by 
The Curious Bag
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About 8.9 million Americans were victims of identity theft in 2006, according to the Better Business Bureau. Many of the people who were responsible for committing this crime were not apprehended. The federal and state governments are now working to make penalties stiffer for those who are found guilty of committing this crime.
Identification
Identity theft refers to a type of access to personal information that is not yours and can lead to any type of fraud.
Considerations
If found guilty of committing identity theft along with aggravated identity theft, an additional sentence can be added to the mandatory two-year sentence. In the U.S., the penalty for identity theft is a maximum of 15 years, but only if the value of the goods obtained is more than $1,000 over a one-year cycle.
Effects
Identity theft guidelines impose penalties for aggravated identity theft, which is when identity theft is committed for the purpose of committing another state or federal offense in the same jurisdiction.
Misconceptions
Many credit agencies, some with enforcement offices and creditors, are not able or willing to extend assistance or consideration to identity theft victims, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center.
Prevention/Solution
To protect yourself from identity theft, never give out personal information over the Internet or phone. When signing up for anything, ensure you read closely, do research and always keep your guard up.
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