LOVE SHOULDN’T STEAL YOUR NAME — When Spousal Identity Theft Becomes a Legal Battle
Spousal identity theft is a growing problem in California
Learn how R23 Law’s California Consumer Protection Attorneys help victims take legal action and reclaim control over their finances.
In most marriages, sharing finances and personal information is a normal part of life. But when trust is broken, access to that information can become a weapon. If your spouse has used your identity without your consent—to open credit lines, take out loans, or drain joint accounts—you may be facing a deeply personal and legally complex form of identity theft.
At R23 Law, our California Consumer Protection Attorneys understand how emotionally and financially devastating spousal identity theft can be. We help victims across the state pursue legal remedies, protect their credit, and hold the responsible party accountable—no matter how close to home the violation hits.
Understanding Spousal Identity Theft
Spousal identity theft occurs when a current or former spouse uses your personal information without consent for their own financial gain. This can include:
Opening credit cards or loans in your name
Accessing or transferring money from your individual accounts
Using your Social Security number or tax records
Falsifying applications for housing or employment
Because of the intimate access spouses often have to your personal data, these crimes can go unnoticed for weeks or even months. Victims often find out too late—when credit scores are ruined, accounts are overdrawn, or debt collectors come knocking.
Immediate Steps to Take if Your Spouse Has Used Your Identity
If you suspect that your spouse has used your identity without your permission, taking swift action is critical. Here’s what R23 Law recommends:
1. Place a Fraud Alert or Credit Freeze
Contact one of the three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, TransUnion) and request a fraud alert or credit freeze. A fraud alert notifies creditors to verify your identity before opening new accounts. A freeze goes further by preventing access to your credit report entirely.
2. Notify Your Financial Institutions
Contact your banks and creditors to alert them to the fraud. Request that any affected accounts be frozen and future transactions blocked. If funds were transferred, your bank may be able to reverse the transactions or provide documentation for legal action.
3. Document Everything
Keep detailed records of the fraudulent activity: credit card statements, suspicious account openings, unauthorized transfers, and any communication with your spouse or financial institutions.
Legal Protections for Victims in California
California has some of the nation’s strongest consumer protection laws. Victims of domestic identity theft may pursue claims under:
The California Identity Theft Act (CITA) – which allows victims to clear their name, recover damages, and seek injunctive relief.
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) – which grants rights to dispute inaccurate credit information.
The Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act – a federal law that criminalizes the unauthorized use of another person’s identity.
At R23 Law, we help clients navigate these overlapping legal frameworks and use them strategically to maximize protection and recovery.
Long-Term Protection Strategies
After you’ve reported the fraud and stabilized your finances, you’ll want to take steps to prevent future harm:
Review all three credit reports regularly using AnnualCreditReport.com
Secure or replace sensitive documents like Social Security cards or tax returns
Change passwords and enable two-factor authentication on financial accounts
Store physical documents in a locked location or use a secure cloud-based service
Rebuilding After a Breach of Trust
Spousal identity theft is more than a financial violation—it’s a breach of trust that cuts deeply. These cases are complicated, both legally and emotionally. You don’t have to go through it alone.
R23 Law’s California Consumer Protection Attorneys have the experience, discretion, and legal insight to guide you through every step—from issuing legal notices to clearing your name and pursuing civil remedies. Our team understands the unique nuances of identity theft that occurs within marriages, separations, or divorces.
Don’t Let Someone You Trusted Destroy Your Future
At R23 Law, we believe no one should be held responsible for debts they didn’t authorize—or suffer in silence when trust is exploited. Our attorneys are fierce advocates for California consumers, and we fight to ensure your identity, credit, and financial future are protected.
📞 Schedule a confidential consultation with R23 Law’s California Consumer Protection Attorneys today.
Let us help you reclaim what’s rightfully yours.
