Identity theft is the fraudulent acquisition and use of an individual’s personal information for financial gain. The unique information typically associated with i theft includes dates of birth, phone numbers, Social Security numbers, email addresses, fax numbers, bank account information, and credit card numbers. When a thief obtains any of this type of information, he or she can then use it to impersonate the individual whose information was stolen. Luckily, victims of identity theft may be entitled to financial compensation via an identity theft lawsuit. If you are a victim of identity theft, please contact a consumer class action attorney for assistance.
Liability for Identity Theft
In addition to the thief, there are several entities that can be held liable for identity theft. Entities that can be held liable for identity theft include the major credit bureaus (Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian), credit institutions, and banks. There are several theories of liability that victims of identity theft can utilize to seek compensation for their losses, including breach of fiduciary duty and negligence. To demonstrate negligence, an identity theft victim must show that
- the defendant owed him or her a duty of care,
- the defendant breached that duty of care,
- the defendant’s breach resulted in damages.
An identity theft victim may also be sued for breach of fiduciary duty. A fiduciary duty exists when a party has a special relationship with another party, such as doctor-patient or attorney-client. Due to the nature of this relationship, the responsible party (the fiduciary) must take extra precautions regarding an individual’s personal information. If the fiduciary fails to protect this information, he or she may be held liable for any resulting losses.
Additional theories of liability that may be available to identity theft victims include
- invasion of privacy,
- appropriation of a victim’s likeness or name, and
- intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Financial Compensation for Identity Theft
There are several types of damages available to identity theft victims. Examples include compensatory damages (which compensate victims for monies lost as a result of identity theft), punitive damages (which are assessed to deter future wrongdoing), and equitable relief (which prohibits a defendant from performing some future act).
Contact a Consumer Class Action Attorney Today!
If you are a victim of identity theft, you need an experienced consumer class action attorney on your side. Identify theft is often the result of the negligence of businesses and other financial organizations that store or have access to your personal information. When an entity provides a party with unauthorized access to this information, whether intentionally or due to negligence, our attorneys will work hard to ensure that you are financially compensated for your loss. Our talented legal team has extensive litigation, investigative, and trial experience, which means that we understand what it takes to succeed in a consumer class action lawsuit. Please contact us as soon as possible to schedule a consultation.