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How to Counter Criminal Identity Theft

Last Updated: September 6, 2024
3 min read

Table of contents

Key Points:

  1. Criminal identity theft is when the police arrest a person for a crime and that person uses another person’s identifying information, which results in a criminal record in that person’s name.

  2. Logging into email or a bank account on public Wi-Fi could leave your personal information vulnerable.

  3. If you’re the victim of criminal identity theft, file a report with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Of all the different types of ID theft, criminal identity theft is the most serious. The name is a little misleading since all identity theft is a crime. Criminal identity theft is when someone commits a crime and pretends to be you. This can mean that you pay the consequences for someone else’s illegal actions.

How criminal identity theft can happen

Criminal identity theft begins when someone steals (or forges) your Social Security card or number, driver’s license, passport, or another key piece of identification. Rather than using your info to open a credit card or drain your bank account, the thief uses a stolen identity as their get-out-of-jail-free card to avoid their own criminal record.

 

You might not know someone stole your private information until long after they use it. For instance, if a thief gets pulled over for speeding they’ll present a forged copy of your driver’s license and never pay the ticket. It’s unlikely law enforcement will actively pursue you for an unpaid ticket. But when left unresolved, it may lead to a bench warrant. This could mean that if you’re pulled over for a routine moving violation, a small infraction leads to big trouble.

If a scammer commits a more serious crime, gives your name and information to the police, it may result in an arrest warrant issued in your name.

But criminal ID theft can have far greater consequences than delinquent speeding tickets. Not only could this result in jail time for a crime you didn’t commit, but it may also result in significant financial and personal hardships and a long process of clearing your name.

The hidden cost of free Wi-Fi

One often-overlooked way identity thieves access your personal information is through unsecured Wi-Fi networks. Public Wi-Fi is a broad term for open wireless networks found in cafes, malls, restaurants, hotels, airports, and other places where people want to access the internet. Largely seen as a great convenience, few think twice before connecting. But these open networks may pose a risk to users.

 

Because they’re built for convenience, public Wi-Fi networks rarely have encryption for security. As a result, they’re susceptible to cybercriminal attacks. As the FTC defines it, “Encryption scrambles the information you send over the internet into a code so it’s not accessible to others.” Without encryption on public Wi-Fi, it’s easier for others to intercept and use your information.

 

This might not matter much if you’re using free Wi-Fi to scan the day’s headlines on your phone. But if you’re logging into your bank account, or even onto your email, this means anyone on the network may be able to access your passwords. All your personal identifying information is at risk when someone steals your passwords.

What to do about criminal identity theft?

If you find out that you have become an identity theft victim, the first thing you should do is file a report with the FTC. Next, work with the arresting agency directly to start the process of clearing your record. In the worst-case scenario that you’ve been the victim of criminal identity theft, it’s better to find out before the authorities arrest you under false charges.

Did you know?

Discover offers Identity Theft Protection for just $15 per month. This includes Criminal Court Alerts—when your name appears in a federal, state, or municipal record that we monitor for criminal arrest, court booking and more.1

It’s important to monitor more than your credit report when looking for identity theft. There are many different places where an identity thief can post or sell your sensitive information, including the dark web. Look for programs with your credit card company that will monitor more places and send you a fraud alert if you've had a security breach. Identity fraud and ID theft is a serious and competitive business where your data makes thieves money.

 

If Discover finds something under our Identity Theft Protection program, our 100% U.S.-based Fraud Resolution Specialists1 are available to guide you to help clear your name. Plus, get up to $1MM Identity Theft Insurance—for legal expenses, reimbursement of stolen funds, lost wages and more covered expenses.1

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  1. Identity Theft Protection: Identity Theft Insurance is underwritten by insurance company subsidiaries or affiliates of American International Group, Inc. (AIG). 1271 Ave of the Americas FL 37, New York, NY 10020-1304. Please refer to the actual policies for terms, conditions, and exclusions of coverage. Coverage may not be available in all jurisdictions.

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  • Legal Disclaimer: This site is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional advice. The material on this site is not intended to provide legal, investment, or financial advice and does not indicate the availability of any Discover product or service. It does not guarantee that Discover offers or endorses a product or service. For specific advice about your unique circumstances, you may wish to consult a qualified professional.