STATIONED ABROAD, TARGETED AT HOME — How Identity Thieves Exploit Servicemembers
Serving your country shouldn’t come with the hidden cost of financial ruin
Yet for thousands of active duty servicemembers, credit identity theft is an all-too-common threat—and the consequences can follow them long after deployment ends.
At R23 Law, our California Consumer Protection Attorneys fight to protect the financial futures of those who protect ours. If you’ve been targeted by identity thieves, we’ll help you restore your credit, stop debt collection harassment, and take legal action when necessary.
Military Service and Identity Theft: Why Servicemembers Are High-Risk
According to a report from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), servicemembers report identity theft at twice the rate of the general population. Why? Because deployments, frequent address changes, and less access to real-time financial alerts make them prime targets for fraud.
Thieves exploit military personnel knowing they may be less able to monitor their credit files or respond quickly to suspicious activity.
Steps Servicemembers Can Take to Protect Their Identity
Even while deployed, servicemembers have tools to protect themselves. Here’s what R23 Law recommends to reduce risk and limit damage:
Place an Active Duty Alert on Your Credit File
All three major credit bureaus—Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax—offer free Active Duty Alerts. These alerts:
Notify creditors you are serving
Require verification before accounts are opened
Stay active for 12 months
You can place the alert by contacting any one of the bureaus.
Monitor and Review Credit Reports
Request your free annual credit reports and review them for unauthorized accounts or activity. This can be done online—even from overseas.
Secure Personal Documents
While deployed, be cautious about what you leave behind or share.
Shred sensitive records
Avoid using shared computers for financial access
Never give out your SSN unless absolutely necessary
Use strong, unique passwords for online accounts
If You’ve Been Targeted: What R23 Law Can Do for You
Fraudulent accounts. Debt collection calls. Ruined credit. If you’re facing the aftermath of identity theft while serving or after coming home, you don’t have to fix this alone.
R23 Law’s California Consumer Protection Attorneys help service members:
Dispute and remove fraudulent credit entries
Stop harassing debt collectors
Sue credit bureaus or creditors for failing to act on reported fraud
Recover compensation for damages, emotional distress, and financial harm
We understand the unique challenges faced by military personnel and their families—and we fight relentlessly to protect your rights.
🇺🇸 We Protect the Protectors
If identity theft has impacted your military career or financial stability, R23 Law is ready to fight back on your behalf. We work on a no-win, no-fee basis. You serve our country—we serve your interests.
