What To Do If You Have Been A Fraud Victim in Los Angeles

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What To Do If You Have Been A Fraud Victim in Los Angeles

What To Do If You Have Been A Fraud Victim in Los Angeles

Being a fraud victim in Los Angeles can be distressing. First, contact your bank to freeze accounts. Then, report the crime to the Los Angeles Police Department. Additionally, notify credit bureaus to place fraud alerts on your credit reports. Finally, consult legal assistance to recover lost assets. By taking these steps, you can mitigate further damage.

1. Report the Fraud

Contact Local Law Enforcement: Immediately report the incident to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). You can do this by calling their non-emergency number or visiting a local police station.
Federal Trade Commission (FTC): File a complaint with the FTC online. This helps law enforcement track and combat fraud.
Notify Financial Institutions: Inform your bank, credit card companies, and any other relevant financial institutions about the fraud to prevent further unauthorized transactions.

2. Protect Your Identity

Credit Bureaus: Contact the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to place a fraud alert on your credit report. Consider freezing your credit to prevent new accounts from being opened in your name.
Monitor Accounts: Regularly review your bank statements, credit card statements, and credit reports for suspicious activities.
Identity Theft Recovery: Utilize resources like the Identity Theft Recovery Plan available on IdentityTheft.gov to guide you through the process of reclaiming your identity.

3. Seek Professional Help

Legal Advice: Consider consulting with a lawyer, especially if the fraud involves large sums of money or has significant legal implications.
Financial Counseling: Seek assistance from a certified financial counselor to help manage any financial strain resulting from the fraud.
Victim Support Services: Reach out to local victim support services in Los Angeles that can offer guidance and emotional support during this stressful time.

Introduction

Experiencing fraud can be a distressing and disorienting ordeal, particularly in a bustling city like Los Angeles. However, knowing what steps to take can significantly mitigate the damage and help you regain control. This article provides an informative guide on what actions to undertake if you have been a fraud victim in Los Angeles.

Contact Your Bank or Credit Card Company

The first and most crucial step is to contact your bank or credit card company immediately. Notify them of the fraudulent activity to prevent further unauthorized transactions. Most financial institutions have protocols in place for handling fraud and will guide you through the process of securing your accounts and disputing fraudulent charges.

File a Report with the Los Angeles Police Department

Next, it’s imperative to file a police report. Contact the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and provide them with all the necessary details. This report can serve as an official record, which may be useful for reclaiming lost funds and combating further fraudulent activities.

Report the Fraud to the Federal Trade Commission

After notifying local law enforcement, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) should be your next stop. Visit the FTC’s website to file a report. The FTC provides valuable resources and support for fraud victims, helping you understand your rights and the steps you can take to protect yourself.

Monitor Your Credit Report

Regular monitoring of your credit report is crucial following a fraud incident. Contact the three major credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion—to place a fraud alert on your credit file. This alert will notify creditors to take extra steps to verify your identity before opening any new accounts.

Conclusion

In conclusion, being a fraud victim can feel overwhelming, but prompt and organized actions can help mitigate the impact. Start by contacting your bank, filing a police report, notifying the FTC, and monitoring your credit report. By following these steps, you can protect yourself and begin the process of recovering from fraud.

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Thank you so much for all your effort. I never thought I would get a penny back. I am shocked that this fraud was committed by our long-time lawyer.
Bonnie Bowman/ Orangevale, CALinda Chandler/ Rancho Cordova, CA
Thanks so much to you and your staff…I am so grateful!
Linda Chandler/ Rancho Cordova, CA
In 2007, we lost everything due to investment fraud. This came on the heels of my husband being laid off and my dealing with severe health issues. We went from owning a lovely home and having rentals to pleading with landlords to accept our rental applications… Mark Redmond contacted us regarding lawsuit to recoup a portion of our losses, which were substantial. Due to his efforts, we received two settlements. These settlements have allowed us to pay cash for a home. This process did not happen overnight, it has been a journey. We are thankful and grateful to Mr. Redmond for his efforts. Without his law firm’s hard work and persistence, we would still be living in a rental. I would be remiss if I did not thank God for his sustaining grace and strength.
Debbie G./ Hanford, CA
Our sincerest thanks to you, your colleagues and staff to be able to recover most of our losses on the fraudulent case that befell us and almost took away our retirement savings. You gave hope to this hopeless case and to that we will be forever grateful. Rest assured, we will be proud to recommend your highly professional services to friends and relatives.
Sigfredo Santos/ Mountain View, CA
Several years back I was the victim of a financial fraud. No attorneys wanted my case because the fraud had happened several years earlier, and the defendant did not appear to have any viable assets. I hired attorney Mark Redmond and he successfully recovered $50,000! This money has made a real difference in my life and I cannot recommend Mr. Redmond’s services enough. He took on all of the work and risk in my case and never charged me anything until the case’s successful recovery. We never went to court and my role was minimal as he handled everything. He is the patron saint of lost causes and a rare friend to fraud victims who hope for something more than just sympathy.
Terry Fitzgerald
Susan and I want to thank you for all your tireless and persistent efforts to help us recover from this decade long nightmare. When we thought we had no recourse and that financially we were ruined and have to start over, you and your team stepped in and provided hope and encouragement. It was a very long and stressful process, and we have no way of knowing all that you and your team had to go through to achieve the positive outcome, but you did. This has been an incredibly long haul and we will be forever grateful to you for helping us get back on our feet.
Rick and Susan/ Folsom, CA