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Consumer Protection Identity Theft


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Frequently Asked Questions about Identity Theft

Q: What is identity theft?

A: Identity theft, also known as identity fraud, is the misappropriation and use of a person’s private data for improper purposes. Typical data stolen and used in identity theft includes Social Security numbers (SSNs), drivers license numbers, passports, taxpayer ID numbers, account numbers, PIN numbers, passwords, and dates of birth. The thief may try to use the information to access the owner’s accounts, to purchase merchandise, to obtain credit, to open new accounts, to secure employment, to enter into contracts or leases, or to commit other crimes using the stolen identity.

Q: Who are typical identity thieves?

A: Information is usually stolen by people known to the victim and who have his or her trust, such as relatives, friends, neighbors, household employees, in-home contractors, and work colleagues. Other common perpetrators of identity theft can be employees of entities that routinely access personal information, such as those working for banks, credit card companies, insurance companies, and even retailers and restaurants that routinely process credit card information.

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Despite the advent of the Internet, the main source of private data for identity thieves continues to be stolen or misplaced purses and wallets. Take care to safeguard the important personal information you carry publicly every day. If your security is compromised, report it to law enforcement immediately and contact an attorney about possible legal remedies.
In some cases, a problem with your credit history or a debt buyer lawsuit may have nothing to do with debt you personally accrued. You may have been the victim of identity theft, and the thief may have opened credit cards, applied for mortgages, or run up large bills under your name.  Our consumer protection attorneys at Watts Law Group, P.C. and M. Stan Herring, P.C. are dedicated to helping victims of identity theft prove that the debt is not theirs and clear their credit histories.  We have more than 20 years of experience and we can help you repair your financial health even if the thief has not been caught.

Overview of Identity Theft

Identity theft, also known as identity fraud, occurs when someone uses another person’s important personal identifying information for improper purposes. If you suspect you have been the victim of identity theft, an experienced and skilled attorney can advise you of the possible ramifications and potential legal remedies.

Profile of Identity Theft

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) estimates about 9 million Americans are victims of identity theft each year. Most commonly, the victim knows the thief, who uses their relationship for access to the personal information. Such criminals are usually friends, neighbors, relatives, work colleagues, or people employed or providing services in private homes. Even in this digital age, the most common source of personal information is still from a misplaced or stolen purse or wallet. However, an identity thief may be a stranger, and the source of the misappropriated personal information can be an electronic or written source.

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Identity Theft from a Federal Perspective

Millions of Americans are victimized by identity theft each year. If you have been the victim of identity fraud, a lawyer can help you to sort out what steps you can take to protect yourself from here and what possible legal remedies may be available to you.

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Protecting Yourself from Identity Theft

In this modern time of electronic transactions and widespread data sharing, every consumer should take precautions to protect his or her private identifying information. In the wrong hands, your important personal information can be used fraudulently and to your detriment. Identity theft can cause financial and personal loss. If you suspect you have been the victim of identity fraud, an attorney can give you advice about what steps you should take and what legal remedies might be available to you.

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Tips for Victims of Identity Theft

Sometimes even people who take careful precautions to guard their private information from identity theft are victimized through no fault of their own. Important personal data is stolen by dishonest employees or contractors from banks, insurance companies, government agencies, medical providers, and other third parties maintaining private information of customers and clients. Laptops containing such data are lost or stolen with surprising frequency. Commercial or government databases may be compromised. Once personal identifying information is stolen, it may be sold in batches on the black market to other identity thieves. If you have been the victim of identity theft through these or other methods, an attorney with knowledge of consumer protection law can advise you about possible legal remedies.

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Legal Remedies for Identity Theft

The body of law that deals with identity theft is large and evolving, criminal and civil, state and federal. If your important private identifying information is stolen and you become the victim of identity theft or identity fraud, an attorney well versed in consumer protection can educate you about the law and advise you about possible legal remedies.

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