A sudden drop in your credit score, unfamiliar accounts in your name, or collection notices for debts you never owed—these are just a few signs that your identity may have been compromised. Credit and identity theft affect thousands of Los Angeles residents each year, often leaving a trail of financial and emotional stress. At Martin & Bontrager, APC, we work with individuals to respond to the damage and seek accountability from those who fail to correct it.
The Long Reach of Identity Theft
Once your personal information is exposed, identity thieves can open credit cards, take out loans, or rack up charges in your name. These fraudulent accounts quickly show up on your credit report, damaging your reputation and limiting your financial options. Many victims are forced to deal with long-lasting consequences, from credit denials to difficulties securing housing or employment.
Disputing False Information Isn’t Always Enough
While the first step often involves filing disputes with the credit bureaus and contacting creditors, these efforts don’t always lead to meaningful results. In many cases, credit reporting agencies fail to investigate thoroughly or simply continue reporting false information. This can leave you feeling stuck, even after doing everything the law allows on your own.
Federal Laws Offer a Path Forward
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and other consumer protection laws were created to ensure your credit report is accurate and complete. If the companies involved fail to respond properly to your disputes or continue to report fraudulent data, they may be held liable for the harm caused. At Martin & Bontrager, APC, we help clients build strong cases and pursue compensation for the impact of unresolved identity theft.
Rebuilding Starts with Legal Support
Undoing the effects of credit and identity theft takes more than paperwork. It requires persistent effort, documentation, and a strategy that holds accountable those who allow false information to remain. Martin & Bontrager, APC represents clients across Los Angeles who are dealing with identity theft and the credit damage that follows—working to help restore their financial standing and peace of mind.
