Identity theft and identity fraud are terms used to refer to all types of crime in which someone wrongfully obtains and uses another person’s personal data in some way that involves fraud or deception, typically for economic gain. Because the crime is gaining more attention in the media, consumers are increasingly concerned about their personal information falling into the wrong hands.
In a failed get-rich-quick scheme, the New York ringleader of an identity theft operation that used stolen Saks Fifth Avenue customer data to purchase nearly half a million dollars of goods has plead guilty to grand larceny, identity theft and scheming to defraud.
In 2014, over the course of several months, the 38-year-old woman provided co-workers at a New York Saks Fifth Avenue department store with social security numbers, birth dates and other personal information of 20 Saks cardholders, which they used to purchase numerous luxury items from the store to resell on the black market.
The co-workers and an accomplice have already plead guilty and have been sentenced to prison terms. The ringleader’s fate is still unfolding, but she could face fines, restitution and incarceration for her involvement.
Being charged with an identity theft crime is very serious. Talking to a local criminal defense attorney as soon as you learn that you are being investigated for, or charged with, an identity theft crime and related charges is essential to protecting your rights. Call the Waukesha Law Offices of Andrew C. Ladd LLC for help today.
Source: Reuters.com, “Ringleader of Saks ID Theft Scheme Pleads Guilty”, by Jonathan Stempel, January 6, 2016.
