If you’re a victim of identity theft, you may feel like nothing can go right. You may be surprised to find that there are many laws to protect against identity theft! However, you must also have a Los Angeles, California identity theft lawyer to help you navigate these uncertain times. Keep reading to learn more about what laws have been enacted to help ensure those who have been victimized by this offense can receive the justice they deserve.
What Laws Protect Against Identity Theft?
One of the most important laws that protect victims is the Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act (ITADA). Under this law, identity theft is a federal crime due to the rise of technology making identity theft much easier. Anytime someone knowing uses a person’s identity, including their name, date of birth, social security number, and more, to commit a crime, they are guilty of a felony. The courts will consider how many people have suffered due to the theft, how the criminal obtained the information, and the measurable loss the victims have suffered.
However, this is not the only law that benefits victims of identity theft. The Identity Theft Penalty Enhancement Act (ITPEA) was established in the wake of the 9/11 terror attacks. Six of the perpetrators used stolen identities, which brought the awareness that identity theft can be much more severe than using someone’s identity to open a credit card. As such, the penalties for this crime have increased, now imposing a minimum of two years in prison for knowingly possessing, using, or transferring identifying information without authority.
These two laws were enacted to deter criminals from committing identity fraud, first by making it a felony and closing legal loopholes, while then increasing the penalties for those convicted of this crime.
What Can I Do if My Identity Is Stolen?
If your identity is stolen, you should immediately place a fraud alert on your credit by reaching out to the three major reporting bureaus. In California, you can also place a credit freeze on your account to ensure no one who has any of your information can get new loans. This works by planning a PIN on your file to prevent lenders from checking your report to open new accounts in your name.
You should also document all information related to the theft that’s occurred. This includes everyone you’ve spoken to at the bureaus, such as names, dates, and phone logs.
Finally, you’ll want to reach out to LA Legal Solutions to connect with an experienced identity theft attorney. Our dedicated legal team understands how devastating it can be to discover that your personal information was exposed and how detrimental it can be to your credit. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you through this challenging time.
