ScamSafe

ID Theft Is More Prevalent Offline with Paper than Online

From Truston…

In Half of the Cases Where the Perpetrator is Known, Identity Fraud is committed by Someone Close to the Victim

SAN FRANCISCO, January 26, 2005 - The 2005 Javelin Identity Fraud Survey Report - released by the Better Business Bureau and Javelin Strategy & Research as an update of the Federal Trade Commission's 2003 Identity Theft Survey Report and Javelin's 2003 Identity Theft Report - shows that despite growing fears about identity theft and online fraud, of the victims that know the identity and method used by the criminal, these crimes are more frequently committed offline than online. Internet-related fraud problems are actually less severe, less costly and not as widespread as previously thought.

More: Truston's Identity Theft Blog.

Categories: idtheft, identitytheft, fraud

Three More States Add Laws on Data Breaches

Companies struggling to keep up with a patchwork of state laws related to data privacy and information security have three more to contend with, as a result of new security-breach notification laws that went into effect in Illinois, Louisiana and New Jersey on Jan 1. 

More: Three More States Add Laws on Data Breaches - Computerworld.

Missing data recovered by ABN AMRO Mortgage

Some Bay Area ABN AMRO Mortgage customers this week are receiving the digital age's dreaded midnight knock on the door: A letter stating a data tape containing their Social Security numbers and other personal information had been lost by a courier.

More from Merc News

Update on Credit Freeze & Data Breach Laws

With the New Year almost upon us, a variety of new laws that impact identity theft and personal privacy will begin to go into effect.

A variety of states are gearing up to implement new laws that allow consumers to freeze their credit files. Connecticut, New Jersey and Illinois will all implement this type of law on January 1, but these states have very different visions of who should be given the ability to freeze their credit report...

Link: GuardMyCreditFile: Update on Credit Freeze & Data Breach Laws.

Worldwide Unisys ID Fraud Study Shows New U.S. Consumer Security Concerns

Half of Americans would switch banks for greater protection, and 40 percent willing to pay for more security compared to 27 percent last year; Banks need visibility into full impact of fraud to secure both brand and revenue.

BLUE BELL, Pa., November 11, 2005 – Americans are more willing to pay additional fees for greater protection of their bank accounts to assuage increasing fears, according to new research from Unisys Corporation (NYSE: UIS) that polled 1,000 Americans as part of a broader worldwide analysis of identity fraud and bank security issues.

More

Portrait of an identity thief

Tina Kathreen Armstrong of Longview first made headlines in 1988 as Tina Lee, the HIV-positive teenage mother of a newborn daughter -- the first such birth in Cowlitz County and one of the first in Washington state.

More from The Daily News

Despite Increase In ID Theft, 70% of Canadians Think It's Unlikely They Will be Victimized

TORONTO - TransUnion, a leading authority on consumer credit, today released a survey conducted by Roper Public Affairs on how likely Canadians think they are to become victims of identity theft. Despite manifold evidence of increased identity theft, a full 70 percent think it is "somewhat" or "very" unlikely that they will be victimized.

"Identity thieves are no longer common criminals sifting through your garbage. The techniques used by today's identity thieves evolve so rapidly that even technologically sophisticated people and organizations are at risk of having their information stolen," said Mark Merritt, Vice President, Customer Solutions of TransUnion in Canada. "Canadians are becoming more cognizant of this threat, but as the survey reveals, much more vigilance will be required."

More from Monitor Today

Hacking fears bog down online banking growth

The number of people who turn to the Internet for personal banking isn't growing--but those who are already hooked on such services are using them more often, a new survey has shown.

More: http://news.com.com/Hacking+fears+bog+down+online+banking+growth/2100-1038_3-5851061.html from News.com

Attention victims of work-at-home scams

If you are a victim of a work-at-home check cashing scam which was posted on a job board web site like Careerbuilder or Monster, AND you are a resident of the NY Metro area, please read on.

I was contacted by someone writing an article for a major US newspaper. She wants to speak with people who live in the NY area that have been victimized by one of these work-at-home scams. She is happy to keep it anonymous if you don't want your name revealed in the article.

To contact her, send an email to tellmemoreplease@sbcglobal.net.

(She will only be taking inquries for a short time. This was posted on June 13 2005. )

Update on recent data security breaches

Since the ChoicePoint announcement, news about data breaches and information heists have become almost a daily occurrence. Here's an update courtesy of the US PIRG:

-- Bank of America came clean that back-up data tapes containing personal information and account numbers of 1.2 million Americans including federal employees (and members of Congress) went missing.

-- NY Senator Schumer blasted WestLaw for selling Social Security numbers to those who purchase access to its extensive databases of personal information.

-- LexisNexis, another data aggregator similar to ChoicePoint and WestLaw, announced that thieves accessed personal information of 32,000 consumers of its Seisint division by misusing existing passwords of a legitimate account holder.

-- Discount Shoe Warehouse disclosed that 103 of its 175 stores had customers’ credit and debit card information hacked.

-- Paymaxx, an online payroll management company, may have exposed financial data including W-2 forms of as many as 100,000 workers.

Michigan Gets Tough on ID Theft

Gov. Jennifer Granholm of Michigan signed a package of bills Tuesday designed to better protect consumers from identity theft, one of the fastest-growing crimes in the country. These are probably the most far-reaching ID theft laws in the nation.

The laws, which take effect in March, bar retailers from displaying more than the last four digits of a credit card account number on a sales receipt or mailing. Also, employers cannot print Social Security numbers on an ID badge or card, and victims of identity theft have the right to obtain a police report.

Other measures make it a felony to use people's ID information without their consent, and limit companies from using Social Security numbers as primary account numbers -- with several exceptions.

The identity theft bills are Senate Bills 220, 657, 792, 793, 795, 798 and 1384; and House Bills 6169, 6172, 6174 and 6177.

Overview of the bills

Several bills help prevent identity theft by strengthening privacy protections on the use of personal information like social security numbers.

• SB 657 limits a company’s right to require customers to disclose their social security number (SSN) in order to do business;

• SB 795 prohibits the public display of SSNs, encourages the creation of privacy policies regarding use and disposal of SSNs, and prohibits the printing of SSNs on health care cards, student IDs and other cards, badges or licenses;

• SB 220 bans the printing of full credit card numbers on receipts.

Several other bills take steps to assist law enforcement officials to better track and prosecute identity thieves. 

·         SB 792 strengthens the definition of identity theft under the law;

·         SB 793 breaks down jurisdictional barriers that have blocked many identity theft cases from prosecution, allowing prosecution in the victim’s home city or county;

·         HB 6172 extends the statute of limitations for identity theft crimes;

·         HB 6169  redefines identity theft in the criminal code. 

The final bills in the package assist victims of identity theft to recover:

·         SB 1384 gives victims the right to have a police report taken and to get a copy of that report;

·         SB 798 protects victims from being denied credit or utility service because they’ve been an identity theft victim.

The full text of the bills can be found at www.MichiganLegislature.org

Thanks to Linda Foley of the ID Theft Resource Center.

Michigan House approves bills to crack down on identity theft

A large package of bills aimed at preventing and cracking down on those who use others' identity to rack up bad debt won approval Wednesday from the state House.

More from Detroit Free Press.

Phishing Tab To Reach $500 Million

A new study weighs in with estimates as to how much online fraud, or phishing, is costing consumers.
Seventy-six percent of consumers are experiencing an increase in spoofing and phishing incidents, researchers found, and 35 percent said they receive fake e-mails at least once a week.

The total bill thus far? US$500 million.

More from NewsFactor Network

Identity theft up by 45% in Britain

The problem of identity theft is becoming a growing concern for Britons, with 90% of people who have heard of the crime worrying about falling victim to it.

Incidents of identity theft, when a fraudsters uses someone else's personal details to apply for credit or benefits, soared by 45% last year.

More from ic Wales

The Net's Biggest Scam (Phishing)

Cybercon

The scams are incredibly effective. In the 12 months through April 2004, 57 million Americans said they received what they believed was a phished e-mail, reports the consultancy Gartner. Of those, 1.8 million people took the bait, and 980,000 claimed they were scammed as a result.

Full story from Forbes.com

Postings...and welcome to our new web developer

If you're a regular visitor to ScamSafe.com or a subscriber to our mailing list, you may have noticed a slow down in the number of postings. We apologize for that. The good news is that we're planning a number of improvements to our web site that will make it easier to navigate and, eventually, we'll be adding significantly more content. More on that later.

I also want to extend a warm welcome to our new web developer, Ingrid. She has several years of experience in building web sites and is currently a Computer Science major at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Great to have you on board, Ingrid!

--Tom, ScamSafe Editor

New law offers help for ID theft victims

Free credit reports, more useful fraud alerts and less frustration for victims are all great. But Congress could have done much, much more to protect the public as it revised the law.

Congress’ recent update of the Fair Credit Reporting Act wasn’t the hideous train wreck it could have been. The new rules actually provide some significant protections to identity-theft victims in most areas of the country.

Unfortunately, the reforms may turn out to be a step backward for residents of California, Texas and some other states that have much tougher laws in place. And lawmakers could have done a lot more to attack the real reason behind identity theft’s huge rise: lax practices by lenders.

Full Story

Phishing Attacks Become More Acute and Globally Diverse

VeriSign, Inc., a provider of intelligent infrastructure services for the Internet and telecommunications networks, recently released the third edition of the VeriSign Internet Security Intelligence Briefing. It included some interesting statistics related to phishing scams:

-- In a sample of 490 phishing e-mails, targeting customers of
16 companies, VeriSign found that 93 percent were sent from forged
or spoofed e-mail addresses; 5 percent came from sites making no
attempt to disguise their destination, and 2 percent came from
"cousin" sites, which closely mimic the company site they are
seeking to imitate.

-- 37 percent of phishing e-mails directed users to capture sites
located outside the United States, with a concentration in Korea,
China, Poland, Brazil, Taiwan, Singapore, Australia and Indonesia.

-- VeriSign found the majority of phishing attacks were launched
between 9:00 p.m. -- 4:00 a.m., when IT staffers are often on call
or fewer in numbers.

Louisiana Adopts Identity Theft Law [Lake Charles,LA]

Consumers have a new tool in the fight against identity theft, thanks to a recently adopted law. It allows for something called a "security freeze," which will ensure that no one has access to your credit information without your permission. State Attorney General Charles Foti says Louisiana is just the third state in the nation to approve such legislation.

FULL STORY from KPLC-TV [pop up]

Phishing scams

We are currently planning to discontinue posting the long lists of phishing scams. If you haven't seen these yet, we take the Subject lines from alerts posted at FraudWatch International and put them here on ScamSafe.

If any regular readers of ScamSafe want to see us continue to post these, we will reconsider. Let us know by emailing us. Thank you.

New UK gov't site tackles identity theft [London,UK]

A new website has been launched by the Home Office, which offers advice on how to protect against identity theft, and steps to take for victims of this crime: www.identity-theft.org.uk.

Home Office Minister Des Browne unveiled the new site. Identity theft is said to affect more than 100,000 people in the UK every year, according to the Home Office.

Is Your Bank Helping Phishers?

Leading financial institutions have adopted a more aggressive attitude toward online identity theft cons known as "phishing scams" in recent months. But companies, including MasterCard International, may be unwittingly helping phishers trick online shoppers, says a new report from a U.K. Web developer.

A test of leading financial services Web sites, including sites run by MasterCard, NatWest, and Reuters Group revealed that many sites have loosely protected features that scam artists can use to mask their own malicious Web sites, hijacking the name and Web address of established institutions, says Sam Greenhalgh, who is 19 and operates the Web site Zapthedingbat.com.

FULL STORY from Yahoo! [pop up]

Anatomy of a 419 scam

Exclusive Regular readers will be familiar with our ongoing coverage of variations on the 419 advance fee fraud scam. Occasionally, we report on people who have been suckered by the promise of riches beyond the wildest dreams of avarice - and duly fleeced for their trouble.

Two oft-posed question from readers are "how could they be so stupid?", and "surely everyone is aware of these scams by now?" Indeed, we have been accused in the past of carrying too much 419 coverage.

Sadly, though, it's clear that the 419ers continue to operate with considerable success. The following is an account of how one US citizen (we have called him DG) recently lost $1,000 to a UK-based 419 outfit who used a combination of plausible correspondence, phone calls and a fake bank website to reel in their victim. We have appended the full email correspondence between DG and the 419 gang to the end of this article.

FULL STORY from The Register (UK) [pop up]

Identity Theft Security Legislation Signed By Governor [SPRINGFIELD, IL]

Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich has signed into law (Senate Bill 2545), a measure prohibiting insurers from printing customers' Social Security numbers on their insurance cards and thereby making it more difficult for identity thieves to steal someone's identity. This measure, which was initiated by the Illinois Bankers Association (IBA) and sponsored by State Senator Iris Martinez (D-Chicago) and State Representative John Fritchey (D-Chicago), was unanimously approved by both houses in May. The bill signing took place at the State Capitol on Wednesday morning.

FULL STORY from U.S. Newswire [pop up]

Firms hit hard by identity theft [Boston,MA]

Government agencies and private corporations are also vulnerable to identity theft, and they often suffer greater losses than the client whose personal information was stolen, authorities said yesterday.

"The institutions are being duped just like you would be if your information was stolen," said Ken Jones, inspector in charge for the regional Postal Inspection Service, which investigates instances of mail fraud leading to identity theft.

When credit card or bank account numbers are stolen from corporations such as credit agencies, it is often the institutions, and not private citizens, who are hit the hardest, Jones said.

FULL STORY from Boston Globe [pop up]

President signs Identity Theft Penalty Enhancement Act

This new law, the Identity Theft Penalty Enhancement Act, is a good thing for everyone. But, as Linda Foley of the ID Theft Resource Center tells us, the stiffer penalties are only for those prosecuted under federal law. The individual states now need to enact stiffer penalties as well. And this will hopefully also give state and local police and prosecuters more incentive to treat identity theft more seriously and prosecute criminals more aggressively. --Scamsafe Editor

President Bush signed a measure yesterday that stiffens penalties for identity theft and makes it a felony to help terrorists obtain false identification.
The Identity Theft Penalty Enhancement Act provides up to two years in prison for anyone stealing or distributing someone else's personal information, and up to five years for anyone committing identity theft in conjunction with a terrorist act.
Signing of the bill, sponsored by Rep. John Carter, Texas Republican, comes after a five-year period in which 27 million Americans had some form of personal information stolen from them, according to the Federal Trade Commission.
"The crime of identity theft undermines the basic trust on which our economy depends," Mr. Bush said. "Identity theft harms not only its direct victims, but also many businesses and customers whose confidence is shaken."

FULL STORY from Washington Times [pop up]

More Details on Identity Theft Penalty Enhancement Act

Identity Theft Penalty Enhancement Act - Amends the Federal criminal code to establish penalties for aggravated identity theft.

Prescribes sentences of two years' imprisonment for knowingly transferring, possessing, or using, without lawful authority, a means of identification of another person during and in relation to specified felony violations (including felonies relating to theft from employee benefit plans and various fraud and immigration offenses), and five years' imprisonment for knowingly taking such action during and in relation to specified felony violations pertaining to terrorist acts, in addition to the punishments provided for such felonies.

Prohibits a court from: (1) placing any person convicted of such a violation on probation; (2) reducing any sentence for the related felony to take into account the sentence imposed for such a violation; or (3) providing for concurrent terms of imprisonment for a violation of this Act and any other violation, except, in the court's discretion, an additional violation of this section.

Expands the existing identify theft prohibition to: (1) cover possession of a means of identification of another with intent to commit specified unlawful activity; (2) increase penalties for violations; and (3) include acts of domestic terrorism within the scope of a prohibition against facilitating an act of international terrorism.

More sources of information on the ITPEA:

President's remarks from Whitehouse.gov [pop up]

Declaraciones Del Presidente (en Espanol) from Whitehouse.gov [pop up]

James B. Comey Deputy Attorney General discusses the ITPEA from Whitehouse.gov [pop up]

Congressional Legislation Details (Bill # H.R.1731) from Congress.org [pop up]

Consumers May Face Increased Risk of Identity Theft

According to a new study by The Radicati Group, consumers and companies may be facing an increasing risk to Internet identify theft and fraud.

The study, "Email Anti-Phishing and Anti-Fraud Market Trends 2004-2008," projects that over the next four years there will likely be an increase in the number of worldwide unique phishing attacks--email scams that try to get customers to reveal personal information like social security numbers and passwords.

The study, which contains data compiled from interviews and surveys conducted with vendors, service providers, corporate customers, and consumers, states that the amount of unique phishing attacks is anticipated to grow from 51 per day in 2004 to 110 per day by 2005. This represents an increase of 115 percent. The report also asserts that the email antiphishing and antifraud solutions market will more than quadruple, from $202 million in 2004 to more than $880 million by 2008.

FULL STORY from Destination CRM [pop up]

Passports to help identity theft victims [Jackson,MS]

A new program overseen by the Mississippi state Attorney General's office should help people like Powell. The 25-year-old Jackson resident was the first person Thursday to receive a new identity theft victim passport, which he can show to clear up confusion if he's ever in a similar situation.

The passports are part of a statewide effort to prevent identity theft and to aid its victims. A law went into effect Thursday increasing the maximum jail sentence for an identity theft conviction from five years to 15. A person convicted of identity theft must pay the victim restitution and pay double the cost of the investigation.

"Mississippi is off limits to identity thieves," Attorney General Jim Hood said.

FULL STORY from Jackson Clarion Ledger [pop up]

Canadians Overwhelmingly Concerned about Identity Theft, but Most Do Not Know How to Protect Themselves

CHANTILLY, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 30, 2004--Seventy-five percent of Canadians say they are concerned about identity theft, but only 20 percent consider themselves 'very well informed' about how to protect themselves against one of the fastest-growing crimes in North America.

These are among the findings of a telephone poll of 1001 Canadian adults released today by Intersections Inc. (Nasdaq:INTX). Conducted earlier this month by Ipsos-Reid on behalf of Intersections, the preliminary results were presented at the recent meeting of the Credit Scoring and Risk Strategy Association (CSRSA) at Blue Mountain Resort in Collingwood, Ontario.

"While identity thieves are getting more sophisticated in the ways they perpetrate their crimes, Canadians are not yet equally savvy in their responses to this growing threat," said Sheila McCracken, who directs Intersections' Canadian solutions group, commenting on the findings.

FULL STORY from BUSINESS WIRE [pop up]

Senate approves identity theft bill [Wash, DC]

The U.S. Senate has passed a bill proposed by U.S. Rep. John Carter, R-Round Rock, to increase penalties for identity theft.

The Identity Theft Penalty Enhancement Act was passed unanimously Friday. The bill now awaits President Bush's signature.

FULL STORY from Austin Business Journal [pop up]

How phone companies enable fraud

ScamSafe has been reporting on a work-at-home check cashing scam (operating under various names, i.e. Xian Energy, Nextdayfinance, PureXian.biz). In the past we commented on how job web sites post ads for these thieves and thus enable their crimes--even after being notified that these are illegal operations. Another culprit is the phone companies which provide the telephone and fax lines. Dick Hambrice, a victim of this crime ring, has been doggedly trying to shut them down by contacting job boards, web hosters and telephone companies.

Dick reports, "The Compton phones (for Nextdayfinance) belong to PacWest Telecom. I emailed them a couple of weeks ago letting them know about the criminal enterprise using them. Their reply was 'This information is being sent to our customer who the number is leased out to. They will investigate and take the appropriate actions. Thank you, Network Operations Security.'" Dick continues, "I called the numbers this morning and they are still working."

It appears that PacWest is asleep at the wheel, while thousands of consumers are being ripped off by this international crime ring. Shame on PacWest--and whichever company is leasing their lines.

To contact PacWest Telecom, contact Karie Kaufmann, Public Relations, at (209) 926-3168 or kkaufman@pacwest.com.

Oklahoma Governor Signs Identity Theft Bill

Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry has signed Senate Bill 1164, a measure designed to help protect victims of identity theft.

According to the Senate Communications Office, State Sen. Mike Johnson, R-Kingfisher, is principal author of the bill, which creates an "Identity Theft Passport" to protect innocent victims from arrest or other legal actions.

"While the digital age provides many benefits, it also has a dark side in the form of identity theft. Oklahoma is now one of the first states to address the nightmare identity theft victims go through when they're falsely accused," Johnson said.

FULL STORY from Insurance Journal [pop up]

Oklahoma Governor Signs Identity Theft Bill

Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry has signed Senate Bill 1164, a measure designed to help protect victims of identity theft.

According to the Senate Communications Office, State Sen. Mike Johnson, R-Kingfisher, is principal author of the bill, which creates an "Identity Theft Passport" to protect innocent victims from arrest or other legal actions.

"While the digital age provides many benefits, it also has a dark side in the form of identity theft. Oklahoma is now one of the first states to address the nightmare identity theft victims go through when they're falsely accused," Johnson said.

FULL STORY from Insurance Journal [pop up]

Vermont passes ID Theft crime bill

Colorado only remaining state without one

Identity theft is a growing problem in the United States, and soon, Vermont will have a law to protect consumers from losing money and their good credit.

Your personal information is everywhere -- in your mail, your wallet, and even on the Internet. If criminals get a hold of your private information, like your social security number or a credit card number, they can assume a your identity.

Currently identity theft is not a crime in Vermont.

FULL STORY from theChamplainChannel.com [pop up]

Vermont passes ID Theft crime bill

Colorado only remaining state without one

Identity theft is a growing problem in the United States, and soon, Vermont will have a law to protect consumers from losing money and their good credit.

Your personal information is everywhere -- in your mail, your wallet, and even on the Internet. If criminals get a hold of your private information, like your social security number or a credit card number, they can assume a your identity.

Currently identity theft is not a crime in Vermont.

FULL STORY from theChamplainChannel.com [pop up]

Americans Believe Insurance Fraud Occurs Because People Think They Can Get Away With It

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 25, 2004--The majority of Americans say insurance fraud occurs because people believe they can get away with it, according to results of a survey released today by Accenture.

FULL STORY from Yahoo! [pop up]

Americans Believe Insurance Fraud Occurs Because People Think They Can Get Away With It

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 25, 2004--The majority of Americans say insurance fraud occurs because people believe they can get away with it, according to results of a survey released today by Accenture.

FULL STORY from Yahoo! [pop up]

Feds Want Tougher Penalties For Insider Identity Theft [USA]

A federal proposal to combat identity theft takes a particularly hard line on people who abuse insider access to information to commit the crime.

The House Judiciary Committee earlier this month passed a bill, the Identity Theft Penalty Enhancement Act, that would establish a new crime of aggravated identity theft--the use of a stolen identity to commit certain crimes--and increase applicable penalties. The bill also includes an amendment that directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to revise its guidelines to include stronger punishment for those who abuse a position of trust to commit insider identity theft. The bill is likely to be brought to the full House for a vote in the near future.

FULL STORY from Information Week [pop up]

Feds Want Tougher Penalties For Insider Identity Theft [USA]

A federal proposal to combat identity theft takes a particularly hard line on people who abuse insider access to information to commit the crime.

The House Judiciary Committee earlier this month passed a bill, the Identity Theft Penalty Enhancement Act, that would establish a new crime of aggravated identity theft--the use of a stolen identity to commit certain crimes--and increase applicable penalties. The bill also includes an amendment that directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to revise its guidelines to include stronger punishment for those who abuse a position of trust to commit insider identity theft. The bill is likely to be brought to the full House for a vote in the near future.

FULL STORY from Information Week [pop up]

Phishing Attacks Still Rising

Phishing scams climbed almost 200 percent during April, according to the newest numbers released by the Anti-Phishing Working Group this week.

In April, the group spotted nearly 1,100 unique phishing campaigns, a 178 percent increase over March, signs that the already-serious problem is accelerating. Earlier, the Anti-Phishing Working Group noted that the number of unique scams in March were up 43 percent over February's.

FULL STORY from Yahoo! [pop up]

Phishing Attacks Still Rising

Phishing scams climbed almost 200 percent during April, according to the newest numbers released by the Anti-Phishing Working Group this week.

In April, the group spotted nearly 1,100 unique phishing campaigns, a 178 percent increase over March, signs that the already-serious problem is accelerating. Earlier, the Anti-Phishing Working Group noted that the number of unique scams in March were up 43 percent over February's.

FULL STORY from Yahoo! [pop up]

Holden signs Missouri identity theft bill [JEFFERSON CITY, Mo]

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Identity thieves will face tougher sentences and may be sued for damages under a bill signed Monday by Gov. Bob Holden.

Under the new law, taking effect Aug. 28, fines and jail terms are tied to the value of the goods or services obtained by a thief using stolen identity.

FULL STORY from Kansas City Star [pop up]

Holden signs Missouri identity theft bill [JEFFERSON CITY, Mo]

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Identity thieves will face tougher sentences and may be sued for damages under a bill signed Monday by Gov. Bob Holden.

Under the new law, taking effect Aug. 28, fines and jail terms are tied to the value of the goods or services obtained by a thief using stolen identity.

FULL STORY from Kansas City Star [pop up]

New survey measures scale & impact of phishing scams

A study from the research firm Gartner Inc., released May 4th, says that 970,000 Americans have been scammed through a phishing attack--at a cost of about $1.2 billion to U.S. financial institutions.

Phishing uses emails (and Web sites) designed to look legitimate to fool people into typing in their sensitive personal information.

The Anti-Phishing Working Group reported 402 different phishing schemes in March of 2004, up 43% from February's 282. Phishing scams have exploded in the last 6-12 months. Gartner reports that 76% of attacks happened within the last six months and 92% in the last year.

According to the Gartner survey, 58% of Americans who shop or pay bills online are "very concerned" about the safety of their online information.

57 million Americans have now received a phishing email message according to Gartner. And 11 million (19%) said they followed the email's instructions to visit fake Web sites. Another 3% (1.8 million) of those who received messages said they did hand over their personal or financial data. Gartner believes that as many as a million more were duped and didn't even realize it.

For more information, see this article from Gartner.

New survey measures scale & impact of phishing scams

A study from the research firm Gartner Inc., released May 4th, says that 970,000 Americans have been scammed through a phishing attack--at a cost of about $1.2 billion to U.S. financial institutions.

Phishing uses emails (and Web sites) designed to look legitimate to fool people into typing in their sensitive personal information.

The Anti-Phishing Working Group reported 402 different phishing schemes in March of 2004, up 43% from February's 282. Phishing scams have exploded in the last 6-12 months. Gartner reports that 76% of attacks happened within the last six months and 92% in the last year.

According to the Gartner survey, 58% of Americans who shop or pay bills online are "very concerned" about the safety of their online information.

57 million Americans have now received a phishing email message according to Gartner. And 11 million (19%) said they followed the email's instructions to visit fake Web sites. Another 3% (1.8 million) of those who received messages said they did hand over their personal or financial data. Gartner believes that as many as a million more were duped and didn't even realize it.

For more information, see this article from Gartner.

Two charged in $5 million coin scam [Miami,FL]

MIAMI - A couple who advertised in Christian magazines has been charged with running a $5 million fraud by selling gold coins at two to three times their actual value, federal prosecutors said Wednesday.

Customers claim the coins were actually worth as little as 10 percent of the sales price.

The $5 million figure was tied to charges in a 38-count mail and wire fraud and money-laundering indictment, but Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Boscovich said in court that the coin scam pitched by a self-proclaimed born-again Christian may have cost investors $10 million since 2000.

The Miami couple lived the lifestyle of millionaires as complaints mounted against them in the operations of U.S. Coin Exchange Inc., Coin and Currency Clearing Corp. and Twenty-First Century Grading Service Inc.

Bail was set at $1 million for Armand DeAngelis, who has a New Jersey securities-fraud conviction on his record, and $200,000 for his wife, Marcela Ospina Cardona.

FULL STORY from tallahassee.com [pop up]

Two charged in $5 million coin scam [Miami,FL]

MIAMI - A couple who advertised in Christian magazines has been charged with running a $5 million fraud by selling gold coins at two to three times their actual value, federal prosecutors said Wednesday.

Customers claim the coins were actually worth as little as 10 percent of the sales price.

The $5 million figure was tied to charges in a 38-count mail and wire fraud and money-laundering indictment, but Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Boscovich said in court that the coin scam pitched by a self-proclaimed born-again Christian may have cost investors $10 million since 2000.

The Miami couple lived the lifestyle of millionaires as complaints mounted against them in the operations of U.S. Coin Exchange Inc., Coin and Currency Clearing Corp. and Twenty-First Century Grading Service Inc.

Bail was set at $1 million for Armand DeAngelis, who has a New Jersey securities-fraud conviction on his record, and $200,000 for his wife, Marcela Ospina Cardona.

FULL STORY from tallahassee.com [pop up]

CA law protects seniors & dependent adults from fraud & ID theft

In January 2004, California bill A.B. 1131, entitled "An act to amend Section 368 of the Penal Code, relating to crime" passed into law. This law expands the existing elder & dependent adult abuse provisions to include forgery, fraud, or identity theft. This bill was authored by Hannah-Beth Jackson, D-Santa Barbara.

The text of S.B. 1131 can be found here in PDF format [pop up]

CA law protects seniors & dependent adults from fraud & ID theft

In January 2004, California bill A.B. 1131, entitled "An act to amend Section 368 of the Penal Code, relating to crime" passed into law. This law expands the existing elder & dependent adult abuse provisions to include forgery, fraud, or identity theft. This bill was authored by Hannah-Beth Jackson, D-Santa Barbara.

The text of S.B. 1131 can be found here in PDF format [pop up]

Banks Start To Offer Free Identity Theft Insurance [MECHANICSBURG, Pa]

MECHANICSBURG, Pa. -- Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in America.

While identity theft insurance has been around for years, some banks are now giving that insurance to their customers.

Victims of identity theft, in almost every case, are not held financially responsible for any charges made in their name, but when it comes to clearing their name and their credit record, victims are on their own and that will cost money.

That's where free identity theft insurance comes in for customers of PNC Bank.

FULL STORY from WGAL [pop up]

Banks Start To Offer Free Identity Theft Insurance [MECHANICSBURG, Pa]

MECHANICSBURG, Pa. -- Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in America.

While identity theft insurance has been around for years, some banks are now giving that insurance to their customers.

Victims of identity theft, in almost every case, are not held financially responsible for any charges made in their name, but when it comes to clearing their name and their credit record, victims are on their own and that will cost money.

That's where free identity theft insurance comes in for customers of PNC Bank.

FULL STORY from WGAL [pop up]

DMV Identity Theft Team [Las Vegas,NV]

A popular place for identity theft has been at local DMV offices. But that's starting to change.

The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles has established its own enforcement unit to stop the crime. The document fraud unit has been in place for six months now. It consists of four investigators and a document examiner.

FULL STORY from KLAS [pop up]

DMV Identity Theft Team [Las Vegas,NV]

A popular place for identity theft has been at local DMV offices. But that's starting to change.

The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles has established its own enforcement unit to stop the crime. The document fraud unit has been in place for six months now. It consists of four investigators and a document examiner.

FULL STORY from KLAS [pop up]

Reports of Email Fraud and Phishing Attacks Increase By 43% in March

Over 400 Unique Phishing Attacks Submitted to www.antiphishing.org

REDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 20, 2004--Tumbleweed® Communications Corp. (Nasdaq:TMWD) and the Anti-Phishing Working Group today released the "Phishing Attack Trends Report" for March 2004, an analysis of phishing scam attacks submitted to www.antiphishing.org, the Internet's most comprehensive archive of email fraud and phishing attacks. This analysis identifies that email fraud and phishing attacks grew by more than 43% in March, with an average of 13 new, unique attacks sent out to millions of consumers each day. A copy of the report may be downloaded free of charge at http://www.antiphishing.org/APWG_Phishing_Attack_Report-Mar2004.pdf.

Phishing attacks use 'spoofed' emails and fraudulent websites to fool recipients into divulging personal financial data such as credit card numbers, account usernames and passwords, social security numbers, etc. By hijacking the trusted brands of well-known banks, online retailers, ISPs and credit card companies, phishers are able to convince up to 5% of recipients to respond to them. The result of these scams is that consumers suffer credit card fraud, identity theft, and financial loss.

FULL STORY from Yahoo! [pop up]

Reports of Email Fraud and Phishing Attacks Increase By 43% in March

Over 400 Unique Phishing Attacks Submitted to www.antiphishing.org

REDWOOD CITY, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 20, 2004--Tumbleweed® Communications Corp. (Nasdaq:TMWD) and the Anti-Phishing Working Group today released the "Phishing Attack Trends Report" for March 2004, an analysis of phishing scam attacks submitted to www.antiphishing.org, the Internet's most comprehensive archive of email fraud and phishing attacks. This analysis identifies that email fraud and phishing attacks grew by more than 43% in March, with an average of 13 new, unique attacks sent out to millions of consumers each day. A copy of the report may be downloaded free of charge at http://www.antiphishing.org/APWG_Phishing_Attack_Report-Mar2004.pdf.

Phishing attacks use 'spoofed' emails and fraudulent websites to fool recipients into divulging personal financial data such as credit card numbers, account usernames and passwords, social security numbers, etc. By hijacking the trusted brands of well-known banks, online retailers, ISPs and credit card companies, phishers are able to convince up to 5% of recipients to respond to them. The result of these scams is that consumers suffer credit card fraud, identity theft, and financial loss.

FULL STORY from Yahoo! [pop up]

FTC Treads Lightly as It Takes On Spyware

First there was the Do Not Call list, which has proved to be immensely popular. Then there was the global enforcement initiative against unsolicited spam, which woke up more than a few overly complacent companies.

Now, though, the U.S. government appears to be less than eager for a head-on confrontation with yet another hateful Internet practice that erodes consumers' privacy: spyware.

Federal Trade Commissioners are calling spyware the next great Internet scourge, but they maintain that practical considerations should be factored in before new laws are written.

FULL STORY from NewsFactor [pop up]

FTC Treads Lightly as It Takes On Spyware

First there was the Do Not Call list, which has proved to be immensely popular. Then there was the global enforcement initiative against unsolicited spam, which woke up more than a few overly complacent companies.

Now, though, the U.S. government appears to be less than eager for a head-on confrontation with yet another hateful Internet practice that erodes consumers' privacy: spyware.

Federal Trade Commissioners are calling spyware the next great Internet scourge, but they maintain that practical considerations should be factored in before new laws are written.

FULL STORY from NewsFactor [pop up]

Identity theft could be next big crimewave in Britain [UK]

Identity theft could become the next big crimewave to hit Britain because people have problems recalling their various passwords, pin numbers and access codes, an internet security company claimed yesterday.

Customers frequently use the same numbers or names to access different types of services and websites, including email and bank accounts. They also frequently write them down in order not to forget them, or share them with friends and relatives.

FULL STORY from The Guardian [pop up]

Identity theft could be next big crimewave in Britain [UK]

Identity theft could become the next big crimewave to hit Britain because people have problems recalling their various passwords, pin numbers and access codes, an internet security company claimed yesterday.

Customers frequently use the same numbers or names to access different types of services and websites, including email and bank accounts. They also frequently write them down in order not to forget them, or share them with friends and relatives.

FULL STORY from The Guardian [pop up]

"Phishing" emails increase exponentially

The number of phishing e-mails circulating on the Web has increased from 279 to 215,643 over the past six months. This according to MessageLabs, an email security company.

"Phishing" emails increase exponentially

The number of phishing e-mails circulating on the Web has increased from 279 to 215,643 over the past six months. This according to MessageLabs, an email security company.

Those `no' votes help identity theft [San Jose, CA]

This is an excerpt from the letters to the editor of the San Jose Mercury News, San Jose, CA. This was posted to the paper's web site Thu, Apr. 15, 2004. --ScamSafe Ed.

If you really want to help Californians protect their privacy and prevent ID theft, one very helpful act would be to make sure that your readers are aware of the names of state legislators who voted ``no'' or abstained from key committee votes on consumer privacy notification legislation -- particularly the legislation introduced by Jackie Speier. An abstention had the same effect as a ``no'' vote, which prevented the bill from being voted on by the full Legislature. The end result was a watered-down version of the initial bill. Voters can make up their own minds on whether or not Speier's bill would have made a good law, but you owe it to voters to clearly identify those who effectively undermined it without having had the courage to let their constituents know where they stood on the issue. Some of these legislators are now running for re-election. Give them a chance to defend their actions (or rather, inaction) by making it an issue during their campaign.

Richard Martin
Sunnyvale, CA

Original version from San Jose Mercury News [pop up]

Those `no' votes help identity theft [San Jose, CA]

This is an excerpt from the letters to the editor of the San Jose Mercury News, San Jose, CA. This was posted to the paper's web site Thu, Apr. 15, 2004. --ScamSafe Ed.

If you really want to help Californians protect their privacy and prevent ID theft, one very helpful act would be to make sure that your readers are aware of the names of state legislators who voted ``no'' or abstained from key committee votes on consumer privacy notification legislation -- particularly the legislation introduced by Jackie Speier. An abstention had the same effect as a ``no'' vote, which prevented the bill from being voted on by the full Legislature. The end result was a watered-down version of the initial bill. Voters can make up their own minds on whether or not Speier's bill would have made a good law, but you owe it to voters to clearly identify those who effectively undermined it without having had the courage to let their constituents know where they stood on the issue. Some of these legislators are now running for re-election. Give them a chance to defend their actions (or rather, inaction) by making it an issue during their campaign.

Richard Martin
Sunnyvale, CA

Original version from San Jose Mercury News [pop up]

Banks combat identity theft

MORE HELP is on the way for victims of identity theft, one of the nation's fastest growing crimes.

Two big banks -- Citigroup and Washington Mutual -- have started free programs to assist customers whose names or accounts are compromised by thieves. And in June, a national organization representing some of the largest banks, brokerages and finance companies will launch an Identity Theft Assistance Center to help victims clear their names.

"ID theft has reached epidemic levels in the United States, and our customers are having real problems," said Steve Bartlett, president and chief executive of the Financial Services Roundtable, the Washington, D.C., organization behind the center. "We're going to try to help them."

FULL STORY from San Mateo County Times [pop up]

Banks combat identity theft

MORE HELP is on the way for victims of identity theft, one of the nation's fastest growing crimes.

Two big banks -- Citigroup and Washington Mutual -- have started free programs to assist customers whose names or accounts are compromised by thieves. And in June, a national organization representing some of the largest banks, brokerages and finance companies will launch an Identity Theft Assistance Center to help victims clear their names.

"ID theft has reached epidemic levels in the United States, and our customers are having real problems," said Steve Bartlett, president and chief executive of the Financial Services Roundtable, the Washington, D.C., organization behind the center. "We're going to try to help them."

FULL STORY from San Mateo County Times [pop up]

Identity Theft Forum to Reveal Best Practices for Financial Services Industry

NEW YORK, April 14 /PRNewswire/ -- In the minds of consumer advocacy groups, regulators and legislators, identity theft and account takeover has become one of the dominant concerns for the financial services industry. Banks and credit card companies have much to gain by taking the lead in the development of law and policy relating to identity theft, as they collectively bear the greatest financial burdens resulting from this type of fraud.
In response to this rapidly growing industry need, Strategic Research Institute presents Identity Theft in Financial Services (www.srinstitute.com/cg115), which will be held June 30 - July 1 at the Metropolitan in New York City.

Major banks and credit card companies will discuss policy, government/commercial cooperation, best practices, and technology solutions with top industry regulators and organizations.

For complete conference details and to register, please visit www.srinstitute.com/cg115 or call (888) 666-8514.

For further information, contact Cyrus Wolfe at cwolf@srinstitute.com or (212) 967-0095, ext. 255.

FULL STORY from Yahoo! [pop up]

Identity Theft Forum to Reveal Best Practices for Financial Services Industry

NEW YORK, April 14 /PRNewswire/ -- In the minds of consumer advocacy groups, regulators and legislators, identity theft and account takeover has become one of the dominant concerns for the financial services industry. Banks and credit card companies have much to gain by taking the lead in the development of law and policy relating to identity theft, as they collectively bear the greatest financial burdens resulting from this type of fraud.
In response to this rapidly growing industry need, Strategic Research Institute presents Identity Theft in Financial Services (www.srinstitute.com/cg115), which will be held June 30 - July 1 at the Metropolitan in New York City.

Major banks and credit card companies will discuss policy, government/commercial cooperation, best practices, and technology solutions with top industry regulators and organizations.

For complete conference details and to register, please visit www.srinstitute.com/cg115 or call (888) 666-8514.

For further information, contact Cyrus Wolfe at cwolf@srinstitute.com or (212) 967-0095, ext. 255.

FULL STORY from Yahoo! [pop up]

Identity theft so easy 'it's absurd' [SOUTH PORTLAND, ME]

SOUTH PORTLAND — KeyBank Maine President Kathyrn Underwood warned that the guest speaker's talk would leave the audience "scared to death," and she was right.

Over the next two hours, white-collar crime expert and former scammer Frank W. Abagnale told the 250 people at the Sable Oaks Marriott on Tuesday exactly how easy it is these days for criminals to steal their identities, forge their checks or otherwise defraud them. It's even easier today than when he was a globe-trotting flimflam man 40 years ago, Abagnale said.

Abagnale is the best-selling author of "Catch Me If You Can," and was portrayed by actor Leonardo DiCaprio in the recent hit movie by the same name. It's the story of how Abagnale cashed more than $2.5 million in bad checks in every state and 25 foreign countries between the ages of 16 and 21, impersonating an airline pilot, an attorney, a college professor and a pediatrician.

FULL STORY from Portland Press Herald [pop up]

Identity theft so easy 'it's absurd' [SOUTH PORTLAND, ME]

SOUTH PORTLAND — KeyBank Maine President Kathyrn Underwood warned that the guest speaker's talk would leave the audience "scared to death," and she was right.

Over the next two hours, white-collar crime expert and former scammer Frank W. Abagnale told the 250 people at the Sable Oaks Marriott on Tuesday exactly how easy it is these days for criminals to steal their identities, forge their checks or otherwise defraud them. It's even easier today than when he was a globe-trotting flimflam man 40 years ago, Abagnale said.

Abagnale is the best-selling author of "Catch Me If You Can," and was portrayed by actor Leonardo DiCaprio in the recent hit movie by the same name. It's the story of how Abagnale cashed more than $2.5 million in bad checks in every state and 25 foreign countries between the ages of 16 and 21, impersonating an airline pilot, an attorney, a college professor and a pediatrician.

FULL STORY from Portland Press Herald [pop up]

Identity theft tackled [Fla.]

Well done Florida! Your House passed a new, tough ID theft bill! Now it's on to the State Senate. Let's hope it moves quickly into law. --ScamSafe Ed.

By State Rep. Mike Davis, Dist. 101

It will soon be a lot tougher going for thieves who want to make a living by stealing or using your personal identifying information.

By a vote of 116-0, the House of Representative last week passed HB 741 Identity Theft. This is an important piece of legislation that imposes severe penalties on any person who steals the personal identifying information of another person and uses that information for illegal purposes.

In addition, the bill makes it possible for victims of identity theft to ask a court to speed up the process that will allow them to establish their innocence, clearing their reputation and records quickly of the crimes committed in their name.

The bill also makes it a crime to fraudulently use a deceased person's personal identification information. The bill has been sent to the Senate.

Rep. Mike Davis is the state representative for District 101, serving parts of Collier and Broward Counties. E-mail questions and concerns to davis.mike@myfloridahouse.com or telephone 239-417-6270.

Identity theft tackled [Fla.]

Well done Florida! Your House passed a new, tough ID theft bill! Now it's on to the State Senate. Let's hope it moves quickly into law. --ScamSafe Ed.

By State Rep. Mike Davis, Dist. 101

It will soon be a lot tougher going for thieves who want to make a living by stealing or using your personal identifying information.

By a vote of 116-0, the House of Representative last week passed HB 741 Identity Theft. This is an important piece of legislation that imposes severe penalties on any person who steals the personal identifying information of another person and uses that information for illegal purposes.

In addition, the bill makes it possible for victims of identity theft to ask a court to speed up the process that will allow them to establish their innocence, clearing their reputation and records quickly of the crimes committed in their name.

The bill also makes it a crime to fraudulently use a deceased person's personal identification information. The bill has been sent to the Senate.

Rep. Mike Davis is the state representative for District 101, serving parts of Collier and Broward Counties. E-mail questions and concerns to davis.mike@myfloridahouse.com or telephone 239-417-6270.

Initiative foes warn of identity theft by signature crews [Portland,OR]

Tax rebel Tim Eyman on Monday complained to government watchdogs that foes of his tax-cut initiative are "parasites" who skirted disclosure laws in a telephone campaign to discourage voters from signing petitions.

An official-sounding phone message left in some Pierce County homes last week warned that paid signature gatherers for initiatives could be identity thieves.

Officials with two organizations — the Washington State Council of Police Chiefs and Sheriffs, and the Washington State Council of County and City Employees — say the messages weren't meant to deceive people or deter them from signing initiatives.

The News Tribune reported Sunday that the two groups also admitted the two-day campaign partially targeted Eyman, who's pushing two property-tax-cutting initiatives for the November ballot.

"We are going to lose officers and deputies because of this," said Bill Hanson, executive director of the police and sheriffs council, a group that lobbies for rank-and-file cops.

FULL STORY from kgw.com [pop up]

Initiative foes warn of identity theft by signature crews [Portland,OR]

Tax rebel Tim Eyman on Monday complained to government watchdogs that foes of his tax-cut initiative are "parasites" who skirted disclosure laws in a telephone campaign to discourage voters from signing petitions.

An official-sounding phone message left in some Pierce County homes last week warned that paid signature gatherers for initiatives could be identity thieves.

Officials with two organizations — the Washington State Council of Police Chiefs and Sheriffs, and the Washington State Council of County and City Employees — say the messages weren't meant to deceive people or deter them from signing initiatives.

The News Tribune reported Sunday that the two groups also admitted the two-day campaign partially targeted Eyman, who's pushing two property-tax-cutting initiatives for the November ballot.

"We are going to lose officers and deputies because of this," said Bill Hanson, executive director of the police and sheriffs council, a group that lobbies for rank-and-file cops.

FULL STORY from kgw.com [pop up]

Navy Takes Another Measure to Prevent Identity Theft [NAPLES, Italy]

NAPLES, Italy (NNS) -- Navy officials have taken another step to prevent Sailors from becoming victims of identity theft, by omitting certain information from fitness reports and evaluations.

A recent Navy Administrative Message (NAVADMIN 071/04), released by Chief of Naval Personnel Vice Adm. G.L. Hoewing, outlines the change. It states that in order to minimize the potential for identity theft, reporting seniors may now prepare the member’s copy of a fitness report or evaluation with “000-00-0000” in block 27. Prior to this, block 27 contained the reporting senior’s social security number.

FULL STORY from US Navy Newsstand [pop up]

Navy Takes Another Measure to Prevent Identity Theft [NAPLES, Italy]

NAPLES, Italy (NNS) -- Navy officials have taken another step to prevent Sailors from becoming victims of identity theft, by omitting certain information from fitness reports and evaluations.

A recent Navy Administrative Message (NAVADMIN 071/04), released by Chief of Naval Personnel Vice Adm. G.L. Hoewing, outlines the change. It states that in order to minimize the potential for identity theft, reporting seniors may now prepare the member’s copy of a fitness report or evaluation with “000-00-0000” in block 27. Prior to this, block 27 contained the reporting senior’s social security number.

FULL STORY from US Navy Newsstand [pop up]

Colleges' use of Social Security numbers may invite identity theft [Fla.]

To identity thieves, a Social Security number can be as good as a front-door key.

Police, prosecutors, privacy advocates and consumer groups warn against carrying the number around, using it as a computer password or letting it be used for record-keeping convenience.

But many college students have had to do some or all of the above. Colleges historically have used the numbers as handy identifiers for student ID cards, class registrations online and on paper, class rosters and grade postings, among other purposes.

FULL STORY from Knight Ridder Tribune News Service [pop up]

Colleges' use of Social Security numbers may invite identity theft [Fla.]

To identity thieves, a Social Security number can be as good as a front-door key.

Police, prosecutors, privacy advocates and consumer groups warn against carrying the number around, using it as a computer password or letting it be used for record-keeping convenience.

But many college students have had to do some or all of the above. Colleges historically have used the numbers as handy identifiers for student ID cards, class registrations online and on paper, class rosters and grade postings, among other purposes.

FULL STORY from Knight Ridder Tribune News Service [pop up]

Lawmakers kill identity theft bill [Denver, CO]

Well, the fight against ID theft took a body blow in Colorado. State government there killed an effort to make ID theft an actual crime on their books--because there are already too many criminals. Yes, folks, that was their reasoning. Coloradoans, you may want to rethink your vote in the next election. You are one of just two states in the union that doesn't have an ID theft law. Shameful. --ScamSafe Ed.

DENVER - State lawmakers scuttled a bill on Tuesday that would have toughened criminal penalties for identity theft.

Members of the House Appropriations Committee killed House Bill 1122 because the state doesn't have enough money to send more criminals to prison. It died on a 9-2 vote with Rep. John Witwer, R-Evergreen, and Rep. Rob Fairbank, R-South Jeffco, voting for the bill.

HB 1122 would have added identity theft to state law books. Colorado is one of two states without such a law. Authorities use criminal impersonation, theft or forgery laws to prosecute criminals who steal identities.

Lawmakers kill identity theft bill [Denver, CO]

Well, the fight against ID theft took a body blow in Colorado. State government there killed an effort to make ID theft an actual crime on their books--because there are already too many criminals. Yes, folks, that was their reasoning. Coloradoans, you may want to rethink your vote in the next election. You are one of just two states in the union that doesn't have an ID theft law. Shameful. --ScamSafe Ed.

DENVER - State lawmakers scuttled a bill on Tuesday that would have toughened criminal penalties for identity theft.

Members of the House Appropriations Committee killed House Bill 1122 because the state doesn't have enough money to send more criminals to prison. It died on a 9-2 vote with Rep. John Witwer, R-Evergreen, and Rep. Rob Fairbank, R-South Jeffco, voting for the bill.

HB 1122 would have added identity theft to state law books. Colorado is one of two states without such a law. Authorities use criminal impersonation, theft or forgery laws to prosecute criminals who steal identities.

Senate OKs Bill on Identity Theft [Phoenix, AZ]

(Phoenix-AP) -- The Senate today unanimously approved a sweeping bill intended to combat identity theft.

Key provisions would require police to take identity theft reports from people who live in the jurisdictions involved.

The measure also expands existing laws by targeting use of scanners and personal and business information for identity theft.

The bill already has been approved by the House but returns there for a vote on acceptance of changes made by the Senate.

FULL STORY from Associated Press [pop up]

Senate OKs Bill on Identity Theft [Phoenix, AZ]

(Phoenix-AP) -- The Senate today unanimously approved a sweeping bill intended to combat identity theft.

Key provisions would require police to take identity theft reports from people who live in the jurisdictions involved.

The measure also expands existing laws by targeting use of scanners and personal and business information for identity theft.

The bill already has been approved by the House but returns there for a vote on acceptance of changes made by the Senate.

FULL STORY from Associated Press [pop up]

Identity Theft Bill Softened [Calif.]

California proposal now covers only computer-related incidents.

A proposed California law that would have significantly broadened the scope of an existing state identity theft law has been quietly amended in what appears to be a concession to groups opposing it.

Senate Bill 1279 was originally proposed by California Sen. Debra Bowen on February 13. It seeks to widen the scope of an existing California identity theft law that went into effect last July.

FULL STORY from PC World [pop up]

Identity Theft Bill Softened [Calif.]

California proposal now covers only computer-related incidents.

A proposed California law that would have significantly broadened the scope of an existing state identity theft law has been quietly amended in what appears to be a concession to groups opposing it.

Senate Bill 1279 was originally proposed by California Sen. Debra Bowen on February 13. It seeks to widen the scope of an existing California identity theft law that went into effect last July.

FULL STORY from PC World [pop up]

Gov. signs bill to fix mistake in 2002 identity theft law [Honolulu, HI]

Mistakes in Hawaii's two-year-old identity theft law apparently made it legal to use a fictitious or fraudulently altered driver's license but that ended when Governor Lingle signed into law last week a bill that fixed a mistake made when the Legislature passed the identity theft law.

FULL STORY from KPUA [pop up]

Gov. signs bill to fix mistake in 2002 identity theft law [Honolulu, HI]

Mistakes in Hawaii's two-year-old identity theft law apparently made it legal to use a fictitious or fraudulently altered driver's license but that ended when Governor Lingle signed into law last week a bill that fixed a mistake made when the Legislature passed the identity theft law.

FULL STORY from KPUA [pop up]

LAWMAKERS consider identity theft bill [Providence,RI]

The Senate Judiciary Committee is nearly finished with a bill that would create a three-year prison term for identity theft.

FULL STORY from Providence Journal (subscription) [pop up]

LAWMAKERS consider identity theft bill [Providence,RI]

The Senate Judiciary Committee is nearly finished with a bill that would create a three-year prison term for identity theft.

FULL STORY from Providence Journal (subscription) [pop up]

Banks, DPS and FBI fight fraud and identity theft [Austin,TX]

Four of the state's largest financial organizations have joined with the Department of Public Safety and the FBI to create a statewide network for fighting fraud and identity theft.

The network is called the Loss Avoidance Alert System.

Attorney General Greg Abbott said it's designed to automatically alert legal authorities and the public when a bank detects identity theft.

FULL STORY from News 8 Austin [pop up]

Banks, DPS and FBI fight fraud and identity theft [Austin,TX]

Four of the state's largest financial organizations have joined with the Department of Public Safety and the FBI to create a statewide network for fighting fraud and identity theft.

The network is called the Loss Avoidance Alert System.

Attorney General Greg Abbott said it's designed to automatically alert legal authorities and the public when a bank detects identity theft.

FULL STORY from News 8 Austin [pop up]

Solicitations prompt fear of ID theft [Manoa, HI]

Despite a no-soliciting policy at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa, several credit card solicitors were on campus last month, and UH officials say they have no way of verifying if they are legitimate.

With an increasing trend of ID theft, as well as credit card debt, students need to be careful of the choices they make.

According to Kalvin Kashimoto, Director of UHM's Facilities Plan and Management Office, no credit card soliciting is allowed, except for those approved for the Stan Sheriff Center. His office approves events for the Manoa campus, while the Campus Center and athletic department have their own policies.

FULL STORY from Kaleo.org [pop up]

Solicitations prompt fear of ID theft [Manoa, HI]

Despite a no-soliciting policy at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa, several credit card solicitors were on campus last month, and UH officials say they have no way of verifying if they are legitimate.

With an increasing trend of ID theft, as well as credit card debt, students need to be careful of the choices they make.

According to Kalvin Kashimoto, Director of UHM's Facilities Plan and Management Office, no credit card soliciting is allowed, except for those approved for the Stan Sheriff Center. His office approves events for the Manoa campus, while the Campus Center and athletic department have their own policies.

FULL STORY from Kaleo.org [pop up]

Officers study identity theft trends [Philadelphia, PA]

MOORESTOWN - The law enforcement agents who gathered here yesterday are on the front lines of combating identity theft, one of the fastest-growing crimes in the nation.

With more than 600,000 victims nationwide each year, according to the Federal Trade Commission, identity theft and its frequent sidekick, credit-card fraud, are increasingly a concern for local, state and federal officials.

Yesterday, the Moorestown Police Department and the International Association of Financial Crime Investigators hosted a daylong training seminar attended by about 120 law enforcement officers from the tri-state area.

FULL STORY from PhillyBurbs.com [pop up]

Officers study identity theft trends [Philadelphia, PA]

MOORESTOWN - The law enforcement agents who gathered here yesterday are on the front lines of combating identity theft, one of the fastest-growing crimes in the nation.

With more than 600,000 victims nationwide each year, according to the Federal Trade Commission, identity theft and its frequent sidekick, credit-card fraud, are increasingly a concern for local, state and federal officials.

Yesterday, the Moorestown Police Department and the International Association of Financial Crime Investigators hosted a daylong training seminar attended by about 120 law enforcement officers from the tri-state area.

FULL STORY from PhillyBurbs.com [pop up]

WA state increases penalties for identity theft [Olympia, WA]

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Washington residents worried about identity theft may someday be able to link their drivers' licenses to a fingerprint or other biometric identifier.

Gov. Gary Locke signed a law Thursday creating a voluntary program and increasing the civil penalty for identity theft from $500 to $1,000 or actual damages. But he downplayed the importance of the biometric element, saying he had concerns that people would put too much faith in it.

FULL STORY from The Oregonian [pop up]

WA state increases penalties for identity theft [Olympia, WA]

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — Washington residents worried about identity theft may someday be able to link their drivers' licenses to a fingerprint or other biometric identifier.

Gov. Gary Locke signed a law Thursday creating a voluntary program and increasing the civil penalty for identity theft from $500 to $1,000 or actual damages. But he downplayed the importance of the biometric element, saying he had concerns that people would put too much faith in it.

FULL STORY from The Oregonian [pop up]

Cos. Sharpen Tech Tools to Counter Scams

NEW YORK - As Internet scams, also known as phishing, proliferate, companies are sharpening technological tools to counter them. Education alone, many agree, isn't enough.

Anti-phishing software is apt to soon be added to the arsenal of digital shields forged to stop spam, viruses and hacking. Security companies are also building tools for banks and merchants to use behind the scenes.

Phishing scams have been around for years but have in recent months become more numerous — and sophisticated.

FULL STORY from Associated Press [pop up]

Cos. Sharpen Tech Tools to Counter Scams

NEW YORK - As Internet scams, also known as phishing, proliferate, companies are sharpening technological tools to counter them. Education alone, many agree, isn't enough.

Anti-phishing software is apt to soon be added to the arsenal of digital shields forged to stop spam, viruses and hacking. Security companies are also building tools for banks and merchants to use behind the scenes.

Phishing scams have been around for years but have in recent months become more numerous — and sophisticated.

FULL STORY from Associated Press [pop up]

UNM warns against identity theft [Albuquerque,NM]

Nicole Miller said she is protective of her personal items because she knows how easily identity theft can happen.

Back in high school, Miller said her sister experienced theft after her purse was stolen and $1,000 was charged on her credit card.

Since then, Miller, a UNM sophomore, puts her purse away when she goes to class and keeps an eye on it at all times. She never carries her wallet with more than a few dollars in it.

FULL STORY from Daily Lobo [pop up]

UNM warns against identity theft [Albuquerque,NM]

Nicole Miller said she is protective of her personal items because she knows how easily identity theft can happen.

Back in high school, Miller said her sister experienced theft after her purse was stolen and $1,000 was charged on her credit card.

Since then, Miller, a UNM sophomore, puts her purse away when she goes to class and keeps an eye on it at all times. She never carries her wallet with more than a few dollars in it.

FULL STORY from Daily Lobo [pop up]

''Identity Theft'' Tops List of Telecom [PARSIPPANY, N.J]

PARSIPPANY, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 31, 2004--A new survey of the country's leading telecommunications carriers released today reveals that "identity theft" is the leading type of fraud afflicting the industry. In response, major carriers are joining to fight the problem in an industry-wide campaign.

The Telecommunications Risk Management Association (TRMA), a trade organization created by the telecommunications industry to reduce risk and bad debt, sponsored the study. Most of the major U.S. telecom carriers are members of TRMA and a majority participated in this recent survey. TRMA periodically conducts member surveys on important industry issues.

FULL STORY from Business Wire [pop up]

''Identity Theft'' Tops List of Telecom [PARSIPPANY, N.J]

PARSIPPANY, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 31, 2004--A new survey of the country's leading telecommunications carriers released today reveals that "identity theft" is the leading type of fraud afflicting the industry. In response, major carriers are joining to fight the problem in an industry-wide campaign.

The Telecommunications Risk Management Association (TRMA), a trade organization created by the telecommunications industry to reduce risk and bad debt, sponsored the study. Most of the major U.S. telecom carriers are members of TRMA and a majority participated in this recent survey. TRMA periodically conducts member surveys on important industry issues.

FULL STORY from Business Wire [pop up]

New Local Team Fighting ID Theft [Lansing, MI]

It's one of the fastest growing crimes in the country, and anyone can fall victim to it without even knowing it. It's identity theft, and a new Michigan State Police team is focused on cracking these crimes and getting convictions.

Trp. Jesse Harper, MSP: "Literally one in 4 people are a victim of it, and I believe those numbers are actually greater than that."

FULL STORY from WLNS [pop up]

New Local Team Fighting ID Theft [Lansing, MI]

It's one of the fastest growing crimes in the country, and anyone can fall victim to it without even knowing it. It's identity theft, and a new Michigan State Police team is focused on cracking these crimes and getting convictions.

Trp. Jesse Harper, MSP: "Literally one in 4 people are a victim of it, and I believe those numbers are actually greater than that."

FULL STORY from WLNS [pop up]

Summary of The Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act of 2003

Consumers Have New Protection Against Identity Theft

The Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act of 2003 is expected to give some added protection against identity theft and ensure that all citizens are treated fairly when they apply for a mortgage or other form of credit.

The law provides consumers, companies, regulators and credit reporting agencies with new tools that expand access to credit and other financial services, enhance the accuracy of consumers’ financial information, and are expected to help fight identity theft.

This new law is designed to:

• Give consumers the right to obtain their credit report free of charge every year. Consumers will be able to review a free report every year for unauthorized activity, including activity that might be the result of identity theft.
  
• Guarantee access to the credit score used to evaluate and price loans and mortgage applications.
  
• Require merchants to leave all but the last five digits of a credit card number off store receipts, to help prevent identity theft. This law will make sure that slips of paper that most people trash does not contain their credit card number, a key to their financial identities.
  
• Create a national system of fraud detection to make identity thieves more likely to be caught. Previously, victims would have to make phone calls to all of their credit card companies and three major credit-reporting agencies (Equixfax, Experian and Trans Union) to alert them to the crime. Now consumers will have the power to place fraud alerts on their credit files if they suspect that fraud has occurred. Those alerts, in turn, will instruct banks and other creditors not to open new accounts or extend additional credit to anyone without contacting the consumer first.
  
• Require lenders and credit agencies to take action before a victim even knows a crime has occurred. With oversight by bank regulators, the credit agencies will draw up a set of guidelines to identify patterns common to identity theft, and develop methods to stop identity theft before it can cause major damage.
  
• Give consumers the option, with some exceptions, to opt out of receiving marketing calls or mail from companies they do business with.

  For more information on the Fair and Accurate Transaction Act of 2003, see the offical document (H.R. 2622) [PDF]

  Category: Consumer Tips, News (General)
  Posted on March 28, 2004 at 08:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

  Summary of The Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act of 2003

  Consumers Have New Protection Against Identity Theft

  The Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act of 2003 is expected to give some added protection against identity theft and ensure that all citizens are treated fairly when they apply for a mortgage or other form of credit.

  The law provides consumers, companies, regulators and credit reporting agencies with new tools that expand access to credit and other financial services, enhance the accuracy of consumers’ financial information, and are expected to help fight identity theft.

  This new law is designed to:

  • Give consumers the right to obtain their credit report free of charge every year. Consumers will be able to review a free report every year for unauthorized activity, including activity that might be the result of identity theft.
    
  • Guarantee access to the credit score used to evaluate and price loans and mortgage applications.
    
  • Require merchants to leave all but the last five digits of a credit card number off store receipts, to help prevent identity theft. This law will make sure that slips of paper that most people trash does not contain their credit card number, a key to their financial identities.
    
  • Create a national system of fraud detection to make identity thieves more likely to be caught. Previously, victims would have to make phone calls to all of their credit card companies and three major credit-reporting agencies (Equixfax, Experian and Trans Union) to alert them to the crime. Now consumers will have the power to place fraud alerts on their credit files if they suspect that fraud has occurred. Those alerts, in turn, will instruct banks and other creditors not to open new accounts or extend additional credit to anyone without contacting the consumer first.
    
  • Require lenders and credit agencies to take action before a victim even knows a crime has occurred. With oversight by bank regulators, the credit agencies will draw up a set of guidelines to identify patterns common to identity theft, and develop methods to stop identity theft before it can cause major damage.
    
  • Give consumers the option, with some exceptions, to opt out of receiving marketing calls or mail from companies they do business with.

    For more information on the Fair and Accurate Transaction Act of 2003, see the offical document (H.R. 2622) [PDF]

    
    

    Category: Consumer Tips, News (General)
    Posted on March 28, 2004 at 08:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Who's stealing you? [Twin Falls, Idaho]

    Identity theft can happen to anyone, say victims, experts

    TWIN FALLS -- With an armful of new school clothes for her son, Laura Miller approached the register at Old Navy last August.

    Realizing she could get a discount on the purchase if she applied for a store credit card, Miller filled out the application and waited for approval.

    "They said, 'You've been declined because your Social Security number doesn't match with your name,'" she recalled. "I said, 'That's impossible.'"

    FULL STORY from The Times-News [pop up]

    Category: Consumer Tips, News (General)
    Posted on March 27, 2004 at 11:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Who's stealing you? [Twin Falls, Idaho]

    Identity theft can happen to anyone, say victims, experts

    TWIN FALLS -- With an armful of new school clothes for her son, Laura Miller approached the register at Old Navy last August.

    Realizing she could get a discount on the purchase if she applied for a store credit card, Miller filled out the application and waited for approval.

    "They said, 'You've been declined because your Social Security number doesn't match with your name,'" she recalled. "I said, 'That's impossible.'"

    FULL STORY from The Times-News [pop up]

    Category: Consumer Tips, News (General)
    Posted on March 27, 2004 at 11:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Clarke Addresses University Cybersecurity [U.S.]

    Former Presidential Adviser Says Universities Have Obligation to Enforce Cybersecurity

    INDIANAPOLIS March 26 — Former presidential adviser Richard A. Clarke on Friday praised Indiana University as the leader in U.S. higher education in protecting vast stores of information in its computer networks from hackers.

    Clarke, who has drawn widespread attention this month for criticizing the Bush administration's anti-terrorism efforts, was the keynote speaker at the first Indiana Higher Education Cybersecurity Summit.

    FULL STORY from The Associated Press, ABCNEWS.COM [pop up]

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on March 27, 2004 at 11:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Clarke Addresses University Cybersecurity [U.S.]

    Former Presidential Adviser Says Universities Have Obligation to Enforce Cybersecurity

    INDIANAPOLIS March 26 — Former presidential adviser Richard A. Clarke on Friday praised Indiana University as the leader in U.S. higher education in protecting vast stores of information in its computer networks from hackers.

    Clarke, who has drawn widespread attention this month for criticizing the Bush administration's anti-terrorism efforts, was the keynote speaker at the first Indiana Higher Education Cybersecurity Summit.

    FULL STORY from The Associated Press, ABCNEWS.COM [pop up]

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on March 27, 2004 at 11:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Debit card issuers on defensive [New Bedford, MA]

    Going out shopping? If you plan to use your debit or credit card to pay for your purchases, it might be a good idea to have a backup plan even if your credit is good and your bank account has money in it.

    Banks in Massachusetts and up and down the East Coast are reissuing thousands of credit and debit cards in the wake of the apparent theft of credit card numbers from the computers at some BJ's Wholesale Club stores earlier this month.

    FULL STORY from Southcoasttoday.com [pop up]

    Category: Consumer Tips, News (General)
    Posted on March 27, 2004 at 11:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Debit card issuers on defensive [New Bedford, MA]

    Going out shopping? If you plan to use your debit or credit card to pay for your purchases, it might be a good idea to have a backup plan even if your credit is good and your bank account has money in it.

    Banks in Massachusetts and up and down the East Coast are reissuing thousands of credit and debit cards in the wake of the apparent theft of credit card numbers from the computers at some BJ's Wholesale Club stores earlier this month.

    FULL STORY from Southcoasttoday.com [pop up]

    Category: Consumer Tips, News (General)
    Posted on March 27, 2004 at 11:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Cracking Down on Identity Theft [Montpelier, VT]

    "All of a sudden I got a call from Discover asking me if I was making all these charges in the Huntington, New York area. I've never been there in my life, it really surprised me," said one Vermonter. This identity theft victim, who asked to remain nameless, shared his story with the Senate Judiciary Committee Wednesday. "And they maxed out that card to the tune of 25-thousand dollars in three days," he told lawmakers.

    FULL STORY from WCAX-TV [pop up]

    Category: News (Crime), News (General)
    Posted on March 25, 2004 at 03:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Cracking Down on Identity Theft [Montpelier, VT]

    "All of a sudden I got a call from Discover asking me if I was making all these charges in the Huntington, New York area. I've never been there in my life, it really surprised me," said one Vermonter. This identity theft victim, who asked to remain nameless, shared his story with the Senate Judiciary Committee Wednesday. "And they maxed out that card to the tune of 25-thousand dollars in three days," he told lawmakers.

    FULL STORY from WCAX-TV [pop up]

    Category: News (Crime), News (General)
    Posted on March 25, 2004 at 03:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Internet users hooked by identity-theft schemes [Paris,France]

    Last year, EarthLink, the big U.S. Internet access provider, went hunting for phishers.
    .
    It started a campaign to track down people who were sending e-mail messages that purported to be from EarthLink but were actually attempts to steal customers' passwords, credit card numbers and other personal information. What EarthLink found was that of the dozen or so people it could clearly identify as engaged in the practice known as phishing, more than half were under 18.

    FULL STORY from International Herald Tribune [pop up]

    Category: Consumer Tips, News (General)
    Posted on March 24, 2004 at 06:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Internet users hooked by identity-theft schemes [Paris,France]

    Last year, EarthLink, the big U.S. Internet access provider, went hunting for phishers.
    .
    It started a campaign to track down people who were sending e-mail messages that purported to be from EarthLink but were actually attempts to steal customers' passwords, credit card numbers and other personal information. What EarthLink found was that of the dozen or so people it could clearly identify as engaged in the practice known as phishing, more than half were under 18.

    FULL STORY from International Herald Tribune [pop up]

    Category: Consumer Tips, News (General)
    Posted on March 24, 2004 at 06:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Stopping data, identity theft via offshoring [New Delhi,India]

    Companies depend on information to operate their business processes. Much of this information is stored and processed electronically, and is exchanged with business partners over computer networks, many of which are public.

    The security of this information --or data -- may be at risk owing to vulnerabilities, with potentially serious consequences to the business of a company or individual.

    FULL STORY from Business Standard [pop up]

    Category: Business Tips, News (General)
    Posted on March 24, 2004 at 06:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Stopping data, identity theft via offshoring [New Delhi,India]

    Companies depend on information to operate their business processes. Much of this information is stored and processed electronically, and is exchanged with business partners over computer networks, many of which are public.

    The security of this information --or data -- may be at risk owing to vulnerabilities, with potentially serious consequences to the business of a company or individual.

    FULL STORY from Business Standard [pop up]

    Category: Business Tips, News (General)
    Posted on March 24, 2004 at 06:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Texas A&M responds to identity theft danger [Lubbock,TX]

    The threat of identity theft involving college-aged students has some Texas colleges and universities abandoning the practice of identifying students by their Social Security numbers and moving toward more user-safe methods of record keeping.

    FULL STORY from Texas Tech Daily Net [pop up]

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on March 24, 2004 at 06:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Texas A&M responds to identity theft danger [Lubbock,TX]

    The threat of identity theft involving college-aged students has some Texas colleges and universities abandoning the practice of identifying students by their Social Security numbers and moving toward more user-safe methods of record keeping.

    FULL STORY from Texas Tech Daily Net [pop up]

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on March 24, 2004 at 06:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Identity theft poses threat to corporate reputations [UK]

    Companies must recognise their role in protecting customers’ identities and do more to protect them. That’s the advice of Harriet Pearson, chief privacy officer, IBM. “Any company that fails to do what is necessary to help protect consumers is putting its corporate reputation at risk,” writes Pearson in the winter issue of Directors & Boards magazine.

    FULL STORY from Continuity Central [pop up]

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on March 24, 2004 at 06:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Identity theft poses threat to corporate reputations [UK]

    Companies must recognise their role in protecting customers’ identities and do more to protect them. That’s the advice of Harriet Pearson, chief privacy officer, IBM. “Any company that fails to do what is necessary to help protect consumers is putting its corporate reputation at risk,” writes Pearson in the winter issue of Directors & Boards magazine.

    FULL STORY from Continuity Central [pop up]

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on March 24, 2004 at 06:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    CA Dept of Corp. to Showcase Senior Fraud Prevention Program [INDIANAPOLIS, IN]

    California Department of Corporations to Showcase Nationally Acclaimed Senior Fraud Prevention Program at 2004 Economic Crime Summit

    INDIANAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 23, 2004-- Event Date: Wednesday, March 24, 2004
    The California Department of Corporations will showcase its nationally acclaimed SAIF (Seniors Against Investment Fraud) program tomorrow at the 2004 Economic Crime Summit hosted by the National White Collar Crime Center in Indianapolis. SAIF administrator Robyn Goodman will give a presentation on the successes of the program and how other states can implement similar programs to educate their seniors about fraud prevention.

    WHO: Robyn Goodman, SAIF (Seniors Against Investment Fraud), Administrator
    WHAT: California Department of Corporations' presentation of SAIF program
    WHERE: 2004 Economic Crime Summit, Hyatt Regency Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana
    WHEN: Wednesday, March 24, 2004 at 1:30 p.m.

    FULL STORY from Yahoo! News/Business Wire [pop up]

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on March 24, 2004 at 10:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    CA Dept of Corp. to Showcase Senior Fraud Prevention Program [INDIANAPOLIS, IN]

    California Department of Corporations to Showcase Nationally Acclaimed Senior Fraud Prevention Program at 2004 Economic Crime Summit

    INDIANAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 23, 2004-- Event Date: Wednesday, March 24, 2004
    The California Department of Corporations will showcase its nationally acclaimed SAIF (Seniors Against Investment Fraud) program tomorrow at the 2004 Economic Crime Summit hosted by the National White Collar Crime Center in Indianapolis. SAIF administrator Robyn Goodman will give a presentation on the successes of the program and how other states can implement similar programs to educate their seniors about fraud prevention.

    WHO: Robyn Goodman, SAIF (Seniors Against Investment Fraud), Administrator
    WHAT: California Department of Corporations' presentation of SAIF program
    WHERE: 2004 Economic Crime Summit, Hyatt Regency Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana
    WHEN: Wednesday, March 24, 2004 at 1:30 p.m.

    FULL STORY from Yahoo! News/Business Wire [pop up]

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on March 24, 2004 at 10:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    New Phishing Trend Revealed by Cyota - Fraudsters Becoming More Sophisticated

    Cyota's Anti-Fraud Command Center exposes a new phishing method, which financial institutions are experiencing and need to prepare for: the use of multiple identical spoofed sites

    NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 22, 2004-- Cyota, the leading provider of anti-fraud and security solutions for financial institutions, recently revealed a new trend in the rapidly growing email fraud arena. Cyota's Anti-Fraud Command Center has identified that sophisticated fraudsters have begun to launch attacks and host identical spoofed sites from multiple locations simultaneously. This method makes it much harder for banks and law enforcement agencies to track down the location of the spoofed sites, as well as harder and longer to shut down the fake sites - thus increasing the bank's and its accountholders' potential losses from the attack.

    FULL STORY from Yahoo!/Cyota press release

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on March 22, 2004 at 09:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    New Phishing Trend Revealed by Cyota - Fraudsters Becoming More Sophisticated

    Cyota's Anti-Fraud Command Center exposes a new phishing method, which financial institutions are experiencing and need to prepare for: the use of multiple identical spoofed sites

    NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 22, 2004-- Cyota, the leading provider of anti-fraud and security solutions for financial institutions, recently revealed a new trend in the rapidly growing email fraud arena. Cyota's Anti-Fraud Command Center has identified that sophisticated fraudsters have begun to launch attacks and host identical spoofed sites from multiple locations simultaneously. This method makes it much harder for banks and law enforcement agencies to track down the location of the spoofed sites, as well as harder and longer to shut down the fake sites - thus increasing the bank's and its accountholders' potential losses from the attack.

    FULL STORY from Yahoo!/Cyota press release
    

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on March 22, 2004 at 09:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Does the DMV aid identity thieves? [Portland,OR]

    A women from Oregon thinks so (see below). And we here at ScamSafe can't help but wonder how many other government agencies are a conduit of information for ID theft criminals? We fear, across the 50 states, city, county and federal governments, that it's hundreds or even thousands. In the meantime, we are standing up and applauding LORRAINE WEYRAUCH of Beaverton, OR who wrote this letter to the editor. --ScamSafe Ed.
    

    Foolish aid to identity theft, 03/20/04

    As many Oregonians renew their drivers' licenses, they will be required to give Driver and Motor Vehicle Services their Social Security numbers. This law, passed in 2003 to take effect this year, allegedly is to aid in child-support enforcement.

    DMV says its databases are secure, but The Oregonian has reported on at least four identity theft arrests that involved the use of DMV databases in just over a year. How many other identity theft rings using DMV records are out there that we don't know about?

    The Social Security Administration suggests we protect ourselves from rising ID theft by not using Social Security numbers with anything not connected to Social Security.

    DMV does not need our Social Security numbers to aid in child-support enforcement. It is unacceptable that DMV requires our Social Security numbers in a time when identity theft is rampant.

    LORRAINE WEYRAUCH, Beaverton

    FULL STORY from Oregonian

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on March 20, 2004 at 10:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Does the DMV aid identity thieves? [Portland,OR]

    A women from Oregon thinks so (see below). And we here at ScamSafe can't help but wonder how many other government agencies are a conduit of information for ID theft criminals? We fear, across the 50 states, city, county and federal governments, that it's hundreds or even thousands. In the meantime, we are standing up and applauding LORRAINE WEYRAUCH of Beaverton, OR who wrote this letter to the editor. --ScamSafe Ed.
    

    Foolish aid to identity theft, 03/20/04

    As many Oregonians renew their drivers' licenses, they will be required to give Driver and Motor Vehicle Services their Social Security numbers. This law, passed in 2003 to take effect this year, allegedly is to aid in child-support enforcement.

    DMV says its databases are secure, but The Oregonian has reported on at least four identity theft arrests that involved the use of DMV databases in just over a year. How many other identity theft rings using DMV records are out there that we don't know about?

    The Social Security Administration suggests we protect ourselves from rising ID theft by not using Social Security numbers with anything not connected to Social Security.

    DMV does not need our Social Security numbers to aid in child-support enforcement. It is unacceptable that DMV requires our Social Security numbers in a time when identity theft is rampant.

    LORRAINE WEYRAUCH, Beaverton

    FULL STORY from Oregonian

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on March 20, 2004 at 10:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    State fights identity theft with new licenses [Tallahassee,FL]

    DEMOCRAT STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS

    Florida's driver's licenses are getting an extreme makeover that will make them more difficult to be altered by identity thieves and underage drinkers.

    The state Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is scheduled to begin distributing the licenses in May, starting in Tallahassee, Osceola County and Miami, officials said Tuesday. The rollout will continue across the state through September. "People keep asking if it's a reaction to 9-11 - not really," said Robert Sanchez, a spokesman for the state agency. "We were holding focus groups (about changing the licenses) the summer prior. This is to combat the rising tide of identity theft and to make the license more secure against counterfeiting."

    FULL STORY from The Tallahassee Democrat

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on March 19, 2004 at 11:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    State fights identity theft with new licenses [Tallahassee,FL]

    DEMOCRAT STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS

    Florida's driver's licenses are getting an extreme makeover that will make them more difficult to be altered by identity thieves and underage drinkers.

    The state Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is scheduled to begin distributing the licenses in May, starting in Tallahassee, Osceola County and Miami, officials said Tuesday. The rollout will continue across the state through September. "People keep asking if it's a reaction to 9-11 - not really," said Robert Sanchez, a spokesman for the state agency. "We were holding focus groups (about changing the licenses) the summer prior. This is to combat the rising tide of identity theft and to make the license more secure against counterfeiting."

    FULL STORY from The Tallahassee Democrat

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on March 19, 2004 at 11:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    US now stokes 'identity theft' fire [New Delhi,India]

    In this partisan atmosphere, I supposed we shouldn't be surprised that now identity theft is being used as a political lever to support the flawed ideas behind protectionism and the fight to stop offshore outsourcing. --ScamSafe Ed.

    VINU LAL, TIMES NEWS NETWORK

    BANGALORE: This could be the latest effort to fuel the ongoing backlash against outsourcing in the US. As more US citizens have started sending their confidential information, like social security numbers and income tax returns, to offshore centres like India for processing, a few Democrats are raking up the issue of ‘identity thefts’, citing poor privacy laws in India.

    FULL STORY from Economic Times

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on March 19, 2004 at 11:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    US now stokes 'identity theft' fire [New Delhi,India]

    In this partisan atmosphere, I supposed we shouldn't be surprised that now identity theft is being used as a political lever to support the flawed ideas behind protectionism and the fight to stop offshore outsourcing. --ScamSafe Ed.

    VINU LAL, TIMES NEWS NETWORK

    BANGALORE: This could be the latest effort to fuel the ongoing backlash against outsourcing in the US. As more US citizens have started sending their confidential information, like social security numbers and income tax returns, to offshore centres like India for processing, a few Democrats are raking up the issue of ‘identity thefts’, citing poor privacy laws in India.

    FULL STORY from Economic Times
    
    
    

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on March 19, 2004 at 11:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Bushfires show how to stop identity theft [Sydney,New South Wales,Australia]

    By Stephen Gibbs

    A national strategy to fight identity theft in the wake of a terrorist attack or natural disaster will be developed based on lessons learnt from the Canberra bushfires last year.

    The Australian Federal Police response to the bushfires, in which 500 homes were razed and thousands of personal documents destroyed, was examined in a paper presented to a counter-terrorism conference this week.

    A study of that response suggested all Australian jurisdictions could further secure the process of replacing documents such as birth certificates destroyed by large-scale disaster.

    FULL STORY from Sydney Morning Herald

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on March 17, 2004 at 07:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Bushfires show how to stop identity theft [Sydney,New South Wales,Australia]

    By Stephen Gibbs

    A national strategy to fight identity theft in the wake of a terrorist attack or natural disaster will be developed based on lessons learnt from the Canberra bushfires last year.

    The Australian Federal Police response to the bushfires, in which 500 homes were razed and thousands of personal documents destroyed, was examined in a paper presented to a counter-terrorism conference this week.

    A study of that response suggested all Australian jurisdictions could further secure the process of replacing documents such as birth certificates destroyed by large-scale disaster.

    FULL STORY from Sydney Morning Herald

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on March 17, 2004 at 07:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    THE ISSUE: Identity theft [Orangeburg,SC]

    OPINION: Private enterprise has a lot at stake in battling modern crime problem

    ID theft a threat to modern commerce

    By T&D Staff Writer

    Identity theft is the crime of our times. It's happening right here at home, too.

    This past week, results of an Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office investigation showed a 20-year-old being arrested and charged with financial identity theft.

    The crime may not sound that serious in a world of violent crime. But it is devastating.

    FULL STORY from Orangeburg Times Democrat

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on March 15, 2004 at 09:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    THE ISSUE: Identity theft [Orangeburg,SC]

    OPINION: Private enterprise has a lot at stake in battling modern crime problem

    ID theft a threat to modern commerce

    By T&D Staff Writer

    Identity theft is the crime of our times. It's happening right here at home, too.

    This past week, results of an Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office investigation showed a 20-year-old being arrested and charged with financial identity theft.

    The crime may not sound that serious in a world of violent crime. But it is devastating.

    FULL STORY from Orangeburg Times Democrat

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on March 15, 2004 at 09:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Identity theft protection bill heads to state Senate [Woodbury,NJ]

    By Jim Six

    Several years ago, when Jim Hogan was still a member of the New Jersey Parole Board, there were occasional mix-ups of prisoners using their inmate numbers.

    Why, Hogan asked, don't we use their Social Security numbers to better identify them? The deputy Attorney General quickly informed Hogan that using inmates' Social Security numbers would be illegal.

    Then not long ago, it occurred to Hogan, who is now Gloucester County Clerk, that what was illegal for prison inmates seemed to be OK for the rest of us, at least when it came to documents that were being filed in the clerks' office. Not that his office was demanding that Social Security numbers be included on documents, but the SS numbers were being included by mortgage companies and those who prepared other real estate transactions, among others.

    [FULL STORY]

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on March 15, 2004 at 09:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Identity theft protection bill heads to state Senate [Woodbury,NJ]

    By Jim Six

    Several years ago, when Jim Hogan was still a member of the New Jersey Parole Board, there were occasional mix-ups of prisoners using their inmate numbers.

    Why, Hogan asked, don't we use their Social Security numbers to better identify them? The deputy Attorney General quickly informed Hogan that using inmates' Social Security numbers would be illegal.

    Then not long ago, it occurred to Hogan, who is now Gloucester County Clerk, that what was illegal for prison inmates seemed to be OK for the rest of us, at least when it came to documents that were being filed in the clerks' office. Not that his office was demanding that Social Security numbers be included on documents, but the SS numbers were being included by mortgage companies and those who prepared other real estate transactions, among others.

    [FULL STORY]
    

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on March 15, 2004 at 09:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Identity Theft Remains Biggest Threat [Africa]

    ITWeb (Johannesburg)

    Stephen Whitford, Johannesburg

    Internet users need to take precautions against identity theft by protecting their logon details as well as using the technology available to secure themselves says Roland le Sueur, Head of First National Bank (FNB) Internet Banking.

    Le Sueur says security is the responsibility of vendors such as banks and retailers and the user, and both need to take precautions to ensure that they are not compromised.

    [FULL STORY AllAfrica.com

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on March 10, 2004 at 09:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Identity Theft Remains Biggest Threat [Africa]

    ITWeb (Johannesburg)

    Stephen Whitford, Johannesburg

    Internet users need to take precautions against identity theft by protecting their logon details as well as using the technology available to secure themselves says Roland le Sueur, Head of First National Bank (FNB) Internet Banking.

    Le Sueur says security is the responsibility of vendors such as banks and retailers and the user, and both need to take precautions to ensure that they are not compromised.

    [FULL STORY AllAfrica.com

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on March 10, 2004 at 09:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Clark Howard's Identity Theft Warning [Atlanta,GA]

    Signs Can Indicate Whether a Child Has Been Victimized
    Clark Howard, Consumer Advisor

    ATLANTA -- Identity theft is a growing crime in Georgia and the nation, and experts say children are at risk of being victimized, too.

    One local infant can attest to that. Meet Wyatt McVay. When parent Trina McVay went to the bank to open a savings account that would serve as a nest egg for her newborn son, Wyatt, she was surprised by what she was told.

    "They asked for his Social Security Number," she recalled. "But there was activity on his number and he was coming up as being fraudulent."

    She said she was told that the boy, who was just 2 months old at the time, already had black marks on his credit record for allegedly writing bad checks.

    [FULL STORY] WSBtv.com

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on March 10, 2004 at 09:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Clark Howard's Identity Theft Warning [Atlanta,GA]

    Signs Can Indicate Whether a Child Has Been Victimized
    Clark Howard, Consumer Advisor

    ATLANTA -- Identity theft is a growing crime in Georgia and the nation, and experts say children are at risk of being victimized, too.

    One local infant can attest to that. Meet Wyatt McVay. When parent Trina McVay went to the bank to open a savings account that would serve as a nest egg for her newborn son, Wyatt, she was surprised by what she was told.

    "They asked for his Social Security Number," she recalled. "But there was activity on his number and he was coming up as being fraudulent."

    She said she was told that the boy, who was just 2 months old at the time, already had black marks on his credit record for allegedly writing bad checks.

    [FULL STORY] WSBtv.com

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on March 10, 2004 at 09:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    PROGRAM on to stop identity theft [Flint,MI]

    Mission is designed to help seniors

    By Michael Rosenfield
    Mid Michigan — (03/09/04)--Protecting Michigan's most vulnerable -- senior citizens -- from the skyrocketing crime of identity theft is an initiative underway.

    It's billed as the first in the nation.

    ABC12's Michael Rosenfield had more. Tuesday, Michigan's attorney general launched a new campaign to fight identity theft. It's targeted at protecting senior citizens, who are themselves are often targeted by identity thieves.

    [FULL STORY, ABC12.com]

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on March 10, 2004 at 09:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    PROGRAM on to stop identity theft [Flint,MI]

    Mission is designed to help seniors

    By Michael Rosenfield
    Mid Michigan — (03/09/04)--Protecting Michigan's most vulnerable -- senior citizens -- from the skyrocketing crime of identity theft is an initiative underway.

    It's billed as the first in the nation.

    ABC12's Michael Rosenfield had more. Tuesday, Michigan's attorney general launched a new campaign to fight identity theft. It's targeted at protecting senior citizens, who are themselves are often targeted by identity thieves.

    [FULL STORY, ABC12.com]

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on March 10, 2004 at 09:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    UCIPD Alerts Campus About Identity Theft [Irvine,CA]

    The Irvine Police Department and Orange County DA Office collaborated with UCIPD to reveal the tactics of criminals.

    by: Daniel Hsu, Staff Writer
    
    Experts from the UCIPD, Irvine Police Department and Orange County district attorney’s office spoke about identity theft on March 4.
    
    Collaborating with the UC Irvine Police Department, Irvine Police Department and the Orange County district attorney’s office, the UCI Student Center presented a seminar on “Identity Theft” on March 4. This two-hour seminar covered the fastest growing crime in America, and explained why everyone should be aware of this.

    [FULL STORY, UCI New University]

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on March 8, 2004 at 03:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    UCIPD Alerts Campus About Identity Theft [Irvine,CA]

    The Irvine Police Department and Orange County DA Office collaborated with UCIPD to reveal the tactics of criminals.

    by: Daniel Hsu, Staff Writer
    
    Experts from the UCIPD, Irvine Police Department and Orange County district attorney’s office spoke about identity theft on March 4.
    
    Collaborating with the UC Irvine Police Department, Irvine Police Department and the Orange County district attorney’s office, the UCI Student Center presented a seminar on “Identity Theft” on March 4. This two-hour seminar covered the fastest growing crime in America, and explained why everyone should be aware of this.

    [FULL STORY, UCI New University]

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on March 8, 2004 at 03:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Identity theft bill awaits Holden's OK [JEFFERSON CITY, MO]

    By Marc Powers, Southeast Missourian

    JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- For victims of identity theft, getting their affairs back in order can be a hassle. For the victims' creditors, the crime can be financially costly.

    Legislation awaiting Gov. Bob Holden's signature would substantially toughen criminal penalties for identity theft, with the most serious violations being punishable by life in prison.

    [FULL STORY]

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on March 8, 2004 at 03:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack

    Identity theft bill awaits Holden's OK [JEFFERSON CITY, MO]

    By Marc Powers, Southeast Missourian

    JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- For victims of identity theft, getting their affairs back in order can be a hassle. For the victims' creditors, the crime can be financially costly.

    Legislation awaiting Gov. Bob Holden's signature would substantially toughen criminal penalties for identity theft, with the most serious violations being punishable by life in prison.

    [FULL STORY]

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on March 8, 2004 at 03:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBack

    SecurityMetrics Leads Fight Against Identity Theft and eCommerce Fraud

    Services Enable Visa, American Express, and MasterCard Merchants to Implement Online Security Programs Quickly

    OREM, Utah, March 8 /PRNewswire/ -- SecurityMetrics, a developer of innovative data security solutions and services, today announced new security services that enable merchants to protect online consumers against identity theft and fraud. Credit Card Associations are aware of the growing problem and now require merchants to meet rigorous security standards. The SecurityMetrics Site Certification Program is designed for merchants to comply with the VISA -- CISP, Master Card -- SDP and American Express -- DSS program requirements using a single vendor. By using a one vendor for security testing, merchants can implement security measures quickly and cost effectively to reduce risk to consumers.

    [FULL STORY]

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on March 8, 2004 at 03:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    SecurityMetrics Leads Fight Against Identity Theft and eCommerce Fraud

    Services Enable Visa, American Express, and MasterCard Merchants to Implement Online Security Programs Quickly

    OREM, Utah, March 8 /PRNewswire/ -- SecurityMetrics, a developer of innovative data security solutions and services, today announced new security services that enable merchants to protect online consumers against identity theft and fraud. Credit Card Associations are aware of the growing problem and now require merchants to meet rigorous security standards. The SecurityMetrics Site Certification Program is designed for merchants to comply with the VISA -- CISP, Master Card -- SDP and American Express -- DSS program requirements using a single vendor. By using a one vendor for security testing, merchants can implement security measures quickly and cost effectively to reduce risk to consumers.

    [FULL STORY]
    

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on March 8, 2004 at 03:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Fingerprints could join fight against identity theft [Tacoma,WA]

    JOSEPH TURNER; The News Tribune

    The state House and Senate have approved bills that would let drivers submit a fingerprint to the state Department of Licensing to help protect against identity theft.

    However, the measures are different and must be reconciled before legislators send a single bill to Gov. Gary Locke.

    The House on Friday voted 66-28 in favor of Senate Bill 5412, a measure that tells licensing officials to develop a biometric matching system by Jan. 1, 2006. A biometric is a unique physical characteristic, such as a fingerprint, facial features or retinas.

    [FULL STORY, Tacoma News Tribune]

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on March 6, 2004 at 11:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Fingerprints could join fight against identity theft [Tacoma,WA]

    JOSEPH TURNER; The News Tribune

    The state House and Senate have approved bills that would let drivers submit a fingerprint to the state Department of Licensing to help protect against identity theft.

    However, the measures are different and must be reconciled before legislators send a single bill to Gov. Gary Locke.

    The House on Friday voted 66-28 in favor of Senate Bill 5412, a measure that tells licensing officials to develop a biometric matching system by Jan. 1, 2006. A biometric is a unique physical characteristic, such as a fingerprint, facial features or retinas.

    [FULL STORY, Tacoma News Tribune]

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on March 6, 2004 at 11:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Lawmakers approve tougher penalties on identity theft [Kansas City,MO]

    ROBERT SANDLER, Associated Press

    JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Identity thieves would risk increasingly harsh penalties - up to life in prison - under legislation given final passage Thursday.

    The House approved the bill on an announced vote of 126-3 and sent it to Gov. Bob Holden. The sponsor, Republican Rep. Jason Brown of Platte City, said more than 2,500 Missourians were victims of identity theft in 2002.

    [FULL STORY, Kansas City Star]

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on March 5, 2004 at 11:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Lawmakers approve tougher penalties on identity theft [Kansas City,MO]

    ROBERT SANDLER, Associated Press

    JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Identity thieves would risk increasingly harsh penalties - up to life in prison - under legislation given final passage Thursday.

    The House approved the bill on an announced vote of 126-3 and sent it to Gov. Bob Holden. The sponsor, Republican Rep. Jason Brown of Platte City, said more than 2,500 Missourians were victims of identity theft in 2002.

    [FULL STORY, Kansas City Star]

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on March 5, 2004 at 11:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    The nation's biggest crime has small consequences [LUBBOCK, TX]

    Identity Theft
    By Stacia Willson
    
    It is said that every 79 seconds, a thief steals someone's identity, opens accounts in the victim's name and goes on a buying spree. But it seems that the nation's biggest crime has small consequesnces.

    It's identity theft and it is an issue that deals with a number of variables. Anytime you carry someone else's personal identification, whether it's a driver's licence or check book, police can actually charge you with identity theft.

    Now college students are known for passing around I.D.'s to get into bars. But what many don't know is that they can get the same type of lawful punishment for just having another I.D. on them.

    [FULL STORY]

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on March 4, 2004 at 10:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    The nation's biggest crime has small consequences [LUBBOCK, TX]

    Identity Theft
    By Stacia Willson
    
    It is said that every 79 seconds, a thief steals someone's identity, opens accounts in the victim's name and goes on a buying spree. But it seems that the nation's biggest crime has small consequesnces.

    It's identity theft and it is an issue that deals with a number of variables. Anytime you carry someone else's personal identification, whether it's a driver's licence or check book, police can actually charge you with identity theft.

    Now college students are known for passing around I.D.'s to get into bars. But what many don't know is that they can get the same type of lawful punishment for just having another I.D. on them.

    [FULL STORY]

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on March 4, 2004 at 10:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    HOMELAND SECURITY Takes On New Meaning With IDENTITY THEFT [Phoenix,AZ]

    AMERICA’S MOST WANTED STEPMOTHER is Exposed in New Book NO GREATER DECEPTION, A True Texas Story by Sydney Newman Dotson.

    Author and Former IBM Director of Corporate Business Intelligence Recounts How She Was Tested Personally and Used Professional Investigative Skills to Write this book. HOMELAND SECURITY Takes on a New Meaning with New Book NO GREATER DECEPTION A True Texas Story. IDENTITY THEFT Inside the Home Places Family Assets and Securities at Risk when a Dispute over a Suspicious Will leads to a Showdown in Texas. Author Sydney Newman Dotson tells all in new book.

    [FULL STORY]

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on March 2, 2004 at 01:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    HOMELAND SECURITY Takes On New Meaning With IDENTITY THEFT [Phoenix,AZ]

    AMERICA’S MOST WANTED STEPMOTHER is Exposed in New Book NO GREATER DECEPTION, A True Texas Story by Sydney Newman Dotson.

    Author and Former IBM Director of Corporate Business Intelligence Recounts How She Was Tested Personally and Used Professional Investigative Skills to Write this book. HOMELAND SECURITY Takes on a New Meaning with New Book NO GREATER DECEPTION A True Texas Story. IDENTITY THEFT Inside the Home Places Family Assets and Securities at Risk when a Dispute over a Suspicious Will leads to a Showdown in Texas. Author Sydney Newman Dotson tells all in new book.

    [FULL STORY]

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on March 2, 2004 at 01:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    A taxing identity theft risk [PITTSBURGH, PA]

    Few privacy measures in H&R Block kiosks

    By Patricia Sabatini - PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE

    When attorney Robert Chastain walked out of the restroom a few weeks ago at the Wal-Mart Superstore in Beaver Falls, Pa., he couldn't believe his eyes.

    He was staring at a computer screen inside a temporary H&R Block tax booth. A customer's address, Social Security number, date of birth and other personal data were in plain view of passers-by.

    [FULL STORY]

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on March 2, 2004 at 01:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    A taxing identity theft risk [PITTSBURGH, PA]

    Few privacy measures in H&R Block kiosks

    By Patricia Sabatini - PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE

    When attorney Robert Chastain walked out of the restroom a few weeks ago at the Wal-Mart Superstore in Beaver Falls, Pa., he couldn't believe his eyes.

    He was staring at a computer screen inside a temporary H&R Block tax booth. A customer's address, Social Security number, date of birth and other personal data were in plain view of passers-by.

    [FULL STORY]
    

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on March 2, 2004 at 01:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    States call for debt-management reform [Belleville,IL]

    BY WILL BUSS

    Stacy Griffith said Union Financial ruined her credit. Stacy Griffith wishes she had never used the debt counseling service she heard about on the radio.

    In June 2002, the 30-year-old Highland resident and chemical analyst with Reilly Industries in Granite City decided to call Union Financial Services.

    [FULL STORY]

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on March 2, 2004 at 12:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack

    States call for debt-management reform [Belleville,IL]

    BY WILL BUSS

    Stacy Griffith said Union Financial ruined her credit. Stacy Griffith wishes she had never used the debt counseling service she heard about on the radio.

    In June 2002, the 30-year-old Highland resident and chemical analyst with Reilly Industries in Granite City decided to call Union Financial Services.

    [FULL STORY]

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on March 2, 2004 at 12:54 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack

    'Jobs Creation' Bill Hurts Consumers? [MADISON, WI]

    MADISON, Wis. The no-call rule went into effect last year -- an example of how new consumer rules are created all the time. Consumer advocates think we'll see fewer and fewer rules being written because a new law will chip away at Wisconsin's strong consumer protection.
    
    You count on the state's consumer protection agency to police your consumer rights, but some fear a new law will weaken that protection.

    "It's going to be very difficult for many consumer protection regulations to see the light of day," said Steve Meili, director of Consumer Law Litigation Clinic. "There's just much more paperwork that's going to be required of DATCP."

    Critics say you'll see fewer tough rules like no-call because the new Regulatory Reform Act makes it more cumbersome to create new rules.

    [FULL STORY]

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on March 1, 2004 at 03:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    'Jobs Creation' Bill Hurts Consumers? [MADISON, WI]

    MADISON, Wis. The no-call rule went into effect last year -- an example of how new consumer rules are created all the time. Consumer advocates think we'll see fewer and fewer rules being written because a new law will chip away at Wisconsin's strong consumer protection.
    
    You count on the state's consumer protection agency to police your consumer rights, but some fear a new law will weaken that protection.

    "It's going to be very difficult for many consumer protection regulations to see the light of day," said Steve Meili, director of Consumer Law Litigation Clinic. "There's just much more paperwork that's going to be required of DATCP."

    Critics say you'll see fewer tough rules like no-call because the new Regulatory Reform Act makes it more cumbersome to create new rules.

    [FULL STORY]

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on March 1, 2004 at 03:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Law enforcers say identity theft bill a good start [Palm Springs, CA]

    Personal data must be harder to obtain, local authorities say

    By Lois Gormley
    The Desert Sun

    Valley authorities applaud newly proposed state legislation that would make it tougher for identity thieves to access your information, but say still more needs to be done.

    Ben Guitron, public information officer for the Indio Police Department, said any efforts by state lawmakers to keep citizens protected are greatly appreciated, but the problem needs to be addressed from all angles.

    [FULL STORY]

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on March 1, 2004 at 03:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Law enforcers say identity theft bill a good start [Palm Springs, CA]

    Personal data must be harder to obtain, local authorities say

    By Lois Gormley
    The Desert Sun

    Valley authorities applaud newly proposed state legislation that would make it tougher for identity thieves to access your information, but say still more needs to be done.

    Ben Guitron, public information officer for the Indio Police Department, said any efforts by state lawmakers to keep citizens protected are greatly appreciated, but the problem needs to be addressed from all angles.

    [FULL STORY]

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on March 1, 2004 at 03:41 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    New tools added to fight identity theft [US]

    By Pamela Yip
    The Dallas Morning News

    Imagine that some unscrupulous bank employee took your credit report, complete with your Social Security number, and started applying for credit cards in your name. So you put a fraud alert on your credit file, warning companies not to issue credit. But one ignored it and issued another card to the identity thief. Then imagine that when you got the bills from the thief's latest shopping spree, you contacted the bank that issued the card, but the bank wouldn't give you any information.

    All those scenarios would have played out differently under the new Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, which provides more tools to fight identity theft and protect consumers' privacy.

    [FULL STORY]

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on March 1, 2004 at 03:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    New tools added to fight identity theft [US]

    By Pamela Yip
    The Dallas Morning News

    Imagine that some unscrupulous bank employee took your credit report, complete with your Social Security number, and started applying for credit cards in your name. So you put a fraud alert on your credit file, warning companies not to issue credit. But one ignored it and issued another card to the identity thief. Then imagine that when you got the bills from the thief's latest shopping spree, you contacted the bank that issued the card, but the bank wouldn't give you any information.

    All those scenarios would have played out differently under the new Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, which provides more tools to fight identity theft and protect consumers' privacy.

    [FULL STORY]

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on March 1, 2004 at 03:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Changes to LES may reduce identity theft [Arlington, VA]

    ARLINGTON, Va. -- Leave and earning statements for all service members and Defense Department civilians, and paychecks for military retirees will soon have more identity theft protection. Over the next several weeks, the Defense Finance and Accounting Service will drop the first five digits of a person's Social Security number from all pay statements and checks to guard against identity theft.

    "The changes apply to everyone," said Patrick Shine, acting director of DFAS. The proposal "originated internally and will be phased in over the next couple of pay periods."

    [FULL STORY]

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on February 27, 2004 at 04:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Changes to LES may reduce identity theft [Arlington, VA]

    ARLINGTON, Va. -- Leave and earning statements for all service members and Defense Department civilians, and paychecks for military retirees will soon have more identity theft protection. Over the next several weeks, the Defense Finance and Accounting Service will drop the first five digits of a person's Social Security number from all pay statements and checks to guard against identity theft.

    "The changes apply to everyone," said Patrick Shine, acting director of DFAS. The proposal "originated internally and will be phased in over the next couple of pay periods."

    [FULL STORY]

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on February 27, 2004 at 04:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Identity Theft - America's Fastest Growing Crime [Camden, TN]

    Identity theft is now America’s fastest-growing crime and “can’t be stopped!” says Cliffene Moore, of Camden, an independent representative for Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc., a company that works with victims of such crimes. “Anyone with a checking account and/or credit cards is at risk.”

    Just like the fashions and fads, this out-of-control problem is mainly in the larger cities but is trickling down to the rural areas like Camden and Benton County. “Everywhere I go I hear, ‘Oh, that happened to my sister-in-law or, my cousin had a big problem with that just last year.”

    Internet users are especially vulnerable to these crimes. Anyone shopping online services such as eBay, for instance, puts a lot of information out there for dishonest onlookers, worldwide.

    And, it’s not far from home.

    “It almost happened to me just before Christmas,” says Cathe Patton, Secretary for US Conservation Services. “I had been shopping on eBay the week before, when I was checking my email and there was an email from (what appeared to be) eBay saying they needed to update my account and started asking for all kinds of information. Since I had already purchased all I was going to for a while, I ignored it. A couple of weeks later, it popped up again. It never occurred to me that it was fraudulent; it had the eBay logo and everything. The next time I was looking at something on eBay, I clicked on questions, and asked about it.

    Here is what eBay replied: “We advise you to be very cautious of email messages that ask you to submit information such as your credit card number or your email password. eBay will never ask you for sensitive personal information such as passwords, bank account or credit card numbers, Personal Identification Numbers (PINs), or Social Security numbers in an email itself. If you ever need to provide information to eBay please open a new Web browser, type www.ebay.com, and click on the "site map" link located at the top the page to access the eBay page you need.

    “If you have any doubt about whether an email message is from eBay, please forward it immediately to spoof@ebay.com and do not respond to it or click on any of the links in the email message. Please do not change the subject line or forward the email as an attachment.”

    [FULL STORY]

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on February 27, 2004 at 04:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Identity Theft - America's Fastest Growing Crime [Camden, TN]

    Identity theft is now America’s fastest-growing crime and “can’t be stopped!” says Cliffene Moore, of Camden, an independent representative for Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc., a company that works with victims of such crimes. “Anyone with a checking account and/or credit cards is at risk.”

    Just like the fashions and fads, this out-of-control problem is mainly in the larger cities but is trickling down to the rural areas like Camden and Benton County. “Everywhere I go I hear, ‘Oh, that happened to my sister-in-law or, my cousin had a big problem with that just last year.”

    Internet users are especially vulnerable to these crimes. Anyone shopping online services such as eBay, for instance, puts a lot of information out there for dishonest onlookers, worldwide.

    And, it’s not far from home.

    “It almost happened to me just before Christmas,” says Cathe Patton, Secretary for US Conservation Services. “I had been shopping on eBay the week before, when I was checking my email and there was an email from (what appeared to be) eBay saying they needed to update my account and started asking for all kinds of information. Since I had already purchased all I was going to for a while, I ignored it. A couple of weeks later, it popped up again. It never occurred to me that it was fraudulent; it had the eBay logo and everything. The next time I was looking at something on eBay, I clicked on questions, and asked about it.

    Here is what eBay replied: “We advise you to be very cautious of email messages that ask you to submit information such as your credit card number or your email password. eBay will never ask you for sensitive personal information such as passwords, bank account or credit card numbers, Personal Identification Numbers (PINs), or Social Security numbers in an email itself. If you ever need to provide information to eBay please open a new Web browser, type www.ebay.com, and click on the "site map" link located at the top the page to access the eBay page you need.

    “If you have any doubt about whether an email message is from eBay, please forward it immediately to spoof@ebay.com and do not respond to it or click on any of the links in the email message. Please do not change the subject line or forward the email as an attachment.”

    [FULL STORY]

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on February 27, 2004 at 04:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Learn about identity theft [BOISE, ID]

    Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden said Thursday that his office will focus education efforts on the growing problem of identity theft. The Federal Trade Commission logged 493 theft cases from Idaho in 2003.

    Identity theft occurs when a person assumes the identity of another, usually for the purpose of obtaining credit in the victim´s name.

    [FULL STORY]

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on February 27, 2004 at 04:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Learn about identity theft [BOISE, ID]

    Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden said Thursday that his office will focus education efforts on the growing problem of identity theft. The Federal Trade Commission logged 493 theft cases from Idaho in 2003.

    Identity theft occurs when a person assumes the identity of another, usually for the purpose of obtaining credit in the victim´s name.

    [FULL STORY]

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on February 27, 2004 at 04:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Seminar helps seniors fight identity theft [PUEBLO, CO]

    Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in the nation, and senior citizens are often a major target. On Wednesday, a seminar was held in Pueblo to help alert seniors how to protect their identities and life savings.

    Janice Friddle, director of the AARP Elder Watch program, says thieves prey on the elderly because of their higher credit rating. "Certainly their credit ratings might be higher. They might have more credit accessible to them, and thieves love to get ahold of somebody that has a high dollar amount attached to their name," said Friddle.

    [FULL STORY]

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on February 26, 2004 at 03:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Seminar helps seniors fight identity theft [PUEBLO, CO]

    Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in the nation, and senior citizens are often a major target. On Wednesday, a seminar was held in Pueblo to help alert seniors how to protect their identities and life savings.

    Janice Friddle, director of the AARP Elder Watch program, says thieves prey on the elderly because of their higher credit rating. "Certainly their credit ratings might be higher. They might have more credit accessible to them, and thieves love to get ahold of somebody that has a high dollar amount attached to their name," said Friddle.

    [FULL STORY]
    

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on February 26, 2004 at 03:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Identity theft: It's all in your mind

    Jo Best
    ZDNet UK
    February 26, 2004

    There's no doubt identity theft is a growing problem. The problem is, the place it could well be growing most is in consumers' minds. According to new research, consumers are more aware than ever that identity theft is a threat but they feel more vulnerable to it than they did a year ago.

    The research, conducted by Opinion Research on behalf of RSA Security, found that 63 per cent of consumers were more aware of identity theft issues now compared to last year, but only 18 per cent of consumers felt themselves to be any safer as a result and 26 per cent thought they were actually less safe.

    But when it comes to protecting consumers from identity theft it's all me, me, me – of those who did feel safer in 2004, around half did so because they'd implemented measures themselves while less than a third thought they were more protected because of new developments in technology or business processes in banks.

    Consumers' fear of ID theft doesn't just harm confidence, it could actually be hurting online business, the figures suggest. The number of consumers unwilling to share data with online shops has risen from 35 per cent in 2003 to 44 per cent this year.

    [FULL STORY]

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on February 26, 2004 at 03:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Identity theft: It's all in your mind

    Jo Best
    ZDNet UK
    February 26, 2004

    There's no doubt identity theft is a growing problem. The problem is, the place it could well be growing most is in consumers' minds. According to new research, consumers are more aware than ever that identity theft is a threat but they feel more vulnerable to it than they did a year ago.

    The research, conducted by Opinion Research on behalf of RSA Security, found that 63 per cent of consumers were more aware of identity theft issues now compared to last year, but only 18 per cent of consumers felt themselves to be any safer as a result and 26 per cent thought they were actually less safe.

    But when it comes to protecting consumers from identity theft it's all me, me, me – of those who did feel safer in 2004, around half did so because they'd implemented measures themselves while less than a third thought they were more protected because of new developments in technology or business processes in banks.

    Consumers' fear of ID theft doesn't just harm confidence, it could actually be hurting online business, the figures suggest. The number of consumers unwilling to share data with online shops has risen from 35 per cent in 2003 to 44 per cent this year.

    [FULL STORY]

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on February 26, 2004 at 03:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Top court restricts Consumer Fraud Act [NJ]

    MDs, lawyers, other professionals can't be sued over advertising

    BY KATHY BARRETT CARTER
    Star-Ledger Staff

    Doctors, lawyers and other professionals regulated by the state cannot be sued under New Jersey's Consumer Fraud Act for making false or misleading claims in their ads, the state Supreme Court ruled yesterday.

    The court, in a 6-0 decision, threw out consumer fraud claims against Joseph Dello Russo, the celebrity eye surgeon who has performed 15,000 Lasik surgeries at three facilities in New York and New Jersey.

    
    The ruling turns back an appeals court decision that said professionals regulated by the state can be sued under the consumer fraud law if they "engage in common commercial activity designed to attract the patronage of the public."

    In reaching its decision, the state Supreme Court said New Jersey's 40-year-old Consumer Fraud Act has never applied to doctors, lawyers, architects, accountants and other "learned professionals."

    [FULL STORY]

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on February 26, 2004 at 03:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Top court restricts Consumer Fraud Act [NJ]

    MDs, lawyers, other professionals can't be sued over advertising

    BY KATHY BARRETT CARTER
    Star-Ledger Staff

    Doctors, lawyers and other professionals regulated by the state cannot be sued under New Jersey's Consumer Fraud Act for making false or misleading claims in their ads, the state Supreme Court ruled yesterday.

    The court, in a 6-0 decision, threw out consumer fraud claims against Joseph Dello Russo, the celebrity eye surgeon who has performed 15,000 Lasik surgeries at three facilities in New York and New Jersey.

    
    The ruling turns back an appeals court decision that said professionals regulated by the state can be sued under the consumer fraud law if they "engage in common commercial activity designed to attract the patronage of the public."

    In reaching its decision, the state Supreme Court said New Jersey's 40-year-old Consumer Fraud Act has never applied to doctors, lawyers, architects, accountants and other "learned professionals."

    [FULL STORY]

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on February 26, 2004 at 03:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Clement raises consumer fraud awareness [CLARKSVILLE, TN]

    By JIMMY SETTLE
    The Leaf-Chronicle

    Mary Clement, director of the Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs, maintains that her office is making a dent in the volume of consumer fraud cases statewide, while also increasing its own profile among businesses and the consuming public.

    "In the last five years, this office has returned over $14 million back to consumers," Clement said during a Monday morning swing through Clarksville, part of her campaign to increase awareness during this National Consumer Education Week.

    "We're trying to bring awareness to what we do," Clement said. "It's just my belief that this should be a customer service office. Businesses should have a voice, and consumers should have an equal voice. Businesses don't have to look at us as an adversary.

    [FULL STORY]

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on February 26, 2004 at 03:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Clement raises consumer fraud awareness [CLARKSVILLE, TN]

    By JIMMY SETTLE
    The Leaf-Chronicle

    Mary Clement, director of the Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs, maintains that her office is making a dent in the volume of consumer fraud cases statewide, while also increasing its own profile among businesses and the consuming public.

    "In the last five years, this office has returned over $14 million back to consumers," Clement said during a Monday morning swing through Clarksville, part of her campaign to increase awareness during this National Consumer Education Week.

    "We're trying to bring awareness to what we do," Clement said. "It's just my belief that this should be a customer service office. Businesses should have a voice, and consumers should have an equal voice. Businesses don't have to look at us as an adversary.

    [FULL STORY]

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on February 26, 2004 at 03:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Authentify Thwarts Identity Theft

    Authentify Thwarts Identity Theft With a Modern Twist to a Familiar Technique, Adding a Personal Touch to an Internet Transaction

    CHICAGO, Feb. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- The medical doctor from Amarillo, Texas was surprised to receive an automated call asking about a pending credit transaction on a Web site. After all, he was at home watching television and wasn't online. The working mother from Virginia was angry that what she took for a telemarketing firm should dare to ring her phone at 2:30 in the morning. That is, until she realized it was an inquiry about a financial transaction being attempted via the Internet against one of her accounts. These encounters and many like them are part of the growing success story behind a patent-pending process developed by Chicago based Authentify, Inc.
    
    In simple terms, Authentify enables the telephone as an authentication tool for Internet transactions. Authentify has developed a process that permits Web sites or other network access points to place an automated telephone call to the person involved in the transaction. Once they have answered the call, the person will be prompted for information being displayed on their computer screen ensuring that the person on the phone is in control of the web session.

    [FULL STORY]

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on February 26, 2004 at 03:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Authentify Thwarts Identity Theft

    Authentify Thwarts Identity Theft With a Modern Twist to a Familiar Technique, Adding a Personal Touch to an Internet Transaction

    CHICAGO, Feb. 23 /PRNewswire/ -- The medical doctor from Amarillo, Texas was surprised to receive an automated call asking about a pending credit transaction on a Web site. After all, he was at home watching television and wasn't online. The working mother from Virginia was angry that what she took for a telemarketing firm should dare to ring her phone at 2:30 in the morning. That is, until she realized it was an inquiry about a financial transaction being attempted via the Internet against one of her accounts. These encounters and many like them are part of the growing success story behind a patent-pending process developed by Chicago based Authentify, Inc.
    
    In simple terms, Authentify enables the telephone as an authentication tool for Internet transactions. Authentify has developed a process that permits Web sites or other network access points to place an automated telephone call to the person involved in the transaction. Once they have answered the call, the person will be prompted for information being displayed on their computer screen ensuring that the person on the phone is in control of the web session.

    [FULL STORY]
    

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on February 26, 2004 at 03:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Bills target identity theft, documentation [RUTLAND, VT]

    By BRUCE EDWARDS Herald Staff

    Identity theft is a mushrooming problem in this country, with an estimated 10 million victims and a cost of $53 billion in the last fiscal year alone, according to a Federal Trade Commission survey.

    Based on separate FTC figures, Vermont appears to have remained relatively untouched by the problem, with only 159 identity theft cases reported to the FTC last year. Only North Dakota and South Dakota had fewer reported cases.

    But Vermont Assistant Attorney General Julie Brill has a pretty good hunch that there are likely more identity theft victims in Vermont than found in the annual FTC report.

    "We're currently not high ranked nationally on a per-capita basis, but it is growing definitely in Vermont," Brill said. "We also think there a lot of victims in Vermont who are not filing their complaints with police departments or our office because they're not sure what anybody is going to do about them."

    Vermont is one of only a few states that doesn't have an identity theft law on the books. But that could change this year if the Senate acts on a bill that passed the House last year.

    [FULL STORY]

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on February 26, 2004 at 02:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Bills target identity theft, documentation [RUTLAND, VT]

    By BRUCE EDWARDS Herald Staff

    Identity theft is a mushrooming problem in this country, with an estimated 10 million victims and a cost of $53 billion in the last fiscal year alone, according to a Federal Trade Commission survey.

    Based on separate FTC figures, Vermont appears to have remained relatively untouched by the problem, with only 159 identity theft cases reported to the FTC last year. Only North Dakota and South Dakota had fewer reported cases.

    But Vermont Assistant Attorney General Julie Brill has a pretty good hunch that there are likely more identity theft victims in Vermont than found in the annual FTC report.

    "We're currently not high ranked nationally on a per-capita basis, but it is growing definitely in Vermont," Brill said. "We also think there a lot of victims in Vermont who are not filing their complaints with police departments or our office because they're not sure what anybody is going to do about them."

    Vermont is one of only a few states that doesn't have an identity theft law on the books. But that could change this year if the Senate acts on a bill that passed the House last year.

    [FULL STORY]

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on February 26, 2004 at 02:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Fed's Minehan-new laws help against identity theft [BOSTON, MA]

    BOSTON, Feb 24 (Reuters) - Boston Federal Reserve President Cathy Minehan said on Tuesday recent changes in legislation will help clamp down on identity theft, which has surged in recent years.

    In comments that did not touch on the economy, Minehan said recent legislation adds another layer of protection for consumers.

    "Here at the Fed, we are very concerned about consumer protection because it is important for the validity of our economy," Minehan told a Consumer Protection Week conference.

    [FULL STORY]

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on February 26, 2004 at 02:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Fed's Minehan-new laws help against identity theft [BOSTON, MA]

    BOSTON, Feb 24 (Reuters) - Boston Federal Reserve President Cathy Minehan said on Tuesday recent changes in legislation will help clamp down on identity theft, which has surged in recent years.

    In comments that did not touch on the economy, Minehan said recent legislation adds another layer of protection for consumers.

    "Here at the Fed, we are very concerned about consumer protection because it is important for the validity of our economy," Minehan told a Consumer Protection Week conference.

    [FULL STORY]

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on February 26, 2004 at 02:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Here's one way to stop identity theft [CHICAGO, IL]

    BY SUE ONTIVEROS, SUN-TIMES COLUMNIST

    I spent a week at home recently taking care of chores that had piled up. Anytime this happens, a few hours always are devoted to shredding.

    My shredder gets quite a regular workout. All receipts, bills, forms or junk mail that holds any bit of information about me or my family ends up there. Address labels on any delivered package? Shred 'em! The prescription form taped to my medicines? Shred 'em! (Man, is that a pain getting them off those little bottles!) I try to stop myself when I notice junk mail says something anonymous like ''To the neighbors at.''

    Someone tried and thankfully did not succeed in ripping off my identity a couple of months back, so I'm especially vigilant. I've faithfully followed the advice from banks, credit bureaus and the police about steps that one should take to make oneself less vulnerable to identity theft.

    [FULL STORY]

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on February 22, 2004 at 12:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Here's one way to stop identity theft [CHICAGO, IL]

    BY SUE ONTIVEROS, SUN-TIMES COLUMNIST

    I spent a week at home recently taking care of chores that had piled up. Anytime this happens, a few hours always are devoted to shredding.

    My shredder gets quite a regular workout. All receipts, bills, forms or junk mail that holds any bit of information about me or my family ends up there. Address labels on any delivered package? Shred 'em! The prescription form taped to my medicines? Shred 'em! (Man, is that a pain getting them off those little bottles!) I try to stop myself when I notice junk mail says something anonymous like ''To the neighbors at.''

    Someone tried and thankfully did not succeed in ripping off my identity a couple of months back, so I'm especially vigilant. I've faithfully followed the advice from banks, credit bureaus and the police about steps that one should take to make oneself less vulnerable to identity theft.

    [FULL STORY]

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on February 22, 2004 at 12:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Avoid identity theft [Hopkinsville, KY]

    Keep your personalized numbers to yourself

    By CECIL HERNDON editor@kentuckynewera.com
    
    Straight & simple

    This has become a world of personalized numbers. Each person has his or her own set of numbers, and the longer one lives, the longer one's list of numbers.

    Modern life is a game of numbers, Social Security number, telephone number, street number, zip code number, bank account number, pin number, fax number, driver license number, credit card number, to name a few.

    No one wants to be just a number or a set of numbers. We remember when Social Security first came along, a lot of people resented the fact that to the federal government, they were just a number. "The next thing you know," they grumbled, "they will be branding us!"

    The numbers game, though, was just getting started.

    And the worst thing about it is that other people can steal your numbers and, in effect, become you.

    It's called identity theft and said to be the fastest growing crime in the nation, it's rate having doubled in each of the last four years.

    Once an identity thief has become you by the numbers, he or she can buy all sorts of things on your credit and leave you holding the bag of bills. So if you expect to be known by the numbers you keep, you better keep your numbers to yourself and that isn't easy.

    [FULL STORY]

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on February 22, 2004 at 12:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Avoid identity theft [Hopkinsville, KY]

    Keep your personalized numbers to yourself

    By CECIL HERNDON editor@kentuckynewera.com
    
    Straight & simple

    This has become a world of personalized numbers. Each person has his or her own set of numbers, and the longer one lives, the longer one's list of numbers.

    Modern life is a game of numbers, Social Security number, telephone number, street number, zip code number, bank account number, pin number, fax number, driver license number, credit card number, to name a few.

    No one wants to be just a number or a set of numbers. We remember when Social Security first came along, a lot of people resented the fact that to the federal government, they were just a number. "The next thing you know," they grumbled, "they will be branding us!"

    The numbers game, though, was just getting started.

    And the worst thing about it is that other people can steal your numbers and, in effect, become you.

    It's called identity theft and said to be the fastest growing crime in the nation, it's rate having doubled in each of the last four years.

    Once an identity thief has become you by the numbers, he or she can buy all sorts of things on your credit and leave you holding the bag of bills. So if you expect to be known by the numbers you keep, you better keep your numbers to yourself and that isn't easy.

    [FULL STORY]

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on February 22, 2004 at 12:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Identity theft is fastest-growing crime in U.S. [MARSFIELD, MO]

    By Mike Cullinan, Marshfield Mail editor, 02/20/2004
    
    One of the nation's most wide-reaching crimes commits no direct physical harm and quite possibly will take place without the victim even being aware of it.

    Identity theft is the fastest-growing financial crime in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Justice, costing Americans untold millions every year.

    Recent statistics released from the Federal Trade Commission state at least $437 million was lost in 2003 to identity theft and fraud crimes. However, the FTC said that figure is undoubtedly much higher, as it only includes the number of formal complaints actually filed by consumers. Of the total reported, the FTC said only about 60 percent of the victims who filed reports notified their local police department.

    The crime itself can take on many different forms, but its intent focuses on the criminal fraudulently stating to be someone else and then running up bills or committing other crimes in their name.

    The criminal's modus operandi is a rather simple one, as they prey on the everyday transactions consumers participate in that can reveal personal information. Bank and credit card account numbers, Social Security numbers, or even your name, address and telephone number can be put to use by the thief.

    How it happens

    Some identity thieves might have a complex system put in place to acquire their victim's personal information, while others will employ more crude methods. Some of them include:

    * Getting information from businesses by stealing records or hacking into their computers.

    * Dumpster diving to filter through trash to find old bank or credit card statements, pre-approved credit card offers or tax information.

    * Stealing your mail, which can obtain some of the same information mentioned above.

    * Stealing wallets or purses containing identification and credit or bank cards.

    * Completing a change of address form, diverting your mail to another location.

    The thieves can then turn around and use this information to run up huge bills on your credit cards, or open up new credit card accounts in your name. Others might set up phone or wireless service in your name or open a bank account using your information and write bad checks on it.

    Examining the thieves

    Jay Foley is co-executive director of the Identity Theft Resource Center, a national non-profit organization that serves as a resource and advisory center for identity theft information. He said, for the thieves, the crime is "low risk, high reward."

    "The crime is so flexible," he said. "It doesn't necessarily stop with one incident."

    Foley said ITRC helps around 250 victims with identity theft problems every week - a number that has steadily increased every year since the organization's beginning in 1997.

    In his experience of helping victims with the aftermath of identity theft, he said thieves become obsessed with the crime, continuing to commit it until they're caught.

    "Some will continue even after they're caught," Foley said, adding that he knows of instances when criminals have continued their crimes while on parole or even awaiting sentencing for a previous identity theft conviction.

    With more than 215,000 complaints reported to the FTC last year - an increase of 33 percent from 2002 - identity theft is showing no signs of slowing down.

    Numbers such as those have Foley concerned over the direction the fight against identity theft is headed.

    "Until businesses, the community, law enforcement and legislatures work together to combat this problem, the criminals are going to win," he said.

    "It's not any one group's fault," he continued. "Unless they pull together, we're never going to win this battle."

    An online publication of Community Publishers, Inc.
    ©Ozarks Newsstand 2004

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on February 22, 2004 at 12:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Identity theft is fastest-growing crime in U.S. [MARSFIELD, MO]

    By Mike Cullinan, Marshfield Mail editor, 02/20/2004
    
    One of the nation's most wide-reaching crimes commits no direct physical harm and quite possibly will take place without the victim even being aware of it.

    Identity theft is the fastest-growing financial crime in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Justice, costing Americans untold millions every year.

    Recent statistics released from the Federal Trade Commission state at least $437 million was lost in 2003 to identity theft and fraud crimes. However, the FTC said that figure is undoubtedly much higher, as it only includes the number of formal complaints actually filed by consumers. Of the total reported, the FTC said only about 60 percent of the victims who filed reports notified their local police department.

    The crime itself can take on many different forms, but its intent focuses on the criminal fraudulently stating to be someone else and then running up bills or committing other crimes in their name.

    The criminal's modus operandi is a rather simple one, as they prey on the everyday transactions consumers participate in that can reveal personal information. Bank and credit card account numbers, Social Security numbers, or even your name, address and telephone number can be put to use by the thief.

    How it happens

    Some identity thieves might have a complex system put in place to acquire their victim's personal information, while others will employ more crude methods. Some of them include:

    * Getting information from businesses by stealing records or hacking into their computers.

    * Dumpster diving to filter through trash to find old bank or credit card statements, pre-approved credit card offers or tax information.

    * Stealing your mail, which can obtain some of the same information mentioned above.

    * Stealing wallets or purses containing identification and credit or bank cards.

    * Completing a change of address form, diverting your mail to another location.

    The thieves can then turn around and use this information to run up huge bills on your credit cards, or open up new credit card accounts in your name. Others might set up phone or wireless service in your name or open a bank account using your information and write bad checks on it.

    Examining the thieves

    Jay Foley is co-executive director of the Identity Theft Resource Center, a national non-profit organization that serves as a resource and advisory center for identity theft information. He said, for the thieves, the crime is "low risk, high reward."

    "The crime is so flexible," he said. "It doesn't necessarily stop with one incident."

    Foley said ITRC helps around 250 victims with identity theft problems every week - a number that has steadily increased every year since the organization's beginning in 1997.

    In his experience of helping victims with the aftermath of identity theft, he said thieves become obsessed with the crime, continuing to commit it until they're caught.

    "Some will continue even after they're caught," Foley said, adding that he knows of instances when criminals have continued their crimes while on parole or even awaiting sentencing for a previous identity theft conviction.

    With more than 215,000 complaints reported to the FTC last year - an increase of 33 percent from 2002 - identity theft is showing no signs of slowing down.

    Numbers such as those have Foley concerned over the direction the fight against identity theft is headed.

    "Until businesses, the community, law enforcement and legislatures work together to combat this problem, the criminals are going to win," he said.

    "It's not any one group's fault," he continued. "Unless they pull together, we're never going to win this battle."

    An online publication of Community Publishers, Inc.
    ©Ozarks Newsstand 2004
    

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on February 22, 2004 at 12:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Warning Teens About Identity Theft [ROCHESTER, NY]

    Holly Maynard (Rochester,NY) WOKR13-TV, 02/19/04 -- They don't know it, but more teenagers are at risk to become a victim of identity theft. That's because more teens are using credit, debit, and ATM cards and making purchases online.

    New York State Assistant Attorney General Benjamin Bruce said most teens don't realize they're at risk because they think they've got no money and nothing to protect.

    "They're not expecting to become victims because the kids think 'I've got no money, I've got nothing to protect.'" Bruce said.

    However, the most valuable thing they can lose is their good name.

    If you think you're a victim of identity theft contact the attorney general's office.

    To Safeguard Against Identity Theft

    Pick a unique password and change it at least twice a year. Always memorize your passwords never write them down.

    Shred all ATM and bank receipts.

    Never give out personal information over the phone.

    Check credit card statements monthly and your credit report annually.

    Photocopy the front and back of everything in your wallet and put the copies in a safe place.
    
    © 2003 Clear Channel Communications

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on February 21, 2004 at 10:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack

    Warning Teens About Identity Theft [ROCHESTER, NY]

    Holly Maynard (Rochester,NY) WOKR13-TV, 02/19/04 -- They don't know it, but more teenagers are at risk to become a victim of identity theft. That's because more teens are using credit, debit, and ATM cards and making purchases online.

    New York State Assistant Attorney General Benjamin Bruce said most teens don't realize they're at risk because they think they've got no money and nothing to protect.

    "They're not expecting to become victims because the kids think 'I've got no money, I've got nothing to protect.'" Bruce said.

    However, the most valuable thing they can lose is their good name.

    If you think you're a victim of identity theft contact the attorney general's office.

    To Safeguard Against Identity Theft

    Pick a unique password and change it at least twice a year. Always memorize your passwords never write them down.

    Shred all ATM and bank receipts.

    Never give out personal information over the phone.

    Check credit card statements monthly and your credit report annually.

    Photocopy the front and back of everything in your wallet and put the copies in a safe place.
    
    © 2003 Clear Channel Communications
    

    Category: News (General)
    Posted on February 21, 2004 at 10:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack