What You Should Know When Credit and Identity Theft Disrupt Your Life

Understanding What’s at Stake

In Los Angeles, cases of credit and identity theft continue to rise—and the consequences for individuals are often severe. From damaged credit scores to wrongful debt collection and even denial of housing or employment, these incidents can spiral quickly. At Martin & Bontrager, APC, we assist individuals who find themselves caught in the aftermath of identity misuse or credit reporting errors.

Common Signs You’re a Target

The signs can be subtle at first: a charge you don’t recognize, a debt collector calling about an account you never opened, or a sudden drop in your credit score. In more extreme cases, someone may use your name to open multiple lines of credit, apply for loans, or access financial services that ultimately get traced back to you. When this happens, every day without action may lead to more lasting financial and emotional harm.

Why Legal Support Matters

When credit bureaus or financial institutions fail to act—or worse, dismiss your claims entirely—having a legal team becomes essential. At Martin & Bontrager, APC, we focus on holding the responsible parties accountable under laws such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and Identity Theft laws in California. Whether it’s forcing a correction to your credit file or taking legal action against creditors or data handlers, our team helps turn disruption into resolution.

Taking Steps Toward Recovery

The first step is knowing your rights. You have the legal ability to dispute inaccuracies, demand investigations, and recover damages when entities violate federal or state law. We work closely with clients to investigate the scope of identity theft and identify how far the damage has spread—then take strategic legal action to begin restoring what was lost.

What Sets Us Apart in Los Angeles

Not every firm handles these issues with the same level of commitment. At Martin & Bontrager, APC, we focus on providing a personalized approach for every client, combining deep legal knowledge with a sharp focus on results. In a city as complex as Los Angeles, you need someone who understands how credit reporting systems and financial institutions operate—and who’s ready to challenge them when they fail to uphold the law.

Have you noticed something off with your credit? It may be more than a simple mistake.