CATCH IDENTITY THEFT EARLY — ID Theft Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore
In a city as fast-paced and digitally connected as Los Angeles, identity theft can strike without warning. Many victims don’t realize their personal information has been compromised until they’re denied a loan or notice their credit score has plunged. However, in reality, identity theft often displays early warning signs—if you know what to look for.
At R23 Law, we believe that early detection is better than litigation. While catching identity theft early might mean fewer lawsuits for us, it means fewer financial losses, headaches, and legal battles for you—and that’s the kind of reputation we want to uphold.
Common Signs Your Identity May Have Been Stolen
Watch out for these red flags:
Unfamiliar accounts or hard inquiries on your credit report
If you see accounts or credit applications you don’t recognize, someone may be using your identity.
👉 How to Read Your Credit Report (Blog)Loan application denied or unusually high interest rates
Even with good credit, being denied or quoted a much higher interest rate can indicate negative or incorrect items on your credit file.
👉 Your Legal Liability After ID Theft (Blog)Bills or collection notices for accounts you never opened
These may include medical bills, phone contracts, or credit cards that you never intended to apply for.Strange activity reported by your bank or the IRS
For example, someone files a tax return using your Social Security number, or your bank alerts you to suspicious login attempts.
👉FTC Official Guide: IdentityTheft.gov
👉Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) on ID Theft
👉California Department of Justice: Consumer Credit Info
How to Monitor and Protect Yourself
Use AnnualCreditReport.com to check your reports (weekly access is free)
Turn on text/email alerts for your bank and credit cards
Be cautious with unfamiliar phone calls, emails, or messages
Don’t give out personal info like your SSN or birthdate unless necessary
If you get denied credit, check your report immediately—something might be wrong
Is Checking Your Credit Report Monthly Worth It?
Absolutely. And here’s the good news:
You can now check your credit reports weekly for free through AnnualCreditReport.com, thanks to a federal policy extension through December 2026. This includes reports from all three major bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
We recommend reviewing your report at least once a month to catch errors or suspicious activity early.
🎥 Watch our step-by-step video tutorial on how to pull your free credit report: 👉How to Get Your Credit Report (Video)
How R23 Law Can Help
R23 Law’s Consumer Protection Attorneys have helped countless Californians:
Investigate credit report fraud
Submit formal disputes to credit agencies
Contact creditors and collectors on your behalf
File lawsuits to remove incorrect records and recover damages
We offer free initial consultations and support in English or Chinese
👉What to Do After Identity Theft (Blog)
Contact R23 Law — Stop the Damage Before It Starts
📞 TollFree: 1 (888) 533-2948
📞 SoCal Office: (310) 598-1588
📞 NorCal Office: (415) 558-0227
📧 Email: info@R23Law.com
At R23 Law, we don’t just fight in court—we help you stay out of court by catching identity theft before it gets serious. That’s what real protection looks like.
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