Identity Theft

Georgia law prohibits the theft of identity for financial purposes. This is termed the financial identity fraud act, the law is composed of O.C.G.A. 16-9-121 through O.C.G.A. 16-9-127.

Identity fraud is the fastest growing crime in America. An individual will collect vital pieces of information about you. Unfortunately, it is not a large amount of information. Most commonly, the criminal will obtain your name, social security number, and date of birth. From this point, the doors begin to open for the criminal element. There are numerous ways the criminal obtains this information and uses it to their advantage.

Federal law prohibits the theft of identification for the purpose of committing a crime. (18 USC 1028(a)(7) This law was passed in 1998. The circumstances of your case may dictate federal prosecution. Please consult with our investigators for specifics.

Fraud

Fraud is simply obtaining something of value, most commonly money, from another under false pretenses. Most fraud cases involve telemarketing and internet scams. Many of the criminal elements target the elderly for their fraudulent schemes. However, no one is immune to the practices. It is best to be armed with facts and exercise care in questionable acts regarding your finances.

Georgia is in the "top ten state" category for internet scams by the latest statistics released from the Internet Fraud Complaint Center. (See Associated Links below) According to the National Fraud Information Center, in the first six months of 2002, there was a total loss of over 7 million dollars through internet scams. Some eighty-seven (87) percent of these losses were due to online auctions. Always investigate the auction site and search for reviews regarding the seller. You should check the auction site for details regarding dissatisfaction policies. Investigate and determine the "safest" method for you to pay over the internet. You should also determine the role that the auction site employs to protect your personal information. ALWAYS investigate any proposal or solicitation received by electronic mail.

Telemarketing scams are also very popular. The National Fraud Information Center records over 1.2 million dollars lost in the first half of 2002. The bulk of the scams were credit card offers and "work at home" opportunties. The approach most often employed was unsolicited telephone calls or mail.

We have provided you with links, in the area titled Associated Links, to several sites that maintain a national presence in the fight against identity theft and fraud. We cannot encourage you enough to familiarize youself with common illegal practices of the criminal element. This is the best method to protect yourself. Directly below this paragraph, you will find a printable brochure produced by the Cobb County Sheriff's Office. (Two pages in length)

Identity Theft and Fraud Brochure 

Contact Information 
Cobb County Sheriff's Office
Forgery Unit
185 Roswell Street
Marietta, Georgia, 30090

Telephone: (770) 499-4652
Facsimile: (770) 499-4797

PDF Version of brochure 

Associated Links 
State of Georgia -- Charity Search

Use this link to search the organizations registered to collect charitable funds in the state. Most organizations are required by Georgia law to register with the Secretary of State to raise funds in the state. It is prudent to exercise care and do some "personal investigating" of your own regarding an unknown charity.

Consumer.Gov
A general information web site sponsored by the various federal government agencies. A wealth of information arranged in one site.

Department of Justice -- Identity Theft Page
A brief review of identity theft and fraud from the perspective of the Department of Justice.

National Fraud Information Center
A web site devoted to providing information about various Internet and tele-marketing scams.

Internet Fraud Complaint Center
A site for internet specific scams operated by the FBI and the National White Collar Crime Center.




"Leadership Through Service"
Updated: 04/2012