Identity Theft Defense Lawyer Pennsylvania Criminal Defense

“Identity theft” is the use of someone else’s personal information without their permission. The information may include Social Security numbers, credit card numbers, or a person’s name. Identity theft is a growing problem, and prosecutors and law enforcement are growing more aggressive in their efforts to fight it. If you have been charged with identity theft, it is important that you obtain the assistance of expert legal counsel as soon as possible.

How is Someone’s Identity Stolen?

People give out personal information in many different types of transactions. Buying groceries often involves writing a check, and the check has a bank account number printed on it. Making a purchase online or over the telephone requires release of a credit card number. Filing taxes or applying for a job involves turning over a Social Security number. Personal information is put out in a multitude of ways every day.

Identity theft can happen when a wallet or purse is stolen, or when a person’s mail is diverted or stolen. Thieves have been known to go through trash receptacles, looking for old bank deposit tickets, credit card statements, or anything that might have personal information on it. Identity thieves are sometimes able to take information from Internet transactions. In some cases, dishonest employees will take information provided to their employers and either sell it to others or use it themselves.

Consequences of Identity Theft

Once a person’s identity is stolen, the information is used in many different ways. The most common is for the thieves to use their victim’s credit card accounts or apply for new accounts in their victim’s name. These credit card accounts are run up to the maximum, and never paid. Other common uses of a stolen identity include obtaining telephone service, or taking out auto loans in the victim’s name. As with the charge accounts, the thief never makes a payment on these accounts.

The victim is left to deal with the consequences of the theft. The victim is forced to spend countless hours closing accounts and generally clearing up the problems caused by the theft. Many victims have found their credit rating ruined by thieves who run up immense debts in their name.

Federal law makes identity theft a felony. The maximum punishment is imprisonment for up to fifteen years, plus forfeiture of all of the assets obtained as a result of the fraud. A fine also may be imposed. Identity theft may also be prosecuted under other federal laws, such as the laws against Social Security fraud, or credit card fraud.

Most states have enacted criminal laws against identity theft. Some states have also enacted laws that provide for a civil suit by the victim against the thief. In the states that do not have a specific law against identity theft, the crime may be prosecuted under other laws, such as laws against fraud, or theft of personal property.

Conclusion

As the public’s awareness of identity theft grows, law enforcement and prosecuting authorities will become increasingly aggressive in pursuing identity theft charges. If you have been charged with identity theft, or if you are under investigation for identity theft, you need the assistance of an expert defense attorney.