If you consider that the use of your personal information to commit fraud is a crime, it becomes more obvious why you may need to contact an identity theft attorney to help get your life back in order. Typically, stolen personal information is used to open charge accounts it can also be used to start utility services, to access checking accounts and to provide false information for civil and criminal charges. In some cases the use of an identity theft attorney can help put an end to the nightmare that can result from having your identity used by another person.
With the number of incidents of identity theft continuing to rise, it is important to know the most effective methods to stop identity theft from happening to you, especially younger people, since about 25 percent of all incidents of identity theft occur to people under 30-years-old. Reporting it as soon as it is discovered is essential and contacting an identity theft attorney quickly can also help avoid many penalties that may be thrust upon the victim.
It hardly seems fair that the victim has to undertake the financial burden and well as the time involved to regain control of their own identity, but in many ways it can be done quicker by using the services of an experienced identity theft attorney. Especially if there are legal ramifications stemming from the use of your name that could end up with problems with law enforcement.
For example, if you are accused of committing a crime and law enforcement doubts your claim that you are the victim of identity theft; an identity theft attorney may be able to guide you in the best means of proving who you are. If you reported the illegal use of your name and other identifying information immediately, chances is better that your record can be cleared sooner.
However, proving identity theft can be difficult as some agencies take the claim as someone attempting to get out of paying their bills or facing other obligations by claiming it was not them that committed the act. Having an identity theft attorney on your side can help prove your case not only in court, but also with the three credit reporting agencies, check-clearing companies and with many creditors. It also allows you a better understanding of your individual rights in the event you are the victim of identity theft.