IT’S JUST THE SAME OLD STORY – ADDICTION AND IDENTITY THEFT

Organized efforts at identity theft is the most significant trend in identity theft crimes in the past few years. However one form of organized theft has been with us for years – methamphetamine addition and identity theft crimes. Addicts often gather in groups, organize their efforts, and use their restless energy in organizing seemingly random information into an identity theft vector.

KnightsBridge Castle works closely with law enforcement and this we learned of an all too typical tale. The Santa Clara County Specialized Enforcement Team announced the arrest of an identity theft group of five who had victimized at least 50 persons.

The identity theft ring stole mail and then used the information to obtain fake identification documents including driver’s licenses. The ring used the fake IDs to cash forged paychecks. Officers seized methamphetamine paraphernalia during the arrest.

The identity theft crime facilitated by this drug addicted group included classic “impersonation crimes” to engage in check forgery.

KnightsBridge Castle accesses several databases which report the identity information of those passing bad checks. If your name shows up on this list, you may well be the victim of identity theft.