Identity Theft Lawyer

Strange inquiries on your credit report? Denied a loan due to unfamiliar accounts? These are red flags of identity theft. Don't panic – with the right help, you can fight back against this type of crime and regain control. Cook Law, LLC specializes in identity theft, helping victims like you restore their financial well-being.

Reach Out For a Free COnsultation

Experienced Credit Report Lawyer - Matthew P. Cook, Esq.

We'll Guide You Through the Process

While identity theft is alarming, it doesn't have to ruin your life. We'll walk you through the steps of resolving this, protecting your rights, and getting your credit back on track.

Simple Steps to Fight Identity Theft

Step 1: Get Your Full Credit Reports

The foundation of fighting identity theft is knowing exactly what's on your credit reports. Here's how to get free copies from the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion):

AnnualCreditReport.com: The most convenient option. Visit https://www.annualcreditreport.com to get your reports instantly online.
Mail: Write a letter to each bureau requesting your report. Include:
- Person's Identity
- Social Security number
- Date of birth
- Current and previous addresses
- Copies of identification documents (driver's license, utility bill, etc.)
Credit Denial: If you were denied a loan or credit card, the financial institution must provide a copy of the credit report they used.

Step 2: Scrutinize Your Reports

Once you have your reports, go through them carefully. Look for:

Accounts you don't recognize: New credit cards, loans, etc. that you didn't open.
Inquiries you didn't authorize: These show when someone checked your credit.
Incorrect personal information: Wrong addresses, misspellings, etc.
Suspicious activity: Unexpected changes in credit scores or balances.

Need Help? It's Okay!

If any of this seems overwhelming, don't worry! An identity theft attorney can guide you through the process and ensure everything is done correctly.

Important: Don't rely solely on services like Credit Karma. They may not show the full picture of your credit.

Contact A Dedicated IDENTITY DEFENSE LAWYER

Free Consultations 24/7

If you or a loved one are one of the thousands of people in the U.S. that have been a victim of identity theft, Cook Law, LLC has you covered! Get in touch with an attorney today to receive your free consultation. Simply click one of the buttons below to contact an identity defense attorney near you!

CHICAGO, IL

166 West Washington, Suite 540, Chicago, Illinois 60602

call now(773) 364-1008

St. Charles, MO

1360 S 5th Street, Suite 336D, Saint Charles, MO 63301

call now(314) 260-6116

Why Bad Credit Matters – Even if You Don't Need Loans

Many people mistakenly think bad credit only matters if you're applying for new credit. However, inaccurate items on your credit reports can have far-reaching consequences:

Loss of Existing Credit: Credit card limits could be slashed, or bank accounts closed altogether.
Difficulty Getting New Credit: You might be denied mortgages, auto loans, student loans, and even credit cards.
Higher Interest Rates: The loans you do qualify for could come with painful interest rates, costing you thousands extra over time.
Increased Insurance Premiums: Many insurance companies use credit scores to determine rates, leading to higher premiums.
Beyond Finances: Your credit report can impact job applications, rental housing, and more.

It's About More Than Just Credit Repair

A skilled identity theft attorney doesn't just fix your credit. They:

Fight to remove inaccurate information caused by identity theft.
Hold credit bureaus accountable for errors.
May help you seek compensation for the stress and financial losses you've endured.

Don't Fall for Credit Repair Scams

You have the power to fix your credit yourself. Don't waste money on shady credit repair agencies.

CHICAGO IDENTITY THEFT LAWYER

IDENTITY THEFTCHICAGO, IL

St. Charles IDENTITY THEFT LAWYER

IDENTITY THEFTST. CHARLES, MO

Gathering Evidence for Your Dispute

To successfully challenge credit errors, especially those caused by identity theft, you'll need strong documentation. Here's what you should collect:

Proof of Your Identity: A clear copy of your driver's license or another government-issued ID.
Documentation from the Furnisher: Any letters, bills, or statements from the company that wrongly reported the information. Highlight the specific errors.
Police Report: File a police report detailing the suspected identity theft. This provides official documentation of the crime.
FTC Identity Theft Affidavit: Visit https://www.identitytheft.gov to complete and obtain this affidavit, which summarizes the fraudulent activity.

Seeking legal help from an identity theft attorney can be crucial when navigating the complexities of fixing your credit. An experienced attorney will guide you through obtaining essential documents like a police report and FTC affidavit, ensuring that your evidence is comprehensive and persuasive. Moreover, they'll take charge of communication with credit bureaus, advocating forcefully on your behalf to get those damaging errors removed.

Don't Give Up!

If the credit bureaus initially refuse to remove the errors, don't worry. This often strengthens your case if you need to take further legal action.

Results Matter

$425,000 WON

ID Theft/Mixed File Case

$420,000 WON

ID Theft Case

$325,000 WON

Mixed File Case

$200,000 WON

Mixed/Merged File Case

“Past results provide no guarantees for future outcomes. Each case is different and must be judged on its own merits.”

When Credit Bureaus Refuse to Fix Errors

If, after repeated disputes, the credit bureaus stubbornly maintain an inaccurate item on your report, they're violating the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). This is where an identity theft attorney becomes essential. They'll help you file a lawsuit to force the removal of the negative information.

Don't Be Intimidated by Legal Action

While lawsuits may seem daunting, your attorney handles the bulk of the work. Your main responsibility is to provide supporting documentation and be responsive.

Building Your Case

Before we start an identity theft case, gather evidence demonstrating the damage caused by the credit error:

Denial letters for loans or credit cards
Records of higher interest rates on existing loans
Increased insurance premiums
Any other negative financial consequences

If you haven't faced any of these issues, consider applying for credit to illustrate the impact of the error on your financial standing.

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