Letter: More deterrents needed in cases of identity theft

Thursday, March 8, 2001 | 9:38 a.m.

I would like to refer to the Feb. 4 article, "Fake IDs and stolen identities" by Ed Koch: Although Koch was informative, he failed to touch on some very important points as deterrents in trying to penalize those who would commit this, the fastest growing nonviolent crime in our country.

I would like to recommend to your readers the following be legislated into law based on personal experience in my family:

1. Local police departments should cooperate with police in other states to protect the victims who reside in this state but have their identity stolen in another state.

2. All credit reporting agencies, (TRW, EQAFAX, etc.) should be required to note in all of their reports that Mr. or Mrs. X is a victim of stolen identity, in which state or city the crime occurred, and what fictitious name or identity was used.

3. A felony is not enough of a deterrent to prevent this crime. Jail time should be substantially increased.

4. The criminal should be made to pay restitution and suffer a heavy penalty to the victim and family members who incurred financial loss and time in trying to protect the victim and apprehend and convict the crook.

5. Everyone should have their Social Security number removed from their driver license.

It is very important that passing new and stronger legislation be a priority in this current legislative session in Carson City.

BOB GOLDBERG

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