ILLUSTRATION SHOWING IDENTITY THEFT 

ILLUSTRATION SHOWING IDENTITY THEFT 

          By- Barsha Samantasinghar

                BBA LLB (H)

1. INTRODUCTION:

Identity theft is a serious crime that occurs when someone uses another person’s particular information without their authorization to commit fraud or other crimes. This can include stealing someone’s Social Security number, credit card information, or other sensitive data which is quiet crucial for the individual. In moment’s digital age, identity theft has come decreasingly current, and it can have ruinous goods on its victims.

1.1 Legal Format:

In the legal realm, cases of identity theft are typically addressed through both criminal and civil proceedings. Criminal charges can be brought against the perpetrator by law enforcement agencies, while the victim may also pursue civil action to seek restitution for any damages incurred as a result of the theft.

1.2 Illustrated Explanation:

To illustrate the process of identity theft, consider the following scenario: Sarah, a hardworking professional, discovers that her identity has been stolen when she receives a credit card bill for purchases she never made. After further investigation, she realizes that someone has used her personal information to open new credit card accounts and make unauthorized transactions.

In the legal format, Sarah reports the identity theft to the police, who launch an investigation to identify the perpetrator. Meanwhile, Sarah also seeks legal counsel to understand her rights and options for pursuing civil action against the individual responsible for the theft.

As the case progresses, the perpetrator is apprehended and charged with identity theft. In the civil realm, Sarah’s legal team helps her file a lawsuit to recover the financial losses and restore her credit standing. Through the legal process, the perpetrator is held accountable for their actions, and Sarah receives the necessary support to mitigate the impact of the identity theft. Anyway the identity theft is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted legal approach to address both the criminal and civil aspects of the crime. By understanding the legal format and implications of identity theft, individuals can take proactive measures to protect themselves and seek justice in the event of a theft.

2. HISTORY:

Identifying theft is a serious crime that can have long-lasting effects on its victims. In order to illustrate the history of identity theft in a legal format, it’s important to understand the evolution of this crime and its impact on individuals and society.

Identity theft has a long history, dating back to the early 20th century when criminals would steal personal information, such as social security numbers, to assume someone else’s identity. However, with the advent of the digital age, identity theft has become more prevalent and sophisticated. The rise of the internet and electronic databases has made it easier for criminals to access and misuse personal information.

In a legal format, it’s important to punctuate the colourful laws and regulations that have been legislated to combat identity theft. For illustration, the Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act of 1998 made it a civil crime to deliberately transfer or use, without legal authority, a means of identification of another person with the intent to commit, or to prop or abet, any unlawful exertion that constitutes a violation of civil law, or that constitutes a felony under any applicable state or original law.

Furthermore, the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003 (FACTA) amended the Fair Credit Reporting Act to help consumers fight identity theft. It gives consumers the right to request their credit reports and dispute any inaccurate information. It also requires businesses to take steps to protect sensitive customer data.

In a legal format, it’s also important to bandy the colorful styles of identity theft, similar as phishing, skimming, and data breaches. Phishing involves transferring fraudulent emails or creating fake websites to trick individualities into furnishing particular information. Skimming involves stealing credit card information using a small device called a ladle. Data breaches do when hackers gain unauthorized access to a company’s database and steal sensitive information.

It’s crucial to emphasize the impact of identity theft on its victims. Victims of identity theft can face financial loss, damage to their credit score, and emotional distress. In a legal format, it’s important to outline the steps that individuals can take to protect themselves from identity theft, such as monitoring their credit reports, using strong and unique passwords, and being cautious about sharing personal information online. In a legal format, it’s important to highlight the laws and regulations in place to combat identity theft, as well as the impact it has on its victims. By understanding the history and implications of identity theft, we can work towards preventing and addressing this crime in a more effective manner.

3. LEGISLATIVE CONSEQUENCES AND PRIVILAGES:

3.1 Legal Consequences:

Identity theft is a serious crime that occurs when someone wrongfully obtains and uses another person’s personal data in a fraudulent or deceptive manner, typically for economic gain. Laws regarding identity theft are designed to protect individuals from the misuse of their personal information and to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions. The legal format for addressing identity theft typically involves both criminal and civil statutes, as well as federal and state laws.

Criminal laws related to identity theft vary by jurisdiction but generally include provisions that make it illegal to knowingly use, transfer, or possess another person’s identifying information without their consent with the intent to commit, aid, or abet any unlawful activity. 

These laws often encompass a wide range of personal information, including social security numbers, driver’s license numbers, financial account information, and other sensitive data. 

Perpetrators of identity theft can face significant criminal penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and restitution to the victims.

In addition to criminal laws, many jurisdictions have civil statutes that allow individuals whose identities have been stolen to seek damages from the perpetrators. These laws often provide for the recovery of financial losses, as well as compensation for emotional distress and other related damages. Civil remedies can also include injunctive relief to prevent further misuse of the victim’s personal information and to compel the responsible parties to take corrective actions.

At the civil position, the United States has legislated the Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act, which makes it a civil crime to deliberately transfer or use, without legal authority, a means of identification of another person with the intent to commit, or to prop or abet, any unlawful exertion that constitutes a violation of civil law or that constitutes a felony under any applicable state or original law. This law also established the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) as the primary agency responsible for coordinating the government’s response to identity theft and furnishing backing to victims.

Many states have also enacted their own laws specifically targeting identity theft, often including provisions for identity theft prevention, victim assistance, and law enforcement training. These state laws may vary in their specific provisions and penalties, but they generally complement and reinforce the federal legal framework for addressing identity theft.

On the other hand legal format for addressing identity theft encompasses a combination of criminal and civil statutes at both the federal and state levels. These laws are designed to protect individuals from the misuse of their personal information and to provide avenues for recourse and restitution for victims of identity theft. By establishing clear prohibitions and penalties for identity theft, the legal framework aims to deter and punish this harmful and pervasive form of criminal activity.

3.2 Legal Privileges:

Identity theft involves both theft and forgery, thus the provisions given under the Indian Penal Code for forgery are invoked with the Information Technology Act. The following provisions under the Indian Penal Code govern forgery:

• Sec 464- if a person, fraudulently, by cancellation or alters a document in any material.

• Sec 465- if a person commits the fraudulent act, he shall be sentenced to jail, which may extend to two years or with fine or with both.
• Sec 468- if a person commits the fraudulent act and he used the forged document for the purpose of cheating, he shall be sentenced to jail, which may extend to seven years and also held liable to fine.

• Sec 469- if a person commits forgery and he used the forged document to harm the reputation of any person, the person shall be sentenced to jail which may be extended to three years and also held liable to fine.

• Sec 471- if a person commits forgery and has the intention to use the forged document as genuine, the person shall be punished.

• Sec 474- if a person possesses a forged document and knows that it was a forged document and has the intention to use the forged document as genuine, the person shall be sentenced to jail which may be extended to seven years and also be liable to fine.

The Information Technology Act address various aspects of forgery and unauthorised use of computer resources. These provisions are crucial in combating cybercrime and protecting individuals and organizations from digital fraud. It’s important to note that these laws are designed to address the misuse of technology and digital resources, and they carry significant penalties for those who engage in such activities.

• Sec 43- deals with the unauthorized damaging of a computer, holding the perpetrator liable to pay compensation to the owner. This provision aims to protect individuals and businesses from malicious acts that target their computer systems.

• Sec 66- addresses forgery committed using computers and imposes imprisonment and fines as penalties. This provision recognizes the serious nature of digital forgery and seeks to deter such activities through legal consequences.

• Sec 66B- pertains to the theft of computer resources, imposing imprisonment and fines for those found guilty of such actions. This provision aims to safeguard digital assets and resources from unauthorized access and misuse.

• Sec 66C- focuses on the fraudulent use of another person’s identification, carrying imprisonment and fines as penalties. This provision aims to prevent identity theft and unauthorized access to digital identities.

• Sec 66D- addresses the act of cheating a computer resource for personation, imposing imprisonment and fines for such actions. This provision aims to prevent fraudulent impersonation and deceitful use of digital resources.

These provisions collectively contribute to the legal framework for addressing digital forgery, cyber theft, and fraudulent activities involving computer resources. They play a crucial role in upholding the integrity of digital systems and protecting individuals and organizations from digital fraud and misconduct.

4. CASE LAW:

1. Lalita Kumari v. Government of Uttar Pradesh: In this case, the Supreme Court of India ruled that an FIR (First Information Report) must be registered for every cognizable offense, including identity theft, without conducting a preliminary inquiry. This decision strengthened the legal recourse available to victims of identity theft.

2. State of Tamil Nadu v. Suhas Katti: The Madras High Court, in this case, emphasized the need for stringent punishment for identity theft to deter such crimes. The judgment highlighted the seriousness of identity theft and the importance of protecting individuals’ identities.

3. Justice K.S. Puttaswamy and Anr. vs. Union of India (UOI) and Ors.: The Supreme Court’s landmark judgment on the constitutional validity of Aadhaar, India’s biometric identity system, addressed concerns related to privacy and security. The judgment imposed restrictions on the use of Aadhaar for private entities, thereby safeguarding individuals from potential identity theft risks associated with the misuse of Aadhaar data.

4. Karnataka Bank Limited v. Prakash K (2020): The Karnataka High Court, in this case, recognized the liability of banks in cases of identity theft and emphasized the need for banks to implement robust security measures to prevent unauthorized access to customers’ personal information. This judgment underscored the responsibility of financial institutions in safeguarding individuals’ identities from theft and misuse.

5. CONCLUSION:

Identity theft is a pervasive and damaging crime that has far-reaching consequences for its victims. It occurs when someone wrongfully obtains and uses another person’s personal data in a fraudulent or deceptive manner, often for financial gain. The impact of identity theft can be devastating, affecting victims’ financial stability, credit scores, and emotional well-being. In this essay, we will explore the prevalence of identity theft, its consequences, and measures that individuals and organizations can take to protect against it.

Firstly, it is important to acknowledge the widespread nature of identity theft. With the increasing digitization of personal information and the proliferation of online transactions, the opportunities for identity theft have expanded. Cybercriminals use various methods such as phishing, data breaches, and social engineering to acquire sensitive data, making individuals and organizations vulnerable to exploitation. The frequency of identity theft incidents underscores the urgent need for robust preventive measures and effective law enforcement.

The consequences of identity theft are multifaceted and severe. Financially, victims may face unauthorized charges, drained bank accounts, and damaged credit histories. The process of rectifying these issues can be time-consuming and emotionally taxing. Moreover, the emotional toll of identity theft should not be underestimated. Victims often experience feelings of violation, anxiety, and mistrust, as their sense of security and privacy is shattered. 

The pervasive nature of identity theft’s impact extends beyond the individual, affecting businesses, financial institutions, and the economy as a whole.

To combat identity theft, proactive measures are essential. Individuals can safeguard their personal information by using strong, unique passwords, regularly monitoring their financial accounts, and being cautious about sharing sensitive data online. Additionally, utilizing identity theft protection services and freezing credit reports can provide an added layer of security. Organizations must also prioritize data security by implementing encryption, multi-factor authentication, and regular security audits to mitigate the risk of data breaches.

Furthermore, collaboration between government agencies, law enforcement, and financial institutions is crucial in addressing identity theft. Enhanced legislation and enforcement efforts can deter would-be perpetrators and hold them accountable for their actions. Public awareness campaigns can educate individuals about the risks of identity theft and empower them to take proactive measures to protect themselves.

In last the identity theft is a pervasive and damaging crime that poses significant risks to individuals and organisations. Its prevalence and far-reaching consequences necessitate a multifaceted approach to prevention and mitigation. By implementing proactive measures, raising awareness, and strengthening enforcement efforts, we can work towards reducing the incidence of identity theft and safeguarding the security and well-being of individuals and communities.

REFERENCE:

Website:

1. https://www.icsi.edu/media/webmodules/publications/Cyber_Crime_Law_and_Practice.pdf
2. https://www.ijrpr.com/uploads/V2ISSUE7/IJRPR791.pdf 
4. https://www.casemine.com/judgement/in/5d932b2b4a9326776ce7e1bd
5. https://privacylibrary.ccgnlud.org/case/justice-ks-puttaswamy-and-ors-vs-union-of-india-uoi-and-ors#:~:text=Case%20Brief,although%20Justice%20D.Y.%20Chandrachud%20dissented
6. https://indianlawportal.co.in/suhas-katti-v-state-of-tamil-nadu/
7. https://www.legalserviceindia.com/legal/article-13351-case-analysis-on-state-of-tamil-nadu-v-s-suhas-katti-2004-.html
8. https://docs.manupatra.in/newsline/articles/Upload/FD30EC39-2367-4E2E-B088-01FA06971A5E.%20GOVT%20OF%20UTTAR%20PRADESH%20%20TOUCHING%20UPON%20UNTOUCHED%20ISSUES.pdf
9. https://www.legalserviceindia.com/legal/article-2870-lalita-kumari-v-s-state-of-u-p.html

Books:

1. The Indian Penal Code, 1860 (Bare Act)
2. Information Technology Act, 2000 (Bare Act)