When you and your spouse tie the knot, you may envision the life you will build together. However, years down the line, the last thing you expect is for them to bulldoze everything you’ve accomplished by stealing your identity. Though most people assume their spouse would never be capable of something like identity theft, spousal identity theft is common. Spousal identity theft is considered a form of domestic identity theft, which occurs when someone close to you, like a spouse or family member, misuses your personal information for financial gain. It’s imperative to understand what spousal identity theft is, the most common signs you should look for, and the importance of working with a Michigan identity theft lawyer to help you secure your identity if you are a victim of your spouse. The following blog can help you navigate these troubling times.

What Is Spousal Identity Theft?

Spousal identity theft occurs when a current or former spouse uses your sensitive information without permission to commit financial fraud, such as opening credit cards, filing tax returns, or applying for loans. Because this information is often easily accessible, this type of identity theft often goes unnoticed until financial damage has already occurred.

As the name suggests, spousal identity theft occurs when your spouse or ex-spouse uses your information for fraudulent purposes.

Unfortunately, spousal identity theft can be incredibly difficult not only to prosecute but also to identify. This is because spouses often share or have easy access to personal details like social security numbers, bank PINs, login information, and bank accounts.

Not only do you have to deal with the financial impacts of identity theft, like a lowered credit score or inability to secure loans, but it can also take a toll on your relationship, as you may no longer trust your spouse, given this betrayal.

Common Ways Spousal Identity Theft Happens

  • Opening credit cards or accounts using your name or Social Security number
  • Applying for loans in your name without your permission
  • Opening accounts that accumulate unpaid bills
  • Accessing joint bank accounts to transfer money without consent
  • Using your identity to obtain medical care or insurance benefits
  • Adding themselves as an authorized user on your accounts without your permission

What Are the Warning Signs of Spousal Identity Theft in Michigan?

It’s important to familiarize yourself with the most common signs of identity theft so you can respond as quickly as possible to mitigate potential damages in Michigan. As such, you should be on the lookout for the following signs:

  • A sudden drop in credit
  • Calls or letters from debt collectors in regard to accounts you do not recognize
  • Credit rejection letters
  • Benefits in your name that you never applied for
  • Missing documents containing personal information, like IDs or mail containing account information
  • Unrequested bank account authorizations
  • A rejected tax return

How Spousal Identity Theft Can Affect Victims

Spousal identity theft can cause a number of financial, legal, and emotional consequences for victims, as it can impact their credit score, financial stability, and reputation.

Common Consequences Victims May Face

  • Considerable damage to your credit score due to unpaid fraudulent accounts
  • Difficulty qualifying for loans, credit cards, housing, or even employment due to background checks
  • Debt collection attempts on accounts you never opened
  • Legal complications of fraud occurred under your name
  • Emotional distress due to betrayal by a trusted partner

What Steps Should You Take if Your Spouse Steals Your Identity?

If you have reason to believe your spouse has stolen your identity, understanding your legal options is critical.  Acting quickly can help limit financial losses and prevent additional fraud.

Step 1. Contact Financial Institutions

  • Notify your bank, credit card issuers, and lenders about suspicious or fraudulent activity
  • Request that any fraudulent accounts be frozen or closed
  • Ask the institution to flag your account for identity theft monitoring
  • Keep a log of all communications regarding the theft
  • Ask for copies of applications for and account records for fraudulent accounts

Step 2. Place a Fraud Alert or Credit Freeze

  • Contact one of the three major credit reporting agencies (Equifax, TransUnion, or Experian)
  • Request that a fraud alert or credit freeze be placed on your account
  • Review your credit report for other unfamiliar or suspicious accounts
  • Dispute the inclusion of fraudulent information on your credit report

Step 3. File an Identity Theft Report

You should strongly consider filing a police report with your local Michigan police department. Though it can be difficult to file a report against your spouse, doing so is critical to protect yourself in these matters.

  • Contact your local police department
  • File a report with the Federal Trade Commission
  • Keep copies of reports for disputes, as these are imperative when communicating with financial institutions and lenders

Are There Legal Protections Available for Michigan Identity Theft Victims?

It’s important to understand that there are a number of federal laws that protect victims of identity theft across the country, including those in Michigan. As such, you may be able to dispute fraudulent accounts and repair your credit score and report.

Key Consumer Protection Laws

  • Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) – allows consumers to dispute incorrect information on their credit reports
  • Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA) – protects consumers from unauthorized charges on credit cards
  • Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) – protects consumers from abusive and deceptive collection practices
  • Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act (ITADA) – establishes identity theft as a federal crime

Contact an Experienced Michigan Consumer Defense Attorney Today

As you can see, identity theft, when perpetrated by your spouse, can wreak havoc on your life, which is why it’s critical to connect with an experienced identity theft defense attorney with Lyngklip & Associates to discuss your legal options. Our firm understands how frustrating these matters can be, especially when your spouse is the perpetrator. That is why we will do everything in our power to help you during these complicated matters. Contact us today to learn more.