Quick Answer: Identity theft collection means debt collectors are pursuing fraudulent accounts opened by thieves, and victims should file police reports, dispute accounts with credit bureaus, and send written disputes to collectors with certified mail. Consumer protection laws like the FDCPA provide additional safeguards when collectors refuse to dismiss proven fraudulent debts.
“Dear Jeremy,
Indenity theft 10 years ago 3 cards.
(I had a house for sale in a another city. They got my mail. They changed my address back to that house)
One I paid off. Someone used my card I already taken out. and I could prove that I did not use it. I was teaching in a classroom in City B while my card was being used in city A. they refused to dismiss. My address had been changed back. $5000 racked up in thirty days.
Each weekday I send one short email: one money story that caught my attention, why it might matter to you, and one manageable thing you can do with it. A couple of minutes, and a dad joke.
In the latest issue (Oct 15): The ones who need the Social Security raise the most keep the least of it
Free. I sell nothing. Unsubscribe any time.
2nd card $5000(I did not open), I cancelled explained, and I did not owe
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3rd card $5000(I did not open)let them know etc etc. Credit card company sold it over and over and are still pursuing. Now $19000
Over and over the first 3 or 4 years, explained documented, etc. I finally just ignored it.
Any thing to fear, anything I can do about third card?
Barbara”
Dear Barbara,
When you discover you are the victim of identity theft the initial steps are to file a police report and then check your credit report.
You should also place a fraud alert on your credit report and dispute any accounts that are not yours with the credit bureau.
The next step is to dispute each fraudulent account with the collector. Be sure to send a dispute in writing via certified return receipt requested and include a copy of the police report.
Hopefully, this will clear up the mess. If not, there are good consumer protection statutes that protect victims of identity theft, including the FDCPA.
Jeremy Golden, Esq. is one of the resident debt experts here at GetOutOfDebt.org that helps people for free. Jeremy is a consumer rights attorney licensed to practice in California. He represents individuals in cases against debt collectors for violations of the FDCPA. He also focuses on defending people in collection cases who have been sued by their creditors or debt- buyers. In the last five years he has won at trial or obtained a dismissal in over 200 collection cases. Recently he was voted one of San Diego’s Top Attorneys in the field of Consumer Law by SDMetro Magazine. His website is goldencardona.com
Legal Disclaimer: This is for educational purposes only. It is not to be relied upon as legal advice. It also does not create an attorney-client relationship. No such relationship is formed with attorney without a written agreement.
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Know Your Rights: If a debt collector is contacting you, you have legal protections. See the complete list of FDCPA violations collectors commit most often. Use the free Debt Validation Letter Generator to demand proof of the debt, or check this collector’s complaint history with the Scam-O-Meter.
Dealing With Debt? Before you pay a collector, understand all your debt relief options — including ones the collector won’t tell you about. If the debt feels unmanageable, take the 2-minute bankruptcy quiz to see if the math favors a fresh start. Federal Reserve research shows filers recover faster than those who don’t file.
