| Defining the societal impact of identity theft is difficult, in part because
the victimization extends beyond an unauthorized credit card charge or
forged check. Additional financial and emotional strain is incurred while
the victim deals with creditors, debt collection agencies, and law
enforcement groups in order to restore negative credit and criminal
histories left in the wake of the offense. The difficult recovery is a
function of the complex nature of the identity theft problem. However, the
likelihood that an individual can restore normality to their lives rests on
the abilities of law enforcement, consumer organizations, and private sector
industries in providing assistance to identity theft victims. Using
qualitative data from a series of six focus groups of identity theft
victims, this presentation will explore the nature of this particular type
of crime, and the subsequent recovery effort as victims navigate the
criminal justice system in hopes of successful resolution.
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Updated 05/20/2006