Criminal identity theft
What is criminal identity theft?
Criminal identity theft is when someone else uses your name when arrested or prosecuted for a crime. This results in erroneous arrest and court records, even if it is later discovered that someone has pretended to be you in the criminal justice system. These erroneous records may show up for background checks for employment or housing, or with future interactions with law enforcement.
Steps to take if you are a victim of criminal identity theft in Minnesota
Laws that are helpful to victims of criminal identity theft
Questioned Identity Process: Minnesota Statutes section 299C.092 (2023).
Ability to get an expungement based on mistaken identity: Minnesota Statutes section 609A.017.
Background check companies must correct erroneous records: Minnesota Statutes section 332.70, subd. 3.