When Identity Theft Destroys Your Credit, Jaffer Law Helps You Rebuild
Identity theft isn’t just a hassle—it’s a devastating invasion that can leave your finances in ruins and your credit in chaos. Whether someone used your name to open a credit card, take out a loan, or rent an apartment, the damage can linger for years. But if you’re a victim, you have rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), and Jaffer Law is here to make sure those rights are enforced.
What Is Identity Theft?
Identity theft occurs when someone steals your personal information—like your Social Security number, date of birth, or financial account details—and uses it without your permission. The most common form of identity theft we see as FCRA attorneys is financial identity theft, where the thief opens accounts or racks up debt in your name.
This often leads to:
- False accounts showing up on your credit report
- Debt collectors pursuing you for charges you didn’t make
- Loan denials due to damaged credit
- Stress and emotional distress from the long process of clearing your name
Your Rights Under the FCRA
The Fair Credit Reporting Act is a federal law that gives you rights when it comes to your credit report. If you’re a victim of identity theft, the FCRA provides specific protections, including:
- The right to dispute inaccurate or fraudulent accounts with the credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion)
- The right to request a free fraud alert or credit freeze
- The right to have the credit bureaus and creditors investigate your disputes
- The right to sue for damages if your disputes are ignored or mishandled
Common FCRA Violations in Identity Theft Cases
Unfortunately, credit reporting agencies and lenders often fail to handle identity theft disputes properly. Here are examples of FCRA violations Jaffer Law helps clients fight:
- Failure to investigate your identity theft dispute within 30 days
- Reinserting fraudulent information into your report after it was removed
- Not communicating with the furnisher (bank, lender, etc.) of the disputed account
- Failing to mark accounts as disputed
- Continuing to report fraudulent debt even after you’ve submitted an identity theft affidavit and police report
How Jaffer Law Helps
We exclusively represent consumers—never creditors or background check companies. Our mission is simple: When background checks and credit reports go wrong, we make it right.
Here’s how we help identity theft victims:
1. Free Case Evaluation
We’ll review your credit reports and dispute history to identify FCRA violations and the best path forward.
2. Prepare and File Disputes
We help draft effective disputes to ensure your reports are corrected properly and to preserve your legal rights.
3. Litigate FCRA Violations
If the credit bureaus or creditors fail to correct false information, we file lawsuits to recover:
- Statutory damages up to $1,000 per violation
- Actual damages, including credit denials and emotional distress
- Punitive damages in egregious cases
- Attorney’s fees and costs
4. Restore Your Peace of Mind
We guide you step-by-step to reclaim your credit and your confidence.
What Should You Do If You’re a Victim?
If you suspect identity theft:
- Get your credit reports from AnnualCreditReport.com
- File a police report and submit an identity theft affidavit (FTC.gov/complaint)
- Dispute errors in writing with the credit bureaus
- Contact Jaffer Law immediately
The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.
You Deserve a Clean Record. Let’s Fight for It.
At Jaffer Law, we know how overwhelming identity theft can be. You didn’t ask for this mess—but you can demand justice. If your credit report has been compromised by identity theft and your disputes are being ignored, you may be entitled to compensation under the FCRA.
