Discovering your identity has been compromised can be an incredibly upsetting time, as your life and finances are on the line. In the event you’ve found your identity has been compromised, understanding how to proceed is critical. Additionally, you’ll need to know the statute of limitations to file a report in California. The following blog explores what you should know about how a Los Angeles, California identity theft lawyer can help you through these matters.
What Are the Signs of Identity Theft I Should Look For?
As a consumer, understanding the signs of identity theft is critical. Staying alert to these matters is critical, as you’ll find that the sooner you see these signs, you may be able to mitigate the damages.
You’ll find that the following are some of the most common signs of identity theft:
- Letters from creditors you do not have accounts with
- Calls from creditors you do not recognize
- Incorrect information or accounts on your credit report
- Receiving a letter informing you that you were denied a loan
- Obtaining bills for items or purchases you didn’t make
You’ll receive one free credit report from each of the credit reporting agencies each year. As such, you may want to request one copy every four months so you can check your report frequently to ensure nothing is amiss.
What Is the Statute of Limitations to Report Identity Theft in California?
In California, you will have four years from the date you discovered or should have discovered the identity theft to report the theft to the police. You’ll find, however, that you generally do not have to report the theft to the police unless certain circumstances are present. Additionally, you’ll find that you can generally report the theft to the credit reporting agencies or your financial institutions at any point. For example, if the following situations apply, you should file a report with the police:
- You know who committed the theft
- You have information that could aid the police in their investigation
- A credit bureau or financial institution requires a police report
- Your information was used in conjunction with a crime
Many people don’t realize they are victims of identity theft until it’s too late. However, filing a police report may be in your best interest. As it can help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Unfortunately, many people are unsure how to proceed when they discover their identities have been compromised. Luckily, the team at Los Angeles Legal Solutions is ready to help you through these challenging times. We will do everything in our power to help you reclaim your identity. Connect with our firm today to learn how our team can help you through these complex times.
