IDENTITY THEFT

Illegally obtaining personal information such as name, social security, drivers license, or mothers maiden name, address, bank/credit account number in order to engage in unlawful acts. What is IDENTITY THEFT?

Florida Statute “Criminal Use of Personal Identification Information” Florida Statute “Criminal Use of Personal Identification Information” Went into effect July 1, 1999

Three Major Forms of ID Theft True Name Fraud – when a suspect uses a persons true name to open new accounts Account Takeover Fraud – they gain access to existing accounts Criminal Identity Theft – when a criminal provides victims information at arrest

How Do Thieves Get My Information? They steal wallets and purses They steal mail They rummage through trash (“dumpster diving”) They get your personnel records at work They use personal information you reveal on the Internet They complete a “change of address” card and divert your mail They get your credit card information by posing as someone else They find personal information in your home They pay others to give them your personal information..

Subject X hides behind a mask to protect his identity because of his work with law enforcement officials to identify other identity theft cases. He faces 20 years for operating a credit card fraud organization of 15 employees who stole $15-$20 million in houses, cars, computers, and jewelry.

Skimming is a fraud committed when a customer’s credit card is used to pay for a legitimate transaction... Skimming HOWEVER... HOWEVER......the card is diverted by an employee who swipes the card through an illegally used device that stores the information from the card’s magnetic strip.

What do Thieves Do with My Information? They establish phone or wireless service in your name. They open a bank account in your name and write bad checks on that account. They counterfeit checks or debit cards, and drain your bank account. They buy cars by taking out auto loans in your name. They obtain fake drivers license using your name or personal information (DOB/SS#, etc.) They obtain counterfeit documents in your name (Birth Certificates, Immigration Documents, etc.)

ASSOCIATED CRIMES Mail Theft Mail Fraud Narcotics/Drugs Organized Crime Financial Fraud/Money Laundering Mortgage Fraud Computer Crime/Network Intrusion

What Additional Problems Do Victims Have? Credit card companies also cite Florida as a hotbed of card counterfeiting and fraud, increasing exponentially over the last three years. Victims have to defend themselves as innocent victims to credit card companies and tracing companies. Victims often face a non-responsive or inconsistent effort from law enforcement.

Sentencing Issues $5,000 or 10 or more victims minimum mandatory of 3 years imprisonment $50,000 or 20 or more victims minimum mandatory of 5 years imprisonment $100,000 or 30 or more victims minimum mandatory of 10 years imprisonment Crimes occurring after July 1, 2003 Judge can still impose statutory maximum under the Criminal Punishment Code

How can I protect myself? S. C. A. M.S. Be stingy about giving out your personal information to others unless you have a reason to trust them. S C. Check your financial information regularly, and look for what should be there and what shouldn't. C A. Ask periodically for a copy of your credit report. A M. Maintain careful records of your banking and financial accounts M

Fair & Accurate Credit Act of 2003 Consumer Advocate Act Consumer Reporting Rights & privileges to victims of ID theft Assist in recuperating losses and damaging Rights & Privileges Single/one-call fraud alert on credit Right to one free credit report Ability to block information

Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act 18 U.S.C Taking and using personal information to commit fraud Results in the loss of assets, creditworthiness and “good name” FTC - a central clearing house for identity theft complaints The Act requires the FTC to log complaints, provide victims with relevant information and refer them to the appropriate entities (LE agencies)