ID theft victims could be reimbursed for repairing credit

A bill that would allow identity theft victims to obtain restitution for the time spent repairing their credit passed a Senate committee Tuesday.

The Senate Judiciary, Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Standing Committee passed SB52 unanimously. Sponsored by Sen. Carlene Walker, R-Cottonwood Heights, it would create an hourly compensation system for the victims to be reimbursed.

Richard Hamp from the Utah Attorney Generalis office said that victims can spend as many as 600 hours addressing the credit issues that can come from identity theft.

"Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the countryOand the fastest growing crime in Utah," Hamp said.