What Constitutes Identity Theft in Massachusetts?
What Constitutes Identity Theft in Massachusetts? Identity fraud is a serious crime in the state of Massachusetts. Because of recent advances in technology, it is important to understand these laws and how they might impact your life. If you are not careful, you may end up committing identity fraud unintentionally, or without even realizing it.
If you have been accused of identity fraud, you need to seek legal assistance as soon as possible. This crime comes with serious penalties, and an experienced attorney can help you avoid jail time and fines.
What is Identity Fraud? A person commits identity fraud in the state of Massachusetts when they pose as another person in order to obtain “money, credit, goods, services, anything of value, any identification card or other evidence of such person’s identity.” Under Section 37E of Massachusetts law, you may also be found guilty of identity fraud if you pose as someone else in order to harass someone.
What are Some Examples of Identity Fraud in Massachusetts? What does identity fraud actually look like? Here are a few notable examples:
- Social Security Identity Theft: May be used to claim benefits such as welfare payments. Stolen SSIDs can also be used to issue false passports.
- Medical ID Theft: Used to file false worker’s compensation claims or receive medical treatments in someone else’s name.
- Criminal ID Fraud: Criminals may use someone else’s ID in order to avoid legal consequences for crimes.
These are the most common forms of identity theft, although there are many others.
Penalties for Identity Theft – The penalties for identity fraud in Massachusetts are quite harsh. Anyone found guilty of these activities faces a fine of up to $5,000 and a maximum prison sentence of two and a half years. If you are found to be in the possession of any tool or instrument that is intended to aid the crime of identity fraud, you face the exact same penalties, whether you actually committed identity fraud personally or not.
Furthermore, someone who commits identity theft may be held personally liable for financial losses suffered by the victim of these crimes. They may be ordered to pay restitution to the victim in the amount of whatever amount they stole or caused the victim to lose.
Illegal Immigrants and Identity Theft – The state of Massachusetts takes a serious stance against identity theft by illegal immigrants. These individuals often defraud someone in order to obtain driver’s licenses and other forms of identification that help them live illegally in the nation. These actions defraud the entire system of the United States, forcing millions of taxpayers to pick up the bills as these individuals live in the nation illegally and take advantage of public services.
Data Breaches – Identity theft is becoming more and more common across the United States. This is due in large part to the increasing number of data breaches. Various organizations have mishandled people’s personal data, causing vital information to fall into the hands of criminals. These criminals can then use the data to profit in a number of different ways.
Getting Legal Help – If you have been accused of identity fraud in Massachusetts, give yourself the best chance of a positive legal outcome by enlisting the help of a qualified attorney. Reach out to the Law Offices of Johnson, Sclafani & Moriarty today, and we will fight for your rights.
