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Examining Identity Theft: Empirical Explorations of the Offense and the Offender

NCJ Number
232537
Journal
Victims & Offenders Volume: 4 Issue: 4 Dated: October 2009 Pages: 357-364
Author(s)
Donald J. Rebovich
Date Published
October 2009
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This article calls attention to the need to develop and conduct empirical research to provide a clearer and more comprehensive picture of common characteristics of the crime of identity theft and, also, of those who commit it.
Abstract
Identity theft is an emerging crime area that has, in recent years, garnered increasing attention from the media. Much of that attention has tended to center on extreme cases of economic loss to victims and other long-term hardships suffered by victims in their attempts to recover their financial "good name" after their stolen identities are used to commit fraud. The current article focuses on two particular studies (one using archival data, the other using interviews) that afford evidence-based insights into this crime area. It then discusses the policy implication value of how this type of offense-offender research can be integrated with victim research to enhance identity theft control. (Published Abstract)