Personal Identity Info...
Just A Click Away
It used to be that if someone wanted personal information about you, they would have to commit to spending a good deal of time and effort. But today, that information is just a mouse click away. Is this readily accessible data fueling identity theft crimes in the Pinellas County area? Some folks think it is.
New Website Offers Up Some Very Personal Information
Many people are shocked to learn that a new website called Spokeo enables anyone with a computer to access what you might have otherwise thought was very personal information about you and your family. What's more, this information is instantly available by simply typing in a name and clicking the search button - no questions asked.
Not your Grandma's Phone Book
Spokeo was created by four college roommates at Stanford University who tout their service as "not your grandma's phonebook." Emerging out of the recent trend of people search engines like dirtsearch and pipl the site collects names, addresses, phone numbers, and real estate data from public record sources. While there is nothing illegal about the Spokeo site and the collection of public data is nothing new, Spokeo has taken data mining one step further by compiling the records into full demographic profiles. However in a seemingly more invasive twist, Spokeo now uses the additional information and photographs gleaned from social networking sites like Facebook to add more detailed information to each personal profile. It crawls the web gathering information from such sources as marketing surveys, mailing lists, courthouse records, and government census data. It then presents all the data in a single organized place.
What's With the Name?
"Spokeo" is a slang word used as a metaphor for the spokes of a wheel to radiate from the center or hub that interconnect. The developers defend privacy concerns by contending that their site is simply an "information aggregator". But, Lillie Coney, associate director at the Electronic Privacy Information Center says that "making personal information so easily available opens a Pandora's box of privacy concerns." The site receives millions of hits per day. Despite its cutesy name, Spokeo has been angering a lot of people.
Does the New Spokeo Website Reveal Too Much?
A basic profile search of your name on Spokeo can reveal your address, phone number, age, gender, ethnicity, zodiac sign, marital status, education level, occupation and home ownership status. But that's only the beginning. For a small fee, a more in-depth request will reveal your personal interests and hobbies. This may include which sport you play, what kind of books you read, your taste in music and even the automobile manufacturers you prefer. Then there are credit estimates, your wealth level, and even the value of your home. Searchers can scroll down to view a breakdown of your household and the number of people that live with you. Do you have a fireplace or swimming pool? How about any children? If you think this is beginning to sound a little creepy, you are not alone. Deborah Berry of the Pinellas County Department of Justice and Consumer Affairs warns that "the days of private information are all but gone" and "to a certain extent, it's too late to hide."
Defending Those Persons Charged With Identity Theft
As criminal defense attorneys, we have have taken an oath and strongly abide by our obligation to zealously defend individuals charged with identity theft offenses just as we would with any other criminal offense. However, the punitive nature of Florida law and the far reaching impact on the victims of these types of cases can require a careful and well planned strategy.
Florida Statute Section 817.569 makes it a criminal offense to use information from public records to facilitate or further the commission of a misdemeanor or felony offense. Likewise, Florida Statute Section 817.568 is a comprehensive statute that attempts to foresee, outline and prohibit every conceivable method of securing or improperly using personal identity information. A careful reading of the latter statute reveals that the penalties for these offenses can be harsh. More importantly, where there are multiple victims, Florida Statute Section 817.568(2)(b)&(c) mandates minimum mandatory state prison sentences of three, five and ten years depending on the exact number of victims.
Identity theft victims often take advantage of their rights under Florida Statute Section 960.001(1)(a)(5). This "victim's rights" provision empowers them with the ability to be present in the courtroom and to speak in aggravation in the criminal prosecution. As you know, it is not uncommon for the "squeaky wheel to get the grease." For that reason, a coordinated strategy is very important in order to overcome the emotionally charged atmosphere that a complaining identity theft victim can create in the courtroom.
If you have been charged with identity theft, grand theft, worthless check, scheme to defraud or any other felony fraud base offense it is important to meet with a lawyer as soon as possible. At a free consultation we can discuss how to avoid post arrest publicity. We can also evaluate all of your options and develop a strategy that is in your best interest.
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If you have been charged with identity theft, fraud or a theft related offense in St. Petersburg, Clearwater, or any other area within Pinellas County, we are lawyers who can help. Contact our office at (727) 578-0303 for a free consultation.
The Law Offices of Russo & Russo, P.A.
Former State Prosecutors
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St. Petersburg, FL 33702
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