Taking Identity Crime Victimization Seriously: A Call for Comprehensive Support

By Eva Velasquez, President and CEO of the Identity Theft Resource Center

President Biden released in March a Presidential Proposal for addressing the rise in identity fraud that grew during the pandemic and continues at elevated rates today. Part of that plan included increased resources with coordination between government agencies and nonprofit victim support groups. If the need was great in early 2023, it is even greater as we near the end of the year.

For more than two decades, the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) has witnessed the consequences identity crimes have on individuals, families and communities. However, for the first time in my ten years as the ITRC’s CEO, the rate of identity crime victims contemplating suicide has grown to 16 percent from four percent pre-pandemic in our annual victim impact research. So, why are more identity crime victims contemplating suicide?

The identity crime landscape has evolved with criminals employing increasingly sophisticated, constant, multi-channel attacks. However, it is society’s response that compounds the impact. How we talk to victims and about them contributes to a culture of shame and humiliation where victims blame themselves and feel unsupported. Statements like “it’s not as bad as violent crime” or referring to victims as “duped” perpetuate feelings of culpability and invalidation.

The words of victims paint a very clear picture of what it’s like to be violated in this way: “I isolated myself from everyone because I can’t make ends meet, can’t get help or assistance, and I feel like an idiot.”  

When working with identity crime victims, a stark reality emerges – there are too few resources to aid too many victims. Organizations that should provide support often shun them, while government agencies are resource-constrained, unequipped or unable to help for lack of jurisdiction.

The path forward requires resources that offer emotional support, financial recovery assistance and legal guidance. Mental health services should be readily accessible for those struggling with the profound trauma caused by these crimes. Financial institutions, law enforcement agencies and victim advocacy organizations must collaborate to provide tailored assistance that empowers victims to regain control over their lives.

As the Biden Administration has acknowledged, we need to dismantle the notion that it’s a minor inconvenience to be an identity crime victim. Let’s underscore that victims are not at fault but rather targets of cunning criminals exploiting vulnerabilities in our increasingly digital world.