from the State, Aug 12, 2007

SPRINGFIELD – Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today signed legislation that increases penalties for identity thieves who target service men and women serving overseas.  House Bill 1236, sponsored by State Rep. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) and State Sen. John O. Jones (R-Mt. Vernon) will help protect Illinois’ active duty military personnel and Illinois National Guardsmen from being victimized by identity theft while they are stationed in a foreign country.

“Thousands of Illinois’ brave men and women have served or are serving overseas, and have put themselves in harm’s way to protect our freedom.  These service members have enough to worry about and should not have to be concerned about being victims of identity theft,” said Gov. Blagojevich.  “We will not tolerate violations of personal privacy in Illinois, especially for those who target our service men and women.  Identity thieves need to understand - if you don’t respect the law, you’ll face stiff penalties.”

HB 1236 increases the penalties for identity theft when the victim is an active duty member of the Armed Services or Reserve Forces or a member of the Illinois National Guard serving in a foreign country.  The penalties are increased by one class for each offense if the victim is a service member serving overseas.

“On Veterans’ Day at the State Fair, we honor the men and women currently serving overseas and fighting for our country,” said Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs Director Tammy Duckworth.  “We need to make every effort to ensure our hometown heroes feel their personal information is safe when they are away so they can focus on the mission at hand and return home to Illinois safe and sound.  This new law will help give these service members that piece of mind.”

“Identity thieves often know when units have been deployed and then go after the service member’s identity knowing they are away and can’t monitor their finances.  That’s outrageous and must be stopped. This legislation will help put an end to such actions,” said Rep. Tracy.

“I am proud to see this legislation signed into law.  Our active duty soldiers and National Guardsmen must be protected in every way possible while they are abroad.  This measure only strengthens our commitment to our brave soldiers fighting the War on Terror,” said Sen. Jones.

Cases of identity theft are occurring throughout the U.S.  Just recently, a Guardsman from South Central Missouri became a victim because of his service overseas.  The Senior Sergeant was deployed with an aviation unit to Iraq for more than a year.  When he came home from deployment, the Sergeant learned his personal information had been compromised and stolen.  The thieves used his bank account and ATM pin number to steal over $12,000.  The money was spent on various items that were purchased throughout major cities in the Midwest. 

“There is no doubt in my mind, that I was targeted because I was serving out of the country and the criminals knew I was gone.  I appreciate the Governor taking this initiative because something needs to be done to protect our service members from this crime.  It took me months to get my money back and have closure.  To just get home from serving overseas and having to deal with this - it was just a terrible experience,” said the Missouri Guardsman, who wished to remain anonymous.

Being a victim of identity theft is difficult for anyone, especially if the victim is an active duty service member serving outside the United States.  Service members deployed often make less income than if they continued to work their civilian job in the United States.  This leaves their families with a smaller budget and if a victim of identity theft, more susceptible to a depleted bank account.  It can take years to undo the damage done to the victim’s credit report.  House Bill 1236 will further prevent identity theft from happening to Illinois’ service men and women.

“Taking care of our soldiers, airmen and their families is always our top priority,” said Maj. Gen. Randal Thomas, Illinois National Guard Adjutant General. “This law continues to demonstrate how Illinois takes care of its men and women in uniform.”

HB 1236 goes into effect January 1, 2008.

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