{"id":1106,"date":"2019-03-19T13:30:18","date_gmt":"2019-03-19T20:30:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/betterdefend.com\/?p=1106"},"modified":"2019-03-05T08:45:59","modified_gmt":"2019-03-05T16:45:59","slug":"identity-theft-punishment-and-consequences","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/betterdefend.com\/identity-theft-punishment-and-consequences\/","title":{"rendered":"Identity Theft Punishment and Consequences"},"content":{"rendered":"

So, your identity has been stolen. What now? When exploring the spectrum of identity fraud and theft, we tend to solely focus on the forms of theft out there, and not think about the aftermath.<\/span><\/p>\n

It is important to remember that identifying how a thief struck, such as stealing your driver’s license, credit card, or Social Security number is only the tip of the iceberg. What follows is usually a time-consuming journey for all involved when it comes to identity theft crimes. <\/span><\/p>\n

Theft comes with consequences, even for many identity theft victims. The punishments for stealing the identity of another human have a spectrum of their own and could result in years in prison. Let\u2019s explore this a bit further. <\/span><\/p>\n

ID Theft is a Crime of Opportunity<\/span><\/h2>\n

Let\u2019s make one thing clear \u2013 there is no ideal season for identity theft. It can happen anytime, anywhere, and to anyone. That\u2019s because this invasive crime is opportunistic and free of time constraints. <\/span><\/p>\n

Some people are under the impression that tax season is the time of heightened risk for identity theft. While this may be the case for tax identity theft specifically, the other variations of identity theft have no set timeframe.<\/span><\/p>\n

We\u2019re at risk 24\/7 and that means our personal information is never safe. Whether you\u2019re roaming the grocery store, seeking medical attention, or simply receiving mail at your house, you are at risk. <\/span><\/p>\n

This is why it is important to be vigilant of your identity at all times. Unfortunately, one in every 15 people will fall victim to this crime at one time or another. Putting the situation into the hands of law enforcement will lead to a faster resolution of the situation. <\/span><\/p>\n

Identity theft is punishable to different degrees depending on the crime committed. The punishments can range from a simple fine, all the way to extensive jail time with a period of probation afterward. <\/span><\/p>\n

While law enforcement has its own, clear system of dealing with identity theft, victims also have the option of taking things further and seeking harsher punishments for the perpetrators. This is obviously all dependent on the extent of damage that has occurred, and most importantly, the financial devastation of the crime. <\/span><\/p>\n

Here is a breakdown of the various forms of punishment for identity theft…<\/span><\/p>\n

Identity Theft Fines<\/span><\/h2>\n

A fine of monetary value isn\u2019t an uncommon consequence of committing identity theft. All issued fines will also state the level of fraud committed and the charges levied against the perpetrator. This will either be of a misdemeanor status or a felony.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fines seek to remunerate the State in which the offense occurred for the inconveniences encountered on account of the criminal\u2019s actions. The intention with fines, as with any form of punishment, is to discourage the criminal from performing the crime again. <\/span><\/p>\n

Fines can be issued as the sole punishment of the crime in question or in conjunction with other forms of punishment, such as probation or jail time. It all depends on the severity of the situation and what law enforcement has deemed most necessary. <\/span><\/p>\n

Should an identity thief fail to pay the issued fines, they will face further and harsher prosecution for the acts committed. <\/span><\/p>\n

Identity Theft Restitution <\/span><\/h2>\n

In certain cases, a thief will be ordered to compensate for all financial losses incurred by the victim of identity theft. This is decided in a court of law and can involve the total sum of monetary loss since the first day of the theft. <\/span><\/p>\n

This means that victims can be compensated for:<\/span><\/p>\n