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Huge Identity Theft Case Signals The Dawn of a New Age By: Jonathan Bille  |
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 You have probably heard that Federal prosecutors have charged 11 people with the theft of over 41 million credit and debit card numbers in what is being called the largest identity theft ring ever. The defendants in the case come from all over the world making this an international crime ring focused on identity theft.
Identity theft isn’t a new problem but this particular case involving more than 41 million cards has driven home the point that it’s time for a more serious approach when it comes to protecting the identity of individuals.
Right now, the only protection consumers have against identity theft is the security measures of the companies they choose to do business with. And as this most recent case suggests; there is not enough being done to protect consumers.
First and foremost, we need to develop a way for consumers to do business with credit and debit cards without having to reveal so much personal information. Right now, all personal information is attached to the use of credit cards making them an inviting target for hackers whose crime of choice is identity theft. Divorcing personal information from credit cards would at least, limit the theft to only the card that has been compromised.
Next we have to consider serious penalties for those convicted of identity theft. Punishment isn’t always the best deterrent, but at the least, keeping those convicted of the crime off the street would reduce the number of those involved in the crime at any one time.
Finally, it may be necessary to devote a federal agency to the issue as we have with the ATF (Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms.) Identity theft is the crime of today and tomorrow and as a nation we need to get serious about protecting ourselves. And certainly, it’s time for the Federal Government to step up to the plate and seriously take on the problem.
In addition, we need to put new measures in place for the victims of identity theft. Anyone who has had their identity stolen will tell you that getting everything straighten out is a nightmare in itself. Until identity theft can be stopped we need to make getting a stolen identity back much easier than it currently is.
Identity theft is the mega crime of our time. What we do next about the problem will determine how much bigger the problem will become. We can demand that the Federal Government do something to protect consumers or we can deal with the repercussions of our own inactions. What will you choose to do?
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