LOVE, LIES & LATE FEES — What to Do When Your Ex Steals Your Identity

Breakups Are Hard Enough. But Financial Betrayal? That’s Another Level.

You expected heartache—not high-interest debt, plummeting credit scores, and mysterious credit cards in your name. Unfortunately, for many Californians, that’s the harsh reality of domestic identity theft.

If your ex used your credit or personal information without your consent, it isn’t just a bad breakup—it’s a crime. And yes, even if you were married, living together, or once shared finances, using your identity without your permission is illegal.

At R23 Law Consumer Protection Attorneys, we are here to help you hold them accountable, fix your credit, and move forward.

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🚩 Red Flags: Signs Your Ex May Have Hijacked Your Credit

Sometimes it’s obvious. Other times, it’s a trail of subtle clues. Keep an eye out for:

• Surprise accounts on your credit report

• Debt collectors calling for unfamiliar charges

• Strange purchases on joint accounts

• Credit score nosedives

• Credit card offers or bills showing up at your new address

👉 Pro Tip: Pull your credit reports from all three bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—to get the full picture. You’re entitled to one free report per bureau each year at AnnualCreditReport.com.

📝 Step-by-Step: How to Respond If Your Ex Used Your Credit

1. Document Everything

Save every credit report, account statement, email, or text message that shows the fraud or suggests your ex’s involvement. Screenshots are your new best friend.

2. File a Police Report

It’s uncomfortable. But treating this like any other form of identity theft is critical. Law enforcement documentation strengthens your case with banks and credit agencies—and can be key in court.

3. Report It to the FTC

Visit IdentityTheft.gov to file a report and get a recovery plan.

4. Place a Fraud Alert or Credit Freeze

Protect your credit from more damage by notifying the credit bureaus.

5. Dispute Errors Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)

You have the right to demand that inaccurate or fraudulent entries on your credit report be corrected—or removed.

⚖️ Legal Options: Yes, You Can Sue

Under California law, you’re not powerless. Depending on your situation, you may be able to:

• Sue your ex for damages

• Press criminal charges

• File a lawsuit against credit bureaus or banks that ignored your dispute

• Include the misconduct in your divorce proceeding

R23 Law’s Lawyers know how to navigate complex emotional and financial situations like this. Our team can help you build a case, pursue justice, and restore your financial reputation.

❓ What If You Once Gave Them Access?

Let’s say you shared your login info during the relationship. Can it still count as identity theft?

✅ Yes, in many cases.

If they used your information after the relationship ended, or in ways you clearly didn’t authorize (like applying for loans), the law may still be on your side.

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💼 Contact R23 Law Today

If your ex used your credit without permission, you don’t have to navigate the legal and financial fallout alone. R23 Law’s California Consumer Protection Attorneys are here to help.

We handle:

• Disputes with credit bureaus and financial institutions

• Civil lawsuits against identity thieves

• Legal action when your credit disputes are ignored

• Personalized, compassionate guidance through every step

📞 Ready to reclaim your credit and your peace of mind? Contact us today for a free consultation. Let’s take the first step together.