Identity Theft
and Assumption Deterrence Act
Identity Theft and Assumption Detterence Act
Became effective October 30, 1998 and makes identity theft a federal crime with penalties up to 15 years imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000. It establishes that the person whose identity was stolen is a true victim.
Before the Act
In early American history, identity theft was more focused on voter registration, and had more to do with ballot stuffing. But in the 1930’s with the 21st amendment, which caused alcohol to once again be legal, college students would often travel from a state where the legal drinking age was 18 or 19, to their school in a state where the drinking age was 21. Thus was born the "fake ID", the most common type of identity theft for half a century and the worst crime committed using a fake ID during this time was generally underage drinking, but not until 1984, when congressed passed the National Minimum Drinking Age Act, was the legal drinking age determined for all states.
Protection
The punishment for offenses involving fraud related to identification documents varies depending on the specific offense, as stated above, a fine or imprisonment of up to 15 years may be issued for using the identification of another person with the intent to commit any unlawful activity under state law. This act protects people from fraud and effects the people trying to use a fake identity by giving them a fine or imprisoning them.
Terry Rogan
Terry Rogan was arrested five times for allegedly committing robbery and murder that he did not commit. His problem began in 1982 when a certain convict named McKandes broke out from the Alabama State Prison. Unfortunately, this man happened to have a copy of Terry Rogan's birth certificate. Eventually, McKandes was able to obtain a drivers license and other identifying documents in Rogan's name. Eventually, Rogan was seized in Michigan for the crime of robbery and murder committed by McKandes in California. It was a clear indication that Terry Rogan is a victim of identity theft. The perpetrator obtained a copy of his birth certificate, which contains the vital important information about him. The perpetrator secured a drivers license in the name of his victim. This story and many others caused congress to really look into passing an act such as this one and made them realize it was a big deal.