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.
Northern Virginia Credit Repair Attorney
If your credit rating is damaged because of identity theft, we can help. The law office of Thomas R. Breeden, P.C., in Manassas, Virginia, has helped hundreds of people remove black marks from the credit report and re-establish their good name. Call 703-659-0188 for a free consultation.
Overview of Identity Theft
Identity theft, also known as identity fraud, occurs when someone uses another persons important personal identifying information for improper purposes. If you suspect you have been the victim of identity theft, an experienced and skilled attorney from Thomas R. Breeden, P.C. in Manassas, Virginia, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Identity Theft Links
Government Web Sites
Federal Trade Commission The FTC is the federal governmental agency charged with consumer protection matters. Its identity theft site provides detailed information and online consumer complaint intake.
Federal Bureau of Investigation The FBI explains common fraud schemes and how to protect yourself.
Identity Theft and Your Social Security Number Electronic fact sheet about identity theft with important government links.
California Office of Privacy Protection California is the first state to have an agency dedicated to promoting and protecting the privacy rights of consumers. Detailed consumer information about identity theft.
via tbreedenlaw.com
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