Identity Theft Intent
When is identity theft considered a harsher penalty than simple identity theft? While the difference might seem easy, but in the eyes of the law it can be severe. Then there is the difference between simple identity theft and aggravated identity theft– again, not so simple– that can carry an extra two years in jail.
If you present false information, to get a government document for instance, and you knowingly write down an incorrect immigration number, it’s identify theft. However, if the incorrect number belongs to an actual person, its aggravated identity theft. What if you are applying for a passport and incorrectly put in the wrong social security number? And that social security number belongs to another person? A simple mistake – identity theft – aggravated identity theft?
While most of us might agree it’s a simple mistake, what about the time, energy and money it will take to correct that mistake? If you have ever been the victim of identity theft, you know the burden falls on you to correct the mistake and in the meantime, your credit rating could be damaged.
It’s an interesting dilemma; we may need solutions to prove a unique and correct identity, not necessarily a harsher punishment, either way, identity theft seems like it will continue to grow. You can also read more about identity theft at the Electronic Privacy Information Center.
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