Governor Signs Lieu Bill to Fight Identity Theft

AB 2886 makes the selling of multiple identities a felony in California. In addition, AB 2886 will create a new California law regarding mail theft.

“I’m proud to be one of the authors of this bill,” Lieu said. “Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes – and can be one of the most damaging to victims.”

California had a reported 45,175 victims of identity theft in 2005, ranking third in the nation in this growing crime trend. Criminals are turning more and more to individuals’ trash cans and mailboxes to steal personal information, and trafficking this information for money. In 2003, the United States Postal Inspection Service reported 8,254 “volume attacks,” or crimes where Postal Service collection boxes or vehicles were targeted, as opposed to only 3,929 in 2000.

Because mail theft is under federal jurisdiction (United States Postal Inspection Service), local law enforcement cannot help prosecute these criminals. Meanwhile, the postal service is overwhelmed with high priority organized theft rings and is unable to help regular individuals who are violated.

Lieu described the need for these changes. “Identity thieves no longer work one-at-a-time. They set up ‘identity mills’ where they steal from hundreds or even thousands of people.” He added, “We’re going to put a stop to this in California.”

AB 2886 has the support of law enforcement organizations. It will become law on January 1, 2007.