Yes, you may be able to pursue legal action against someone who stole your mail and used it to commit identity theft. Mail theft is a federal crime under 18 U.S. Code § 1708, and if the stolen mail was used to open fraudulent accounts or access personal financial data, you may also have a strong civil case against the perpetrator. In many cases, the actual thief may be unknown, but you can also bring claims against companies or creditors who negligently accepted fraudulent applications.
In civil court, you can seek damages for the financial and emotional harm caused by the identity theft. This includes lost funds, credit damage, and time spent repairing your credit. If you can prove that a company failed to verify identity properly or ignored clear signs of fraud, they may be held liable under consumer protection laws such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) or California’s Identity Theft Protection Act.
It’s important to document every aspect of the theft. Save all reports filed with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the FTC, and local law enforcement. Also, keep records of any disputes with creditors, evidence of fraudulent accounts, and correspondence that supports your claim.
You should consult a consumer protection attorney to evaluate the strength of your case and help guide you through the legal process. At the Law Office of Balam O. Letona, we help clients pursue justice after falling victim to identity theft—including cases involving mail theft.
