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Identity Theft Questions & Answers
0 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Identity Theft and Banking for California on
Q: How to verify legitimacy of email claiming to be from Federal Reserve Bank?

I received an email from someone claiming to be Mr. Powell, Chief Officer of the Federal Reserve Bank, stating that I owe a lump sum of money. The email includes his contact information and offers three methods for me to receive funds but requests my bank account and routing number. There were no... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Identity Theft and Criminal Law for Kentucky on
Q: Chances of reducing identity theft charge in Kentucky for providing false information?

My fiancé was charged with identity theft, a class D felony, after giving false information to a police officer in Henderson, Kentucky. He has a criminal record, but not related to similar offenses. He gave incorrect information during a police stop where they already had his old mugshot. The... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Banking and Identity Theft for Utah on
Q: Is it legal for a bank to use my mother's maiden name for security without prior info?

I have been a customer of a major online credit card company that also offers online banking services for several years. Since February, I started facing issues where my password was incorrectly recognized by the app, prompting me to reset it using their website. Previously, resetting a password... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Identity Theft and White Collar Crime for Missouri on
Q: Can I file a criminal suit for misuse of personal information in Missouri?

I discovered that my social security number and personal email address were used without my consent to create a cell phone account with AT&T. I received an email from AT&T asking to verify the account, which led me to file a fraudulent claim with the company. Although I haven't... View More

Ronald J. Eisenberg
Ronald J. Eisenberg
answered on Mar 19, 2025

Unless you are the prosecuting attorney you may not file a criminal lawsuit. You may file a civil lawsuit.

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Health Care Law and Identity Theft for California on
Q: FCA statutes in CA for hospice fraud referral

I'm seeking information on the FCA statutes in California related to hospice fraud, specifically regarding a fraudulent referral to hospice. The referral occurred within the FCA's five to ten-year statute limitations, and no legal action has been filed yet. The referral was conducted... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 16, 2025

In California, the False Claims Act (FCA), codified under California Government Code Sections 12650–12656, applies to cases involving fraudulent hospice referrals. Specifically, unauthorized disclosure of hospitalization records used to make fraudulent referrals could constitute violations under... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law, Federal Crimes, Identity Theft and White Collar Crime for Texas on
Q: Advice on Motion for Re-Entry after being victimized in Texas and deported unlawfully.

I, Nitesh Bhandari, a Nepali student, was on an F-1 visa in the U.S. since August 2024. While in Texas, I was a victim of serious crimes, including banking fraud where individuals hacked my accounts, drugging, staging a fake drug test, and receiving threats at the Dallas airport, leading to my... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 12, 2025

First, immediately create a detailed timeline of every event, clearly documenting dates, locations, persons involved, and what exactly occurred. Attach any available evidence such as emails, banking records showing fraudulent activity, text messages, or medical reports related to being drugged. If... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Federal Crimes and Identity Theft for Kentucky on
Q: Consequences of new charges and parole status for fiancé in Kentucky.

My fiancé committed a felony aggravated assault in the 2nd degree in 2012 while on parole and was also charged with persistent felony offender (PFO). Recently, he violated parole by absconding for 4 months, during which he was indicted for identity theft in Henderson, Kentucky, after providing a... View More

Timothy Denison
Timothy Denison
answered on Mar 11, 2025

At least three years and it will violate his parole status. He is dodging the PFO I so it may not be that bad an offer but he is most likely going back to prison regardless.

0 Answers | Asked in Criminal Law and Identity Theft for Kansas on
Q: Charged with identity theft for using brother's info during traffic stop in Kansas.

I was pulled over and used my brother's information because I didn't have a license, which led to receiving a ticket for driving without a license. My brother was called as a witness. A court date has been set, and I'm now being charged with identity theft, though I believe this... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Identity Theft, Employment Law, Tax Law and Insurance Bad Faith for Florida on
Q: Legal recourse after $16,000 stolen from 401(k) due to identity theft and incorrect 1099-R issued by Fidelity.

My wife had $16,000 stolen from her 401(k) account with Fidelity following an identity theft incident in June. We were not informed by Fidelity until we discovered the account was blocked in November. We have reported this to the police, Identitytheft.gov, and social security. Fidelity claims to be... View More

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Mar 9, 2025

If your money is not refunded, you might have a potential negligence claim against Fidelity, which is likely insured for that. Schedule an appointment with a lawyer in your area who handles civil litigation including negligence claims against financial institutions. The lawyer should promptly... View More

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

0 Answers | Asked in Identity Theft and Criminal Law for Missouri on
Q: Is it illegal for someone to photograph my wallet's info without permission?

In St. Charles, Missouri, a friend's grandmother took photos of my credit card and ID from my wallet without my permission. She did this intentionally and plans to use the information. I haven't reported it to authorities yet, and there have been no unauthorized transactions or other... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Internet Law, Identity Theft and White Collar Crime for Washington on
Q: How to handle a neighbor hacking my devices in WA?

I suspect that my neighbor has been hacking my phones and devices, including redirecting calls to false customer services, for several years. Verizon investigated a few months ago and confirmed some of the hacking activities. How should I handle this situation legally?

0 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Internet Law and Identity Theft for Arizona on
Q: Email used to fraudulently create Apple account; recourse for recovery?

I believe someone fraudulently used my email to create an account with Apple. Now, I can't use my email to create my own account, and Apple says they can't release it without the phone number associated with it—which I don't recognize. I contacted Apple Support via chat, but they... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Identity Theft and Internet Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Issues with utility account access due to email and authentication problems

I have experienced issues accessing my utility accounts and other services due to sudden changes in email communication. I have always used the same email address for my PECO Energy account and other services like Amazon and my gas company. Recently, I've had trouble logging into my PECO... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Banking, Identity Theft and White Collar Crime for Pennsylvania on
Q: How to address missing check endorsements and altered bank statements?

I've discovered discrepancies with checks I wrote, such as one to a dentist for $48.40, initially endorsed by JP Morgan but now missing the endorsement. Other checks also have missing endorsements, and there are altered or missing entries in my Wells Fargo bank statements. I haven't... 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

0 Answers | Asked in Employment Law and Identity Theft for Utah on
Q: Can my employer email my W-2 and 1099 without consent?

I'm concerned because my employer emailed my W-2 and 1099 forms to me without my consent or any prior agreement. I received no notification about this delivery method, and I believe email is a very insecure way to send these sensitive documents. What are my rights or actions I can take in this... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Public Benefits, Civil Litigation and Identity Theft for Massachusetts on
Q: Liability for $24,000 SSDI fraud committed by non-custodial parent involving 7-year-old.

My daughter's father signed her up for SSDI without my permission and collected $24,000. I later found out about the fraud. When I informed SSI, they said the amount must be paid back by my daughter, even though her father, who's also on SSI, collected these funds. The issue arose because... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant, Identity Theft and Civil Litigation for New York on
Q: Received court date after paying past rent. Stolen money orders involved.

I received a notice for non-payment of rent in NYC, but before the deadline, I paid the $2,500 past due rent with money orders that were later stolen and cashed fraudulently. Once I realized the problem, I paid the past and present rent again, totaling $2,500, which the landlord's office has... View More

Steven Warren Smollens
Steven Warren Smollens
answered on Mar 2, 2025

Dear Brooklyn Tenant

You have an initial court date for the nonpayment case because you Answered the Petition. It's not going away on its own. This doesn't mean that the landlord won't discontinue the proceeding on the initial court date since you say that all the rent owed...
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0 Answers | Asked in Identity Theft and Employment Law for Indiana on
Q: Is it okay to use a different first name on job applications in Indiana?

I live in Indiana and I want to use a different first name than my legal first name when filling out job applications and paperwork due to identity theft concerns. I'm not planning to update my legal documents to the preferred name, but no employers have expressed concern or questioned the... View More

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