Law firm for identity fraud

Identity fraud: legal background and effective counter-strategies

CDR Legal is your reliable law firm when it comes to identity fraud defense. We offer you competent legal advice and provide you with a free initial consultation so that you can receive quick and uncomplicated support. This offense has increased significantly in recent years and now affects both private individuals and companies. This often results in serious financial damage, but the reputation of the person concerned can also suffer. With legal precision and personal commitment, we are committed to ensuring that you are not left with the costs and consequences.

Identity fraud refers to the unauthorized use or misuse of your personal data. Typically, this involves the fraudulent acquisition of goods, services, loans or other financial benefits without your knowledge. The consequences are usually serious: reminders, debt collection claims and negative Schufa entries can suddenly land in your letterbox. In such cases, competent legal advice is essential in order to be able to act quickly and avoid unnecessary damage.

Legal classification

From a legal point of view, identity fraud falls within the scope of property offenses according to § 263 StGB (fraud). Fraudulent acts always involve deception: perpetrators pretend to be someone else or use other people’s data to claim benefits. The duty of care that applies to companies and service providers is of particular importance here. Anyone who checks customer data carelessly and does not properly verify an identity can be held liable. This also includes gross negligence if safety standards are not adhered to on a permanent basis.

For those affected, the main issue is liability and possible compensation. If you have suffered financial loss, claims against the perpetrator or companies involved are obvious. But enforcing such claims can be complex. As soon as you notice that your data is being used unlawfully, you should take countermeasures quickly. This includes immediate notification of banks, credit institutions and other affected parties.

Initial protective measures and documentation

Gather as much evidence as possible as soon as you learn of potential identity fraud. Keep account statements, invoices and other documents. You should also store e-mail correspondence or letters securely. Any information can be important to substantiate your suspicions and later provide reliable evidence in court or to the authorities.

At the same time, it may be useful to obtain a credit report at an early stage to check whether other contracts or orders have already been placed in your name. This preventive measure helps you to detect possible irregularities and to prove that you have not entered into any liabilities yourself. You can find out more about the most important steps to take in the event of identity theft in the practical tips against identity theft.

It is also advisable to contact the companies that are demanding payment from you or where false contracts have been concluded. It may be possible to reach an agreement at an early stage or at least clarify that you are not the contractual partner. At the same time, you should contact your bank and, if necessary, other financial service providers to block accounts or prevent transactions.

Methods and risks: How perpetrators proceed

Identity fraudsters use a wide variety of tricks and exploit security loopholes. These include phishing emails, hacked user accounts or forged identity documents used to deceive credit institutions. You can find out about the most common methods in a clear presentation of the most common forms of identity theft. Fraudsters often exploit unsecured internet connections, insecure passwords or easily accessible personal data in social networks. This is precisely why special attention must be paid to comprehensive education and prevention.

In addition to the obvious financial consequences, those affected also suffer considerable psychological stress. The stress caused by payment letters, the impending risk of a negative Schufa entry or even legal action by creditors should not be underestimated. This is where a dedicated law firm team comes in, structuring and taking over the legal process for you so that you can concentrate on other things.

Practical examples and legal consequences

Identity fraud can take many different forms. These are common:

• Fake loan applications: Fraudsters pose as you to take out loans you never received.
• Orders under your name: Online stores send goods to a different address, but you are supposed to pay.
• Misuse of your company data: Guest posts or contracts are concluded under your trade without your knowledge.
• Social networks: Fraudsters create profiles with your data in order to deceive friends and acquaintances and obtain money.

While many banks and payment service providers argue that you should have taken careful care of your data, their own responsibility is increasing at the same time. A case in which Comdirect had to answer for a phishing attack shows how courts assess this obligation. Further information on this topic can be found in an article on the obligations of banks in the event of phishing attacks. According to current case law, banks are obliged to take certain security precautions so that customers do not bear the risk alone.

Notification and enforcement of rights

If identity fraud is discovered, it is often advisable to press charges. On the one hand, this serves to hold the perpetrator accountable, and on the other hand, it secures your claims. If a lawsuit is filed later, the complaint is an important indication that you have not remained inactive. Criminal proceedings can also help to obtain further evidence, for example through police investigations.

It is also possible to assert claims under civil law, particularly if you have suffered financial losses. It is not uncommon for a claim for damages to be made against those responsible or companies involved if, for example, negligence can be proven. However, the procedure can be complex. An experienced lawyer will help you to secure the evidence, make the right applications and protect your interests in negotiations with the parties involved.

Valuable support from CDR Legal

Defending your identity rights is not a matter of course. The opposing side often behaves uncompromisingly and ignores justified objections. Perseverance is required here, coupled with sound specialist knowledge of civil and criminal law. CDR Legal shows you how you can proceed step by step to recover your identity and fend off unjustified claims. Clear evidence, consistent communication with creditors and a stringent approach to enforcing your claims are of crucial importance.

How CDR Legal can help you

Get in touch now and arrange your free initial consultation. We are at your side immediately and ensure transparency in all legal matters. With empathy, competence and transparency, we examine realistic chances of success before accepting cases and guarantee full cost transparency before every service. Our lawyers have many years of experience and offer legal precision at the highest level. We analyze your situation within two working days and discuss the next steps, make a free inquiry with your legal expenses insurance and help you make an informed decision so that you are personally and competently represented.