Until recently, we have taken the security of our personal identity for granted. We now understand that our electronic age has created the means for criminals to secretly obtain personal identity information. The thefts of social security numbers, driver's licenses, dates of birth, and other personal information all too often result in devastating financial consequences. This area of criminal behavior, known as "identity theft," is exploding. In 2006, according to the Federal Trade Commission, Florida ranked fifth in the nation for its number of instances of identity theft.

What is "Identity Theft?"
When a criminal uses an individual's personal identification information, he has committed identity theft. These wrongdoers steal information, such as your name, social security number, driver's license information, or bank account and credit card details, and use the information to establish credit, make purchases, apply for loans, or even seek employment. Unfortunately, many consumers learn that their identity has been stolen after the damage has been done. You need to be on the look out for signs that you might be the victim of identity theft. Some signs of identity theft include:

• Fraudulent or inaccurate information on your credit reports, including personal information such as your Social Security number, address, name or initials, and employment information.
• Accounts you did not open and debts on your accounts that you cannot explain.
• Failure to receive bills or other mail.
• Receiving credit cards that you did not apply for.
• Being denied credit or being offered less favorable credit terms, such as a high interest rate, for no apparent reason.
• Getting calls or letters from debt collectors or businesses about merchandise or services you did not buy.

If You Have Been the Victim of Identity Theft, Contact the Credit Reporting Agencies by Telephone and Mail.

If you believe that you have been the victim of identity theft, there are a number of things that you should do. The agencies in the United States that collect your credit information and report it to potential lenders are known as credit reporting agencies (CRAs). Federal and state laws regulate how CRAs must handle consumer complaints and other issues. You should contact the credit reporting agencies and notify them that you believe that you are the victim of identity theft. You should keep thorough notes of all telephone conversations (including the name of the person that you spoke with, the date of the conversation, and the general content of the conversation) and keep copies of all correspondence you send to them. Make sure that you send all letters certified, with a return receipt requested.

Close the accounts that you know or believe have been tampered with or opened fraudulently.

Call and speak with someone in the security or fraud department of each company. Follow up in writing, and include copies (NOT originals) of supporting documents. It is important to notify credit card companies and banks in writing. Send your letters by certified mail, return receipt requested, so you can document what the company received and when they received it. Keep a file of your correspondence and any enclosures.

File a report with your local police or the police in the community where the identity theft took place.

Call your local police department and tell them that you want to file a report about your identity theft. Ask them if you can file the report in person. If you cannot, ask if you can file a report over the Internet or telephone. See below for information about Automated Reports. If the police are reluctant to take your report, ask to file a "Miscellaneous Incident" report, or try another jurisdiction, like your state police. You also can check with the Attorney General's Office in your state to find out if state law requires the police to take reports for identity theft. Check the Blue Pages of your telephone directory for the phone number.

You need the assistance of an experienced lawyer to help you get compensation for the damages that you have suffered. Attorney James W. Dodson has 20 years of experience representing individuals who have been injured. James W. Dodson is well-respected in the legal community. His peers have awarded him the highest possible rating for legal ethics and abilities, rating him AV, Peer Review Rated.* Mr. Dodson belongs to the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, a group of lawyers that have achieved a trial award, settlement, or verdict of $1,000,000 or more.

All cases are handled on a contingent fee basis so that you will never pay any fee unless you obtain recovery for your claim. The attorney will advance all costs required to pursue your claim and you will only have to repay those costs if a recovery is obtained on your behalf. You will not owe fees or costs if no recovery is made.

James W. Dodson, Attorney at Law, represents clients in Tarpon Springs, Palm Harbor, St. Petersburg, Pinellas Park, Dunedin, Safety Harbor, Clearwater, elsewhere in Pinellas County, Pasco County, Manatee County, and throughout Florida.

Call James W. Dodson, Attorney at Law, at (727) 446-0840 for a free, confidential evaluation of your claim. You can also contact us online.

* CV, BV and AV are registered certification marks of Reed Elsevier Properties, Inc., used with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards, and policies.