Boston Identity Theft Attorney
Identity Theft
Identity theft is the term used to refer to fraud that involves stealing money or getting other benefits by pretending to be a different person. The term is still relatively new and is actually a misnomer. Since it is not possible to steal an identity, but only to use it, a person’s identity isn’t stolen so much as borrowed.
The person whose identity is stolen can suffer various consequences when they are held responsible for the perpetrator’s actions. In many countries, there are specific laws that make it a crime to use another person’s identity for personal gain. Identity theft can be a problem when an individual commits a crime in another person’s name or uses a person’s financial information.
According to the non-profit group Identity Theft Resource Center, identity theft is sub-divided into four broad categories:
- Financial Identity Theft: using another’s identity to obtain goods and services
- Criminal Identity Theft: posing as another when apprehended for a crime
- Identity Cloning: using another’s information to assume that person’s identity on a day to day basis
- Business or Commercial Identity Theft: using another’s business name to obtain credit
Identity theft can be used to commit crimes including illegal immigration, terrorism, and espionage. It may also be a means of blackmail. There are numerous cases of identity cloning to attack payment systems, including online credit card processing and medical insurance.
Some individuals might impersonate others for non-financial reasons. This is true when a person impersonates another to receive praise or attention for the victim’s achievements. This is referred to as identity theft in the media.
Contact a Boston Identity Theft Lawyer
If you are considering filing for bankruptcy, contact the Boston identity theft lawyers of Joshua Spirn & Associates at 1-800-975-5346 to discuss your financial options today.
