Identity theft may seem like a complex crime. People might associate identity theft with organized crime. However, individuals can end up accused of identity theft for seemingly minor actions. Just keeping a list or using the wrong name on paperwork could violate the law.
The state often tries to identify the person who misused another individual’s information. People may end up facing criminal charges because they used someone else’s name or identifying information. They could face charges because of the information they had on hand.
Identity theft can lead to criminal and financial issues for the person targeted. It has become a relatively common issue. Enforcement efforts have become more broad and aggressive as a result. Potentially innocent behavior can look like identity theft in the wrong situation.
What constitutes identity theft?
Any attempt to use someone else’s personal identifying information without their consent might be identity theft. For example, if a nursing home employee applies for a credit card in the name of a resident, that could constitute identity theft. A parent opening a credit card in the name of their child’s may also be also identity theft.
There can be a family or social relationship between the two parties. They may not have any prior relationship in some cases. Opening bank accounts or lines of credit could lead to identity theft charges. So could seeking a job using someone else’s name.
Even the possession of personal information belonging to others might lead to identity theft charges in some cases. If one employee at a business has a list including the names, addresses, birth dates and Social Security numbers of coworkers, they could face identity theft allegations. A person does not need to cause economic harm to someone else to face identity theft charges. There may be an innocent explanation for what looks like misconduct.
Maybe a parent wanted to help their child build credit by using credit in their name. Maybe the nursing home employee applied for credit at the request of a resident who struggles with memory issues. Perhaps investigators identified the wrong individual. It may have been a coworker or roommate who engaged in illegal behavior.
Reviewing accusations and evidence with a skilled legal team can help those accused of identity theft or other white-collar crimes. There are often ways to fight pending charges with the right support.