{"id":352681,"date":"2016-04-04T10:42:08","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:42:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/consumer\/online-scams\/what-does-an-identity-theft-attorney-do.html"},"modified":"2024-02-09T16:43:42","modified_gmt":"2024-02-09T21:43:42","slug":"what-does-an-identity-theft-attorney-do","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/consumer\/online-scams\/what-does-an-identity-theft-attorney-do.html","title":{"rendered":"What Does an Identity Theft Attorney Do?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What Does an Identity Theft Attorney Do?<\/h1>\n
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\n By Hannah Hilst<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

A consumer protection lawyer can help your life and finances get back on track after an identity thief steals your information. They can help you with the steps you need to take to dispute fraudulent activity.<\/p>\r\n

Identity theft is the type of crime that can cause significant damage and lingers for many years. The damage is particularly lasting when it hurts your credit history or reputation. Taking immediate action to protect yourself is essential if someone steals your identity.<\/p>\r\n

Fortunately, many resources can help you recover from identity theft<\/a> and protect your identity in the future. Identity theft attorneys have experience with protecting the rights of identity theft victims. They understand your rights and remedies<\/a> under state and federal laws.<\/p>\r\n

What Is Identity Theft?<\/h2>\r\n

Identity theft is a form of identity fraud that involves using someone else’s personal information. Federal law<\/a> defines identity theft as the knowing transfer, possession, or use of "a means of identification of another person."<\/p>\r\n

Identity theft and identity fraud are often used interchangeably. But, identity fraud is a broad category of crimes involving false identification.<\/p>\r\n

Identity thieves don’t have legal authority to use your information. Yet, they use it for an activity that violates federal law or is a felony under state law. For example, the thief may use it to withdraw money from your bank account.<\/p>\r\n

How Thieves Get Your Information<\/h3>\r\n

Identity thieves use various methods to get personal information, including:<\/p>\r\n