Identity Theft and Financial Crimes: Trends, Law Enforcement Capabilities, and Victim Needs

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, approximately 16.6 million persons, or 7% of all U.S. residents age 16 or older, were victims of one or more incidents of identity theft in 2012. These numbers demonstrate the importance of providing law enforcement with the investigative tools and victim services training necessary to successfully address this and other financial crimes.

This webinar presents results from recent studies of identity theft by Statistical Analysis Centers in Arizona and Minnesota. It will begin with a presentation by the Arizona SAC on identity theft trends in the state over the last decade, including information on offender demographics, arrest and conviction rates, and sentencing types. Presenters from the Minnesota SAC will then discuss the results of their statewide study of law enforcement agencies conducted to determine the extent of identity theft victimization and the needs of law enforcement in responding to it. Presenters will discuss their survey of law enforcement, gaps in providing support to victims, varying levels of skill among agencies in the state in addressing this and other financial crimes, survey methodology, and the steps being taken by the state based on the findings and recommendations in the report.