Identity Theft

Identity theft is a traumatic experience that can leave you with time-consuming burdens and substantial financial losses. With advances in technology, these cases have been on the rise. Unlawful disclosure of credit reports, e-mail scams, and the interception of bank statements and credit card offers are several ways others can obtain your personal information. If a credit card has been opened in your name or money has been stolen from your bank accounts, you should retain legal representation right away.

At Keogh Law, Ltd., our Chicago identity theft lawyers have helped numerous victims with credit issues that result from these crimes. Our attorneys work throughout Chicago and the surrounding areas as well as nationwide where they perform as trusted co-counsel. We have been recognized throughout the legal and local communities for our dedication to meeting our clients’ objectives and providing consumer protection. Through consistent communication, and with the vast legal knowledge at our disposal, we will work with you to determine what steps to take to protect you from further harm.

To ensure your rights are protected fully, call an attorney at 866-726-1092 or contact us online today. We are here to help you gain your life back.

Take the Following Steps to Stop the Use of Your Personal Identity

Credit card fraud and other forms of identity theft can have an immediate adverse effect on your life. It is important to take proactive steps to help limit the damage that comes with this crime. You will need to take the following steps:

1. Obtain your most recent Credit Reports. To do this, go to www.annualcreditreport.com and request a report from all three Credit Bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and Transunion). This will be free if it has been more than a year since you last obtained a free report. If you are unable to obtain any of these reports on the website for some reason, you can request them via telephone by calling 877-322-8228.
2. Review your credit reports to identify accounts that resulted from the identity theft.
3. File a Police Report. Make sure the report references the particular account at issue and explain that you believe it results from identity theft.
4. File a Complaint with the FTC – Go here ftccomplaintassistant.gov and select the identity theft category.
5. Execute the Identity Theft Affidavit that is attached. Be as detailed as possible and make sure that you reference all of the accounts at issue.
6. Draft a Dispute Letter to each of the Credit Bureaus asking them to block any reporting of the identity theft accounts and to place a Fraud Alert on your file. A sample letter is attached.
7. Make copies of the dispute letters for your own records.
8. Mail the Dispute Letters to the Credit Bureaus via Certified Mail Return Receipt Requested. This means that you will get confirmation when your letters are received.

The Credit Bureau addresses are:

Equifax Information Services, LLC
P.O. Box 740256
Atlanta, GA, 30374

TransUnion Consumer Solution
P.O. Box 2000
Chester, PA 19022-2000

Experian Information Services, LLC – NCAC
701 Experian Parkway
Allen, Texas 75013

Make sure that the you include copies of your police report, identity theft affidavit, and driver’s license with your dispute letter. Keep the originals in your own records. Don’t throw anything away!

9. When you receive the return receipts from the postal service, make a copy for your records.
10. Contact us when the Credit Bureaus respond to your letters or if they fail to respond.

Keep copies of everything you send to the credit bureaus and creditors and all communications from them. There are a number of credit reporting issues that may arise in these cases and you need to protect your rights. You do not have to feel helpless and vulnerable. We will fight to help you reclaim your identity and good credit.

Call for a Free Consultation With an Illinois ID Theft Lawyer

If you suspect or know that your identity has been stolen, you should obtain legal help as soon as possible. Contact our Chicago identity theft attorneys online or call 866-726-1092 for a free consultation. We also perform as co-counsel on cases nationwide. Most of our cases are handled on a contingency basis. Please call now.