LANSING:  The Michigan State Police (MSP) Region I Special Investigation Division is now better prepared to combat the fastest growing crime in the nation with the creation of a full-time Identity Theft Team.

"The creation of this Identity Theft Team is an example of the Michigan State Police effectively responding to emerging crime trends with new techniques and new solutions," said Detective First Lieutenant David Peltomaa, commander of the Special Investigation Section, which oversees the Identity Theft Team. "Identity theft is a national problem; it is happening here in Michigan and this team is prepared and committed to addressing it."

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Michigan is ranked 16th nationwide for identity theft victims (per 100,000 population), however, the FTC also believes that less than 20 percent of victims report the crime. In addition, the number of identity theft complaints in Michigan grew from 6,566 in 2003 to 7,307 in 2004. The state’s identity theft growth rate involving victims over 40 years old exceeds the national average.

"As the types of crimes change, Michigan law enforcement must evolve to keep pace," said Peltomaa. "By being proactive and developing an Identity Theft Team we hope to turn these numbers around and make the identities of Michigan citizens more secure."

The Identity Theft Team investigates cases involving the theft or misuse of personal identification information to obtain goods, services, credit and fraudulent bank accounts or to facilitate other criminal activity. The most common type of personal identification information misused is the numbers from Social Security cards, driver’s licenses, credit and debit cards and bank accounts. The Team’s primary focus is assisting law enforcement officers and agencies with large scale investigations, as well as investigating cases with out of state victims where the suspect resides in Michigan.

Within the first month of the Team’s operation, detectives executed search warrants in Jackson and Muskegon where numerous items of fraudulently obtained property were discovered, as well as the personal information of over 100 individuals, presumed to be stolen. The investigations have resulted in 8 arrests.

One of the Team’s goals is to make reporting identity theft easier. To accomplish this, the Team created a toll-free phone number, 1-877-MI-ID-THEFT (1-877-644-3843). Citizens can call the number to receive information on how to report identity theft when they believe they may be a victim.

The Team’s Web site, www.michigan.gov/identity-theft, contains information and resources to assist law enforcement officers and victims, including forms that will assist with investigations.

On the Web site, the Team offers tips for avoiding identity theft including a yearly review of your credit report; monthly review of financial and credit statements; withholding identifying information during unsolicited offers by phone, mail, Internet or in person; and the shredding or tearing up of identifying paperwork before discarding.

By nature, identity theft investigations cross jurisdictional boundaries and require cooperation from multiple law enforcement agencies. To facilitate this, the Identity Theft Team works with representatives from local and county law enforcement, as well as the United States Postal Inspectors Office, United States Secret Service, United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Secretary of State Investigation Division and the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

D/F/Lt. David W. Peltomaa, 517 336-6671
Or
Detective Lieutenant Jamie Corona, Region I Identity Theft Team, 517-336-3437

Read more press releases from the Michigan State Police.