Chicago Criminal Lawyer Blog
Chicago’s Position on Social Security Number Fraud
Chicago has long been one of the busiest financial centers in the Midwest. With its banks, credit unions, tax preparers, and thousands of employers, it is no surprise that allegations of Social Security number misuse are aggressively investigated and prosecuted in this city. Prosecutors see these cases not as minor paperwork problems but as crimes that undermine public trust in financial institutions and government systems.
Illinois law is clear. Under 720 ILCS 5/16G-15, identity theft occurs when someone knowingly uses another person’s identifying information, such as a Social Security number, to commit fraud or obtain money, goods, services, or other benefits. The statute applies even if no financial loss occurs. That means someone accused of trying to use another’s Social Security number may face charges even if no money was stolen.
