Unfortunately, instances of fraud are seemingly on the rise. As such, if you find yourself the victim of unfair consumer practices or identity theft, you may not know where to turn or how to proceed. Luckily, a consumer defense attorney can help you navigate these complicated matters. If you’re unsure what a San Diego consumer lawyer does or when you should contact one, you’ll want to continue reading as the following blog explores what you should know.
What Does a Consumer Defense Attorney Do?
When you work with a consumer defense attorney, their main goal is to help protect your rights as a consumer in the United States. Unfortunately, many look to take advantage of the complexities of financial and consumer matters, from falsely reporting information to harassing those in debt. As such, working with a consumer defense attorney helps ensure companies can’t take advantage of you. Not only can they help fight to hold those who have violated the laws and regulations accountable, but they can also assist you in navigating the process of filing a claim against a negligent company.
For example, if you find incorrect information included on your credit report that has negatively impacted your score, your attorney can help you draft a dispute letter to have the information removed. If it is not removed, they can fight on your behalf to appeal the decision and even work to help you recover compensation for any damages you’ve endured. Similarly, if you are a victim of identity theft and your bank refuses to help refund stolen money, your attorney can help fight to hold them accountable for any federal violations that have occurred.
When Should I Contact One?
Unfortunately, instances of fraud are growing increasingly common in the United States, meaning you may need to connect with an experienced consumer defense attorney. For example, nearly 25% of all fraud reports in 2021 revolved around identity theft. As such, if you have reason to believe your identity was compromised, whether it’s because your credit score dropped significantly or money was stolen from your bank account, working with an attorney is critical.
You should also connect with an attorney if you lost a significant amount of money as a result of the fraud. Whether your credit card information was stolen or you believe you were taken advantage of by a deceptive debt collector, working with an attorney can help you receive justice.
You should contact an experienced attorney after you’ve contacted the entities involved to dispute the issue. For example, if you find unauthorized credit card charges, you should immediately contact your card issuer to dispute the charges. Additionally, you should connect with credit reporting agencies to place a credit freeze or fraud alert on your account, which can add an additional layer of protection in the event someone obtains your information and tries to open accounts in your name. However, an attorney can help you write and mail a formal dispute.
When you need help, the dedicated team at Barthel Legal is ready to represent you. Our firm will do everything possible to assist you through these difficult legal matters. Contact us today to get started on your case.
