THINK YOUR IDENTITY IS SAFE? — Think Again
Identity theft is a growing threat that can wreak havoc on your finances, credit, and peace of mind
Whether it’s fraudulent credit card charges, unauthorized loans in your name, or stolen Social Security numbers, identity theft can leave lasting damage if not addressed promptly.
At R23 Law, our experienced California Identity Theft Attorneys help victims fight back against identity theft, repair their credit, and hold fraudsters accountable.
How Can You Tell If Your Identity Has Been Stolen?
There’s no single alert system that warns you when your identity has been stolen. Instead, you must remain vigilant and recognize the warning signs before the damage becomes irreversible. Here are the most common red flags:
1. Unfamiliar Activity on Your Credit Report
Your credit report is one of the first places identity theft will show up. If you see:
• New accounts or credit inquiries you don’t recognize
• Unexpected drops in your credit score
• Loans or credit cards opened in your name
• Debt collection notices for accounts you never opened
These could all indicate that someone has used your identity to apply for credit. You can request a free credit report annually from each of the three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) at AnnualCreditReport.com.
2. Receiving Bills or Debt Collection Notices for Unknown Accounts
If you start receiving bills, emails, or phone calls about debts you never incurred, you may be a victim of identity theft. Fraudsters may have used your Social Security number or personal information to take out loans, buy products, or open accounts in your name.
3. Being Denied Credit or Loans Unexpectedly
If you have good credit but are suddenly denied for a loan, credit card, or mortgage, it could mean your credit score has dropped due to fraudulent accounts or unpaid debts in your name.
4. Tax Return Rejections or Unusual IRS Notices
If you try to file your tax return and the IRS rejects it because a return has already been filed in your name, this is a major red flag that your identity has been stolen for tax fraud.
5. Unusual Bank Transactions or Withdrawals
Check your bank statements frequently. Unauthorized transactions, transfers, or withdrawals could be signs that your bank account has been compromised.
6. Losing Access to Accounts
If you suddenly cannot log into your email, social media, or bank accounts, it may be because a scammer has changed your passwords.
If you notice any of these warning signs, you must act immediately to prevent further damage.
What Should You Do If Your Identity Has Been Stolen?
Step 1: Place a Fraud Alert on Your Credit Report
If you suspect identity theft, immediately contact one of the three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion) to place a fraud alert on your credit file. This makes it harder for thieves to open new accounts in your name. You can also freeze your credit, which completely blocks access to your credit report.
Step 2: Dispute Unauthorized Transactions and Accounts
Contact your bank, creditors, or financial institutions and dispute any fraudulent charges or accounts. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), you have the right to dispute inaccurate information on your credit report and have it corrected.
Step 3: File an Identity Theft Report with the FTC
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) provides an official Identity Theft Report, which can help you dispute fraudulent activity. Visit IdentityTheft.gov to file a complaint.
Step 4: Report Identity Theft to Law Enforcement
In some cases, identity theft involves criminal activity, such as stolen Social Security numbers or fraudulent tax filings. Filing a police report can help in disputing fraudulent accounts and protecting your rights.
Step 5: Work with a Consumer Protection Attorney
Unfortunately, resolving identity theft issues on your own can be complex and frustrating. Creditors and banks often refuse to remove fraudulent debts, and disputes with credit bureaus can take months. This is where R23 Law’s Identity Theft Lawyers can help.
Don’t Let Identity Theft Destroy Your Finances — Contact R23 Law Today
If you’ve been a victim of identity theft, you don’t have to fight alone. The legal team at R23 Law is dedicated to helping identity theft victims reclaim their identities, restore their credit, and seek justice against those responsible.
🔹 FREE Consultation – Speak with a lawyer about your identity theft case.
🔹 No Upfront Fees – We don’t get paid unless we win your case.
🔹 Expert Legal Representation – Our attorneys specialize in consumer protection and credit fraud cases.
📞 Call R23 Law today or schedule a free consultation.
Protect your future. Take action now.
Don’t feel bad if you are a victim of identity theft, as this happens to someone every 2 seconds – leading to fraudulent debt, or incessant and unlawful debt collection.
PULL YOUR CREDIT REPORT
You can obtain a free copy of your credit report from each of the big three consumer reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion). Once you have your credit report, look for strange or unrecognized accounts, records, inquiries, names, birthdates, SSNs, or addresses.
REPORT IT
Immediately file a police report, and an Identity Theft Incident report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) here.
CONTACT YOUR BANK
Report the ID Theft and dispute all issues from your credit report to the companies that maintain your accounts, including you bank or credit card company. You can find their contact information on your statements, credit report, or Google.
PLACE FRAUD ALERT
You can prevent the fraudster from hurting you further by placing a fraud alert with the big three Credit Reporting Agencies (CRAs). You can do this online directly with Equifax, Experian, and Trans Union.