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Tulsa Identity Theft Lawyer Explains: What Is Identity Theft and What You Should Do
Our law firm has represented many Oklahomans who have had their identity stolen—often losing hundreds, thousands, or even hundreds of thousands of dollars before seeking help. As a Tulsa identity theft lawyer, I want to share practical steps you can take to protect yourself and what to do if your identity is stolen.
If you are dealing with identity theft now, you can contact our office here for a free 15-minute consultation.
In this guide, we cover:
How to protect your identity with simple steps
Why written disputes are critical to protecting your rights
What to do if your identity is stolen—and your potential legal claims
What Is Identity Theft?
Identity theft is one of the fastest-growing forms of consumer fraud in the United States. It occurs when someone uses your personal information—without your permission—to commit fraud or other crimes.
This can include using your identity to:
Open credit cards
Take out loans
Purchase vehicles or even homes
Often, identity theft goes undetected for months or years.
Personal information used in identity theft can include:
Social Security numbers
Driver’s license numbers
Bank and credit card information
Online account credentials
Medical or insurance information
Common Types of Identity Theft
Financial Identity Theft
The most common form. Thieves open accounts, make purchases, or drain bank accounts—often directing communications to themselves so you don’t discover the fraud.
Tax Identity Theft
Fraudsters file fake tax returns using your Social Security number to steal your refund.
Unemployment Identity Theft
Someone applies for unemployment benefits in your name—this has become increasingly common in Oklahoma.
Medical Identity Theft
Your identity is used to obtain treatment or prescriptions, potentially corrupting your medical records and creating billing issues.
Criminal Identity Theft
Someone provides your identity during an arrest, leaving you with warrants or legal exposure.
How Identity Theft Happens
Most identity theft does not involve sophisticated hacking. It typically starts with:
Phishing emails or texts
Data breaches exposing sensitive information
Skimming devices on ATMs or gas pumps
Stolen mail or discarded documents
Weak or reused passwords
How to Detect Identity Theft (And Why Written Disputes Matter)
One of the biggest mistakes consumers make is failing to document disputes in writing.
Regularly review your:
Bank statements
Credit card statements
Credit reports
If you see unauthorized activity:
Always send a written dispute to the designated address for disputes.
Keep a copy of everything you send.
Failure to submit a proper written dispute can waive your rights under laws like the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA). Many institutions will tell you to “just call”—that is not enough to protect your legal rights.
If a bank or credit card company is refusing to correct fraud, contact our office here to discuss your legal options.
Warning Signs of Identity Theft
Charges or accounts you don’t recognize
Collection notices for unknown debts
Denial of credit without explanation
IRS notices about duplicate filings
Unfamiliar addresses or inquiries on your credit report
What To Do If Your Identity Has Been Stolen
If you believe you are a victim of identity theft, act immediately:
Place a Fraud Alert or Credit Freeze
Request Your Credit Reports from all major bureaus
Dispute Errors in Writing (not online portals)
Report the Theft at IdentityTheft.gov
Notify Financial Institutions
Document Everything
File a Police Report
If you are unsure how to properly dispute fraudulent accounts, speaking with an Oklahoma identity theft attorney can help protect your claims. You can reach out here to get started.
Your Legal Rights as an Identity Theft Victim
Federal laws provide strong protections, including:
Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA)
Electronic Fund Transfer Act (EFTA)
In many cases, you may have legal claims against:
Credit reporting agencies
Banks and financial institutions
Companies that failed to safeguard your data
An experienced Tulsa identity theft lawyer can help you recover damages and correct your credit.
How to Protect Yourself Going Forward
Use strong, unique passwords
Enable two-factor authentication
Monitor accounts regularly
Avoid suspicious links or messages
Shred sensitive documents
Consider a credit freeze
Speak With a Tulsa Identity Theft Lawyer
Identity theft is more than an inconvenience—it can damage your credit, finances, and legal standing. Early action is critical.
If you have been the victim of identity theft in Oklahoma, our law firm can help you:
Dispute fraudulent accounts
Enforce your rights under federal law
Pursue compensation where appropriate
Contact our office here to schedule your free 15-minute consultation.