Every day, thousands of people are victims of identity theft, with many not even knowing it until damage has been done. According to Minnesota law: A person who transfers, possesses, or uses an identity that is not the person’s own, with the intent to commit, aid, or abet any unlawful activity is guilty of identity theft.
Often, identity theft can occur when you use a computer to make online purchases and store your credit card information on it. In most cases, when an online account is compromised, the thief will change the individual’s mailing address and fraudulently make purchases on the person’s credit or debit card and have the items sent there.
Another way identity theft can occur is when you fail to shred any personal or financial information you discard. For instance, if you recycle old bank or credit card statements, be sure to thoroughly shred them so that nobody can read the information if they go through your recycling.
The penalties for identity theft in Minnesota range from a misdemeanor to a 20-year felony. The offense level correlates with the amount of loss incurred, the number of direct victims involved, or the related offense. Loss is defined as the value obtained and the expenses incurred as a result of the crime.
If you or someone you know is in need of a bail bond for identity theft, contact AAA Bail Bonds, with locations throughout greater Minnesota.
