Identity Theft in Spokane, WA

The repercussions of identity theft can range from embarrassment to serious legal and financial injury. Assess your risk, safeguard your identity, and hire an attorney in Spokane, Washington if your identity gets stolen.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, Washington had the 5th highest rate of identity thefts in the U.S. in 2020. However, the numbers were much lower in 2021, with total reports dropping from over 54,000 to just under 13,000. Both state and local agencies are working to combat the increase in identity theft that came with the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, the Washington State Employment Security Department takes this issue very seriously. They have their own reporting and investigation process for identity thefts that involve unemployment fraud. Locally, the Spokane County website provides identity theft information and resources for residents.

What Is Identity Theft?

Identity theft is one of the most common crimes in the modern world, and criminals are constantly finding new ways to steal your information. These crimes involve the fraudulent use of components of your identity, such as SSNs, driver’s licenses, or credit cards.

Thieves may have already used your identity to open new financial accounts without your knowledge. Other criminal actions can include fake tax returns, fraudulent purchases, and receiving medical care under your insurance. While dealing with customer service departments for a solution, an experienced Spokane, WA attorney can fast-track the process. In some circumstances, taking this step is necessary to get the attention of companies and recover your losses.

How Does Identity Theft Happen in Spokane, Washington?

Identity theft can happen in many ways. Hackers are constantly advancing their data-stealing techniques. However, there are some long-standing causes of identity theft that every consumer should be aware of:

• Data Breaches – Companies often store personal financial information for subscriptions, auto-pay, or express checkout. Hackers can break into these companies’ servers to extract the personal information of thousands of people at a time.
• ATM or Card Skimmers – Hackers can place devices called skimmers that read your card’s information when you use it. The most common places for skimmers to are in ATM devices or at gas pumps. Some have even found their way into convenience stores and pharmacies.
• Digital Malware and Viruses – Hackers can access your information through phishing, fake websites, and file-sharing networks. Be vigilant when receiving emails from questionable accounts or when browsing online. Often, hackers will disguise their phishing attempts as recognizable brands or platforms.
• Physical Theft – Thieves can access your personal information by stealing your mail, purse, or wallet. It’s critical to keep your personal belongings secure and shred confidential information before throwing it out.
• Change Of Address – Another creative way hackers can steal your information is by changing your address with different services you use. Once the mail reroutes to the new address, they can access the information you normally get sent to your real address.
• Public WiFi – While public WiFi networks are convenient, they rarely encrypt the connection. Most competent hackers can break into public networks and remotely access devices connected to them. Only use public WiFi networks if absolutely necessary, and always with a VPN.

What Are Some Spokane, Identity Theft Laws

Identity theft is a class B felony under Washington law. The penalties can include up to 10 years in prison and $20,000 in fines. In addition, many cases of identity theft are federal offenses. For example, the Department of Justice reports that a Spokane man is serving a 70 month jail term on identity theft and other charges. He stole checks and created false IDs to cash them. In addition, Spokane has had its share of identity theft involving federal benefits. In fact, the Spokesman-Review reports that a new federal task force will be using Spokane as its base of operations to fight COVID-related benefit fraud.

How Can I Detect Identity Theft?

Sometimes it can be hard to know if your identity has become compromised. However, if you are vigilant with your passwords and online presence, you can become aware of several signs that point to identity theft. Be on the lookout for the following:

• Any questionable activity you don’t recognize regarding your existing accounts
• Deposits, purchases, credit alerts, etc.
• No longer receiving mail at your primary address
• Calls or letters from debt collectors about debts you never personally incurred
• Unfamiliar charges on your accounts or new accounts you never opened
• Bills for services you never received, such as medical care
• Letter from the IRS regarding duplicate tax returns in your name
• News from a company you have done business about a data breach
• A sudden and unexplained drop or increase in your credit score

How Do I Recover From Identity Fraud in Spokane, Washington?

The first thing you can do is immediately contact your financial institutions and suspend any compromised cards. Some companies will also allow you to block any further usage directly from their app.

The next step is to contact the institutions where you have discrepancies. If you see suspicious transactions, reach out to the places or services where they occurred. Additionally, you should close any accounts or cancel any subscriptions that may have become compromised.

The Washington Attorney General’s Office is a good place to start when you need identity theft resources. Locally, the Spokane Community-Oriented Policing Services website also provides information and links. Both agencies recommend closing all compromised accounts and contacting one of the credit bureaus. In addition, you will need to file a report with your local law enforcement agency. Fortunately, the Spokane Police Department takes these crimes very seriously. They even offer an informational packet for local identity theft victims.

You should also consider a credit monitoring account if you don’t already have one. These services provide oversight on your credit accounts and alert you when there is suspicious activity. You can either temporarily freeze the account or close it out entirely. A qualified Spokane attorney can also help you right some of the wrongs you may encounter along the way.

Identity Theft Protections

Take proactive steps to protect yourself from identity theft. Some of these steps may seem like common sense. However, it’s surprising how often people disclose personal information without a second thought. We recommend you take the following precautions to avoid someone stealing your identity:

• Do not respond to any unsolicited requests asking for personal information.
• Do not click any suspicious links in unsolicited emails.
• Enable all security and two-step verification protocols on your electronic devices.
• Use complex passwords and change them frequently.
• Install any firewall and malware detection software on your electronic devices.
• Properly shred or tear up any documents with personal or financial information before discarding them in the trash.

Work with an Experienced Local Lawyer in Spokane, Washington

Are you facing financial or legal complications related to an identity theft issue in Spokane, WA? If that’s the case, we can help connect you with the right attorney to help you resolve these problems before they spiral out of control. We can even help you connect with an attorney across Washington state lines.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!