What Legal Protections Are Available to Prevent Future Identity Theft?
It is estimated that 23.9 million Americans have fallen victim to identity theft in the past year. The magnitude of this issue stems from fraudsters expertly erasing their tracks, allowing them to target more victims. If you have been impacted by identity theft, you do have legal protections under both state and federal law. If you suspect that you have been the target of an identity theft scheme, the first call that you should make is to the Greenville, SC, victims’ rights lawyers at Ryan Beasley Law.
What is Identity Theft?
Identity theft involves accessing someone’s personal or financial data without their permission for the perpetrator’s own financial gain. It almost always has a financial motive. Since identity theft is non-violent by nature, it is classified as a white-collar crime. Common types of identity theft include:
- Credit card or debit card fraud: Using your financial information to make unauthorized purchases.
- Online shopping fraud (card-not-present transactions): Perpetrators may steal your card information or access your username and password to online sites to purchase items under your name.
- Account takeover fraud: The perpetrator may access your credentials to an online account and then change the password so that you no longer have access to it.
- Driver’s license fraud: A scammer may physically steal your driver’s license or your driver’s license number, allowing them to impersonate you. This may result in them accessing your bank accounts, opening new accounts in your name, or creating a fake ID.
- Passport fraud: A fraudster who uses a stolen or missing passport may be able to gain access to another country or carry out criminal activity, impersonating you and getting you in legal trouble.
- Tax identity theft: A scammer may steal your Social Security number and other personal information to file a tax return under your name, intercepting your refund.
Protections for Identity Theft Victims
Fraud Alert
As a victim of identity theft, you do have the option to place a fraud alert on your credit report. This requires creditors to speak with you directly to verify your identity before any new credit cards or accounts can be opened in your name. A fraud alert is free and can be instituted by anyone who suspects fraudulent activity. An initial fraud alert lasts for one year but can be extended up to seven years if you feel that you need extra protection.
Credit Freeze
As the name suggests, a credit freeze prevents anyone from accessing your credit report. You can implement a credit freeze before you are the victim of identity theft, making it a viable preventive measure. Unlike a fraud alert, a credit freeze prohibits you from opening any new lines of credit.
Fair Credit Reporting Act
If you have been the target of identity theft, you will want to take proactive steps to safeguard your credit. Certain protections, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act, seek to ensure that information on an individual’s credit report is accurate and complete. The Fair Credit Reporting Act allows victims of identity theft to check their credit report and dispute any errors with the credit reporting bureaus.
Our legal team can help you access your credit report, dispute inaccuracies, or place a credit freeze on it to protect your identity. In reviewing your situation, we will suggest which steps we think will be most effective in protecting any sensitive information.
Speak with Our Greenville, SC, Victims’ Rights Lawyers Now
Having your identity stolen can be alarming, forcing you to question your every move. If you have recently experienced a breach of your personal information or financial data, Ryan Beasley Law is here to help you navigate your legal options. Our Greenville, SC, victims’ rights attorneys have helped hundreds of individuals reclaim financial security and are prepared to help you recoup the entirety of your losses. To learn more, contact us online or give us a call at (864) 756-4204 to schedule your consultation.