Identity Theft

Identity theft is a type of fraud in which the perpetrator steals money, or obtains some other benefit from pretending to be somebody else. This crime has become more and more common in the United States during recent years.

Within identity theft, there are four different subcategories.

Financial Identity Theft

This includes the use of another person’s identity in order to obtain goods or services. This is one of the most common forms of identity theft. It is often perpetrated through the internet, and can involve anything from stealing information to scamming information from a person.

Criminal Identity Theft

This involves posing as someone else when being apprehended. Criminal identity theft is done to make the authorities believe that they have apprehended the wrong person.

Identity Cloning

This involves the use of another person’s identity in daily life. The perpetrator attempts to become the victim for a number of reasons. The reason behind the crime, however, is generally not taken into account.

Business/Commercial Identity Theft

This involves the use of another person’s business name in order to obtain credit. This is much like financial identity theft, but involves a business instead of an individual.

Depending on the underlying crime, the penalty for identity theft can be anywhere up to 30 years in federal prison plus fines.

Contact the Milwaukee Identity Theft Defense Lawyers

If you or a loved one has been accused of identity theft, contact the Milwaukee identity theft lawyers of Hart Powell, S.C. at (414) 271-9595.