Compton, CA asked in Civil Litigation, Employment Law and Civil Rights for California

Q: Should previous employer keep using my personal information?

I was laid off from my job in 2020, and they are still using my personal information name etc to do shipments. Is that identity theft? They shouldn't be using any of my information since they laid me off

2 Lawyer Answers
Neil Pedersen
Neil Pedersen
Answered
  • Westminster, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: No, your former employer should not be using your name after your have left the company. While it is not identity theft, it is unlawful use of your name and likeness. The first step should be to present a writing to the company asking that they cease the practice. If that does not work, locate and consult with an attorney who can prepare a more forceful demand.

Good luck to you.

Brad S Kane and Maya L. Serkova agree with this answer

Brad S Kane
Brad S Kane
Answered
  • Los Angeles, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: You may have a claim for unauthorized use of your name for commercial purposes under Civil Code 3344. You may be able to recover the greater of $750.00 in statutory damages per use, your damages from the use or your former employer's profits from the use, reasonable attorney's fees and punitive damages. You should speak with a lawyer experienced with Civil Code 3344 claims. Most provide free consultations.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.