Understanding Consumer Law

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We hope the articles below help you understand your rights as a consumer. You can scroll through the titles, or sort by Practice Area or Topic. You can also use the search feature to locate information by keyword.

Flitter Milz represents people with a variety of problems involving consumer credit and collections. If you have a particular question or believe your consumer rights have been violated, Contact Us for a no cost consultation.

Identity Theft

How to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft

Who knows my social security number?

Identity theft is more common than you may think. Sometimes the criminal is someone you know. It could be a family member, co-worker, or friend. But other times, it’s someone you’ve never met.

Before a criminal takes the opportunity to impersonate you and use your information, take steps to protect your identity. Extensive damage to your finances occurs when new accounts are opened without your knowledge, or when existing accounts are used without your permission.

Be cautious with your personal information. Keep your passwords for bank accounts, credit cards, loans and financial accounts in a safe place.  As well, be sure to shred statements and account records after use.

Who can I share personal information with?

Certain entities, such as financial institutions, employers, the Internal Revenue Service, government programs (i.e. workers compensation and welfare), medical providers, and insurance companies, require your Social Security Number (SSN). They often access information on credit reports to determine an applicant’s credit worthiness before approving a loan, a job or promotion, a new insurance policy, or medical coverage.

Do I have to provide personal information on request?

Legitimate businesses have privacy policies that explain why they collect personal information and the affiliates they share it with. Request a copy of this policy and review it for their list of affiliates. Consumers have the right to inquire why certain information, such as name, address, phone number, date of birth, and social security number, is requested on applications and forms.

Important Questions to Ask

You may not need to provide all information that is requested on a form. You may ask:
-How the information will be used
-Where and how long it will be stored
-Whether the location is secure
-How long the information will be kept on file
-Who will have access to the information
-When the information will be deleted

If your SSN is required, you may ask if  another form of identification would be acceptable.  You may be able to give a copy of your current driver’s license, a passport, or birth certificate instead.

Can I get a new social security number?

It’s not easy to get a new social security number. You can submit an application for a new SSN with the Social Security Administration under certain circumstances. For example:

  • Identity theft victims that continue to be disadvantaged by use his or her original number
  • A social security number assigned to more than one person.
  • Sequential numbers assigned to family members causing mis-merged credit reporting files.

When a new SSN is assigned, the new number is cross-referenced with the original number so that the person receives credit for all earnings under both numbers.

To request a new SSN, contact a Social Security office near you. You will need to complete an application, show documents that establish U.S. citizenship, age, identity, and evidence of any legal name change, if appropriate. The application must explain the reasons for needing a new number and provide credible evidence and documents that detail the reasons for needing a new number.

Get Free Legal Help

Flitter Milz is a nationally recognized consumer protection law firm that represents victims of credit report accuracy and privacy issues, and those who have experienced abusive collection tactics.  Contact us today for a free legal consultation to discuss how the consumer laws may help you.

IRS Warns of Identity Theft Scams

Identity theft remains a top priority for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). It is among the fastest growing type of crime nationwide. Refund fraud caused by identity theft is one of the biggest challenges facing the IRS.

Taxpayers can encounter identity theft that involves their tax returns in several ways. Identity thieves try to file fraudulent refund claims by stealing and using another person’s identifying information.

Protect yourself from IRS Refund Fraud

  • Don’t carry around your Social Security Card or information with your Taxpayer Identification Number.
  • Don’t give a business your SSN or TIN just because they ask – only give this information when required.
  • Check your credit report every 12 months.
  • Secure personal information and financial documents at home.
  • Protect your personal computers by using firewalls and virus software.
  • Change your passwords and pin numbers regularly.
  • Don’t provide personal information over the phone, through the mail or on the internet unless you know exactly who you are dealing with. Beware when someone calls requesting financial, banking, or identification information. This could be scam. For example, the IRS will not call consumers to collect taxes or payments. They communicate through the mail or in person.

Are you a victim of Identity Theft?

  • More than one tax return was filed for you.
  • IRS records indicate you received more wages than you actually earned.
  • Your state or federal benefits were reduced or canceled because the agency received information about an income change.
  • You have a balance due or collection actions taken against you during a year when you did not file a tax return.

Anyone who receives a notice from the IRS and suspects their identity has been used fraudulently should respond immediately to the contact phone number provided on the notice.

If you did not receive a notice from the IRS, but still believe you’ve been the victim of identity theft, contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at (800) 908-4490.

Seek Legal Help

Flitter Milz is a nationally recognized consumer protection law firm that represents victims with credit reporting accuracy and privacy issues or abusive collection contact resulting from identity theft.  Contact Us to discuss your rights.