Free Buyer GuidesCalifornia Identity Theft Attorney
The Federal Trade Commission
There are various agencies that help protect California consumers, such as the local police department, the Department of Consumer Affairs, or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC has been committed to protecting the economic life of American consumers since its creation in 1914. Although its original purpose was to prevent unfair competition, the Commission’s role has evolved into the national agency responsible for protecting consumers against all “unfair and deceptive acts or practices.” In keeping with this new role, the FTC plays an important part in helping consumers deter, detect, and defend against identity theft.
Deter – Detect – Defend
The FTC is aware of the increase in identity theft cases and provides a number of resources to help American consumers prevent, identify, and resolve identity theft. With its message of “Deter, Detect, Defend,” the FTC provides consumers with useful information such as how identity theft commonly occurs, how consumers can protect themselves on a daily basis, and what steps to follow once a consumer has discovered they are a victim of identity theft. Aside from valuable information and various resources, the FTC provides consumers with a method of reporting their identity theft directly to the Commission.
FTC ID Theft Complaint Form
Although it does not resolve individual complaints, one of the most important steps after discovering that you have been the victim of identity theft is filing a complaint with the FTC. The Commission uses the ID Theft Complaint Form to help them detect and establish patterns of illegal conduct, which leads to prosecution of wrongdoers. All complaints are kept in a secure online database called the Consumer Sentinel, which is accessible to thousands of criminal and civil law enforcement authorities. Filing an FTC complaint will also help prove that you are a victim and help local authorities resolve your case.
Getting the Support You Deserve
The FTC is a valuable resource for consumers. It offers helpful and relevant information and facilitates the enforcement of identity theft laws through the filing of consumer complaint forms. The FTC, however, while providing a critical service, does not resolve individual cases. Each consumer is still responsible for removing fraudulent activity from credit cards and dealing with his or her bank and other businesses. Unfortunately, these companies may still insist that identity theft victims pay debts or fees they are not responsible for. As an identity theft attorney in CA, Howard D. Silver understands how creditors and other companies operate. To learn more about how you can resolve your identity theft case, contact Mr. Silver today for a free consultation at (866) 495-3666.
