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New York Identity Theft Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in White Collar Crime, Identity Theft, Criminal Law and Consumer Law for New York on
Q: How can I protect myself from fingerprint misuse while incarcerated in New York?

I'm worried that someone could misuse my fingerprint to commit a crime and make demands on me while I'm in jail. What steps can I take to prevent this and protect myself legally?

Stephen Bilkis
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answered on Oct 17, 2025

I understand your concern and the stress that can come with being incarcerated, especially when you are worried about the potential misuse of your personal information such as your fingerprints. It is reasonable to want to know what protections exist and what you can do to safeguard yourself while... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Libel & Slander, Identity Theft, Consumer Law and Personal Injury for New York on
Q: Is sharing personal info without consent in a chat room illegal?

I discovered that someone openly talked about me and my personal matters in a family and friends' chat room without my consent. This has led to online threats against me, and I've also experienced unauthorized charges on my bank account. I believe this was done to instill fear and keep me... View More

Stephen Bilkis
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answered on Aug 19, 2025

I am sorry you are experiencing this situation. Having your personal information shared without your consent and then facing threats and financial harm can be frightening and overwhelming. New York law does provide protections when private information is disclosed in a way that causes harm,... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Identity Theft, Civil Litigation, Constitutional Law, Family Law and Consumer Law for New York on
Q: Victim of identity theft used for fraud in divorce proceedings, seeking to reverse court ruling.

I am a victim of identity theft as my signature was used without my consent on an Affidavit of Sole Heirship in Queens Surrogate's Court by my estranged mother or grandmother in connection with my parents' divorce. The forged signature was used to facilitate the concealment of marital... View More

Stephen Bilkis
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answered on Aug 5, 2025

I understand how upsetting it must be to discover that your identity and signature were allegedly used without your consent in legal proceedings, particularly when this may have impacted both estate matters and divorce-related property division. In New York, forged signatures on court documents can... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Identity Theft, Employment Law and Consumer Law for New York on
Q: Concerned about identity theft with HR's college transcript request.

I recently submitted my official college transcript and a photo of my degrees to the HR department of my new employer to comply with the onboarding process. However, the HR representative's request had peculiar wording, asking for "her degree" and "her transcripts," which... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jun 10, 2025

The experienced local employment law attorneys here should have first chance at your question, but you posted a week ago and you straddle a number of categories. From a practical standpoint, the job application process today is not what it used to be (which everyone knows). Resumes are reviewed by... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Immigration Law, Identity Theft, Appeals / Appellate Law and Consumer Law for New York on
Q: How to reinstate a mistakenly withdrawn I-130 petition and appeal an I-485 denial due to suspected identity theft?

I filed an I-130 petition for my father in July 2024. On May 12, 2025, I received a notice from USCIS stating that my petition was withdrawn based on a request they allegedly received from me. However, I did not request or authorize this withdrawal. As a result, my father's I-485 was denied,... View More

Remzi Guvenc Kulen
Remzi Guvenc Kulen
answered on Jun 9, 2025

Even if you contact USCIS and appeal the 130 and the 485, it is possible that USCIS will not reopen the case. Even if it does, it may take a very long time. Congress assistance may work in this case. Contact your congressman and try to get help for this case. Elected official help is great for... View More

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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... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Contracts, Civil Rights and Identity Theft for New York on
Q: Why are names written in all capital letters on citations and court cases?

My friend wanted me to ask why names on legal documents are written in all capital letter. He believes that this creates a legal fiction, and a "dead corporate entity". I told him that it is a way of promoting conspicuity in documents; making things easier to see especially if they are... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Oct 9, 2024

It is like you say, for conspicuity. Proper names are generally all caps. The designations (plaintiff, defendant, appellant, appellee, etc. are not generally all caps). I'm not familiar with the "dead corporate entity" rationale you mention when it comes to capitalization protocols.... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Constitutional Law, Identity Theft and Employment Law for New York on
Q: Use of my personal ID at a previous company, identity fraud, damage to my reputation, loss of my only income,ect.

Dear lawyers,

I have an interesting case for consideration. Please contact me to discuss potential cooperation.

Upon employment at a new cable company, I was informed that I couldn't start working the following month because my previous cable company, after my departure,... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jun 15, 2024

Dear Dmytro,

I'm sorry to hear about the difficult situation you're facing with your previous employer misusing your technician ID number. That certainly sounds frustrating and concerning.

It seems there are a few potential issues at play here - misuse of your identifying... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Identity Theft and Antitrust for New York on
Q: I have two class action lawsuits that I’m part of. I just learned about them what actions can I take?

It’s for Buffalo MRI or otherwise known as Owens versus US radiology and the Suboxone antitrust

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Jun 2, 2024

You could contact the case administrator(s) to learn more about the lawsuits. They should have access to the files, and would probably know more about the current disposition of the lawsuits. They would know better than attorneys on a public forum who are not familiar with the matter. Good luck

1 Answer | Asked in Health Care Law and Identity Theft for New York on
Q: What type of lawyer do I need in a breach of Hippo law against a primary doctor
Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Feb 10, 2024

An attorney who works with health care matters should be able to handle HIPAA claims - you chose the correct category. You also chose Identity Theft as a category. If this resulted in identity theft related to information from your medical records, check your financial statements from banks and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Identity Theft for New York on
Q: someone using my company's address to register their business without permission, what should I do?
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Jan 10, 2024

If someone is using your company's address to register their business without permission, there are several steps you can take to address the situation. First, gather evidence of the unauthorized use, such as copies of the business registration documents listing your address. Then, contact the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Identity Theft, Domestic Violence, Civil Rights and Consumer Law for New York on
Q: How can I address ongoing identity theft and police-related concerns in NY?

I have submitted three IC3 reports related to identity theft and possible domestic violence, but none have been addressed, and the police seem unaware of these incidents. For 11 months, I've experienced ongoing issues with no resolution, and I can't afford a lawyer while legal aid is... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 2, 2025

Your safety comes first—if the child’s father or anyone else threatens or stalks you, file for a temporary order of protection in Family Court under Article 8 today and request a same‑day ex parte stay‑away order. Ask the clerk for the Address Confidentiality Program to keep your residence... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Constitutional Law, Gov & Administrative Law, Federal Crimes, Identity Theft, Internet Law and Libel & Slander for New York on
Q: Seeking legal advice for alleged illegal actions and fraud by MA DOL leading to tax issues and theft of PUA funds.

I am a resident of New York dealing with a complex legal issue involving alleged illegal actions by Massachusetts Department of Labor officials. They have reportedly altered my federal tax records, which led to the theft of $40,000 in PUA money and my third stimulus check. They also falsely set me... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Sep 22, 2025

This is not my area of law, but you posted yesterday and describe your situation as urgent. You probably realize this yourself, that the complexity of this matter makes it difficult for attorneys (even those who have expertise in the categories covered in your post) to offer quick guidance. You... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Identity Theft for New York on
Q: Unauthorized withdrawal from Cash App, repeatedly denied refund; seek advice for recovery steps in NY.

I had my wallet stolen, and someone withdrew $100 from my Cash App card, which I did not authorize. I disputed the transaction, but my refund was denied. I've also experienced unauthorized transactions on three other occasions, with no resolution each time. Cash App advised me to fill out a... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 14, 2025

When money is taken from your account without your permission, it can feel frustrating and unfair, especially when the company denies your refund request. Since you’ve already disputed the transactions with Cash App and haven’t received relief, your next step is to create a paper trail outside... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation, Criminal Law, Personal Injury, Identity Theft and Consumer Law for New York on
Q: Phone stolen with sentimental data; legal remedies for loss?

While shopping at a retail store, my phone was stolen after I accidentally left it on the counter. Upon realizing my mistake a couple of minutes later, I returned to ask the cashier and customers who checked out after me. They denied seeing it but offered to let me use their phones to call mine,... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 12, 2025

I can see how painful this is for you, especially since the phone held such irreplaceable memories of your parents. On the criminal side, the police investigation and the surveillance footage give you a path forward. Theft is a criminal offense, and if charges are filed, the individuals involved... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Identity Theft, Employment Law, Landlord - Tenant, Family Law and Gov & Administrative Law for New York on
Q: U.S. citizen under VAWA facing rights violations, identity theft, and surveillance in Saratoga County, NY.

As a U.S. citizen covered under VAWA, I'm experiencing severe rights violations and surveillance since February 2025 after filing an IC3 report. I face continuous break-ins at my home, am followed by individuals appearing to be undercover officers who know details such as where my daughter... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Sep 11, 2025

You are facing a very serious and complex situation that involves multiple layers of legal and personal safety concerns. Since you have already filed an IC3 report, the next step is to make sure law enforcement in your area, including the local police and possibly federal agencies, is fully aware... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Identity Theft, Consumer Law and Civil Litigation for New York on
Q: Can I sue a company for leaking my social security number in a data breach in NY?

I am considering legal action against a company whose data breach leaked my social security number, potentially resulting in its sale on the dark web. I have not experienced any financial or identity theft issues yet. I discovered the breach last summer through an alert from Microsoft Defender. The... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Aug 28, 2025

You can pursue legal action, but whether your case succeeds depends on proving harm. In New York and many other states, courts often require you to show actual damages—such as identity theft, fraudulent accounts, or financial loss—rather than just the possibility of future harm. The fact that... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Civil Rights, Child Custody, Libel & Slander, Identity Theft, Gov & Administrative Law and Family Law for New York on
Q: How can I extend a NY restraining order from another state due to ongoing violations?

I was awarded a permanent restraining order for myself and my children against my ex-spouse and have won full sole custody and placement. Since then, the court ordered him to attend anger management and therapy for reunification, which he has not complied with after a year. He accessed my IRS... View More

Peter Christopher Lomtevas
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answered on Aug 18, 2025

We here are ordinarily admitted to practice in New York and are thus rather familiar with New York law. However, we may not know what the asker must do in a sister state to extend and otherwise enforce her New York order of protection. These are civil orders which means their reach is somewhat... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law, Identity Theft and Consumer Law for New York on
Q: Can I sign a commercial lease personal guarantee without my SSN or driver's license?

I am looking to sign a commercial lease, and they are asking for my Social Security Number (SSN) or driver's license as part of the personal guarantee. I've had previous experiences with commercial leases, but I am concerned about identity theft. Is it necessary to provide my SSN or... View More

Jack Mevorach
Jack Mevorach
answered on Aug 12, 2025

Yes.

Jack

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1 Answer | Asked in Identity Theft, White Collar Crime, Consumer Law and Criminal Law for New York on
Q: My father lost $400K in a phishing scam and is still in contact with the scammer. Should we file a police report or contact the FBI?

I recently found out that my 73-year-old father fell victim to an email phishing scam from 2024 to 2025. The scammer convinced him that he owed money and threatened his loved ones, leading to almost $400,000 in cash being withdrawn. We have the scammer's phone number as they continue... View More

Michael David Siegel
Michael David Siegel
answered on Jul 31, 2025

You definitely should contact the FBI. Also, report to your father's bank. Chances are unlikely to get anything back but this is the only option.

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