Conn. ID Theft Laws Strengthened

Would-be identity thieves might want to think twice before committing the crime in Connecticut. Effective Oct. 1, convicted identity thieves face stiffer penalties under state laws, according to WTNH.com.

A suspect in Connecticut now faces first-degree identity theft charges – a class B felony – for victimizing anyone older than 60 and stealing assets and valuables over $5,000.

“Elderly victims can find it especially difficult to recover from identity theft because of the complexity and red tape involved,” Governor M. Jodi Rell stated. “This new law goes a long way to help victims get redress and ensure that justice for would-be identity thieves is sure and severe.”

Among the numerous changes to existing laws relating to misuse of personal identifying information is a broadened definition of identity theft. Additionally, it is now a crime in Connecticut to unlawfully possess personal access devices, such as card readers or scanners, account numbers, personal identification numbers or PIN number and telecommunications service, according to Rell’s office.


The new law isn’t all about punishment, however. It also extends new rights to identity theft victims. The statute of limitations in which victims can sue for damages against a person convicted of stealing their identity, for example, has been extended from two to three years.

“Identity theft is a crime that robs individuals of their sense of security and can bring chaos into their lives,” Governor Rell said in the WTNH report. “It can take years for victims to recover their good name and put their lives back together.”

Connecticut courts are also now required to issue orders correcting public records when identities are stolen. This is a step up from the former policy of allowing, yet not mandating, court orders. (Maybe other states will take note?).

Additionally, a fund to reimburse victims and enforce the newly beefed up law will be created using Department of Consumer Protection violators’ fines. Using forfeited property to repay victims – including all those flat screen televisions and fancy cars we see identity thieves enjoying on someone else’s dime – is justice we can get behind.


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