Verizon Communications, Inc. (Verizon) is one of the largest telecommunications companies in the United States. It has been the subject of several identity theft lawsuits in recent years.
In 2017, Verizon was sued by a Florida inmate who alleged that he was able to use a Verizon store to commit identity theft. The inmate claimed that Verizon employees were negligent in allowing him to open a fraudulent account using another person’s identity. The lawsuit was eventually settled for an undisclosed amount.
In 2019, Verizon was sued by a group of consumers who alleged that the company had obtained their credit reports without their permission. The consumers claimed that Verizon violated the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) by obtaining their credit reports without a valid purpose. The lawsuit is still ongoing.
In 2023, Verizon was sued by a group of former employees who alleged that they were fired after reporting that the company was engaging in fraudulent activity. The former employees claimed that Verizon was opening bogus accounts using stolen identity information. The lawsuit is still ongoing.
What to Do If You Are a Victim of Verizon Identity Theft
If you believe that you have been a victim of Verizon identity theft, you should take the following steps:
- Contact Verizon immediately to report the theft.
- Place a fraud alert on your credit reports.
- Monitor your credit reports for any suspicious activity.
- File a police report.
You may also want to consider filing a lawsuit against Verizon. However, you should speak to an attorney to discuss your legal options before taking any action.
Conclusion
Verizon identity theft lawsuits are a reminder that even large companies can be vulnerable to data breaches. If you are a Verizon customer, you should take steps to protect your personal information, such as using strong passwords and monitoring your credit reports.
FAQs
Q: What is identity theft?
A: Identity theft is a crime in which someone steals your personal information, such as your name, Social Security number, or credit card number, and uses it without your permission.
Q: What are the signs of identity theft?
A: Some of the signs of identity theft include:
- Unauthorized charges on your credit report
- Bills for services or products that you did not purchase
- Collections calls for debts that are not yours
- New accounts opened in your name without your permission
- Medical bills for medical services that you did not receive
Q: What should I do if I think I’m a victim of identity theft?
A: If you think you’re a victim of identity theft, you should:
- Contact Verizon immediately to report the theft.
- Place a fraud alert on your credit reports.
- Monitor your credit reports for any suspicious activity.
- File a police report.
Q: Can I sue Verizon if I’m a victim of identity theft?
A: Yes, you may be able to sue Verizon if you are a victim of identity theft. However, you should speak to an attorney to discuss your legal options before taking any action.
Q: What can I do to protect myself from identity theft?
A: There are a number of things you can do to protect yourself from identity theft, including:
- Using strong passwords and changing them regularly
- Monitoring your credit reports for any suspicious activity
- Being careful about what information you share online
- Shredding any documents that contain your personal information
Q: Where can I learn more about identity theft?
A: You can learn more about identity theft from the following resources:
- The Federal Trade Commission (FTC): https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/topics/identity-theft/report-identity-theft
- The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB): https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-identity-theft-en-1243/
- The Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC): https://www.idtheftcenter.org/
References
- https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/privacy/verizon-class-action-says-identity-theft-mishandled/
- https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/consumer-products/verizon-class-action-says-credit-checks-pulled-without-consent/
- https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/verizon-discrimination-lawsuit-adan-abrue-fire-island/
- https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/topics/identity-theft/report-identity-theft
- https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/what-is-identity-theft-en-1243/
- https://www.idtheftcenter.org/
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you have any questions about your legal rights, you should speak to an attorney.
Sources
- firstpartyfraud.com/how-to-prevent-credit-card-fraud/
- super.ai/blog/ai-automated-redaction-global-privacy-