BUSTED IDENTITY — Here’s What California Victim Consumers Should Do Next
Identity Theft in California: A Growing Threat
California consistently ranks among the top states for identity theft, with thousands of residents blindsided each year by fraudulent accounts, damaged credit, and financial chaos. Whether your identity was stolen online, through a phishing scam, or via compromised mail, knowing what to do next is critical.
Step 1: Gather the Proof
Before you can take meaningful action, collect evidence of the theft. Look for:
Unauthorized bank or credit card transactions
Collection notices for unfamiliar accounts
IRS or state tax notices for returns you didn’t file
Denied credit or job applications without explanation
Suspicious emails or phishing texts
Keep detailed records of all communication with creditors, law enforcement, or credit bureaus.
Step 2: Place a Fraud Alert
Contact any of the three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion—to request a fraud alert, which warns lenders to verify identity before issuing credit. The alert will be shared with the other bureaus automatically.
Choose from:
Initial Alert (90 days)
Extended Alert (7 years, requires a police report)
Active Duty Alert (1 year, for deployed military personnel)
Step 3: Get Your Credit Reports
You’re entitled to one free report per bureau every 12 months at AnnualCreditReport.com. Scrutinize each report for:
Unknown accounts
Unauthorized inquiries
Late payments tied to fraudulent activity
Spot something off? You’ll need to dispute it—step 7 covers how.
Step 4: File a Police Report
Report the theft to your local law enforcement agency. This creates a critical paper trail and is required to:
Dispute certain fraudulent charges
Extend your fraud alert
Freeze your credit (without fees)
Support your FTC claim
Ask for a copy of the report for future reference.
Step 5: Report to the FTC
Go to IdentityTheft.gov to file an official complaint. The FTC will generate a personalized Identity Theft Report, which you can use to:
Prove your case to banks, lenders, or the IRS
Support police filings or legal claims
Document your actions for future disputes
Step 6: Freeze Your Credit
A credit freeze prevents new lenders from accessing your credit without permission, making it virtually impossible for identity thieves to open accounts in your name.
You’ll need to freeze your file with each bureau separately. The process is free if you’ve filed a police report.
Step 7: Dispute Fraudulent Charges
Use your FTC and police reports to challenge:
False credit card charges
Fake utility or loan accounts
Incorrect credit report entries
Disputes should be submitted in writing to the credit bureaus and affected creditors. Keep copies of all documents and follow up persistently.
Step 8: Monitor Like a Pro
Even after taking these steps, identity thieves may strike again. Stay ahead by:
Reviewing reports every few months
Setting fraud alerts or account activity notifications
Using a credit monitoring service to detect suspicious changes
Step 9: Bring in Legal Reinforcements
If you’re overwhelmed, or if disputes go unresolved, you don’t have to fight this alone.
R23 Law’s California Consumer Protection Attorneys:
Represent identity theft victims in credit reporting disputes
Challenge creditor negligence or credit bureau errors
Seek compensation for damages under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Step 10: Stay Secure for the Long Haul
Once you’ve recovered, reduce your risk of future attacks by:
Using strong, unique passwords (12+ characters, no repeats)
Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) on all accounts
Avoiding public Wi-Fi for financial activity
Shredding sensitive documents
Being wary of phishing emails and phone scams
Closing Thoughts: Don’t Let Identity Theft Define You
Identity theft is disruptive—but it’s also beatable. With the right tools and legal support, you can clean up the mess and protect your future.
📞 Contact R23 Law today to speak with our trusted California Consumer Protection Attorneys. We offer free consultations and only get paid if we win your case.
