By AP/KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – Lawmakers in Jefferson City are working to make laws regarding identity theft tougher. Identity thieves use other people's identity - by stealing personal data like credit cards or Social Security numbers - to buy items for themselves.
Currently, identity theft is a misdemeanor. It comes with a maximum sentence of six months in jail for a first offense, one year for a second and five years in prison for third and subsequent
convictions.
But a measure that passed a House Committee Monday would establish a range of offense levels, depending on how much financial damage is caused.
Stealing someone's identity and more than $100,000, for example, could mean up to 30 years in prison if the proposal becomes law.
Identity theft of less than $500 would be a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail. The measure also would allow victims to sue identity thieves.