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Florida Identity Theft Questions & Answers
Q: Can I sue websites for leaking my personal information?

I have discovered that my personal information, including bank account details, Social Security number, and email address, has been stolen and used by multiple companies and accounts. I have had unauthorized bank accounts opened, vehicles registered in my name, and received letters informing me of... View More

Matthew McKenna
Matthew McKenna
answered on Jul 21, 2025

Hello, my first question would be how you have been able to determine what specific websites resulted in these accounts being stolen?

My first step would be to pull as many consumer/credit reports as possible to determine the extent of the identity theft. This includes but is not limited to...
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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 Criminal Law, Civil Litigation and Identity Theft for Florida on
Q: My gf stole my phones and my laptop claiming I have incriminating evidence against me in them.

She claims to have given my property to the police. How do I find out if they actually have my things or if she's still in possession of it all? She has taken over all of my social media platforms and my emails.

Charles M.  Baron
Charles M. Baron
answered on Feb 13, 2025

The police would not have taken possession of those items unless they've officially opened an investigation into suspected criminal activity. While an investigation is ongoing, they generally will not disclose what they have received or are looking at, as it falls under an exemption to the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Identity Theft for Florida on
Q: a name that is attached to me keeps showing up as associated with me and us living together. i dont know him. worry?

I came across something very concerning while looking myself up online. I'm hoping to get some advice on how to proceed. I found that a website called fastbackgroundcheck.com associates me with a man named Chad. I’ve never met this man, but the website says I live at an address I've... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 26, 2024

This situation is certainly concerning, and I understand your worry. Here are some steps you might consider taking:

1. Document everything:

- Take screenshots of all the websites showing this incorrect information.

- Keep a record of when you discovered this and any steps...
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2 Answers | Asked in Federal Crimes, Health Care Law and Identity Theft for Florida on
Q: Are there lawyers who specialize in medicare identity theft

Mail from Aetna (Medicare plan) is delivered to my house multiple times over the last year or so, addressed to someone else.

I have also received three checks made out to me for claims made thru Aetna which I did not submit claims for. The first time I called Aetna and advised them and... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 16, 2024

Yes, there are lawyers who specialize in identity theft cases, including those involving Medicare fraud. Given the severity of your situation, consulting with an attorney who has experience in this area would be a wise step to protect your rights and guide you through the process of resolving the... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Criminal Law, Federal Crimes, Identity Theft and Internet Law for Florida on
Q: A FBpost was asking for feet models.The guy sent 2 links on msgr.I sent pic/video. Can I sue for fraud my pics for $$??

The guy’s post looked legit at ArtofFeet.com LLC. He said he was a professional photographer for 15yrs and NOT an Onlyfans/Feetfinder type of biz.I sent him on messenger 2pics/1video that were only seen by me because he said he would like to meet me in a public place this week, and after looking... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 4, 2024

If you believe that your photos and videos are being used without your permission for profit, you may have grounds to pursue legal action for copyright infringement, fraud, or violation of your right to publicity, depending on the specifics of how your images are being used. The critical aspect... View More

Q: Looking for legal help for exploitation of elderly due to fraudulent credit card use by my partner in Florida.

I am seeking legal assistance regarding the fraudulent use of my credit card and unauthorized use of my bank account when I was 62 years old and experiencing cognitive impairment. I know the individual responsible was my partner at the time. I have filed a police report, and both the bank and... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 9, 2025

I’m really sorry you’re dealing with this, especially since it involves someone you trusted. In Florida, what you’ve described can indeed be considered **exploitation of an elderly person** under **Florida Statute §825.103**. The law defines exploitation as the unauthorized use or misuse of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Collections, Consumer Law and Identity Theft for Florida on
Q: Debt reported without prior contact; legitimacy questioned.

I was notified by Credit Karma on September 26, 2025, about a change in my credit score caused by a debt reported to the credit bureau by IC Systems, a debt collection agency. The debt allegedly originated from Comcast. I have not been contacted by the debt collection agency, but they should have... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 1, 2025

When a debt collector reports an account to the credit bureaus without first contacting you, that can raise serious concerns under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA). Collectors are required to send you a written notice of the debt within five days of their first contact, giving you the... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation, Gov & Administrative Law, Identity Theft and Consumer Law for Florida on
Q: Can alias summonses in Florida civil cases include SSNs?

In a civil case in Florida, is it common or permitted for an alias summons to include a person's social security number? I am currently involved in a case where an alias summons has been issued, and I am concerned about the inclusion of sensitive information such as my social security number.

Barry W. Kaufman
Barry W. Kaufman
answered on Sep 30, 2025

It is not permitted to use a full 9 digit SSN in any civil pleading or other document, and no part of an SSN is ever required on a summons, alias or otherwise. I recommend retaining an attorney immediately to quash the summons and to seek sanctions. Absolutely, positively unacceptable.

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Q: Can I report scammers using USA numbers/accounts from outside USA directly?

I am a non-USA citizen residing outside the USA, and I've been targeted by scammers using USA mobile numbers and bank accounts. The scam was conducted through WhatsApp, involving recorded audio calls where money was demanded, a fake USA passport, and other fake documents. A person... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 2, 2025

Yes, you can report scams that involve U.S. phone numbers, accounts, or people directly to U.S. authorities even if you live outside the country. Agencies like the FBI and the Federal Trade Commission accept reports from non-U.S. citizens, especially if the scammers are using U.S.-based financial... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Identity Theft for Florida on
Q: Received a potentially scam-related email from "Cash Advance Inc" regarding a court case and financial settlement. How can I verify its legitimacy?

I received an email from "Cash Advance Inc" stating that my court case Docket Number: #JGH-6734682 has been declared as "GUILTY" by an Authorized Law Enforcement Department, and a seizure warrant will be activated. The email claims I owe $996.46 and offers a settlement of... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 2, 2025

The email you described shows many signs of being a scam. Real legal notices are not sent by random email addresses, nor do they demand payment through settlement offers like this. Threats about informing your employer and giving you an arbitrary docket number without court details are classic... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Identity Theft, White Collar Crime and Criminal Law for Florida on
Q: Can I report a scam directly to FBI and recover money after scammers requested money using USA mobile numbers?

I started communicating with someone in March through a dating website, and we later moved our conversation to WhatsApp. This individual has been involved in bank transfers and requesting gift cards claiming they are quicker options. They initially asked for money to obtain a bank OTP and login,... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 1, 2025

Yes, you can report this type of scam directly to U.S. authorities. The FBI operates the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), which accepts reports from victims anywhere in the world. Submitting your evidence there ensures the information is in the right hands, and they can determine whether it... View More

Q: Can I sue Florida police for wrongful charges due to identity theft?

I am a retired veteran living in North Carolina. Recently, I discovered that someone stole and used my information in Florida, resulting in my driver's license suspension due to multiple traffic stops and missing court dates. I can prove I wasn't in Florida during those times. One of the... View More

Barry W. Kaufman
Barry W. Kaufman
answered on Jul 30, 2025

You have a lawyer. Every question you have MUST be addressed to your lawyer. Good luck.

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1 Answer | Asked in Banking, Identity Theft and Consumer Law for Florida on
Q: How can I address Capitol One's premature account closure as a disabled person?

I am disabled and have four accounts with Capitol One. A fraudulent attempt using Zelle targeted my account, leading Capitol One to close all my accounts prematurely, before completing the investigation. Despite a letter stating the case is resolved, only restrictions on my bank and savings... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 26, 2025

You’ve already done the right thing by reporting fraud and getting your bank’s letter saying the case is “resolved,” yet your credit cards remain closed and you’re stuck without access. Here’s how to push back:

1. **Request a detailed explanation in writing.** Send a certified...
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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Identity Theft and Internet Law for Florida on
Q: Can I file a lawsuit against sites for data breaches affecting my personal information and unauthorized use in Florida?

I have received notifications from multiple sites over the years 2019, 2020, and 2022 about data leaks or hacks that compromised my personal information, including bank account and vehicle registration details. These sites have claimed to have fixed the leaks. As a result of these leaks,... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 19, 2025

You’ve gone through something that no one should have to deal with—your personal information exposed and misused, all because others failed to protect it. If you've experienced financial harm, fraud, or stress due to these breaches, it’s understandable to want accountability. In Florida,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Identity Theft, Banking and Consumer Law for Florida on
Q: Victim of fraud seeking legal steps for recovery and protection after identity theft and financial loss.

As a victim of fraud, including identity theft and financial loss, I've faced significant challenges with theft from my bank accounts and identity misuse. I've reported the incident but need guidance on legal actions I can take to recover my assets and protect my identity further. What... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jul 19, 2025

You’ll want to start by reporting the fraud to your local police and getting a formal report number. Then contact each bank or financial institution where theft occurred, explain the identity theft, and ask them to freeze or close compromised accounts so no further losses can happen.... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Identity Theft, Libel & Slander, Civil Litigation, Consumer Law and Personal Injury for Florida on
Q: How can I locate a court case from identity theft accusations?

I am currently dealing with a legal matter involving identity theft, where an individual has fraudulently assumed my identity to commit various criminal acts. In addition to misappropriating my funds, this person has also made false accusations against me, resulting in a legal case being filed.... View More

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on May 16, 2025

Find the website for the clerk of court in your county. You probably can search by the individual's name.

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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Identity Theft and Civil Litigation for Florida on
Q: Seeking legal action against PayPal for $43,000 fraud transactions recovery in Florida.

I encountered fraudulent purchases totaling $43,000 made on TikTok through my PayPal account. Despite my report of unauthorized transactions in February 2025, PayPal refunded only the initial $1,500 and half of the total fraud amount after two months of communication. I have copies of all relevant... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on May 14, 2025

I'm really sorry you're going through this—losing such a large amount of money to fraud is overwhelming, and it's frustrating when a company like PayPal doesn't fully resolve the situation. Since you've already filed complaints and kept careful records, you're in a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Domestic Violence, Elder Law and Identity Theft for Florida on
Q: I need to speak to an attorney about i d theft and financial trafficking of disabled pre senior female adult and abuse
Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on May 23, 2024

A Florida attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for four weeks. If you haven't found an attorney yet, one option could be to supplement your searches with the "Find a Lawyer" tab above, as well as attorney referral tools on the websites of local and state bar... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Litigation, Identity Theft and Libel & Slander for Florida on
Q: I want to have a Cease and Desist served to someone in a different county from me. How do I do that?

I live in a different county from someone who has obtained and distributed my picture, dob, dl #, social, and other PII. I need to know how to have a demand letter like a cease and desist served IMMEDIATELY.

Is it necessary to have this done by an attorney or can I do it myself?

Please help!

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Mar 15, 2024

By "a cease and desist", presumably you mean a demand letter, as opposed to some sort of a court order. Send, by certified mail, return receipt required, a letter demanding that the conduct be stopped immediately.

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