Recognizing the Signs of Identity Theft After a Data Breach

Data breaches have become increasingly common, exposing millions of consumers to the risk of identity theft. If your personal information has been compromised in a data breach, it’s important to stay vigilant and take proactive steps to protect yourself. Identity theft can lead to financial losses, credit damage, and even legal issues if someone uses your identity fraudulently. As a consumer protection law firm, the team at Francis Mailman Soumilas wants to help you recognize the warning signs of identity theft, check for fraudulent activity, and understand your rights if you’ve been affected.

Signs of Identity Theft

Identity theft can manifest in several ways. Here are key warning signs that you may be a victim:

1. Unfamiliar Charges on Your Bank or Credit Card Statements – Review your statements regularly for any purchases you don’t recognize.
2. Unexpected Credit Denials – If you’re denied credit despite having good financial standing, it could mean someone has damaged your credit by opening fraudulent accounts.
3. New Accounts or Loans in Your Name – Receiving bills or credit inquiries for accounts you didn’t open is a major red flag.
4. Suspicious Mail or Emails – Getting mail regarding accounts you don’t recognize or notifications about changes to your account information can signal fraud.
5. Changes to Your Credit Report – Sudden drops in your credit score or unfamiliar accounts appearing on your credit report can indicate identity theft.
6. Missing Bills or Statements – If expected bills or financial statements stop arriving, it could mean a thief has changed your mailing address.
7. IRS Tax Issues – If you receive a notice from the IRS about a duplicate tax return or unreported income, someone may be filing taxes in your name.
8. Debt Collection Calls for Unfamiliar Accounts – If collectors contact you about debts you don’t recognize, your identity may have been used fraudulently.
9. Unusual Login or Account Activity – Notifications about password resets, logins from unfamiliar locations, or locked accounts are red flags.

How to Check If You’ve Been Affected

If you suspect identity theft, take these steps to confirm and assess the damage:

1. Monitor Your Credit Reports – You can check your credit reports for free at AnnualCreditReport.com from all three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion). Look for accounts or inquiries you don’t recognize.
2. Review Bank and Credit Card Statements – Regularly check your financial accounts for unauthorized transactions.
3. Use Identity Theft Monitoring Services – Many banks and credit card companies offer fraud monitoring. Consider enrolling in these services if your data was exposed in a breach.
4. Check Your Online Accounts – Review login activity on your most frequently used accounts, including email, social media, and financial platforms.
5. Verify with the IRS – If you suspect tax-related fraud, request a tax transcript from the IRS to check for fraudulent filings.

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

If you’ve identified suspicious activity, take immediate action to limit the damage:

1. Place a Fraud Alert or Credit Freeze – Contact one of the three credit bureaus to place a fraud alert or freeze your credit to prevent new accounts from being opened in your name.
2. Report Identity Theft to the FTC – File a report at IdentityTheft.gov. This creates an official record and provides steps for recovery.
3. Contact Your Financial Institutions – Notify your bank and credit card companies about fraudulent activity and request account closures or new card issuances if needed.
4. Dispute Fraudulent Charges – Work with your bank or credit card issuer to remove any unauthorized transactions.
5. Report to Law Enforcement – If significant fraud has occurred, file a police report, which can help when disputing fraudulent accounts.
6. Update Your Passwords and Enable Two-Factor Authentication – Secure your online accounts by updating passwords and enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) where available.
7. Monitor Your Identity and Credit Going Forward – Continue checking your credit reports and financial accounts regularly to catch any new fraudulent activity.

Know Your Rights as a Consumer

Consumers affected by identity theft have legal protections under federal law, including:

• Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) – You have the right to dispute inaccurate information on your credit report and request corrections.
• Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA) – You can dispute fraudulent credit card charges and are generally not liable for unauthorized purchases over $50.
• Identity Theft Victim Rights – You can place extended fraud alerts and credit freezes at no cost, and you may be entitled to legal remedies if your rights are violated.
• Right to Sue for Damages – If a company’s negligence led to your identity theft, you may be able to take legal action to recover damages.

Get Legal Help if You’ve Been Impacted

If you’ve suffered financial losses or credit damage due to a data breach or identity theft, our consumer protection law firm can help. We fight for consumers’ rights and hold negligent companies accountable for failing to protect your personal information. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options.