Someone Opened a Car Loan in My Name in Mississippi—What Can I Do?

You noticed it: “someone applying for loans in my name.” And it feels like a punch to the gut. You didn’t sign anything. You didn’t authorize anything. But now, your name (and possibly your credit) is attached to a loan you never agreed to.

If this is happening to you in Mississippi, you’re not alone. Identity theft is on the rise across the state, and fraudulent car loans are among the most financially damaging forms of it. The good news? You have rights, and there are legal steps you can take to protect yourself.

Step 1: Confirm the Fraud and Gather Documentation

Before anything else, make sure the loan wasn’t applied for by mistake (for example, a co-signer or relative using your information without realizing the consequences). If you’re certain you didn’t authorize it, it’s time to act.

Start by gathering the following:

• A copy of your credit report showing the loan
• Any letters, emails, or calls from the lender
• Any evidence of identity theft (e.g., lost wallet, phishing emails, fake applications)
• A copy of your driver’s license or other ID (you’ll need this for reporting)

You’ll need these materials to support your claims as you work to cancel the loan and restore your credit.

Step 2: File an Identity Theft Report with the FTC

Next, report the identity theft to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at IdentityTheft.gov. The FTC allows you to create an Identity Theft Report, which serves as your official record of fraud.

This report will:

• Generate a personalized recovery plan
• Help you dispute fraudulent accounts
• Be accepted as proof by lenders, credit bureaus, and even law enforcement

Once completed, save a copy of your Identity Theft Report—you’ll need to send this to the car loan lender.

Step 3: File a Police Report in Mississippi

You should also file a police report with your local law enforcement agency. Even if the police don’t investigate the fraud directly, having an official report will:

• Strengthen your legal position
• Help prove you didn’t authorize the loan
• Be required by some lenders or credit bureaus

In Mississippi, bring your FTC Identity Theft Report and ID with you when filing your police report. Keep a copy of the report number and the officer’s name.

Step 4: Contact the Car Loan Lender Directly

Once you have both reports in hand, contact the lender that issued the car loan and inform them of the identity theft.

Ask them to:

• Cancel or freeze the fraudulent account
• Flag it as identity theft
• Send you confirmation in writing

Provide:

• Your Identity Theft Report
• Police report
• Proof of your identity

Make sure to get everything in writing. If the lender refuses to cancel the loan, do not pay it—contact a consumer protection lawyer immediately.

Step 5: Dispute the Loan with the Credit Bureaus

Even after canceling the fraudulent loan, it may still show up on your credit reports. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), you have the right to dispute inaccurate or fraudulent information.

Here’s how:

1. Request a free credit report from each bureau at AnnualCreditReport.com.
2. Look for the fraudulent car loan.
3. Submit a written dispute to each credit bureau reporting the account.

Include:

• A copy of your Identity Theft Report
• The police report
• A letter explaining the fraud
• Any confirmation from the lender

Send these by certified mail and keep records of everything.

Step 6: Place a Fraud Alert or Credit Freeze

To prevent further damage, take one or both of these steps:

Fraud Alert

Contact one credit bureau (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion) and ask for a fraud alert. They’ll notify the other two. This alert lasts 1 year and tells lenders to verify your identity before issuing new credit.

Credit Freeze

A credit freeze prevents anyone from accessing your credit report entirely, making it nearly impossible to open new accounts in your name. You’ll need to contact each bureau individually.

For Mississippi residents, here are the links:

• Equifax Freeze
• Experian Freeze
• TransUnion Freeze

Step 7: Monitor Your Credit Regularly

Fraud doesn’t always stop at one loan. Use a credit monitoring service or set up alerts through your bank or credit card company to stay on top of any suspicious activity.

You’re entitled to one free credit report every week through 2026 from each bureau; take advantage of this and check frequently.

Can You Sue for Car Loan Fraud or Identity Theft in Mississippi?

Yes. If a lender refuses to remove the fraudulent account, continues to report inaccurate information, or harasses you for payment, you may be entitled to sue under:

• The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
• The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA)
• Mississippi state consumer protection laws

At Ware Law Firm, we represent consumers across Mississippi whose credit and financial reputations have been damaged through no fault of their own. If you’re dealing with car loan fraud, we can step in and demand the correction and compensation you deserve.

What If the Person Who Took Out the Loan Is a Relative?

Unfortunately, many identity theft cases involve family members or ex-spouses. Even in these difficult situations, you still have the right to:

• Dispute the loan
• Clear your credit
• Refuse liability

The law doesn’t require you to take financial responsibility for someone else’s deception, even if you know them. We understand how sensitive these cases can be and can help you approach them strategically and discreetly.

Don’t Wait—Identity Theft Only Gets Worse with Time

Car loan fraud is serious. It can damage your credit, lead to debt collection calls, or even make it harder to get a mortgage, car, or job.

You have every right to fight back, but the sooner you act, the better your chances of stopping the damage before it spreads.

Talk to a Mississippi Consumer Protection Attorney Today

At Ware Law Firm, we help people in Magee and across Mississippi protect their credit, cancel fraudulent loans, and hold bad actors accountable.

Call us today or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation. You don’t have to handle this alone—and you don’t have to let fraud define your future.