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Public Knowledge Center > Identity Theft |
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Criminal Identity Theft
In cases of "criminal identity theft", or the misuse of the victim's information in contacts with law enforcement, the end results are often an erroneous criminal record for the victim, outstanding arrest warrants, and even temporary imprisonment. In some cases, the victim may be inexplicably fired from their place of employment due to an "undisclosed conviction". This type of Identity Theft can have a devastating and long-lasting impact on the victim. It can often be very difficult to fully resolve, if ever, and the victim will most likely require legal representation.
Did You Know? The U.S. Federal Trade Commission reports that approximately 12% of Identity Theft victims (or 1 in 8) must spend time clearing their names of reported criminal activity conducted using their names and information.
Criminal convictions are also usually entered into public records, which can further negatively impact future employment opportunities, security clearances, insurance premiums, and pose an array of other significant potential challenges for the victim. Once erroneous criminal information is entered or linked to the victim's name in a number of records databases, it can be extremely difficult to have it completely corrected. It may still result in a permanent alias or a.k.a (Also Known As) entry attached to the victim's records. In serious cases, some victims have only been able to distance themselves from the impostor by legally changing their names, while others must carry court documentation with them at all times in order to prove to law enforcement that they are not the person being sought for crimes or arrest warrants.
The following is a real life example of a case of Criminal Identity Theft:
A man's wallet was stolen. The wallet contained only four items:
1) his driver's license, 2) his Social Security card, 3). his Air Force identification card, and 4) four dollars.
7 months later…
He was fired from his job after his manager discovered that he had been arrested for shoplifting. (He had not been arrested)
His employer then entered the incorrect arrest information into their database, which was also used by many other employers in his industry. This erroneous arrest "record" prevented him from obtaining other employment. The victim had no income, could not pay his bills, and was forced to file bankruptcy.
Soon After…
The victim lost his apartment and began living in his car. When his car broke down, he lived on the street for a year and a half until he was taken in by a Catholic priest. He eventually obtained employment at a local department store, but was fired his first day of work because of his "undisclosed" criminal history that was reported on his background check.
Four Years Later…
The victim went to the local office of the District Attorney to have his criminal record checked. To his alarm and dismay, he discovered an arrest record for shoplifting, disturbing the peace, burglary, arson, and armed robbery. There was also an outstanding warrant for his arrest.
Each time the identity thief had been arrested, he had used the victim's name and information. The thief was never caught, and the victim was ultimately forced to legally change his name.
©Copyright 2008 by Michael Barnett. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use, copying, or distribution without permission is prohibited.
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