Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in California

Why are you paying for debts that are a result of identity theft?

Identity Theft victims must act quickly and assertively to minimize and reverse the damage of "stolen identities." Generally, I recommend the following:

1) Get a copy of your credit reports and see what accounts/entries you don't recognize and are the result of fraudulent activity.

2) File a police report at your local agency detailing all the information you know (who you suspect is using your identity, all accounts opened in your name, and other information you can provide).

3) Contact creditors and ask to speak to someone in their fraud departments. Get copies of the account applications opened up in your name.

You may be able to stop debt collectors and creditors from collecting on debts resulting from the theft of your identity and blocking inaccurate information from appearing in your credit file. If your rights are violated, you have legal remedies. Contact a consumer attorney to discuss your situation.