What to Do If You’re a Victim of Identity Theft in California

Identity theft is a serious crime that can leave victims feeling violated and helpless. If you’ve become a victim of identity theft in California, it’s crucial to take immediate action to protect yourself and mitigate damages. Follow these steps to navigate the process effectively.

1. Place a Fraud Alert on Your Credit Report
The first step after discovering identity theft is to place a fraud alert on your credit reports. This alert alerts creditors to take extra steps to verify your identity before issuing new credit in your name. You can contact one of the three major credit bureaus—Experian, TransUnion, or Equifax—to place a fraud alert. The bureau you contact will notify the other two.

2. Review Your Credit Reports
Obtain free copies of your credit reports from the three bureaus at AnnualCreditReport.com. Examine these reports thoroughly for any unauthorized accounts or transactions. Make a list of any discrepancies you find, as this will be essential when disputing fraudulent activity.

3. Report Identity Theft to the Federal Trade Commission
Visit IdentityTheft.gov to report the theft to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The site will guide you through the process and help you create a recovery plan based on your specific situation. You will also receive an identity theft report, which is beneficial for disputing fraudulent accounts.

4. File a Police Report
Contact your local law enforcement agency to file a police report. Provide them with as much detailed information as possible, including the identity theft report from the FTC and evidence of the theft. A police report may help when disputing fraudulent charges and accounts.

5. Dispute Fraudulent Accounts
Contact each creditor associated with unauthorized accounts. Follow up with written disputes, including copies of supporting documents such as your identity theft report and police report. Creditors are required by law to investigate the disputes and respond within a reasonable timeframe.

6. Consider a Credit Freeze
You may also want to consider placing a credit freeze on your reports, which makes it difficult for identity thieves to open new accounts in your name. Unlike a fraud alert, which only requires a notification, a credit freeze must be initiated with each credit bureau. You can easily lift the freeze when you need to apply for new credit.

7. Monitor Your Financial Accounts
Regularly check your bank statements, credit card accounts, and other financial documents for any suspicious activity. Set up alerts with your bank or credit union to notify you of large purchases or unusual transactions.

8. Protect Yourself Moving Forward
Once you've dealt with the immediate fallout of identity theft, take active steps to safeguard your identity. This includes regularly monitoring your credit, using strong, unique passwords for online accounts, and considering identity theft protection services. Be cautious about sharing personal information and consider using two-factor authentication wherever possible.

9. Stay Informed About Your Rights
California residents have specific rights under state law regarding identity theft. Familiarize yourself with the California Identity Theft Law to understand your rights and the protections available to you during the recovery process.

Dealing with identity theft can be overwhelming, but by taking these proactive steps, you can regain control over your financial security and work towards a resolution. If necessary, consider consulting with legal professionals or consumer advocacy groups for additional assistance.