There are few things more unnerving than discovering your identity has been compromised. Unfortunately, this can impact your financial future, so knowing how to protect yourself is crucial. As such, knowing which groups are most vulnerable to this crime can help you take additional measures to protect your identity from thieves and criminals. The following blog explores who is most at risk for identity theft and how a San Diego County identity theft lawyer can help you during these difficult times.
What Groups Are Most Impacted by Identity Theft?
Unfortunately, those looking to steal the identity of others know which groups are the easiest targets. Generally, the elderly and children are most susceptible to identity theft, as they do not have the means to check their credit reports to ensure there are no unauthorized accounts or fraudulent information. Children are often seen as perfect targets, as they have no accounts in their name, and most won’t realize they have been the victim of identity theft until they apply for a student loan or credit card years later.
Similarly, avid social media users are often victims of identity theft, as they may share more information than the average user. When you post details about your personal life, such as your birthday, phone number, or a photo of your house, thieves can track you down and steal your sensitive information. They may also create phishing scams that appear legitimate because they include personal details they’ve acquired from your social media platforms.
What Can I Do My Identity Is Compromised?
If you discover that you are a victim of identity theft, there are steps you can take to help mitigate damages. The first thing you should do is contact your bank and credit card companies to freeze your accounts as soon as possible. This can help ensure there are no additional unauthorized charges on any of your accounts.
Once you’ve frozen your accounts, you’ll want to ensure you report the fraud to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The Commission will issue a personalized recovery plan to help you reclaim your identity. This can also be used as valuable evidence to dispute information on your credit report.
Finally, you’ll want to contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Not only can they provide assistance when recovering from identity theft, but they can help ensure you understand your rights. If your information was compromised in a data breach or due to the negligence of a company entrusted with your information, they may be able to help you pursue compensation for the losses you’ve sustained as a result.
At the Law Office of Barthel Legal, we understand how nerve-wracking it can be to learn you’ve been the victim of identity theft. As such, our dedicated legal team will do everything possible to fight for you during these challenging times. Contact us today to learn how we will fight for you.
