Criminal Identity Theft -- What You Don't Know can Hurt You
Are you a criminal? You might be if you’ve fallen victim to criminal identity theft
What does criminal identity theft have to do with you? Hopefully, nothing. But for some unlucky people, this type of identity theft becomes a reality. According to The Federal Trade Commission, identity theft doubles every year. If that's not scary enough, the Identity Theft Clearing House states 12% of victims must deal with wrongful criminal records.
With criminal identity theft on the rise, it pays to learn what it is and how it can affect you -- what you don't know can definitely hurt you.
What is Criminal Identity Theft?
Imagine this scenario. You're at home relaxing after a hard day's work. Suddenly you hear noise at the front door, police burst in and proceed to arrest you. You tell them they've made a mistake, but they don't listen to you. Instead, they handcuff you and haul you off to jail while your horrified family watches.
If you think this couldn't happen to you, think again. This is criminal identity theft and it can happen to anyone. This type of identity theft occurs when a thief steals your identity, and poses as you. When they engage in their latest criminal activity, you are the one charged with the crime.
How Can This Happen?
Criminal identity theft happens when a thief steals your personal information and obtains a state-issued drivers license. Any time the criminal commits a crime, from speeding to drug dealing, the criminal produces your identity. Unless there is reason for suspicion, most police don't cross check fingerprints and identity. If a thief gives the correct name on the license, there's no reason to doubt the information.
What Can You Do?
Other than protecting your personal information, not much. Instant fingerprint identification networks are in the works along with other technology such as computers that send each suspect's picture with warrant information to the officers at the scene. Your best protection against criminal identity theft is being diligent about protecting your personal information and staying on top of current trends in identity theft.