Identity Theft Attorneys Chula Vista & San Diego, CA

Skilled Identity Theft Attorneys Chula Vista, San Diego, CA

Last year alone throughout the United States, 14.4 million consumers were victims of identity theft, making it one of the fastest-growing crimes in the country.

Overall, 33% of adults in the U.S. have experienced identity theft.

At Golden & Cardona-Loya, LLP, our skilled identity theft attorneys in Chula Vista, San Diego, CA understand that when this happens to our residents, it seems as though they have nowhere to turn. Most people who have suffered some form of identity theft have no idea where to start repairing the damage someone else has caused.

We have positive news. California has one of the strongest laws in the nation to protect victims of identity theft. The California Identity Theft Act, Civ. Code §1798.92 is a consumer protection statute to help consumers deal with the effects of identity theft.

Our Identity Theft Attorney Chula Vista, San Diego, CA has answers for clients whose lives have been turned upside down by these crimes and will work tirelessly to help each person we represent get their life bank on track.

Who Are the Most Common Targets of Identity Theft in Chula Vista, San Diego, CA?

Nobody is safe from identity theft. Identity Theft Lawyer Chula Vista, San Diego, CA has represented clients from all walks of life, including a former NFL player who had his identity stolen by his father who took out several loans and damaged his credit. We were able to get this resolved without litigation.

Our Identity Theft Lawyer Chula Vista, San Diego, CA has also represented a prominent real estate agent in Los Angeles. Other identity theft clients include doctors, teachers, and even young adults who had their identities stolen when they were minors.

Because of our location in San Diego, we represent many members of the military. One man in the Navy while stationed in Japan had a cellphone account opened in his name in Tennessee. He did not even find out about the account until applied for a credit card when he returned to U.S. He had never even been to Tennessee. He was denied the credit cards.

We had another client who had his bank account completely cleaned out after creditors were granted a judgment against him. The first he heard about the fraudulent account was when he noticed his bank account was empty. Our Identity Theft Lawyers Chula Vista, San Diego, CA were able to get his money back and get the judgment against him canceled.

Another client of ours had her ex-husband take out a second mortgage on her home and forged her name to the deed of trust. We were able to get the deed of trust canceled for her. Our Chula Vista & San Diego, CA Identity Theft Lawyer even helped a young man who had his ID stolen when a mortgage was taken out in his name in Florida.

Most people don't think it can happen to them – but it does. In fact, a large percentage of our clients are victimized by someone in their own family. Often this makes it difficult to clear up their name as creditors find these claims untrustworthy. We have even seen parents steal their kid's identities and kids steal their parents' identities.

There are many ways the thieves can steal identities. We have seen it the old-fashioned way when mail is stolen. One client had her toddler empty out her purse in the parking lot of a supermarket and the next thing she knew someone was running her credit card balances. The criminals also use more sophisticated means like the data breaches or hacking into emails and computers. There is also technology so people can clone your credit card which is called skimming.

What If Identity Theft Occurs Because of a Corporate Data Breach?

Some studies have shown that up to 10 million people a year could have their identity stolen. With massive data breaches reported by eBay (145 million users), Equifax (147.9 million users), LinkedIn (165 million users), and Yahoo (3 billion users) it is likely that your information is vulnerable.

California's civil statutory framework for victims of identity theft are contained in California's Civil Code sections 1798.92 through 1798.97. You may sue a company for not providing a proper investigation after you have been a victim of identity theft. If your suit is successful, you may be entitled to $30,000.00 in statutory fees, actual damages, & attorneys' fees.

To obtain the $30,000 penalty here is what must be proven:

(A) That at least 30 days prior to filing an action or within the cross-complaint pursuant to this section, he or she provided written notice to the claimant at the address designated by the claimant for complaints related to credit reporting issues that a situation of identity theft might exist and explaining the basis for that belief.

(B) That the claimant failed to diligently investigate the victim's notification of possible identity theft.

(C) That the claimant continued to pursue its claim against the victim after the claimant was presented with facts that were later held to entitle the victim to a judgment pursuant to this section.

Our Identity Theft Attorney Chula Vista, San Diego, CA will investigate your case fully to pursue the best outcome for your unique financial needs.

What Are the Most Common Identity Theft Cases in Chula Vista & San Diego, CA?

The statute defines a victim of identity theft as follows: “(d)“Victim of identity theft” means a person who had his or her personal identifying information used without authorization by another to obtain credit, goods, services, money, or property, and did not use or possess the credit, goods, services, money, or property obtained by the identity theft, and filed a police report in this regard pursuant to Section 530.5 of the Penal Code.”

The California Penal Code Section 530.5 says that a person is guilty of identity theft who “willfully obtains personal identifying information, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 530.55, of another person, and uses that information for any unlawful purpose, including to obtain, or attempt to obtain, credit, goods, services, real property, or medical information without the consent of that person.” Identity theft is a crime – however, there are additional consumer protections that the victim can pursue.

If you file a police report and send it into a creditor they are required to investigate. If not investigated, you can get $30,000 penalty, payment of your attorneys' fees, the accounts removed from your credit report, and an order they stop collecting.

What Can I Do if I am a Victim of Identity Theft in Chula Vista, San Diego, CA?

The number one thing everyone can do if you are a victim of identity theft is obtaining a copy of your credit report. You are entitled to one free credit report a year from each credit bureau from www.annualcreditreport.com. Or, you may obtain an account at any number of free credit reporting agencies, including Experian or Credit Karma. While reviewing your credit report, you can identity which accounts have been opened in your name.

If you lost your personal information you may want to cancel lost or stolen credit cards. If you are the victim of identity theft file a police report. The law in California, specifically California Civil Code § 1798.93(c)(5), requires the victim of identity theft to provide the creditor with written notice at least 30 calendar days before filing any complaint seeking their actual damages, attorney fees, and any other equitable relief as the Court deems appropriate.

The written notice requires the creditors to investigate the claim of identity theft. If they fail to do so, and the victim can show clear and convincing evidence that they failed to do so after being properly notified, the victim is entitled to a civil penalty of up to $30,000.00 in addition to any other damages pursuant to California Civil Code § 1798.93(c)(6).

The same statute also authorizes the filing of a cross-complaint to establish that a person is a victim of identity theft in connection with the claim being asserted against them by any creditor, which shall be established by a preponderance of the evidence.

Golden & Cardona-Loya, LLP Identity Theft Attorneys Chula Vista, San Diego, CA

Last year, cybercriminals hit consumers hard, resulting in $3.5 billion in losses related to fraud recovery.

What's more, account takeovers — when a criminal gains access to another person's accounts —were up 72% last year; 40% of account takeovers occur over a single day.

When identity theft in California occurs, it happens quickly. And if you are not consistently monitoring your credit, you may not become aware of it until the damage has been done.

We can help you regain control of your credit, and represent you during this difficult time, so you can face the fraud that has occurred with confidence.

At Golden & Cardona-Loya, LLP, our Identity Theft Lawyers Chula Vista, San Diego, CA represent clients in the following practice areas:

Contact Our Identity Theft Attorneys Chula Vista, San Diego, CA Today For Help

You may bring a suit for identity theft within four years after reasonable discovery. California Code, Civil Code – CIV § 1798.96. There are certain rules and decisions that define “reasonable” discovery. While a reasonable time to discover an identity theft may buy you more time, it is important to address the situation in a timely fashion.

If you have been a victim of identity theft, please contact our Identity Theft Attorneys Chula Vista, San Diego, CA or call us at 619-476-0030 for a free consultation. We can help you get your credit and life back on track, so your financial standing is solidified going forward. You may also be entitled to a monetary award, depending on the type of fraud and losses you suffered. Contact us now to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions for Identity Theft Attorneys in Chula Vista, San Diego, CA

Is Identity Theft Only Pertain to Money or Credit?

No. Identity theft in California can involve any use of your personal information to access your money or credit, which is the most common. However, there is medical identity theft, criminal identity theft when someone assumes your identity.

What are the Warning Signs of Identity Theft in California?

The first sign of identity theft is financial changes. You may notice a credit card opened in your name. You may see withdrawals from your bank account. You may receive a bill for an account you never opened. Some people receive notices from the IRS. Some get calls about debts that you do not owe. Any change to your financial standing can be monitored by viewing your free credit report regularly, as it does not impact your credit score.

How Can I Protect My Identity?

Identity theft can happen to anyone, but there are a few things you can do to monitor your financial standing, so you can get help immediately. Carefully review your bank and credit card statements, and know your payment due dates, so you can investigate a missing bill if you do not receive it. Match your health insurance claims to your plan, to identify fraud right away.

Shred any documents with personal and financial information. Review your credit report often.

Why Would Someone Steal a Minor's Identity?

A minor's Social Security number can be used by identity thieves to open bank accounts or credit cards, apply for loans, activate utility service, or even apply for government benefits. Since the minor has no credit history, they are typically approved for these accounts, and since parents or guardians do not monitor their children's credit, they often get away with it for extended periods.