Introduction
With billions of people connected to the Internet and public records being so readily available online, it should come as no surprise that the proliferation of identity theft has been so rapid. Couple the ease with which another individual's personal information can be obtained and the shrinking of the world economy, and the temptation to do wrong predictably has never been greater.There is a wide variety of identity theft. The most frequently reported type is credit card fraud. However, identity theft can occur in a significantly large number of other formats.
Utility Identity Theft
This type of crime occurs when someone preys on an individual with a high credit score. The perpetrator will utilize the identity of another person to secure services such as electricity, cable television, home gas, or a high-speed Internet connection.But, of course, they will never actually pay the monthly bill. This type of crime is extremely popular for many reasons, namely because utility companies typically wait several months after non-payment before terminating services. Moreover, reports of non-payment take an extended period of time to show up on the credit report of the victims.
Tax Return Identity Theft
This type of crime occurs when someone files a tax return in the name of another individual. To file someone else's tax return, the perpetrator must know the social security number of the victim.Sadly, far too many people reveal their SSN to utility companies, car dealerships, and other customer service workers who have no right or pressing need to know it. It could be a matter of many months or even a year or longer until a tex return identity theft victim becomes aware their return was rejected by the IRS and that they were scammed.
Medical Identity Theft
This type of crime occurs when someone steals the personal medical information of another individual in an attempt to receive medical benefits or care. Often times, the victim's medical records will be irreperably compromised.Medical records have been known to be extremely difficult to straighten out. One example is that if a thief receives treatment for drug addiction, you could forever be linked to that care and be regarded as a drug addict.
Global Impact
Identity theft is a billion-dollar-a-year crime that compromises the lives and finances of people all over the world. Most folks are probably unaware that they have been affected. Therefore, many prosecutors, judges, and juries are not sympathetic to defendants charged with identity theft and similar crimes.The skilled attorneys at Zaire & Wade understand what is involved in successfully defending a charge of identity theft.
Our lawyers possess actual identity theft experience and training. We have been trained as prosecutors, have taught others about identity theft crimes, and have supervised city-wide identity theft investigations in concert with law enforcement personnel.
Whether the charges in question stem from a credit card account number copied from a restaurant check or other retail operation, a defendant being in possession of fake, stolen or fraudulently acquired credit cards, or if an individual is utilizing personal information copied from receipts thrown into the garbage, our lawyers are keenly aware of how to defend such allegations.
Defending Yourself Against Identity Theft
An identity theft-related charge may be filed by prosecutors if an individual utilizes another's identity-related information for any personal benefit or if that usage causes financial distress to another person. The types of information used that can lead to these charges include:- A debit card numbers;
- A credit card numbers;
- A Social Security Number;
- A mother's maiden name.
A felony identity theft conviction will likely result in a prolonged prison sentence.
If you have been charged with identity theft or if you believe an arrest is imminent, please contact the experienced attorneys at the Law Office of Zaire & Wade today.
We can be reached 24 hours a day via e-mail.
