Special Feature: Identity Theft

This brief on identity theft by the US Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs provides an overview of the issue, information about the size of the problem and what OJP is doing to help victims of identity theft and their service providers. Identity theft and identity fraud refer to crimes in which someone wrongfully obtains and uses another individual’s personal identifying information in a way that involves fraud or deception, typically for economic gain. Identity theft can cause far more damage than the loss of money or ruined credit. Following identity theft, victims may face challenges obtaining employment or housing due to the negative financial consequences of identity theft. Victims of identity theft can also suffer significant emotional and physical stress due to the crime.