Identity theft involves acquiring information about an individual, such as a Social Security number, a credit-card number, a website user name and password, which is then used to impersonate him. This type of crime has become more prevalent as our personal data and identities are increasingly available online and stored in various third-party databases like banks and online stores.

The applicable statutes do not require that the offender acts with the actual intent of ill will. The Government only needs to prove that he had the intention of using the information.

Identity theft can take many forms. An individual can use the information obtained to get money, goods, services, property, medicine, health benefits, or credit. Common examples are:

• False use of credit cards

• False use of Social Security numbers

• Phishing

• Counterfeiting

• Impersonation for money or goods

If convicted, the offender potentially faces up to thirty years in prison plus hefty fines.