Can I Sue Someone for Stealing My Identity?
Identity theft is on the rise, with over 1.13 million reports of identity theft occurring in 2024. All the years you have spent building good credit can be destroyed when someone steals your personal or financial information. With the amount of sensitive information easily discoverable in today’s digital world, identity theft is more prevalent than ever.
If you have fallen victim to identity theft, the Greenville identity theft lawyers at Ryan Beasley Law are here to protect your interests. Our legal team will handle financial recovery efforts on your behalf, while also defending you against criminal charges to clear your good name.
South Carolina Identity Theft Laws
Identity theft occurs whenever someone steals another person’s personal or financial data without their permission with the intent to defraud them. Potential information that can be stolen may include social security numbers, credit card numbers, bank account numbers, personal identification numbers, driver’s license information, and insurance information, to name a few. The offender will typically assume your identity for the purpose of financial gain.
Under South Carolina law, identity theft is a felony offense punishable by five years in prison, a $500 fine, and potential restitution to the victim. If there are any aggravating factors, such as a past criminal history or the value of stolen property is $10,000 or greater, then stricter penalties will be imposed.
Taking Civil Action
Prior to filing a case in court, you should report the identity theft to the FBI’s financial division, as well as file a police report. As the victim of identity theft, you have the option of filing a personal injury suit against the person who stole your identity to recover damages. Potential financial damages may include newly incurred debts, loss of a tax refund, and unexpected medical bills. While you may be able to recoup these losses, it is often difficult to remedy the damage to your credit score, impacting your ability to apply for housing and employment.
If you have been the victim of identity theft, you should contact your bank and other financial institutions with which you have accounts to report the theft and temporarily freeze your credit. You should also report the identity theft to the three credit reporting bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. The credit agencies will place a fraud alert on your account, requiring creditors to verify your identity before issuing any lines of credit.
While all of these steps can be beneficial in the case of identity theft, one of the most important calls you can make is to a Greenville identity theft lawyer. At Ryan Beasley Law, we understand the impact that identity theft can have on your future and overall reputation. An identity theft lawyer can review the entirety of your situation to determine the best course of action. Additionally, they will investigate to determine the extent of the theft and if your stolen identity has resulted in any criminal allegations.
Want to Learn More? Contact Our Greenville Identity Theft Attorneys Today
Identity theft is a serious matter that should be dealt with immediately. While the offense can result in a large monetary loss, the collateral consequences can impact your future. If you or a loved one has recently been impacted by identity theft, the legal team at Ryan Beasley Law is here to assist you in taking civil action and in defending potential criminal charges. To learn more, contactour Greenville identity theft lawyers online or give us a call at (864) 756-4204 to arrange your consultation.