Police Connect ID Theft to Drug Addiction
"Ninety percent of our ID theft cases deal with drugs,"
- Eugene, Ore., police detective Steve Williams
Perhaps worse than getting your identity stolen is learning that it
was used to feed a drug addiction. According to an article on
MSNBC*, police are warning that there is a dangerous link between
methamphetamine addiction and identity theft. In fact, meth addicts
commit most identity theft crimes.
According to the article, meth addicts:
- Often steal mail, purses and wallets for the identity information
they contain.
- Are able to stay awake for longer periods of time and can focus
on compiling details, which makes ID theft a perfect crime.
- Know the penalties for ID theft and credit fraud are often much
less severe than that of other more violent crimes such as robbery.
- Are often taught by other addicts how to commit ID theft.
Local police forces are overwhelmed by this crime and many don't
have the resources or tools to effectively stop it.
You must protect yourself! You insure your home, your car, and your
health. You must also insure your identity!
*To read the full article, visit
MSNBC- id theft
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