Identity Theft
Notice to California Veterans
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recently reported ID theft concerns stemming from the loss of electronic data containing information on 26.5 million veterans. The names, Social Security numbers and birth dates of anyone who served in the armed forces and has been discharged since 1976 may have been in the stolen data. For more information go to US Department of Veterans Affairs http://www.va.gov.
California ID Theft Registry
The California Identity Theft Registry is available to help victims of identity theft who are wrongly linked to crimes. The registry provides a centralized place that can be checked by police and other authorized persons to confirm that you are not wanted by law enforcement and that a mistaken criminal history was created in your name.
How you might become a victim of "criminal" identity theft:
- The thief is cited or arrested for a crime and uses your name for police records.
- The thief is charged and prosecuted in your name so your name now appears in court records.
- The thief is convicted in your name of a crime.
- Your name is somehow mistakenly associated with a record of a criminal conviction of some other individual.
If victimized, you may be able to correct the problem by presenting information on your identity theft to the law enforcement agency that requested issuance of the arrest warrant.
Otherwise, you will need to go to court for a finding of factual innocence. You then can apply to have this court finding entered into the California ID Theft Registry.
- Step 1 - Get court order/verification
- Step 2 - Get live scan fingerprints
- Step 3 - Complete registration application form
- Step 4 - Complete checklist for application
- Step 5 - Mail documents
- Step 6 - Receive registration notification
The Registry Application Process
Consumer Guide: How To Use The California Identity Theft Registry
Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in America. Victims come from all walks of life - from everyday people to celebrities like Tiger Woods and Rosie O'Donnell.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, which operates a nationwide identity theft hotline, there were 45,175 victims reported from California in 2005. California, with 125 victims per 100,000 population, ranked third in the nation behind Nevada and Arizona.
It is a felony in California to use the personal identifying information of another person without the authorization of that person for any unlawful purpose including to obtain credit, goods, services, or medical information [Penal Code section 530.5 et. seq.].
California also requires businesses and government agencies to notify consumers if hackers gain entry to computers that contain unencrypted personal information such as credit card numbers, pass codes needed for use of personal accounts, Social Security numbers or driver's license numbers. Under the state law (SB 1386-Peace/CHAPTER 915, Stats of 2002.), notices must be given immediately following discovery of the privacy breach unless a law enforcement agency determines the notice would impede a criminal investigation. Any customer injured by a violation of the law may file civil suit to recover damages.
To investigate and prosecute identity theft, California operates five regional Hi-Tech Crimes Task Forces. The Attorney General also administers the statewide Identity Theft Registry to assist identity theft victims who are wrongfully identified as criminals.
Through the California ID theft data base, law enforcement and anyone else designated by the victim can have quick official confirmation that the criminal history does not belong to the person. See "Criminal" Identity Theft on this page for more information or call toll-free: (888) 880-0240.
From FTC Identity Theft Data Clearinghouse. For more California statistics, see the FTC report: Identity Theft Victim Complaint Data, Figures and Trends In California, January 1 - December 31, 2005.