Identity Theft Legal Guidance

Summary

Dawn Dixon from Texas discovered her name was fraudulently used to open a Comcast account. She was advised to file a police report for identity theft, dispute the fraudulent account with the collection company, and consider seeking legal advice. She was also informed about the Texas Attorney Generals Offices assistance in cases of identity theft. She was advised to maintain a low credit utilization and regularly check her credit report for errors to address her high credit card limit issue.

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My name was fraudulently used to open an account with Comcast
Did you report this fraudulent activity to Comcast and the local authorities?
I spoke with Comcast staff several times about the discrepancy between my address and the address that had their services …
Did you file a police report for this identity theft? It's crucial to do so for your legal protection.
No … I did not associate the error with identity theft until the Comcast Rep said it was … I saw it as a clerical error on the part of Comcast since both addresses are on the same street
Have you since filed a police report for the identity theft? It's important to do so to protect your rights and potentially aid in the investigation.
No I have not
Why haven't you filed a police report yet? It's crucial to do so to protect your rights and potentially aid in the investigation.
I need a clearer understanding of what constitutes identity theft versus a clerical error
Identity theft involves someone deliberately using your personal information without your consent, typically for financial gain. A clerical error is an unintentional mistake in record-keeping. Did the Comcast representative provide any evidence of intentional misuse of your information?
The Comcast Rep sent me their ID Theft Claim Packet which makes me feel like a criminal even though I am the victim … after providing the proof of my residence (utility bill) that they requested… they now want me to complete their theft claim packet
What state are you located in? This will help me provide you with the most accurate information regarding identity theft laws in your area.
Texas
What specific information is Comcast asking for in their ID Theft Claim Packet?

In Texas, identity theft is a serious crime and can be reported to the local police department.
all of my personal info ( DOB, Driver’s License #, SS#) I am especially sensitive about sharing this info
What steps have you taken to protect your personal information after discovering this potential identity theft?
I have a credit ID monitoring service which made me aware that I was in a collection status … wrote to Comcast to resolve the error, wrote to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in * … I thought the issue was resolved until a different collection company picked up the delinquency in *
Have you contacted the new collection company to inform them about the situation and the steps you've taken so far?
No that is when I reached out to Comcast again in * and this time I was told I needed to complete their ID Theft Packet … in * the collection company and credit bureaus removed the incorrect address from my history … I t was this year that I was told until Comcast resolved the problem I would more than likely be picked up by other collection companies
Have you considered seeking legal advice or representation to help you navigate this situation?

In Texas, identity theft is a serious crime. If you're a victim:
- Report to local police
- Contact Federal Trade Commission
- Inform credit bureaus
- Consider legal representation.
Now I am … that is why I talking with you
What is your current location in Texas? This will help me provide you with the contact details of the nearest court or legal aid service.
Spring TX
What is the name of the new collection company that has picked up your case?

In Texas, identity theft is a serious crime. You should:
- Report to Spring Police Department: +* *-*-*
- Contact Federal Trade Commission
- Inform credit bureaus
- Consider legal representation.
… I need to get their info which means going into another app … can you give me a few moments
Of course, take your time. It's important to have all the necessary information at hand while dealing with such issues.
thank you
What is the status of your credit report now? Have you noticed any other suspicious activities?
Credit Management LP
Have you contacted Credit Management LP to dispute the fraudulent account? In Texas, you have the right to dispute fraudulent debts.
No after being told that it would more than likely continue to happen until Comcast resolved the problem, I reached out to them
What was Comcast's response when you reached out to them about the issue?
to complete thei ID Theft Claim Packet … however, I wrote their Texas Region Exec concerning the problem and the person assigned to work with me had me submitted one of my utility bills for the time period in question… May * - Nov * … at first she assured me that that information could be used to correct the problem… now she is saying I need to complete their ID Theft Claim packet
What specific information does the ID Theft Claim Packet require you to provide?
… all of my personal info ( DOB, Driver’s License #, SS#) I am especially sensitive about sharing this info
Have you considered filing a complaint with the Texas Attorney General's Office about this issue? They can provide assistance in cases of identity theft.
I was not aware of them
Did you know that the Texas Attorney General's Office can assist with identity theft issues? You can file a complaint online or call them at (*) *-*.
nope
The Texas Attorney General's Office can help you with identity theft issues. You can file a complaint online or call them at (*) *-*.
I will reach out to them … thank you so very much for your patience and assistance … do take care …
You're welcome, ****. Don't hesitate to reach out if you need more help. Take care and good luck with your case.
????????
What is the status of your credit report now?
it’s being negatively impacted … but I have additional challenges
What are the additional challenges you're facing with your credit report?
A high credit card limit
What steps have you taken to address the high credit card limit issue?
It will be resolved by the end of the year … thanks for asking … bye
What steps have you taken to resolve the high credit card limit issue? In general, it's important to pay off your debts, keep your credit utilization low, and regularly check your credit report for errors.