Identity Theft

Federal Crime of Identity Theft

Identity theft is a crime where someone obtains a victim’s Personal Identifying Information (name, address, date of birth, social security number, security passwords, etc.) to profit at the victim’s expense. The stories of identity theft are a daily occurrence, ranging from an individuals’ stolen identity to security breaches with regard to sensitive consumer data, affecting millions of consumers.Identity theft is a federal offense which has been occurring more and more frequently throughout the United States. Because identity theft has become so widespread, both state and federal law enforcement agencies are aggressively investigating and prosecuting people who are suspected of committing identity theft.

Have you ever wondered just how someone’s identity can be stolen?

There are many ways thieves can steal another’s identity. The most common schemes include:

• “Shoulder surfing” – this is where a thief is watching someone punch in a telephone card number, credit card number, etc. into their cell phone; eavesdropping on public financial transactions;
• “Dumpster diving” – is when the criminal goes into another’s trash looking for  credit card and bank statements, discarded loan applications and other documents containing sensitive personal information;
• “Skimming” occurs when a cashier scans or “skims” your credit card into a portable machine that saves the information;
• Stealing from mailboxes; and
• E-mail spam to lure you into providing personal information.

What kind of information is stolen?

• Social Security number;
• Bank account number or banking information;
• Personal checks, bank statements;
• Credit card numbers, credit card statements;
• Telephone calling card numbers;
• Florida driver’s license, U.S. Passport

What kind of crimes can an identity thief commit while using another’s personal information?

• Submitting false applications for loans and credit cards;
• Making fraudulent withdrawals from personal and corporate bank accounts;
• Fraudulent use of telephone calling cards;
• Filing fraudulent tax returns in order to receive refunds;
• Illegally obtaining merchandise and services;
• Providing another’s personal information upon arrest

If you are being investigated for identity theft, then here’s something you should know…

Identity theft may also involve charges such as mail fraud, communications fraud or wire fraud, mail theft or counterfeiting.

Very often, good people simply make a mistake that should not result in a state or federal conviction that will haunt them the rest of their lives.

If you are being investigated for online credit card fraud, internet identity theft or any other kind of identity theft, you should know that there are serious consequences if convicted. The penalties for identity theft include imprisonment for up to 20 years, and fines of up to $10,000.

FIGHTING FLORIDA IDENTITY THEFT CHARGES; right now, can there be anything more important than your freedom?

The sentence you receive will largely depend on the defense your Florida criminal defense lawyer mounts against your Florida identity theft charges. Can you trust your freedom to overworked Public Defenders? Richard G. Salzman will sit with you and carefully review all the charges pending against you and will work with you to determine a fierce defense strategy against these claims.

THE SECRET YOUR PROSECUTOR DOESN’T WANT YOU TO KNOW…

Here’s one secret your prosecutor doesn’t want you to know… that you don’t have to submit to a personal search or a search and seizure of your computer or other property unless the police have a warrant. In many cases, a Florida identity theft charge can be avoided if there’s evidence that your computer hard drive was searched unlawfully.

You’ve heard it thousands of times on TV and in the movies… you have the right to remain silent and you have the right to have an attorney.

If you are accused of Florida identity theft and there is an investigation going on, the Florida Criminal Defense Law Offices of Richard G. Salzman, P.A. can help. Richard G. Salzman and his dedicated staff will thoroughly evaluate your case and advise you of the best defense.

For your FREE initial phone consult, call today 855-DUI-GONE (855-384-4663), home of Florida’s premier criminal defense law firm. Can you really afford to wait?