Identity theft on increase

    Identity theft is a growing problem across the nation.

    Using easily obtainable information, someone whom a person has never seen, never spoken to, and does not know anything about can make a lot of money and leave the victim with the bill and the blame, according to the Tarrant County District Attorney's Office.

    This information can be almost anything: a Social Security number, credit card or bank account number, a copy of a birth certificate or driver's license number.

    Any of these forms of identification can be used to open accounts, get loans or get credit cards in someone else's name.

    Even if nothing is stolen from the victims, they are victims nonetheless, often left with ruined credit and unexplained bills, the office reports.

    Identity theft can also lead to debt collector calls, arrests and even attorney fees and court costs from defending oneself against the wrongfully incurred costs.

    This crime has been around as long as people have given themselves names, but only with the recent growth of internet and electronic commerce has the problem really come to any mainstream attention, the office says.

    The Department of Justice estimates that 750,000 people will fall victim to this form of theft, but there were only 8,686 reported cases nationwide in 1996.

    The department estimates it takes victims an average of 14 months to become aware of the crime, and another 12 to 18 months to rectify all the problems caused.

    Texas legislature passed the Texas Penal Code Sec. 32.51 in 1999, which defines the offense of fraudulent use or possession of identifying information and provides for confinement in jail for not less than 180 days and up to two years, plus a fine up to $10,000.

    The law also allows for the court to order restitution not only for the amounts incurred by the thief, but also lost by the victim in rectifying the damage caused by the criminal, the D.A.'s office reports.

    Although no foolproof way exists to eliminate all risks, the National Insurance Crime Bureau recommends precautions people can take to reduce the possibility.

    One should shred bills and credit statements, pre-approved credit applications received by mail, closed account checks, pre-arranged store credits and convenience checks from credit card companies, the bureau suggests.

    Awareness of surroundings when keying in PIN numbers can also save trouble, as well as promote less use of the PIN in potentially dangerous situations.

    Clever scams can also rob people of privacy: phony IRS mails or calls requesting 'verification' of information through Social Security numbers or other personal data.

    If one believes he is a victim of credit fraud, he should get a copy of his credit report from a reputable credit bureau, such as Equifax (800- 272-9281), Experian (800-301-7195), or Transunion (800-680-7289).

    If these reports are incorrect, one should notify the local police and Federal Trade Commission (www.ftc.gov or 202-382-4357).

    Victims should also notify in writing the credit bureau reporting for the area as well as all the credit card companies one does business with to document problems for future debt collectors who might try to enforce payment of fradulent debts.

    The Tarrant District Attorney's Office says it vigorously prosecutes these offenses when the perpetrator can be identified.

    The Computer Crimes Unit, which handles the cases, can be reached at (817) 212-7371.