Identity Theft
A Resource Guide for Victims
The crime of identity theft is one of the quickest growing crimes in history.
The government statistics are staggering. The largest credit bureaus report
millions in losses every year and the crime has risen 1400% since 1997. In
1998 the U.S. Office of General Accounting released a report detailing the
damage this crime had caused. They reported 750,000,000 in losses in 1997
alone. The Federal Trade Commission reports that one in four will fall victim
of the crime.
In 1998, Penal code section 530.5 was enacted, making it illegal for a person
to obtain your personal information and attempt to use it to obtain goods,
services, credit or medical information.
The following is a guide for victims and potential victims. It lists what to
do's, tips for prevention and resources available through the Sutter County
Sheriff's Department and the Internet. This guide also contains many of the
important phone numbers that are needed to assist you in your situation.