Being sued for stolen credit card debt is one of the most stressful and unfair situations a consumer can face. Imagine this: your personal information is stolen, an account is opened without your knowledge, and months (or years) later, you’re being dragged into court for a debt that was never yours in the first place.
Unfortunately, this is more common than most people realize—and creditors often still try to collect, even when the debt stems from fraud.
How Common Is Credit Card Fraud?
- According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Americans reported over 441,000 cases of credit card fraud in 2023.
- Identity theft was the number one category of consumer complaints, accounting for nearly 20% of all fraud reports.
- In California alone, thousands of lawsuits are filed each year by banks and debt buyers trying to enforce debts that are actually fraudulent.
These numbers prove just how widespread the problem is—and why so many innocent people find themselves wrongfully sued for debts they never incurred.
Why Am I Being Sued for a Fraudulent Credit Card?
Here’s why this happens:
- Creditors or debt buyers cut corners. Instead of thoroughly investigating fraud claims, they often rely on incomplete records.
- Your identity was stolen. Someone may have opened the account with stolen personal information.
- Collectors don’t care. Many debt buyers file lawsuits in bulk, hoping that consumers won’t respond, which allows them to win automatic default judgments.
Once a judgment is entered, creditors can:
- Garnish up to 25% of your paycheck
- Freeze or seize money from your bank account
- Place liens on your property
What To Do If You’re Sued for Stolen Credit Card Debt
- Don’t ignore the lawsuit. Over 90% of people sued for debt never respond, and creditors win by default.
- Gather evidence of fraud. Police reports, fraud alerts, FTC Identity Theft Reports, and correspondence with creditors can help.
- Act quickly. In California, you typically have 30 days to respond to a lawsuit. Missing this deadline can cost you thousands.
How The Fullman Firm Protects You
At The Fullman Firm, we’ve helped tens of thousands of Californians fight back against wrongful lawsuits—including fraudulent credit card debts. Our attorneys understand the tactics creditors and debt buyers use, and we know how to expose their weaknesses.
Here’s our proven three-step defense playbook (rephrased for clarity):
- Step 1: Respond Immediately
We file a detailed court response that blocks a default judgment and forces the creditor to prove their claims. - Step 2: Turn the Tables with Legal Demands
Through the discovery process, we demand proof that you actually owe the debt. In fraud cases, creditors often can’t provide legitimate evidence. - Step 3: Trial-Ready Strategy
Even if your case never reaches trial, we prepare as if it will. This pressure often leads to dismissals or favorable settlements.
Why Work With The Fullman Firm?
- Proven Experience: 40+ years of combined consumer law experience.
- Track Record of Results: We’ve saved clients millions of dollars by defeating creditors and debt buyers.
- Flexible Fees: Simple flat fees, success-based structures, and ClientCredit financing options.
- Personalized Defense: You’ll work directly with an attorney, not a call center.
Take Control Today
If you’ve been sued for stolen credit card debt, don’t panic—and don’t go it alone. The system favors creditors, but with an experienced California debt defense attorney, you can level the playing field and protect your rights.
📞 Contact The Fullman Firm today for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and fight to protect your finances from fraudulent claims.