Frequently Asked Questions

Start by reporting the mail theft to the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS). You can file a report online at uspis.gov or visit your local post office. USPIS is the law enforcement arm of the U.S. Postal Service and is responsible for investigating mail-related crimes. Next, report the identity theft to the Federal Trade… [Read More]

The time it takes to recover from identity theft due to mail theft depends on the severity of the fraud and how quickly you respond. In mild cases, where a thief attempted but failed to open accounts, recovery might take a few weeks. However, if fraudulent accounts were opened, loans taken out, or your credit… [Read More]

In some cases, your mobile carrier may be held partially liable if they were negligent in protecting your account. If an attacker successfully executed a SIM swap by impersonating you, and the carrier failed to enforce proper security protocols (such as verifying identity with a PIN or password), they may be accountable under certain consumer… [Read More]

Yes, SIM swap victims may be able to recover stolen funds, but it depends on how the fraud occurred and which financial institutions were involved. If a hacker accessed your bank account, crypto wallet, or trading account using your stolen number, you should report the incident immediately and file a fraud claim with the financial… [Read More]

To prevent future SIM swap fraud, take multiple layers of security precautions. Start by contacting your mobile carrier and requesting that they add a PIN, password, or biometric verification to your account. Some carriers also offer enhanced security or “port freeze” features that require in-person verification to transfer your number. Avoid using your phone number… [Read More]

Yes, you can and should dispute a fraudulent account even if it’s already been sent to a collection agency. Identity theft doesn’t become legitimate debt simply because it has been passed on. In fact, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) offer strong protections for consumers in these situations…. [Read More]

While you are not legally required to have an attorney, working with a consumer protection lawyer can significantly improve your chances of success—especially if your dispute has already been denied. Creditors often take legal representation more seriously and may be more inclined to investigate properly when a lawyer is involved. An attorney can help you… [Read More]

If a creditor improperly denies your identity theft claim and continues to report fraudulent information to the credit bureaus, your credit score may suffer significantly. This can impact your ability to obtain credit, housing, employment, or even insurance—real consequences based on false information. Fortunately, you have rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). If… [Read More]