Learning that you are a victim of identity theft can be an incredibly overwhelming experience. After all, you may not know what your rights are as a consumer in these matters. One thing you may wonder is what the statute of limitations is for reporting identity theft. The following blog explores what you should know about these matters and why it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced San Diego County identity theft lawyer who can help guide you through these matters.
What Are Common Signs of Identity Theft?
As a consumer, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the most common signs of identity theft to mitigate damages. Some of the most common signs of identity theft include:
- Bills for purchases you did not make
- Calls or letters from debt collectors for accounts you did not open
- Receiving a notice that you were denied a loan
- Incorrect information on your credit report
Generally, you should check your credit report every few months. You receive one free report from each of the credit reporting bureaus annually, meaning you can check your credit report three times per year for free. As such, it may be in your best interest to request one report every four months, so you can stay on top of your credit to ensure nothing is amiss.
What Is the Statue of Limitations to Report Identity Theft?
Unfortunately, some victims of identity theft may not know that their information has been compromised. In many instances, months or years could pass between viewing their credit report or discovering they have been a victim. You will likely be able to report this to the credit reporting agency and your financial institution regardless of how much time has passed. Generally, the sooner you report that your information has been compromised, the better.
Unfortunately, there are only certain instances in which you can file a police report for identity theft. This includes when you know the person who committed the crime, have information that could aid in a police investigation, your information was used in connection to a crime, or a police report is required by your financial institution.
As such, if you know who committed the crime or have information that could help lead the police to the individual responsible, the statute of limitations to pursue civil claims for identity theft in California is generally four years from the date you discovered the identity theft.
Pursuing justice for identity theft can be a complex and confusing matter. That’s why the team at Barthel Legal is here to assist you. Our firm understands how complicated these times can be, so we are dedicated to fighting for you. Our firm will do everything possible to help you recover the compensation you are entitled to and hold the negligent party responsible. Connect with us today to learn how we can fight for you.
