What is the legal process to file an identity theft claim and what happens if credit bureaus ignore my case?

To file an identity theft claim effectively, it is not enough to make a phone call or submit an online dispute through a credit bureau portal. The formal legal process begins with sending a detailed written dispute letter to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

In that letter, you must clearly identify which accounts do not belong to you and attach strong supporting evidence, such as your FTC Identity Theft Report from IdentityTheft.gov and a police report. The initial purpose of filing an identity theft claim is to trigger the mandatory 30-day investigation period required by law.

What happens when credit bureaus ignore the claim?

The real problem arises when credit bureaus fail to meet their legal obligations. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, credit reporting agencies must conduct a reasonable investigation. If you file an identity theft claim and the bureau continues reporting false information despite clear evidence, it may be violating 15 U.S.C. §1681i.

This section of federal law is the primary legal tool attorneys use to prove that a credit bureau acted negligently by failing to protect the accuracy of your credit history.

What happens after a failed identity theft claim?

If your identity theft claim was unfairly rejected, you have the right to pursue legal action. At our firm, we turn that frustration into a federal lawsuit. By proving a violation of 15 U.S.C. §1681i, we can seek:

• Full correction of your credit report.
  Permanent removal of fraudulent debts, inquiries, and incorrect personal information.
• Financial compensation.
  Damages for harm to your reputation, denial of financial opportunities, and emotional distress.
• No out-of-pocket legal representation.
  Under the FCRA, attorney’s fees are paid by the credit bureaus and creditors when we win, not by you.

Filing an identity theft claim is your legal right. Forcing credit bureaus to correct their mistakes is our specialty. If you already filed a claim and received a wrongful denial, it is time to stop sending letters and start the legal process.