Identity Theft is the largest, most rapid growing crime in the United States today. This is partially a result of the Internet and what is capable today with computer technology. Identity Theft occurs when someone uses your name, personal information, credit cards, Social Security Number, and any other personal identifying information to commit theft or fraud. If your identity has been stolen, it could take you months to clear your name, resulting in lost job opportunities, loans, or even being arrested for a crime you did not commit.
Identity Theft has several classifications. These include:
· Internet Auction Fraud
· Credit Card / Check Fraud
· Email Scams
· Investment Fraud
· Social Security Fraud
· Cell phone Fraud
According to the Federal Trade Commission, the victim of Identity Theft is unaware that he/she is a victim until an average of 6 months after the initial time of I.D. theft.
Ohio is currently the 7 th largest state that has the most complaints by victims of Identity Theft, while Ohio is the 16 th largest state that has the most perpetrators per population*.
Your information can be stolen in different ways:
They get information from businesses or other institutions by:
· Stealing records from their employer
· Bribing an employee who has access to these records, or
· Hacking into the organization's computers.
They rummage through your trash, or the trash of businesses or dumps in a practice known as “dumpster diving.”
They obtain credit reports by abusing their employer's authorized access to credit reports or by posing as a landlord, employer, or someone else who may have a legal right to the information.
They steal credit and debit card numbers as your card is processed by using a special information storage device in a practice known as “skimming.”
They steal wallets and purses containing identification and credit and bankcards.
They steal mail, including bank and credit card statements, pre-approved credit offers, new checks, or tax information.
They complete a “change of address form” to divert your mail to another location.
They steal personal information from your home.
They scam information from you by posing as a legitimate businessperson or government official.
In 2004, Genoa Township had 14 reports classified as Ohio Revised Code 2913.49 (Taking Identity of Another). Of those 14 reports:
· 7 were Credit/Debit Card fraud
· 1 Auction Fraud
· 1 Check Fraud
· 1 Internet Fraud
· 1 Loan Fraud
· 1 Identity Fraud
· 1 Identity Fraud but was later found to be a bank error.
*Based on Internet Fraud Complaint Center's 2004 Internet Fraud - Crime Report |
