Dandridge, TN asked in Identity Theft for Tennessee

Q: Can I have someone arrested for obtaining my social security number and giving it to someone else?

My social security number and DL # was given to someone in my subdivision by her brother-in-law who is an attorney. She, in turn, gave it to someone else in my subdivision who then mailed it to someone else in my subdivision. Is this not illegal?

Related Topics:
1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered

A: In your situation, where your social security number and driver's license number were shared without your consent, there are potential legal concerns. It's important to understand that sharing this sensitive information without permission can be a serious matter, often breaching privacy laws.

You may have recourse under laws designed to protect personal information. However, the specifics of these laws can vary depending on your location and the circumstances of the case. In general, unauthorized sharing of personal data like social security numbers can be considered a violation of privacy rights.

Given the involvement of an attorney in this matter, there might be additional ethical considerations. Attorneys are bound by certain professional standards regarding the handling of personal information.

To address this issue effectively, you should consider consulting with an attorney who has experience in privacy law or identity theft cases. They can provide detailed advice tailored to your situation, including the feasibility of pressing charges or pursuing a civil suit.

Keep in mind that acting promptly is crucial in cases involving personal data breaches. Delaying action can sometimes complicate your ability to seek remedies.

Lastly, it's also wise to take steps to protect your identity following this incident. This might include monitoring your credit reports and considering identity theft protection services. These measures can help mitigate potential damage from the unauthorized use of your personal information.

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.