When you get married, you’re likely eager to share a life with this person. However, if you discover this individual isn’t who they say they are, it can be devastating. As such, if you discover that you are a victim of identity theft at the hands of your spouse, it’s in your best interest to connect with a Los Angeles, California domestic identity theft lawyer. This betrayal can have significant impacts on your life, so you’ll want to keep reading to learn more about this and what you should do if you’re the victim of domestic identity theft.
What Is Domestic Identity Theft?
Domestic identity theft occurs when someone with whom you share a relationship, typically a spouse but in some instances a parent or sibling, accesses and steals your personal information to commit identity theft. Though this can look like opening up an account in your spouse’s name, most commonly it is using their credit card information to make unauthorized purchases.
It’s important to understand that this is often a form of domestic abuse. Generally, this falls under financial abuse, in which your spouse will take advantage of you and your income.
How Can Someone Gain Access to This Information?
When you and your spouse share a home and life, it’s not uncommon to share personal information like a social security number or online account password. Additionally, they may have access to your email, bills, regular mail, or safes that can contain sensitive information. As such, your spouse may use this against you to take your identity.
Though you may not want to believe your spouse is stealing from you, understanding the warning signs you should look for can help ensure you protect yourself from this exploitation. As such, the following are common examples of signs your spouse is stealing your identity:
- Making costly purchases they cannot afford
- Hiding assets
- Receiving unexpected bills
- Receiving calls from debt collectors
- Unusual charges on your credit report or card statements
What Should I Do if I’m a Victim?
If you believe you are the victim of identity theft at the hands of your spouse, it’s important to understand the steps you must take to remedy the circumstances. It’s important to understand that you should connect with an experienced attorney to help you recover the justice you deserve.
Unfortunately, when your spouse is the perpetrator of a crime, you may do everything possible to convince yourself they’ll change. However, connecting with an attorney can help you stay objective and focused on reclaiming your identity.
When you need help, Los Angeles Legal Solutions is here to help. we understand how difficult these times can be, which is why our firm is committed to helping you navigate these matters.
