Frequently Asked Questions

California has some of the strongest consumer protection laws in the nation for identity theft victims. Under California Civil Code § 1798.93, you have the right to sue creditors or debt collectors that continue to pursue fraudulent debts after being notified of identity theft. This law empowers victims to clear their names in court if… [Read More]

Mail theft remains one of the most common gateways to identity theft in California and across the U.S. Criminals target mailboxes looking for sensitive documents such as bank statements, credit card offers, utility bills, or government correspondence. Even seemingly harmless pieces of mail can provide clues—like your name, address, and account numbers—that can be pieced… [Read More]

If you suspect your mail has been stolen, act quickly to limit potential identity theft. First, report the theft to the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the federal law enforcement agency that investigates mail crimes. Filing a report creates a record of the theft and may help catch repeat offenders in your area. You… [Read More]

Yes, victims of mail theft identity fraud have both criminal and civil remedies available. On the criminal side, mail theft is a federal crime under 18 U.S.C. § 1708, punishable by fines and imprisonment. If your identity is used fraudulently, the perpetrator may also face state charges under California Penal Code § 530.5 for identity… [Read More]

A SIM card swap occurs when criminals convince your mobile carrier to transfer your phone number to a SIM card in their possession. Once they control your number, they intercept text messages and calls, which often include two-factor authentication codes for banking, email, or cryptocurrency accounts. With this access, fraudsters can reset passwords and lock… [Read More]

Preventing SIM card swap fraud requires a combination of carrier-level protections and personal vigilance. First, contact your mobile carrier and request account-level security, such as a PIN or password that must be provided before making changes to your account. Some carriers also offer “port-out protection” or “number lock” features that prevent unauthorized transfers. Next, avoid… [Read More]

If you suspect your phone number has been hijacked, time is critical. Immediately contact your mobile carrier to report the SIM swap and request that they restore control of your number. Ask them to secure your account with additional authentication measures to prevent future attacks. Next, check your financial accounts, email, and cryptocurrency wallets for… [Read More]

If a creditor refuses to remove fraudulent charges, persistence is key. Start by requesting a written explanation of their denial. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), creditors must explain why they believe the account is valid. Review this response carefully and gather additional evidence, such as copies of police reports, FTC affidavits, and correspondence… [Read More]

While it is possible to handle identity theft disputes on your own, hiring an attorney can make a significant difference—especially if a creditor has already denied your claim. An experienced identity theft lawyer understands the intricacies of California’s consumer protection laws and federal statutes like the FCRA and FDCPA. They can present your case more… [Read More]

A creditor may reject your claim if they believe you did not provide enough evidence or if they suspect the charges were actually authorized. For instance, failing to submit a police report or an FTC affidavit could lead to a denial. In some cases, creditors may also suspect fraud committed by family members, which complicates… [Read More]