Identity Theft

As soon as you suspect identity theft, swift action can prevent further financial and legal consequences.

Contact Your Bank & Credit Card Companies

• Report fraud & freeze/close affected accounts.
• Change passwords and security questions.

File a Fraud Report with the FTC

• Visit IdentityTheft.gov to file a report.
• Keep a copy for disputes with creditors.

Notify Credit Bureaus & Place a Fraud Alert

• Contact Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.
• Consider a credit freeze for extra protection.

Dispute Fraudulent Transactions & Accounts

• Get a free credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com
• Dispute fraudulent accounts in writing with creditors and credit bureaus.

After addressing immediate threats, take proactive measures to prevent future incidents.

Change Passwords

• Change passwords for email, bank accounts, shopping accounts, and any other account which may have access to your financial or credit card information.

Turn on Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

• Enable 2FA on banking, email, and shopping accounts.

Set Up Identity Monitoring Services

• Sign up for alerts from your bank or credit bureaus.

Stay Alert for Scams

• Never share personal info over unsolicited calls, emails, or texts.
• Verify with the company directly before responding.

Victims of identity theft have rights under both federal and California law. If your disputes with creditors, banks, or credit bureaus aren’t resolved, legal action may be necessary.

Use the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)

• Credit bureaus must investigate disputes and remove fraudulent accounts.

Stop Debt Collection Harassment

• Use the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) to stop collection attempts on fraudulent debts.

Your Rights Under Federal and State Law

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)

• Requires credit bureaus to investigate disputes and remove fraudulent accounts.
• Allows victims to place fraud alerts and request free credit reports.
• Gives victims the right to sue for unresolved errors or damages caused by negligence.

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) & Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (RFDCPA)

• Prevents debt collectors from harassing identity theft victims over fraudulent debts.
• If a debt collector continues to pursue fraudulent accounts after being notified, you may have legal grounds to file a lawsuit.

Visit the office at 135 South Main Street in Lawrenceburg, KY, call (502) 353-4916, or contact us online. Matthew serves clients in Central Kentucky, including Anderson County, Fayette County, Woodford County, Lawrenceburg, Versailles, and Lexington, KY.