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Victims of ID
theft may get easier path to prove crimes
House Bill
2637 would make it easier to get proof of credit fraud to courts
Legislation giving victims
a much-needed tool to assure creditors can submit proof of identity
theft to Washington courts passed the Senate today.
Rep.
Kirk Pearson sponsored
House Bill 2637, which was part of a multifaceted package of bills
to help victims of identity theft.
"Identity theft is a crime
that can cripple a person's finances and family," said Pearson, lead
Republican on the House Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
Committee. "Making sure victims have the proof they need to prosecute
the person who stole their identity and to get their credit repaired is
critical. This bill is a good step to help victims recover quickly."
House Bill 2637
would allow records
provided by out-of-state businesses and credit card companies to be
authenticated by affidavit rather than in person in criminal cases. When
properly served with a request for records, the recipient must provide
the records within 20 business days and verify the authenticity by
providing a signed affidavit, declaration or certification.
"Out-of-state companies are often asked to fly long distances just to
testify that a record relating to identity theft is authentic, which
prolongs the ability to prosecute the person accused of the crime,”
Pearson said. “This new procedure would ensure a speedy legal process,
save costs and clarify what out-of-state businesses must do when
providing requested evidence."
According to the Federal
Trade Commission, the number of people in 2006 who reported being
a victim of identity theft in Washington totaled 5,336. Washington ranks
9th in the nation in per capita identity thefts reported.
Pearson believes the numbers are
much higher. A watchdog group, Identity Theft 9-1-1, estimates that in
2007 as many as 264,095 people were victims of identity theft in
Washington -- 47 percent higher than the number of identity
crimes reported to the Federal Trade Commission.
House Bill 2637 awaits the
governor's signature.
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For more information, contact:
Bobbi Cussins, Public Information Officer:
(360) 786-7252
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