IDENTITY THEFT IN THE UNITED STATES

Identity theft in the United States

Identity theft in the United States

What is Identity Theft?

Identity theft is a modern name for an ancient crime. Identity theft did not become a federal offense, however, until 1998. Although they vary from state to state, identity theft-related statutes have been enacted in every state. Thus, the following definition is based upon a compilation of these customary laws. Simply stated, identity theft is considered fraud. There are many types of identity theft, and thieves target both businesses and individuals, that have either, developed into professional criminals, enraging the environment and the general masses on a macro scale (Acohido Byron and Jon, 2007).

Personal Identity Theft

Personal identity theft is the use of an individual's personal identifying information without his or her knowledge and with the intent to aid or abet in any unlawful activity such as the fraudulent obtaining of services, merchandise, money and/or credit. It also occurs when an individual's identifying information is used to file for bankruptcy or to aid in the commission of other felonies and/or misdemeanors. Personal identifying information distinguishes a person from all other people. It includes, hut is not limited to, a person's name, address, telephone number, birth date, Social Security number (SSN), driver's license number, passport number, health insurance policy number, employee identification number, employment history, student identification number, mother's maiden name, financial account numbers, account passwords, biometric data, email address, and instant messaging screen name. Once a thief has access to this information, there are several ways the information may be used (Acohido Byron and Jon, 2007).

The most severe form of identity theft is absolute identities take over. This occurs when a key piece of personal identifying information is stolen and used to take control of every aspect of the victim's life. A complete identity take over usually begins with a stolen SSN or mother's maiden name. Either piece of personal information can be used to obtain a breeder document, a government-issued identification record that leads to the issuance of supplemental identification documents.

Common scenarios of a complete identity take over involve a stolen mother's maiden name. This is a critical piece of information that is required to apply for a duplicate birth certificate (i.e., a breeder document). Once obtained, a duplicate birth certificate can be used as identification for getting a Social Security card and driver's license in the victim's name. Then, these corrupt government identity documents can he presented as identification for opening financial accounts, applying for a passport, securing employment, procuring utilities, and acquiring an array of goods and services. In essence, the thief can now live under the newly assumed identity as if he or she actually is that person.

Social Security numbers are another key piece of personal identifying information. Each number has been labeled unique and permanently assigned to one individual. A stolen SSN can facilitate a complete identity take over in the same manner as a stolen mother's maiden name. Unfortunately, victims have very few options if their ...