Home Identity Theft 40 Defendants, 20 Cases: Florida Identity Theft Widespread

40 Defendants, 20 Cases: Florida Identity Theft Widespread

40 Defendants, 20 Cases: Florida Identity Theft Widespread

40 Defendants, 20 Cases: Florida Identity Theft Widespread

Identity theft is a growing concern across the US, and Florida has been hit particularly hard. In recent years, law enforcement agencies have tackled large and widespread identity theft rings in the state, leading to the arrest and prosecution of several offenders. In one instance, 40 defendants were involved in 20 cases of identity theft in Florida.

The Cases

The cases involved a wide range of identity theft schemes, including credit card fraud, identity theft for tax fraud, and other financial crimes. The offenders used a variety of methods to steal personal information, including phishing scams, skimming devices, and hacking into computer networks and databases.

Law Enforcement Response

The investigations into the identity theft cases were complex and required significant resources from the law enforcement agencies involved. Law enforcement agencies collaborated across the state, pooling their resources and knowledge to bring down the offenders.

Prosecutions and Sentencing

The 40 defendants involved in the identity theft cases were prosecuted and found guilty of various charges ranging from identity theft to conspiracy to commit financial fraud. The offenders were sentenced to varying sentences ranging from probation to several years in prison.

Victims of Identity Theft

Identity theft can have a significant impact on the lives of the victims. In these cases, many victims were left with damaged credit ratings, lost money, and hours of time spent repairing the damages caused by the offenders. It is crucial to remain vigilant and take steps to safeguard personal information to reduce the risk of identity theft.

Preventing Identity Theft

To reduce the risk of identity theft, it is essential to take several precautions. Keeping personal information secure, using strong passwords, avoiding phishing scams, and regularly monitoring financial accounts for suspicious activity can all help reduce the risk of becoming a victim of identity theft.

Conclusion

Identity theft remains a significant threat to individuals and organizations across the US. The 40 defendants involved in the 20 cases of identity theft in Florida highlight the seriousness of the issue and the need for law enforcement agencies to work together to combat the problem. By taking steps to protect personal information and remaining vigilant, individuals can help reduce the risk of becoming a victim of identity theft.


On October 10, 2012, the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida announced that 40 defendants were charged in 20 different cases for identity theft that resulted in millions of dollars of fraudulent tax filings.

The Federal Trade Commission declares that Florida had the highest identity theft rate in 2011.  The FTC reports that Miami is where most of the identity thefts occur in Florida.  For every 100,000 residents in the United States, about 178 complaints are filed for identity theft.  Miami makes this figure look small.  For every 100,000 residents in Miami, there are about 324.1 complaints.

The U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) also announces that Florida has the highest rate of tax refund fraud in the United States.  TIGTA estimates that about 74,496 fraudulent returns were filed in Miami alone and caused about $280 million in fake refunds.  The per capita of false returns in Miami is 46 times higher than the national average, and the epidemic is growing.  According to TIGTA, the IRS is projected to issue about $21 billion in fraudulent tax refunds in the next five years.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida recently created the Identity Theft Tax Fraud Strike Force to combat the epidemic.  The Strike Force is made up of multiple agencies and police departments around the Miami area.

U.S. Attorney Wifredo A. Ferrer stated, “So far this year, we have charged a total of 79 individuals responsible for almost $40 million in fraudulent tax refunds obtained through identity theft.  The cases being investigated and prosecuted include victims from all walks of life, including police officers, potential U.S. Marine recruits, members of the Armed Forces, holocaust survivors, school children, hospital patients, the elderly and infirm, incarcerated prisoners, and even the dead.”

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation