Get Affordable Legal Help With Identity Theft.

Identity Theft

Identity theft is a form of fraud in which someone pretends to be someone else by assuming that person's identity. Typically the goal is to access resources or obtain credit and other benefits in that person's name. The victims of identity theft can be individual or organizations, and the consequences of identity theft can be far-reaching. Americans think nothing of writing their name, phone number or social security number on any form, but it's an open invitation to an identity thief.

Types of Identity Theft

There are several types of identity theft:

• business/commercial identity theft (using another's business name to obtain credit)
• criminal identity theft (posing as another person when apprehended for a crime)
• financial identity theft (using another's identity to obtain credit, goods and services)
• identity cloning (using another's information to assume his or her identity in daily life)
• medical identity theft (using another's identity to obtain medical care or drugs)

Identity theft may be used to facilitate or fund other crimes including illegal immigration, terrorism, and espionage. There are cases of identity cloning to attack payment systems, including online credit card processing and medical insurance.

Identity thieves occasionally impersonate others for non-financial reasons—for instance, to receive praise or attention for the victim's achievements

Consequences of Identity Theft

Thieves can steal your name, address, bank or credit card number, and Social Security number to commit fraud or other crimes. Identity theft victims can have their credit ruined, their bank accounts drained and their retirement benefits stolen. If your credit is destroyed, you might not be able to get a new job, a loan, a car, or a house. You could even be arrested for crimes you didn't commit. If you have been a victim of identity theft, it's important to contact an lawyer who can help you get your identity and your life back.

How Does Identity Theft Happen?

Thieves can steal information from your employer, or by rummaging through your trash. Some more sophisticated methods include posing as a landlord or employer to get a copy of your credit report, or stealing credit and debit card numbers as your card is being processed.

Sometimes an identity thief can strike even if you've been very careful about keeping your personal information to yourself. If you suspect that your personal information has been hijacked and misappropriated to commit fraud or theft, take action immediately, and keep a record of your conversations and correspondence.

What to do if you are a victim of Identity Theft

Exactly which steps you should take to protect yourself depends on your circumstances and how your identity has been misused. However, three basic actions are appropriate in almost every case.

1. Contact the fraud departments of each of the three major credit bureaus.

Tell them that you're an identity theft victim. Request that a "fraud alert" be placed in your file, as well as a victim's statement asking that creditors call you before opening any new accounts or changing your existing accounts. This can help prevent an identity thief from opening additional accounts in your name.

At the same time, order copies of your credit reports from the credit bureaus. Credit bureaus must give you a free copy of your report if your report is inaccurate because of fraud, and you request it in writing. Review your reports carefully to make sure no additional fraudulent accounts have been opened in your name or unauthorized changes made to your existing accounts. Also, check the section of your report that lists "inquiries." Where "inquiries" appear from the company(ies) that opened the fraudulent account(s), request that these "inquiries" be removed from your report. In a few months, order new copies of your reports to verify your corrections and changes, and to make sure no new fraudulent activity has occurred.

2. Contact the creditors for any accounts that have been tampered with or opened fraudulently.

Creditors can include credit card companies, phone companies and other utilities, and banks and other lenders. Ask to speak with someone in the security or fraud department of each creditor, and follow up with a letter. It's particularly important to notify credit card companies in writing because that's the consumer protection procedure the law spells out for resolving errors on credit card billing statements. Immediately close accounts that have been tampered with and open new ones with new Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) and passwords.

3. File a report with your local police or the police in the community where the identity theft took place.

Get a copy of the police report in case the bank, credit card company or others need proof of the crime. Even if the police can't catch the identity thief in your case, having a copy of the police report can help you when dealing with creditors.

4. Contact an experienced lawyer to represent your interests until your money has been recovered, your credit has been restored, and you have your identity back.