Theft is when a person intentionally and knowingly takes away the property of another person without their consent – this includes the person’s identity.
Identity theft is a form of fraud – an individual who pretends to be someone else by assuming that person’s identity. This is typically done to access credit or benefits in the victim’s name. The actions of the perpetrator can cause the victim adverse consequences.
There are more than 10 million victims each year in the United States. Identity theft is considered one of the most serious crimes in the county. It can impact you sociologically and emotionally.
Palm Desert Identity Theft Lawyers of Coachella Valley
Types of Identity Theft
Identity theft is comprised of five categories:
- Criminal – posing as another person when apprehended for a crime
- Financial – using another person’s identity to obtain credit, etc.
- Medical – using another person’s identity to obtain medical care or drugs
- Business – using another person’s business to obtain credit
- Cloning – using another person’s information to assume his or her identity daily, such as an illegal immigrant or people hiding from creditors
Techniques used
Identity thieves obtain and exploit personal information by:
- Going through trash
- Retrieving information from computers, phones, USB memory sticks
- Use of public records
- Stealing credit card
- Stealing personal checks to acquire banking information
- Etc.
Penalties
Federal – The Identity Theft Penalty Act came into effect in 2004 resulting in a misdemeanor charge becoming a felony charge with a penalty of federal prison time of at least five years.
State – California law states that identity theft is a criminal offense and comes with consequences such as up to one year in county jail and/or a $1,000 fine. In addition, depending on the circumstances, the penalty can be a state prison sentence and/or $10,000 fine.
Protection
To protect oneself against electronic identity theft, always maintain computer security by running antivirus software. There is also protection/insurance services offered for a monthly or annual membership fee. These services send fraud alerts to the individual. Finally, shred any personal information that goes into the trash.
If you are accused or charged with identity theft, contact The Palm Springs Identify Theft Attorneys at the Law Office of Dale Gribow and get the experience you need to build your criminal law defense. The attorneys are skillful and aggressive and will fight for their clients.