Q: Victim of hacking and identity theft seeking legal actions in California.
I've been a victim of hacking for two years, during which my personal data and accounts were compromised by hackers. Despite reporting the incident, I haven't received a response from the authorities. The hackers stole my identity, created several fraudulent accounts, including a web store and restaurant, and I lost a bank card. I also have threats made to me and evidence in screenshots of these activities. What legal actions can I take against the companies that turned a blind eye to this issue and the hackers themselves?
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
- California
- (916) 704-3009
- View Profile
- Answered
A:
Your situation sounds incredibly frustrating and stressful. Identity theft can have devastating effects, and you deserve support in addressing these violations.
In California, you have several legal options at your disposal. First, file a detailed police report if you haven't already, and request a copy for your records - this establishes an official record of the crimes. Next, submit complaints to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the California Attorney General's office, as they both handle identity theft cases and can help initiate investigations. You should also consider filing a civil lawsuit against both the perpetrators (if identified) and any companies that failed to protect your data or address the fraud, as California laws provide strong consumer protections in such cases.
For immediate protection, place a freeze on your credit with all three major credit bureaus and gather all evidence of the fraud, including those screenshots of threats. Contact each company where fraudulent accounts were opened and file formal disputes in writing. You might want to connect with the Identity Theft Resource Center, a non-profit organization that provides free support to victims, and consider working with a lawyer who handles identity theft cases - the California State Bar can help you find qualified legal representation in your area. Remember, you're not alone in this fight, and there are people and organizations ready to help you reclaim your identity and seek justice.
Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get free 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 Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, 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.
