Law’s California Consumer Protection Attorneys recommend these essential steps to minimize your risk:
1. Monitor Your Credit
You're entitled to a free credit report from each bureau (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) once per year at AnnualCreditReport.com. Review reports for errors, unfamiliar accounts, or suspicious activity.
2. Use Strong and Unique Passwords
Avoid using easily guessable passwords like birthdays or pet names. Use a combination of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols. Never reuse passwords across financial accounts.
3. Protect Personal Information
Never share your Social Security number via email or text
Avoid clicking on suspicious links or attachments
Shred sensitive documents before discarding them
4. Use Credit Monitoring Services
Services can alert you to new account openings, hard inquiries, or suspicious activity in real-time.
5. Freeze Your Credit
A credit freeze prevents new accounts from being opened in your name. It’s free to place a freeze with all three major credit bureaus and can be especially helpful if you’ve already been a victim.
6. Be Cautious on Public Wi-Fi
Use a VPN when accessing sensitive information in public places to prevent interception of your data.
7. Stay Informed
Track the latest identity theft scams by visiting trusted sources like the FTC or your local district attorney’s office.
What to Do if You’re a Victim of Identity Theft
If your credit has already been compromised, take these immediate steps:
File a police report
Contact the credit bureaus to place a fraud alert or freeze
Dispute fraudulent items with the bureaus and creditors
Retain an attorney who focuses on identity theft law
Why Work With R23 Law’s California Consumer Protection Attorneys
Identity theft can have ripple effects on your financial future, legal standing, and peace of mind. Our attorneys specialize in consumer protection cases and know how to:
Resolve disputes with credit bureaus and creditors
Remove fraudulent accounts from your credit report
Protect your rights during any legal investigations
Pursue compensation when institutions fail to secure your data
We don’t just restore credit—we restore confidence.
Take Control Before Someone Else Does
Identity theft is a growing threat, but with proactive legal support, you can protect yourself—and respond swiftly if it happens. If you’re a victim or want to prepare a legal defense plan, contact R23 Law’s California Consumer Protection Attorneys for a free consultation.
Let’s protect your credit, your rights, and your future.
