The Crime & Consequences Of Identity Theft

Crime Consequences Of Identity Theft

How Long Is Jail Time For Identity Theft

Identity theft & identity fraud are phrases used to describe criminal acts in which someone illegally acquires another person’s personal information. Then, fraud or deceit is utilized in connection with this information. Most frequently, a person’s Social Security number, birth date, or other crucial personal identifying information will be stolen and used to create bank accounts, request credit, submit bogus tax returns, and engage in other wrongdoing in their name. 

This crime is frequently linked to the Internet as our society becomes increasingly digital. Yet garbage cans and other insecure places are also where identity thieves will get their hands on personal information.

When someone’s personal information is utilized in identity theft or other crimes, people typically become aware that their information has been taken.

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What is Identity Theft?

Identity theft only happens when someone takes another person’s personal and private information so that he can use that person’s identity. This type of theft can take place when a criminal obtains enough crucial information about the victim—who may be living or dead—to exploit their identity.

Any variety of actions, such as opening accounts or gaining access to them to steal property or cash, or adopting that person’s identity to apply for a job or loan, might be considered the intended illicit or fraudulent intent. A person whose identity has been stolen may use that information to obtain a credit or debit card debit, start setting up a cellular device plan, receive medical attention, steal a tax return, place online orders, or even land a job.

Can Identity Theft Get You Locked Up?

You may have to serve time in jail or prison after being found guilty of an identity theft felony. In general, a misdemeanor conviction has a maximum term of one year in imprisonment, but felony convictions can carry penalties of up to life in prison.

The crime committed, the victim and the plaintiff’s prior criminal record all play a significant role in whether someone will serve time in prison. Repeat thieves who take several thousand dollars from senior citizens are going to spend a lot of time in jail. On the other hand, if a first-time offender agrees to make restitution, go to therapy, and adhere to other court-imposed requirements, the judge could grant probation.

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Which Act Strengthened Criminal Laws Against Identity Theft?

Identity fraud or theft  is absolutely illegal under the code of federal criminal according to the Identity Theft an

& Assumption Deterrence Act of 1998. Penalizes anybody who engages in fraudulent behavior in international or domestic trade or via the use of improvement plans in order to obtain money or items with a minimum aggregate worth of $1,000: (1) receives, obtains, obtains, buys, sells, steals, traffics possesses, transfers or uses any personal identifier, personal data or information, or other document or way of knowing of any other a person or entity; (2) takes, assumes, acquires, adopts, or uses the identity for a different entity or person; or (3)  solicits another person to commit such an offense or conspires with some other person to do so.

Subject to the conditions of an agreement to be reached with the Secretary of the Treasury authorizes the United States Secret Service to monitor violations of this Act.

Orders the United States Sentencing Commission to amend the Federal sentencing laws to include sentencing improvements for a defendant convicted of an offense under this Act in connection with another specific offense, based on the victim count involved, whether the offense involves the theft or destruction of a sizable amount of undelivered U.S. mail, and the potential loss that such offense could have caused.

Included under the concept of “contraband” is certain equipment used in identity fraud.

Identity Theft Penalties and Laws

According to the law, a general offense would receive a two-year extension, while a terrorism-related violation would receive a five-year penalty. A conviction for identity theft may also result in one or more of the following:

Restitution. Restitution is frequently mandated by the courts in order to make up for the victim’s losses. Depending on the specifics of each case, different restitution awards will be made.

Probation. For first-time criminals of identity theft offenses that do not cause serious harm, the court may sentence them to probation. Further sanctions could be imposed. Individuals on probation must adhere to tight guidelines set by the court and pay penalties and reparations.

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How long is jail time for identity theft

A significant offense is identity theft. You might lose time and money due to identity theft. Your reputation and credit may be ruined. The maximum jail term for a federal identity theft sentence is 15 years, but theft cases sometimes involve additional crimes that can lengthen the prison sentence.

It’s crucial that you contact a lawyer right away if you believe that the federal government is looking into identity theft involving you or anyone you know. A knowledgeable federal criminal defense attorney can assist in defending your freedom and rights.

What Is The Cost Of Identity Theft Recovery?

A conviction for identity theft may result in hefty fines and many years or more behind bars, depending on your personal situation. Your rights can be upheld by a lawyer throughout the criminal justice system.

You might not consider the additional expenditures involved in recovering from identity theft.

What you must pay for is as follows:

1. Time:

  • The simplest types of identity theft will cost $100 or more to remedy, even if you only make minimum payments. Advanced forms might result in lost productivity of up to $1450.

2. A lowered credit score:

  • After identity theft, credit rehabilitation takes time. Because of your low credit score at that period, you may pay extra for auto insurance or possibly be turned down for credit cards, loans, or mortgages.

3. False Allegations: 

  • Usually, banks and lenders offer reliable fraud prevention services. They don’t, however, cover everything. For instance, you can be responsible for the whole amount taken if you fail to report suspicious bank activities or fraudulent charges for more than two days.

You may be sure that the direct and indirect damages from recovering from identity theft will run into the thousands. Even worse, though, is the mental cost of attempting to manage your recovery plan without assistance. Let the experts assist you instead. With skilled fraud resolution professionals and extensive insurance, Aura will actively assist you in preventing identity theft and assisting you with the hassle of identity theft recovery for $15/month or less.

Working with a seasoned federal defense lawyer can help you defend your accusations if you think you are the subject of a federal police investigation or if you’ve already received a formal accusation of identity theft.

Attorney Robert M. Helfend of Los Angeles has fought and won hundreds of cases in federal courts over the course of more than 30 years, and he is ready to take on your case.

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How To Stay Safe From Identity Theft

Identity thieves are getting smarter every day. Thus, there is no way to completely prevent identity theft. There are so many techniques to stay safe from the likelihood of identity theft. Examples of some of them include:

  • Never give out your whole login information, password, or account information over the phone. It’s vital to remember that banks often just need one or two unusual characters and not all of your personal information.
  • Not leaving personal information-containing documents laying around. Make sure they are kept in a secure location.
  • Not disposing of any paperwork containing personal information without first shredding or otherwise destroying it, such as a complete name, location, or financial information.
  • Pay close attention to and periodically review your bank statements, and report any unusual activity to the bank or appropriate service provider.
  • Inform the appropriate service provider if a letter, email, or statement that you were anticipating does not come.
  • Online, always be sure to use secure passwords and distinct ones for each account and website.
  • Take safety precautions and request a mail redirection for at least a year if you relocate.
  • Requesting a protection registration with CIFAS, the UK’s Fraud Prevention Agency. Once joined, CIFAS members will do additional checks when requesting a financial service with the address to offer an extra layer of protection.

The Bottom Line:

Being the victim of identity theft is extremely risky, unlawful, and immoral. Crime still occurs so frequently in the current world is unfortunate. Having said that, it is crucial that you take precautions to avoid identity theft. It is getting more and harder to do so, though, as technology develops. Every person should be aware of what identity theft is and how they’re able to stop it. Identity theft would be reduced as a result of completing this task, making the world a safer and better place.

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