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Identity Theft and Fraud Lawyers, Los Angeles, California

Identity theft and fraud are among the fastest-growing crimes in California and across the United States. In fact, every year, millions of Americans fall victim to scammers who use stolen personal information to open credit lines, drain bank accounts, file false tax returns, or even commit crimes under someone else's name.

If you or your business has been targeted by identity theft or online fraud, you don't have to face it alone. Our legal team provides experienced, technology-focused legal representation for victims of cybercrime, data breaches, and financial fraud. We help clients restore their credit, recover damages, and hold wrongdoers accountable under state and federal laws.

Understanding Identity Theft and Fraud

Identity theft occurs when someone uses another person's personal identifying information--such as a name, Social Security number, driver's license, or financial account number--without permission to commit fraud or other crimes.

Fraud, in turn, involves intentional deception for personal or financial gain. In today's digital world, identity theft and fraud often overlap and take many forms, including:

  • Credit card fraud: Unauthorized use of credit or debit card numbers.
  • Bank account fraud: Transfers, withdrawals, or new account openings without consent.
  • Tax identity theft: Filing fake tax returns to steal refunds.
  • Medical identity theft: Using another's insurance to obtain services or prescription drugs.
  • Employment fraud: Using stolen credentials to gain work authorization.
  • Synthetic identity theft: Combining real and fake information to create a new, fraudulent identity.
  • Online scams and phishing: Deceptive emails or websites tricking users into revealing sensitive data.

With the rise of remote work, cloud storage, and digital payments, these crimes have become more sophisticated than ever.

California Identity Theft Laws

California provides strong legal protections for victims of identity theft. Several key laws may apply to your case:

1. California Penal Code § 530.5

This is California's primary criminal statute for identity theft. It makes it a crime to willfully obtain and use someone's personal identifying information without authorization. Violations can result in imprisonment, restitution, and substantial fines.

2. California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) - Civil Code § 1798.100 et seq.

The CCPA grants California residents the right to know what personal data companies collect and to request deletion or correction. It also allows consumers to pursue damages if their personal information is compromised in a data breach due to a business's failure to implement reasonable security measures.

3. California Identity Theft Victims Act - Civil Code § 1798.92-1798.97

This statute allows victims to obtain a court declaration of identity theft, which can be used to clear fraudulent debts or credit records.

4. Federal Laws

In addition to California statutes, several federal laws protect victims of identity theft and financial fraud, including:

  • The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
  • The Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA)
  • The Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA)
  • The Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA)

Our attorneys are experienced in both state and federal courts and can determine which laws apply to your particular case.

What To Do If You Are a Victim of Identity Theft

If you believe someone has stolen your personal information or committed fraud in your name, take these steps immediately:

  1. Contact your financial institutions - Notify your bank and credit card companies to freeze or close affected accounts.
  2. Place a fraud alert and credit freeze - Contact the three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) to place a fraud alert and prevent new accounts from being opened.
  3. File a police report - A written report strengthens your case with creditors and is often required by courts or insurers.
  4. Report the incident to the FTC - Submit a report at IdentityTheft.gov to receive an official recovery plan.
  5. Consult an experienced identity theft attorney - A lawyer can help you navigate the legal process, dispute fraudulent debts, and pursue damages from negligent entities.
How Our Identity Theft-Fraud Attorneys Can Help

At our law firm, our identity theft and fraud lawyers combine experience in technology law, privacy law, and consumer protection to help victims recover financially and emotionally. For example, our approach includes:

  1. Legal Investigation: We conduct a detailed investigation to trace the origin of the theft or fraud, identify responsible parties, and gather admissible evidence.
  2. Coordination with Law Enforcement: Our attorneys coordinate with local police, the FBI, or other agencies to ensure your case receives attention and that relevant data is preserved.
  3. Credit and Debt Restoration: We assist clients in disputing fraudulent transactions, removing false entries from credit reports, and working with creditors to restore their financial standing.
  4. Civil Litigation: If a company's negligence--such as a data breach or poor cybersecurity--enabled the theft, we pursue civil claims for damages under the CCPA, negligence, or breach of implied contract theories.
  5. Privacy and Cybersecurity Guidance: We provide proactive counseling on protecting your digital identity, including password management, two-factor authentication, and legal remedies for future data breaches.
Common Legal Claims

In general, depending on the facts, victims of identity theft and fraud may bring claims for:

  • Negligence or negligent data security
  • Breach of fiduciary duty or confidentiality
  • Invasion of privacy
  • Violation of the CCPA or other privacy laws
  • Defamation or false light (if false information was published)
  • Intentional infliction of emotional distress
  • Conversion or misappropriation of funds

Our lawyers evaluate every possible legal avenue to recover damages for financial loss, credit harm, and emotional distress.

Why Choose Us?

We are not a general practice law firm. Our attorneys focus exclusively on technology, cybersecurity, and privacy laws, making us uniquely qualified to handle modern digital-crime matters.

  • Experience with technology companies and ISPs: We know how to work with major platforms like Google, Meta, Yahoo, Twitter, and Microsoft when subpoenaing digital evidence.
  • Proven record in complex investigations: Our team has represented clients in multi-jurisdictional identity theft and cyber-fraud cases.
  • Personalized attention: Every client works directly with an attorney, not just paralegals or intake staff.
  • Aggressive advocacy: We pursue every legal remedy available to restore your name and recover damages.
Preventing Future Identity Theft

While no one can eliminate the risk completely, you can significantly reduce your exposure by taking proactive steps:

  • Use strong, unique passwords for every account and enable two-factor authentication.
  • Monitor your credit reports regularly.
  • Avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions.
  • Never share personal information with unknown callers or email senders.
  • Store important documents in secure, encrypted locations.

If your information was compromised in a data breach, contact our law firm immediately to understand your legal rights.

Contact an Experienced Identity Theft and Fraud Attorney

If you've been the victim of identity theft, online fraud, or financial cybercrime, you have legal rights and remedies. The sooner you act, the easier it is to preserve evidence and limit damage to your credit and reputation.

You may contact our law firm for a confidential consultation with an experienced identity theft and fraud attorney. We serve clients throughout California and nationwide in technology and privacy matters. Please let our legal team help you reclaim your identity, restore your finances, and protect your digital future.