While identity theft has become one of the most common crimes in recent years, the government has also been enacting stricter laws and redoubling its efforts at enforcing those laws. If you are charged and convicted of this crime, you could be facing hefty fines and many years in prison. The attorneys at the Law Firm of Shein & Brandenburg are highly knowledgeable and experienced in defending those wrongly accused of identity theft, and will work tirelessly to protect your rights and prove your case.
WHAT IS IDENTITY THEFT?
“Identity theft” is defined as any wrongful obtainment of someone else’s personal information, and using that information deceptively or fraudulently, usually for financial reasons. The actual term “identity theft” is an obvious misnomer—no one can actually “take” someone else’s identity. However, it is both possible and common to use someone else’s personal information to impersonate someone else “on paper”, or to assume that person’s identity in various ways. This may involve either attempting to conduct transactions under the victim’s name, or using account numbers or social security numbers to forge fake identities. Common examples of identity theft may include:
- Credit card fraud: using unlawfully obtained credit card information to make purchases without authorization
- “Skimming”: illegally obtaining credit card information by accessing business receipts, using card readers or wireless RIFD readers, or even “dumpster diving”
- “Phishing”: Spamming people with fraudulent emails to deceive them into giving up their personal information
- Hacking computers or using malware/spyware to obtain personal data
- Using the account information stolen from a personal check to forge false checks
- Using another person’s social security number to open new credit accounts
- Using another person’s social security number to file fraudulent tax returns
- Using another person’s personal information to obtain health care or prescriptions
DEFENDING AGAINST CHARGES OF IDENTITY THEFT
