Identity Theft

Identity theft is a crime that involves the theft of personal information including credit card information, social security, bank account information.  The individual then uses that information to obtain goods and services under the stolen person’s information and credit.  Identity theft crimes range from misdemeanor to felonies depending upon the complexity of the theft and the amount of loss.  The District Attorney’s case theory begins with how the theft occurs. 

COMMON WAYS ID THEFT HAPPENS:

Skilled identity thieves use a variety of methods to steal personal information, including:

• Dumpster Diving. They rummage through trash looking for bills or other paper with your personal information on it.
  
• Skimming. They steal credit/debit card numbers by using a special storage device when processing your card.
  
• Phishing. They pretend to be financial institutions or companies and send spam or pop-up messages to get you to reveal your personal information.
  
• Changing Your Address. They divert your billing statements to another location by completing a "change of address" form.
  
• "Old-Fashioned" Stealing. They steal wallets and purses; mail, including bank and credit card statements; pre-approved credit offers; and new checks or tax information. They steal personnel records from their employers, or bribe employees who have access.
  

These cases are very complex and paper and witness intensive. They require expert representation because of the severity of the penalties which can result in state prison.