According to the Midland Police Department it is. Sergeant Alfredo Grimaldo hosted a meeting about identity theft and protecting yourself against fraud at the Petroleum Museum this past week.
Identity theft has changed over the years, as this report from the Midland Reporter-Telegram states. While it was once primarily saved for people whose wallets were stolen, now many people lose money and good credit standing without ever being the victim of a physical theft.
Identity theft is defined as using the personal identification information of another to receive financial benefit. This could happen by someone getting your credit card number, bank accounts, or opening new accounts under your name without your knowledge.
In many cases the public’s naivety is taken advantage of savvy criminals seeking a big payoff. Using job opportunities and shopping deals to get account information is a fairly common way for people to get your information.
Most larger police departments have white collar crime units that are specifically tasked with uncovering crimes like identity theft and fraud. These units see cases like this daily and work to ensure the public is aware of the risks that are present.
These offenses are called white collar crimes because of the population that has stereotypically been found to be committing them. Crimes like these are often committed by intelligent, professional individuals.
If you have been accused of a crime like this you are more than likely shocked that you got caught. Typically, I find that people who have participated in these offenses carefully weighed their risks beforehand. Unfortunately, if you are facing charges now, you may have underestimated the risk.
Fraud charges and charges of identity theft are very serious. You may be facing several years in prison for a scheme that didn’t pay off like you thought it would. Now you need an advocate in your corner, someone who will look out for your best interests. I can be that advocate.
Contact me today if you are facing charges like these. I am interested in hearing the details of your case and working with you to get the best results possible.
