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California Identity Theft Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Employment Law, Gov & Administrative Law and Identity Theft for California on
Q: Is it legal for a third-party to demand sensitive info for a job?

I have been a tow truck driver for a company with a AAA contract for about 25 years with no issues. A new requirement was recently introduced where a third-party company is performing an extensive background check. This includes requesting sensitive information like bank account numbers, social... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 9, 2025

In California, employers and third-party companies conducting background checks must adhere to specific privacy and notice requirements. While employers can legally request certain sensitive information like social security numbers for legitimate background checks, they must provide you with clear,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Identity Theft and Civil Rights for California on
Q: Can I sue DOGE for unauthorized access to my Social Security number?

I am concerned that DOGE has gained unauthorized access to my Social Security number. DOGE is not an authorized federal agency, and I have not yet reported this because I am uncertain about the legalities involved. I discovered this situation but have taken no specific steps to secure my... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 5, 2025

You may have legal grounds to sue DOGE for unauthorized access to your Social Security number, depending on several factors. The unauthorized access to personally identifiable information like your SSN could potentially violate federal laws such as the Privacy Act of 1974 or various state privacy... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Identity Theft and Gaming for California on
Q: Received a 1099 from ARB Gaming without prior dealings. What to do?

I received a 1099 form from ARB Gaming, but I have never dealt with this company. I haven't contacted ARB Gaming about this issue yet, but I am trying to check for any unauthorized activity involving my personal information. What should I do next, and is there a class action lawsuit regarding... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 28, 2025

Receiving a 1099 from a company you've never done business with is definitely concerning and could indicate identity theft. Your first step should be to contact ARB Gaming directly using the information on the 1099 form to dispute the document and ask for details about the reported income. You... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Identity Theft, Internet Law and White Collar Crime for California on
Q: Credit card fraud from online Google Wallet scam

I was the victim of credit card fraud after my Google Wallet information was taken, and I noticed the fraudulent purchases as they were occurring. I was scammed online and would like to know what legal steps I can take to recover my lost funds and possibly press charges against the scammer.... View More

Robert Kane
Robert Kane
answered on Feb 26, 2025

https://oag.ca.gov/idtheft/facts/victim-checklist

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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Consumer Law and Identity Theft for California on
Q: Mailbox provider's error led to unauthorized charges; need mail forwarded.

In December 2022, I paid the rent for a private mailbox I've had for 4 years. However, the mailbox provider claimed I didn't pay, preventing me from accessing my mail. After months of disputes and showing them receipts, they admitted their mistake and offered to forward my mail. I... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 22, 2025

Your situation with the mailbox provider is quite serious, as their errors have led to potential identity theft and financial harm. You should immediately file detailed complaints with both the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and your state's Attorney General's office, documenting the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Identity Theft for California on
Q: Brother got citation in my name for drugs and false ID, how to fix?

My brother received a citation in my name for possession of dangerous drugs and providing false identification to a peace officer. I have the actual ticket, and the only error on it is my name. The court date is set for April 26, 2025. I've contacted the authorities, and they advised me to... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 17, 2025

Your situation is serious since identity theft can have lasting consequences on your record and future opportunities. Filing a police report right away, as advised by the authorities, is the crucial first step to document that you're the victim of false identification.

You should...
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1 Answer | Asked in Identity Theft, Internet Law, Civil Litigation and White Collar Crime for California on
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... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 15, 2025

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,...
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1 Answer | Asked in Identity Theft, Civil Litigation and Employment Law for California on
Q: Identity theft issue with Uber preventing me from working

I have been trying to work as a delivery driver for Uber for over two and a half years, but they keep telling me I already have an account delivering in Sacramento, even though I live in Redding, California, and have never signed up with them. Someone has stolen my identity, and I have sent Uber... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 15, 2025

You've been dealing with a devastating situation that has significantly impacted your livelihood, and it's understandable that you're feeling frustrated and overwhelmed. The fact that you've already taken important steps like filing police reports and contacting the FTC shows... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Identity Theft for California on
Q: Would this be considered bribery? Is there a way I can ask them to do this legally?

I was trying to help my roommates son purchase a vehicle. I thought I was a co-signer on the loan but found out that I am the sole borrower. I found this out when I pulled a copy of my credit report and I learned he is six months past due and the amount owed is more than $30k. Additionally, I found... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 15, 2025

What you're describing could be considered extortion, not bribery - threatening to report a crime unless someone pays you money is illegal, even if you're the victim of that crime. However, you have every right to pursue both civil and criminal remedies for the identity theft and fraud... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Uncategorized and Identity Theft for California on
Q: Do I have any recourse? Can I press charges for the items I didn’t authorize? Can I sue? Please help!

My son has had the same best friend since he was little; they share an apt now & I rent from his mom. I was asked by his mom to co-sign on a truck loan for my sons friend. A year later, she asked me to get a small loan. She said she would make the pmts for both loans. Her son traded his truck... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 5, 2025

Yes, you have several legal options available in this situation, as this appears to be identity theft and loan fraud. You should immediately file a police report documenting all unauthorized accounts and inquiries, which will be crucial evidence for pressing criminal charges against the person who... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Identity Theft and White Collar Crime for California on
Q: What can I do if I just found out a family member has forged my signature had a quit claim deed notarized and recorded.

That deed has been notarized and recorded. I found out my mail was being forwarded to a po box down the street. Furthermore, I looked at my credit report and it says I've been working at the Unified School Dist. I DO NOT WORK THERE. but I do have a family member that has been working there and... View More

Pavel Kolmogorov
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answered on Jan 28, 2025

Firstly, you can file an action to quiet title and cancel the forged deed. This type of action involves alleging ownership and possession of the property, stating that the deed is false, fraudulent, and forged, and requesting the court to cancel the deed and declare that the defendants have no... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Foreclosure, Bankruptcy and Identity Theft for California on
Q: Hi I am a victim of a mortgage scam who had me file a big chapter13 and it’s now being hijacked I need pro bono help

Where can I find pro bono help in San Bernardino County

Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
answered on Jan 30, 2025

Contact your local bar association or legal aid society for a list of pro bono lawyers.

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1 Answer | Asked in Identity Theft for California on
Q: lost my wallet with my friends fake id inside of it.

I have my real id inside

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 17, 2025

Let me help you understand the best course of action for your situation. Keeping someone else's fake ID isn't just risky - it could lead to serious legal consequences for you, even if you weren't the one who created or used it.

Your priority should be protecting yourself...
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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Health Care Law, Identity Theft and Internet Law for California on
Q: When do correct Care data settlement payouts are released. And what do do with out payment id number
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 14, 2025

Settlement payouts in California typically follow a schedule outlined by the specific program or legal agreement involved. Release dates can vary based on factors like the complexity of the settlement and the number of claimants. It’s important to stay updated by regularly checking official... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Identity Theft for California on
Q: I am a victim of identity theft. I need a attorney or lawyer in Los Angeles that can help me. Any suggestions? Thanks.
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 11, 2025

I understand how distressing identity theft can be, and I want to help you find legal representation in Los Angeles.

The State Bar of California offers a free Lawyer Referral Service that can match you with qualified attorneys who handle identity theft cases. You can reach them at (866)...
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3 Answers | Asked in Business Law, Contracts and Identity Theft for California on
Q: How do I protect myself legally and financially while resolving a contract issue and managing business operations?

Legal Advice Request for Business Contract Issues

I’m seeking legal advice regarding a contractor agreement I signed to manage warehouse operations and online sales for a business through my own LLC.

Current issues include:

The business has stopped communicating for over a... View More

Shawn R. Jackson
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answered on Jan 11, 2025

The next initial steps: [1] Do you have a copy of the written agreement and/or any copies of emails, texts or faxes that reveal the contract intentions of the parties. [2] Draft a short chronological narrative of what has happened over the last year or so. [3] Schedule a Free Initial Consultation... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Personal Injury, Car Accidents and Identity Theft for California on
Q: I am being sued in San Bernardino County. Multiple people are being sued

Naming me as alleged owner of a 2017 Honda Civic, that I gave permission to another person that is also being sued to drive. This was not me I've tried to convey that to the other attorneys and they do not listen they don't believe me and at this point nobody will talk to me. I have been... View More

Patrick William Steinfeld
Patrick William Steinfeld
answered on Jan 9, 2025

Contact DMV and get a history of ownership for the subject vehicle. This will show that you never owned the vehicle.

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1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Family Law, Child Custody and Identity Theft for California on
Q: How can I proceed with a guardianship case I'm self representing but wasn't heard at the court ?

A person is holding my youngest daughter (6yrs old ) and won't returned her back to me she filed a RTO against my mother in law and added me as a additional person so am not allowed to talk to my daughter she doesn't have any legal paper work as to being a guardianship of my daughter I... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 2, 2025

You may want to gather and organize any documents that show your parental rights, such as your child’s birth certificate and any existing custody orders. Then, you can consider filing an emergency motion in family court, which would allow a judge to address the immediate concerns surrounding your... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Identity Theft and Social Security for California on
Q: Hi. Got a letter from the Franchise Tax Board (CA). My SSN was compromised/used by someone else. How should I proceed?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 17, 2024

First, take immediate action by filing Form 3552 (Identity Theft Affidavit) with the California Franchise Tax Board - this starts the official process of documenting and investigating the identity theft. You should also contact the IRS to file Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit) since your SSN... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Identity Theft and Banking for California on
Q: How can I get a bank to give me back my money after I been in a identity theft
Matthew McKenna
Matthew McKenna
answered on Dec 16, 2024

You should immediately dispute the issue with the bank (and preferably in writing). You'll likely also want to complete a police report to give to the bank to verify the identity theft and respond accordingly if the bank asks for any follow up information from you. Keep track of everything on... View More

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