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.


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