Discovering that someone opened accounts in your name is violating — and the aftermath can be worse than the theft itself. Fraudulent accounts land on your credit reports, debt collectors chase you for money you never borrowed, and the banks and credit bureaus treat you like the suspect. Wisconsin identity theft victims have powerful federal rights, and DeLadurantey Law Office enforces them.
Your Rights as an Identity Theft Victim
Federal law gives identity theft victims specific tools: the right to place fraud alerts and a security freeze on your credit files, the right to an FTC identity theft report, and — critically — the right under the Fair Credit Reporting Act to have fraudulent information blocked from your credit reports when you provide a proper identity theft report. Bureaus and furnishers that refuse to honor these rights can be sued for damages and attorney fees.
First Steps if You Are a Victim
- File a report with the FTC — see our step-by-step FTC fraud affidavit guide;
- File a police report — it strengthens every later dispute;
- Place a fraud alert or security freeze with all three bureaus;
- Dispute the fraudulent accounts in writing — our guide to disputing identity theft errors explains how.
When the System Fails You, We Step In
Most identity theft cases we take share one pattern: the victim did everything right, and the credit bureaus or creditors still refused to remove the fraud. That refusal is where your legal claim begins. We sue credit bureaus and furnishers under the FCRA, stop collectors pursuing fraud-created debts, and pursue the damages the law provides — with fee-shifting that means most clients pay nothing out of pocket.
A Wisconsin Firm That Only Represents Consumers
Attorney Nathan DeLadurantey is admitted in both Wisconsin federal districts and the Seventh Circuit, has been recognized by Super Lawyers, and lectures nationally on consumer credit litigation. We represent identity theft victims throughout Wisconsin — Milwaukee, Waukesha, Madison, Racine, Kenosha, Green Bay, and statewide.
The fraudulent account came back after I disputed it. Now what?
That is precisely when to call a lawyer. Reinsertion of blocked or deleted fraud is a serious FCRA issue, and the paper trail you have built makes your case stronger.
Talk to a Wisconsin Identity Theft Lawyer
Call 414.377.0515 or contact us online for a free consultation.