Identity Theft happens all the time.

One person has his or her identity stolen every 60 seconds in the United States. Identity theft is no longer simply having a credit card stolen and used at a gas station or store, ID Theft can become the assumption of your entire identity – your credit report, drivers license, and social security number – to obtain employment, a new mortgage, an automobile loan or even to commit a crime! Receiving a 1099 ‘out of the blue’ for work performed for a construction company or industrial plant you have never heard of is just one example of how devastating identity theft can be.

The Internal Revenue Service will tell you to contact the Social Security Administration to clear up the fraudulent use of your social security number and the Social Security Administration will tell you to contact the Internal Revenue Service – causing you to jump from one agency to another without obtaining any relief. My name is Randal Ford and I am an attorney who sues companies who tarnish or destroy consumer’s credit reports by placing inaccurate or false information on credit reports. While I may not be able to assist you in your particular state, if I can direct you to an attorney who can help you – I certainly will. The following pages provide you with some information that can help you protect your identity and a contact form you can use if you believe attorney assistance might be necessary.  

Identity Theft 

Identity theft occurs when a criminal uses another person's personal information to take on that person's identity. Identity theft is much more than misuse of a Social Security number-it can also include credit card and mail fraud. If you think you may be a victim of identity theft, contact the

 Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

to report what happened. You can call the

FTC's ID Theft Hotline-1-877-IDTHEFT (438-4338) or

use the FTC's online ID Theft Complaint form

for up-to-date information about how to work with credit bureaus and law enforcement agencies to reclaim your identity.

 Social Security Administration (SSA) for

a replacement card if your Social Security card was lost or stolen,

a new Social Security number in certain circumstances, and

help to correct your earnings records.

 Office of the Inspector General, SSA, to report Social Security number misuse that involves buying or selling Social Security cards, or may involve people with links to terrorist groups or activities.

The Federal government and numerous states have passed laws prohibiting identity theft. Anyone who intentionally uses the Social Security number of another person to establish a new identity or defraud the government is breaking the law.*
                               * information courtesy of the Social Security Administration

There are two types of identity theft.

 "Account takeover" occurs when a thief acquires your existing credit account information and purchases products and services using either the actual credit card or simply the account number and expiration date.

 "Application fraud" is what some experts call "true name fraud." The thief uses your SSN and other identifying information to open new accounts in your name. Victims are not likely to learn of application fraud for some time, because the monthly account statements are mailed to an address used by the imposter. In contrast, victims learn of account takeover when they receive their monthly account statement. This guide discusses strategies for reducing the risk of both types of fraud.

Take Action

 If you are a victim of ID Theft, you must take action immediately. If you suspect your credit card has been stolen and misused, call the card issuer and CANCEL your card. The credit card company will “block” your card number and reissue you a new card.

 If you suspect your social security number has been misused, immediately contact the Social Security Administration.

If you are being sued for a debt you do not owe or that is several years old, contact me.

CONTACT ATTORNEY RANDAL FORD by filling in your information below.