If you are a victim of identity theft, you may often feel hopeless or isolated. With billions of people worldwide, narrowing down who committed this crime can feel impossible. As such, you may assume it’s a waste of time to report identity theft to local law enforcement agencies. It’s necessary to understand that filing a report may be in your best interest. If this reflects your circumstances, the following blog explores what you should know about going to the police and why you should connect with a San Diego County identity theft lawyer to discuss your next steps when recovering your identity.
What Are the Impacts of Identity Theft?
Identity theft can be extremely disruptive to victims. Generally, when someone accesses your sensitive information, they can use it for many different things. While this is most commonly opening accounts in your name or taking out loans they have no intention of paying back, their intent can be even more malicious. In some instances, those who commit identity theft can use your information to commit crimes.
However, the most common impact of identity theft if that it can ruin your credit. Unfortunately, when someone takes out a loan in your name and does not pay it back, it can cause debt to appear on your credit, causing your score to plummet. Not only can you be harassed by creditors for a debt you don’t owe, but you can suffer financially. You may be unable to take out loans or be approved for housing, and it can even impact your employment opportunities.
Is It Worth It to Report Identity Theft to Law Enforcement?
When you discover you’re the victim of identity theft, it may feel as though filing a report with the police is not worth it. It’s important to understand that filing a police report is not required. However, it is in your best interest to do so. Generally, there are certain circumstances in which you should file a report. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
- You know who the perpetrator is
- You have specific evidence that can help aid the police
- Your identity was used to commit a crime
- The creditor or reporting agency requires a police report for their internal investigation
Though it’s not required by law, it’s still in your best interest to file a report. Though it may not seem worth it, it can help the authorities and may even lead to the perpetrator being apprehended.
Additionally, it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced attorney if you are the victim of identity theft. Connecting with an attorney allows you to reclaim your identity and will improve your chances of avoiding issues when trying to remove the impacts of identity theft from your credit report.
At Barthel Legal, we understand how challenging these matters can be. That’s why our team is ready to assist you through these issues. Connect with us today to learn how we can fight for you.
