Identity theft is the fraudulent use of someone’s personal information to do unlawful activities such as theft or fraud. Under Georgia Code § 16-9-121, this includes using someone’s name, bank account details, Social Security number or credit card information without consent. The act may be as simple as stealing mail to obtain sensitive details or as sophisticated as hacking into online accounts.
Victims of identity theft can experience financial and emotional strain. This crime is taken seriously in The Peach State, as it affects individuals and harms businesses and the broader economy. The law provides avenues for victims to report these crimes, recover damages and take steps to restore their financial stability.
What should victims of identity theft do?
If you suspect you are a victim of identity theft, you can take the following actions:
- Review your financial statements and credit reports: Check for any unauthorized transactions or accounts. Reporting these discrepancies to your financial institutions can help prevent further damage. In Georgia, victims should also file a report with their local law enforcement agency and obtain a copy of the police report.
- Call any credit reporting agencies: The main agencies are Experian, Equifax or TransUnion, where you can request a fraud alert or credit freeze. A fraud alert tells creditors to check your identity before extending credit, while a credit freeze completely limits access to your credit report.
- File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC): You can do this through their online Identity Theft Recovery Plan. This platform offers personalized guidance on steps, including sample letters to dispute fraudulent accounts and templates for communicating with creditors.
Identity theft is a distressing and disruptive crime that requires fast action. Under Georgia law, victims have protections, but the recovery process can be overwhelming. Seeking legal assistance can ensure victims’ rights are upheld and help streamline the path to financial recovery.