Identity Theft: A Thriving Type of White Collar Crime

Identity theft is continuing to be one of the fastest growing types of white collar crime in the country and according to the Federal Trade commission, a person's ID, once stolen, is used approximately 30 times before the person discovers he is a victim. Some of the most common forms of identity theft are as follows:

• Medical Identification Theft: A person's medical information, once stolen, can be used to file fraudulent worker's compensation claims, have medical procedures done, file for social security benefits or fraudulent disability claims and more.
• Theft of Driver's License ID: The information on one's driver's license is fairly comprehensive. It states your full name, address, date of birth and state DL number, all of which can be used by a thief to open bank accounts, apply for credit cards and loans, purchase cars, homes and so forth.
• Social Security Card  Identification Theft : A thief can order a new card using your information making a claim that the old card was lost ; they can also receive benefits that should be going to you, apply for welfare, housing benefits, medical and dental care, passports as well as many of the things mentioned above.
• Character ID Theft:If a thief has stolen your ID and commits a crime, you could be pulled over for a traffic violation at some point in time, and be arrested for some crime you never committed and because the real offender used your ID, you are put in the position of having to prove that you are innocent.
• Financial Identification Theft : This type of theft relates to a thief pretending to be you and attempting to drain your bank accounts, take valuables out of a safe deposit box, lease or buy cars, homes, land, businesses, apply for credit or loans and a host of other creative methods of stealing.

Law enforcement is working with other government agencies to apprehend criminal identity theft offenders and prosecute them to the maximum extent of the law in response to handling this unfortunate but growing trend.

If you or someone you care about has been charged with identity theft in the Rancho Cucamonga area, you need to contact a Rancho Cucamonga criminal defense attorney immediately to help avoid a conviction. At the Law Office of M. Stephen Cho, we can help. We will work diligently and investigate the charges being brought against you seeking a reduction of charges or possibly even dismissal if there is insufficient evidence to convict you. We will go to trial if necessary and aggressively represent you if need be. We offer free consultations and treat our clients with compassion and respect. 

Contact a Rancho Cucamonga identity theft lawyer in our office for a free consultation and we will review the details of your case.