Mar 21, 2008 10:50 am US/Eastern
Man Buys 2 Calif. Homes Using Child's ID Number
SACRAMENTO (CBS) ―
California police have arrested a man who fraudulently obtaining a social security number to purchase two homes in the Sacramento area
The victim was unaware her social security number was being fraudulently used until she tried to obtain utility services in Kentucky, reports CBS station KOVR-TV in Sacramento.
The utility company told her someone in Sacramento, Calif., had an active electricity account. The tip led to Vicente Soto, who, according to a report by the Sacramento Bee, is a construction worker living in the Sacramento area.
The victim of the crime was 8 years old when Soto stole her social security number. She had no idea her information had been stolen until she tried to get a credit card as an adult.
After further investigations, police learned Soto used the social security number to obtain homes totaling $621,000 for two residences in the Sacramento area.
Soto also used the social security number in other states, including Minnesota, where he obtained a driver's license.
Soto is facing identification theft charges.
(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
