How to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft

For most of us, more time at home due to Covid-19 has resulted in increased online activity. Inevitably, this gives identity thieves additional opportunities to access your private information, raising data security concerns. Identity thieves may use your information to take out a loan or open a new credit card account in your name. One way to monitor your data security is to regularly check your credit report for any inaccuracies or errors.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is a federal law that helps to ensure the accuracy, fairness and privacy of the information in consumer credit bureau files. The law regulates the way credit reporting agencies can collect, access, use and share the data they collect in your consumer reports. Additionally, it requires each of the nationwide credit reporting companies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to provide you with a free copy of your credit report once every 12 months.

If you find any errors in your report, it is crucial you file a dispute with both the reporting credit bureau and the company or organization that provided the inaccurate information to the bureau. If a consumer reporting agency or a user of consumer reports violates the FCRA, you may be able to sue for damages in state or federal court.

Call us at (317) 825-5110 to discuss any questions you may have. McNeelyLaw has a team of experienced attorneys ready to help you.

This McNeelyLaw LLP publication should not be construed as legal advice or legal opinion of any specific facts or circumstances. The contents are intended for general informational purposes only, and you are urged to consult your own lawyer on any specific legal questions you may have concerning your situation.