How to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft

The Impact of the Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act

The Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act of 1998 increased criminal penalties for identity theft and fraud. This act established identity theft as a federal crime, making it punishable by up to 15 years in prison and substantial fines. It also allowed victims of identity theft to sue those who committed the crime, providing a powerful deterrent from future offenders. The act also provided additional resources for law enforcement to investigate and prosecute cases of identity theft. Finally, the Act created a new federal law enforcement agency specifically dedicated to investigating such crimes: the Federal Trade Commission’s Identity Theft Data Clearinghouse. By strengthening the criminal penalties associated with identity theft and fraud, this act has been instrumental in helping to reduce the prevalence of these crimes.

The Purpose of the 1998 Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act

The 1998 Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act was created to protect individuals from having their personal information stolen and used fraudulently. The act makes it a federal crime to knowingly transfer or use, without authorization, a means of identification belonging to another person with the intent to commit, or aid or abet, any unlawful activity. This act also provides victims of identity theft with the ability to seek redress for damages caused by the fraudulent use of their information. Additionally, it provides law enforcement authorities with increased powers to investigate and prosecute those who commit identity theft crimes.

The Main Provisions of the Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act of 1998

The Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act of 1998 is a federal law that makes identity theft a crime. The act prohibits “knowingly transfer[ring] or us[ing], without lawful authority, a means of identification of another person with the intent to commit, or to aid or abet, any unlawful activity that constitutes a violation of Federal law.” In addition, the act makes it illegal for anyone to possess another person’s means of identification with the intent to commit an unlawful activity. The act also creates new offenses related to trafficking in stolen identities, including producing and possessing fraudulent documents with the intent to use them for identification purposes. Furthermore, it gives victims of identity theft and fraud the right to sue in civil court for damages. Finally, the act gives federal investigators additional powers to investigate crimes related to identity theft and fraud.

The 18 U.S.C. 1028 Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act

The 18 U.S.C. § 1028 Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act is a federal law passed in 1998 in response to the sharp rise of identity theft cases across the United States. The Act amended 18 U.S.C. § 1028 to make it a federal crime to knowingly commit, attempt to commit, or aid in committing identity theft. This Act applies when an individual knowingly transfers, possesses, or uses one or more means of identification of another individual (including name, address, Social Security number, driver’s license number, etc.) with the intent to commit fraud or any other criminal activity in that other individual’s name or use their personal information for illegal purposes. This includes activities such as obtaining goods or services by using someone else’s personal information and misrepresenting one’s identity when filing for bankruptcy or applying for credit cards and loans in someone else’s name. Violation of this act is punishable by imprisonment for up to 15 years, a fine, or both depending on the severity of the crime committed.

The Goal of the Identity Theft Protection Act

The Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act was enacted in 1998 with the goal of protecting individuals from the growing problem of identity theft. The Act made identity theft a federal crime, making it easier for law enforcement to investigate and prosecute cases involving the misuse of personal information. The Act also established a set of penalties for those convicted of identity theft, including fines, imprisonment, and restitution to victims. Additionally, the Act set up measures to help prevent identity theft by creating standards for businesses that handle sensitive information such as credit card numbers and social security numbers. These measures include requirements such as secure storage and disposal of records containing personal information and consumer notifications when there is a security breach. Finally, the Act established the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Identity Theft Clearinghouse to track complaints related to identity theft and provide consumer education and advice on how to protect oneself from identity theft.

The Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act: Date of Passage

The Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act of 1998 was passed on October 30, 1998. The legislation was enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled. The Act’s purpose was to address the growing problem of identity theft and provide a legal framework for prosecuting individuals who assume stolen identities. The Act established criminal penalties for identity theft and created new federal crimes related to identity theft. It also provided additional resources to law enforcement agencies and financial institutions to combat identity theft.

Types of Identity Theft

Identity theft is a crime that involves the theft of a person’s personal information without their knowledge or consent. The three main types of identity theft are financial, medical, and online identity theft.

Financial identity theft occurs when someone uses another person’s personal information to open new financial accounts, access existing accounts, or use existing credit cards. It can also include using someone else’s name to rent an apartment or purchase a vehicle.

Medical identity theft occurs when someone uses another person’s personal information to obtain medical services, prescription drugs, or other health care benefits. They may also use the stolen information to commit insurance fraud or file false insurance claims in the victim’s name.

Online identity theft is when someone steals another person’s personal information and uses it online for fraudulent activities like creating fake accounts on social media sites, buying goods and services with stolen credit card numbers, or sending malicious emails in the victim’s name.

Identity theft can have serious consequences for victims including damaged credit scores, financial losses, and emotional distress. It is important to be vigilant about protecting your personal information and keeping track of your accounts and credit report for any suspicious activity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act of 1998 was an important step forward in the fight against identity theft. It established that identity theft is a serious federal crime that carries substantial penalties. It also recognized the victims of identity theft as true victims and provided them with legal protection. The Act has been instrumental in helping to reduce the prevalence of identity theft across the United States and will continue to be an invaluable tool in protecting individuals from having their identities stolen.