Identity Theft
& Consumer Report Issues
Identity theft is more than an inconvenience—it’s a devastating crime that can derail your financial security, career, and peace of mind. Since the 1990s, the number of victims has skyrocketed, and today it is estimated that a new person falls victim every six seconds. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), identity theft has consistently ranked as a top consumer complaint for well over a decade.
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Victims often feel like their lives have been hijacked. From fraudulent accounts and ruined credit scores to background check errors and denied job opportunities, the fallout is overwhelming. That’s where Wells Law – Chicago steps in.
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Has identity theft harmed your credit report or created damaging errors in a consumer report that held you back when it mattered most? Contact Wells Law - Chicago today. We've helped many in situations like yours.
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Why Victims Turn to Wells Law - Chicago
✅ Legal Experience in Identity Theft Cases – We understand the complexities of consumer protection laws, including the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), and how to hold credit bureaus, lenders, and other parties accountable.
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✅ Compassionate Approach – Many identity theft cases involve friends or family members as the perpetrators. We handle these sensitive situations with discretion and empathy.
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✅ Full-Scope Protection – While our litigation representation focuses on credit reporting problems and debt collection abuses that often arise from identity theft, we provide vast resources to consumers to set the record straight. Our goal is to help you restore your reputation, safeguard your financial future, and enforce your legal rights under federal and state law.
Preventative Steps
While no plan is foolproof, there are practical steps you can take to reduce your risk of becoming an identity theft victim:
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Monitor Your Credit Reports Regularly.
Request free copies of your credit reports at AnnualCreditReport.com and review them closely for errors, unfamiliar accounts, or suspicious activity. -
Safeguard Personal Information.
Shred sensitive documents, avoid sharing your Social Security numbers unnecessarily, and use strong, unique passwords for financial and online accounts. -
Be Wary of Scams and Phishing Attempts.
Never click suspicious links or give out personal details to unsolicited callers, texters, or emails. Scammers often pose as legitimate institutions to gain access to your data. -
Use Security Tools.
Enable two-factor authentication where possible, keep antivirus software updated, and secure your Wi-Fi network with strong encryption. -
Act Quickly if You Suspect Fraud.
Place a fraud alert or credit freeze with the major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) and document all suspicious activity. Fast action can limit the damage.
Steps if You're a Victim of Identity Theft
Discovering you’ve been victimized by identity theft can feel overwhelming, but fast action is critical. Taking the right steps can limit the damage and strengthen your legal protections.
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1. Document Everything.
Keep copies of credit reports, fraudulent bills, letters, and any communication with creditors or debt collectors.
Documentation is your proof — and can make or break your case if it goes to court.
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2. Place a Fraud Alert or Credit Freeze.​
Contact the three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) to place a fraud alert or freeze. This makes it harder for thieves to open new accounts in your name.
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3. Dispute Inaccuracies on Your Credit Report.
Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), you have the right to dispute inaccurate or fraudulent information.
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4. File an Identity Theft Report.
Report the crime to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and file a police report with your local police department. Keep copies of everything.
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5. Seek Legal Guidance.
Identity theft cases can spiral quickly— from debt collection harassment to denied housing or employment. Wells Law - Chicago offers decades of experience enforcing consumer rights and holding companies accountable.
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Lasting Impact of Identity Theft
​Identity theft can leave profound and long-term effects on its victims, including:
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Financial harm: fraudulent accounts, drained savings, damaged credit scores
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Emotional toll: stress, anxiety, loss of trust in relationships
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Career setbacks: failed background checks, lost employment opportunities
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Legal consequences: collection calls, lawsuits, and denied housing or credit, and more.
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You do not have to face this nightmare alone. With the right legal help, you can reclaim your identity and protect your financial future.
What About the Identity Thief
It’s understandable that one of the first questions identity theft victims ask is how the thief can be brought to justice. In reality, that’s not where meaningful relief usually comes from — and our focus is on helping you recover through the protections the law provides.
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We encourage every consumer affected by identity theft to file a police report with their local department and complete an FTC Identity Theft Report. These steps help create an official record and strengthen your protections. But our role isn’t about chasing down the thief — and we even wrote a blog explaining why.
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In a nutshell:
✅ Chasing the thief is usually a dead end — they’re evasive, hard to prove in court, and often uncollectible.
✅ Your real legal protections come elsewhere — when identity theft leads to credit reporting errors or collection abuse, strong federal consumer-protection laws apply. That’s where we step in to hold credit bureaus, banks, and collectors accountable.
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Take Back Control
If you suspect you are a victim of identity theft, do not delay. The law provides you with powerful remedies, but time is of the essence.
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👉 Complete a FREE Case Review today. We’ll evaluate your situation and explain your rights. It's the first step in restoring the sanctity of your good name.
