Identity Theft

Question 1

What is Identify Theft?

Answer 1

False ID used to perpetrate identity theft, gain access, obtain goods or services illegally while remaining anonymous

Question 2

What is the primary reason criminals perpetrate identity theft?

Answer 2

For the sake of remaining anonymous

Question 3

What is the main statute that deals with identification documents and false identification?

Answer 3

18 USC 1028

Question 4

What is the statute that deals with Aggravated Identity Theft?

Answer 4

18 USC 1028(A)

Question 5

What is the significance of Aggravated Identity Theft?

Answer 5

If ID theft is involved in another case, we can charge with this (ie. ID theft used in conjunction with Access Device Fraud, Forgery, etc…); this is not a stand alone charge

Two Year Mandatory, Consecutive Sentence

Question 6

Is a Credit Card number a “means of identification”?

Answer 6

NO, because it does NOT identify a person

Question 7

What are “Breeder Documents”?

Answer 7

Documents that you can use over and over to breed new accounts (ex. SS card, date of birth, birth certificates, etc.)

Question 8

What’s the difference between Counterfeit and fictitious instrument?

Answer 8

CFT = a genuine document that you alter

Fictitious = you make it up to imitate a genuine document/instrument

Question 9

Where can bad guys get your information in order to steal your identity?

Answer 9

The internet
Phishing/Pharming 
Collusive and Unsuspecting Merchants 
Mailbox
Trash Cans 
Social Engineering/Pretexting

Question 10

Is Identity Theft Typically a stand alone crime?

Answer 10

NO, it is usually associated with: 
Access Device Fraud 
Computer Fraud 
Bank Fraud 
Wire Fraud 
Mail Fraud 
Money Laundering

Question 11

What types of materials are normally associated with the Manufacturing of false identifications?

Answer 11

Printing Equipment
Overlays
Cardstocks

Question 12

What are the initial steps you should take when starting an identity theft investigation?

Answer 12

• Obtain financial Info from the victim (credit reports)
• Obtain chronological log of all victims actions since
  discovering theft/compromise
• FOLLOW THE $$$$$, where is fraudulent activity
  occurring
• Subpoena info from accounts that are linked to ID theft

Question 13

What is the role of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in identity theft?

Answer 13

Established and maintain a centralized database of victim complaints, suspect info, referrals to appropriate LE

Analyze Criminal Trends

Question 14

What is the SSF 4010?

Answer 14

Release and Authorization to Obtain Financial and Credit info

Question 15

What advice should you give ID theft victims?

Answer 15

1. Close the compromised acct
2. Notify credit bureaus/fraud alert
3. Obtain Credit Reports
4. Contact law enforcement to file a report
5. Notify the US post office
6. FTC
7. Social Security Administration