Identity Theft Protection

DATA BREACH-CYBER CRIME - Small businesses should ensure insurance coverage for cyber security breaches

2012-01-11T14:53:00.000-08:00

idSafeUSA - ID Crime Wire™

DATA BREACH-ID CRIME
Smallbusinesses should ensure insurance coverage for cyber security breaches
WashingtonPost J.D. Harrison 01/07/2012

Sure, you can install antivirus programs. You caneven go a step further and encrypt your data and heavily protect yourpasswords. In fact, these are but a few of many steps business owners can taketo prevent cybersecurity breaches and subsequent data theft. But they aren’tfoolproof.

Cyber criminals are advancing as fast as thetechnology built to stop them, and small firms are becoming increasinglyvulnerable to attacks. Thus, one expert says small-business owners should alsoconsider whether their insurance policies would cover the losses and damage.

“Mostsmall-business packages don’t cover data breaches or really anything datarelated,” said Matt Cullina, chief executive of Identity Theft 911, a businessand data risk management firm.

So how do you know whether your firm needs suchcoverage?

Start, Cullina says, by taking the appropriatepreventive measures — password protection and data encryption — and not justbecause insurance companies will want to see due diligence.

Independent retailers are especially vulnerable,as they often handle tons of credit-card data on a day-to-day basis, butprofessional services firms such as law firms, accounting companies anddentistry practices are often blindsided by massive data breaches.

Most policies have two levels of coverage.First-party coverage accounts for the costs the business would have to lay outto respond to a loss of clients’ or employees’ private information.

Companies handling lots of private informationmay want to add third-party coverage, which usually covers legal defense costs.Those policies may also cover fines and penalties, as well as forensic costs,which would come in handy for those hoping to catch the cyber crooks who brokeinto their system. End repost.

DATA BREACH-MEDICAL ID CRIME - Health Care Data Breaches Significantly Increased in 2011

2012-01-11T14:25:00.000-08:00

idSafeUSA - ID Crime Wire™

DATA BREACH-MEDICAL ID CRIME
Health Care Data Breaches Significantly Increased in 2011
Data Breach Legal Watch David J. Shannon 01/05/2012

The Ponemon Institute just released their second annual benchmark study on patient privacy and data security. Not surprisingly, the study demonstrates that data breaches significantly increased in 2011. A number of key points can be found in the study’s findings.

One of the more interesting findings was the increased use of unsecured mobile devices in the health care industry. Since these devices generally contain Protected Health Information (PHI), the potential for even more data breaches occurring in 2012 is high, as the devices can easily be lost, stolen or otherwise accessed.

Other key findings in the research paper are as follows:

• Data breaches have increased 32% within healthcare organizations since 2010.

• 49% of the participants in the survey admit that their organization does nothing to protect their mobile devices from a data breach.

• More than half of the respondent organizations did not have sufficient policies that prevent and/or deter data breaches.

• The economic impact of a data breach has increased more than 10% from 2010. On average, a data breach has an economic impact of $2.2 Million Dollars.

• More than 35% of the respondents indicated that data breaches were discovered by patient complaints not the healthcare provider.

Finally, the study found that a large number of healthcare providers cite economic restraints as a major role in a providers’ failure to properly implement data breach prevention policies and procedures. With the economic struggles in the United States and Europe continuing, healthcare providers will likely continue to face significant obstacles when attempting to implement a proper data security program.

Clearly, these economic constraints will play a part in more health care related data breaches. A key question that the healthcare industry will have to address in the coming year is how to prevent data breaches when faced with these budgetary issues as well as PHI contained on more mobile devices. End repost.

IDENTITY THEFT-ID CRIME - Chandler man indicted for credit card fraud, back fraud and ID theft over pizzeria invoice

2012-01-11T14:03:00.000-08:00

idSafeUSA - ID Crime Wire™

IDENTITY THEFT-ID CRIME
Chandler man indicted for creditcard fraud, back fraud and ID theft over pizzeria invoce
The Associated Press Staff 01/06/2012

PHOENIX— A federal grand jury in Phoenix has indicted a Chandler man for wire fraud,credit card fraud, bank fraud and aggravated identity theft.

StephenColter Dustin alleges that during September and October 2010, he used creditcards belonging to others to submit more than $275,000 of fraudulent chargesfrom a Scottsdale pizzeria that he operated.

A25-count indictment against 32-year-old Stephen Colter Dustin alleges thatduring September and October 2010, he used credit cards belonging to others tosubmit more than $275,000 of fraudulent charges from a Scottsdale pizzeria thathe operated.

Inan attempt to make the charges appear legitimate, Dustin allegedly submittedfake invoices to the credit card companies suggesting that Jac's Pizzeria hadprovided catering services at several large events. The indictment furtheralleges that Dustin obtained approximately $75,000 from the scheme before thecredit card companies closed their accounts with Jac's.

Dustinwas arrested Thursday and released pending trial. It's unclear whether he haslegal representation yet. End repost.

FTC Comments On Red Flag Rules

2010-12-08T18:09:00.000-08:00

For Release: 12/08/2010

Statement by FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz Regarding House and Senate Passage of Legislation Clarifying Red Flags Rule

Congress has passed legislation resolving the uncertainty it created when it directed the federal financial institution regulatory agencies and the Federal Trade Commission to develop the Identity Theft Red Flags Rule, which requires many businesses and organizations to have a written Identity Theft Prevention Program designed to detect the warning signs – or “red flags” – of identity theft in their day-to-day operations. The legislation clarifies which entities must comply with the Rule.

“We’re pleased Congress clarified its law, which was clearly overbroad.” FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz said. “Now, we can go forward with less litigating and more protecting consumers from identity theft. I want to express my appreciation to Congressmen John Adler and Mike Simpson, and Senators John Thune and Mark Begich, for their excellent work in resolving the uncertainty created by Congress.”

The Rule doesn’t require any specific practice or procedures. It gives businesses the flexibility to tailor their written ID theft detection program to the nature of the business and the risks it faces. Businesses with a high risk for identity theft may need more robust procedures – like using other information sources to confirm the identity of new customers or incorporating fraud detection software. Groups with a low risk for identity theft may have a more streamlined program – for example, simply having a plan for how they’ll respond if they find out there has been an incident of identity theft involving their business.

FTC Tips To Secure Data Loss From Digital Copiers

2010-12-08T18:04:00.000-08:00

For Your Information: 12/03/2010

FTC Offers Businesses Tips for Securing Data on Digital Copiers
The Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s consumer protection agency, has tips for businesses on how to safeguard sensitive data stored on the hard drives of digital copiers. Here are the highlights of the FTC’s new publication, Copier Data Security: A Guide for Businesses:

Before acquiring a copier, plan to have the information technology staff manage and maintain it just as they would a computer or a server.
When buying or leasing a copier, evaluate your options for securing the data on its hard drive – including the encryption or overwriting features that will be used. Encryption scrambles the data on the hard drive so it can only be read by particular software. This ensures that even if the hard drive is removed from the machine, the data cannot be retrieved. Overwriting – also known as file wiping or shredding – replaces the existing data with random characters, so that the file cannot be easily reconstructed.

Take advantage of all of the copier’s security features. Securely overwrite the entire hard drive at least once a month.
When returning or disposing of a copier, find out whether it is possible to have the hard drive removed and destroyed, or to overwrite the data on the hard drive. Generally, it is advisable for a skilled technician to remove the hard drive to avoid the risk of rendering the machine inoperable.

For more information about securing sensitive data, see Protecting Personal
Information: A Guide for Business.

The FTC works to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint or get free information on consumer issues, visit ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. Watch a new video, How to File a Complaint, at ftc.gov/video to learn more. The FTC enters consumer complaints into the Consumer Sentinel Network, a secure online database and investigative tool used by more than 1,800 civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.

FBI WARNING

2010-12-01T06:23:00.000-08:00

Fraudulent Notification Deceives Consumers Out of Thousands of Dollars

11/29/2010—The IC3 continues to receive reports of letters and e-mails being distributed pursuant to prize sweepstakes or lottery schemes. These schemes use counterfeit checks that bear legitimate-looking logos of various financial institutions to fool victims into sending money to the fraudsters.

Fraudsters tell victims they won a sweepstakes or lottery, but to receive a lump sum payout, they must pay the taxes and processing fees upfront. Fraudsters direct individuals to call a telephone number to initiate a letter of instructions. The letter alleges that the victim may elect to take an advance on the winnings to make the required upfront payment. The letter includes a check in the amount of the alleged taxes and fees, along with processing instructions. Ultimately, victims believe they are using the advance to make the required upfront payment, but in reality they are falling prey to the scheme.

The victim deposits the check into their own bank, which credits the account for the amount of the check before the check clears. The victim immediately withdraws the money and wires it to the fraudsters. Afterwards, the check proves to be counterfeit and the bank pulls the respective funds from the victim’s account, leaving the victim liable for the amount of the counterfeit check plus any additional fees the bank may charge.

Persons may fall victim to this scheme due to the allure of easy money and the apparent legitimacy of the check the fraudsters include in the letter of instruction. The alleged cash prizes and locations of the financial institutions vary.

Tips to avoid being scammed:

■A federal statute prohibits mailing lottery tickets, advertisements, or payments to purchase tickets in a foreign lottery.
■Be leery if you do not remember entering a lottery or sweepstakes.
■Beware of lotteries or sweepstakes that charge a fee prior to delivering your prize.
■Be wary of demands to send additional money as a requirement to be eligible for future winnings.

If you have been a victim of this type of scam or any other cyber crime, you can report it to the IC3 at www.IC3.gov. The IC3 complaint database links complaints for potential referral to law enforcement for case consideration. Complaint information is also used to identify emerging trends and patterns to alert the public to new criminal schemes.

FTC Gift Card Tips For The Holidays

2010-11-29T02:49:00.000-08:00

For Your Information: 11/24/2010

FTC Has Gift Card Tips for Holiday Buying.

The Federal Trade Commission, the nation’s consumer protection agency, has tips and information for consumers who use gift cards for holiday gift-giving. New federal rules that took effect in August are designed to protect consumers, and will restrict fees and affect gift card expiration dates. These new rules apply to two types of cards: Retail gift cards, which can only be redeemed at the retailers and restaurants that sell them; and bank gift cards, which carry the logo of a payment card network like American Express or Visa and can be used wherever the brand is accepted. Here are the highlights:

Money on a gift card cannot expire for at least five years from the date the card was purchased, or from the last date any additional money was loaded onto the card. If the expiration date listed on the card is earlier than these dates, the money can be transferred to a replacement card at no cost.

Inactivity fees can be charged only after a card hasn’t been used for at least one year, and then only once per month. But fees may be charged to buy the card or to replace a lost or stolen card.

The card must clearly disclose its expiration date, and the card or packaging must clearly disclose any fees. There is one exception: Some cards produced before April 1, 2010, that list a short expiration time or inactivity fees in the first year may be sold through January 31, 2011. However, no matter what a card says, consumers still are protected by the new rules.

Tips for buying gift cards:

Buy from known and trusted sources. Avoid online auction sites, because the cards sold there may be counterfeit or may have been obtained fraudulently.

Read the fine print before buying. Is there a fee to buy the card? Are there shipping and handling fees for cards bought by phone or online? Will any fees be deducted from the card after it is purchased?

Inspect the card before buying it. Verify that no protective stickers have been removed, and that the codes on the back of the card haven’t been scratched off to reveal a PIN number. Report any damaged cards to the store selling the cards.

Give the recipient the original receipt in case the card is later lost or stolen.

Before you buy retail gift cards, consider the financial condition of the retailer or restaurant:

A card from a company that files for bankruptcy or goes out of business may be worth less than anticipated.

If the business closes a store near the recipient, it may be hard to find another location where the card can be used.

A company that files for bankruptcy may honor its gift cards, or a competitor may accept the card. Call the company or its competitor to find out if they are redeeming the cards, or if they will do so at a later date.

Tips for using gift cards:

Note any terms and conditions, and check for an expiration date or fees.
If it appears that a card has expired or fees have been deducted, contact the company that issued the card. Ask whether the card can be honored or the fees can be reversed.

Ask anyone who gives you a card for its terms and conditions, the original purchase receipt, or the card’s ID number. Keep this information in a safe place.

Use gift cards as soon as possible, because it’s not unusual to lose or forget about them.

Treat a card like cash, and if it is lost or stolen, report this immediately to the issuer. Some issuers will not replace cards that are lost or stolen, while other issuers will, for a fee.

For more information on gift cards, see the consumer alert Buying, Giving, and Using Gift Cards.

The FTC works to prevent fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop and avoid them. To file a complaint or get free information on consumer issues, visit ftc.gov or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. Watcha new video, How to File a Complaint, at ftc.gov/video to learn more. The FTC enters consumer complaintsinto the Consumer Sentinel Network, a secure online database and investigative tool used by more than 1,800 civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Office of Public Affairs
202-326-2180
(FYI Gift Card Tips)

How To Protect Your Identity

2010-11-15T08:16:00.000-08:00

Identity Protection is Free so what’s keeping you. Is it because that by law Identity Protection is a do-it-yourself process and you won’t do it. Most who protect their identity agree this process could be easier. Those that join idSafeUSA.com say it is.

If do-it-yourself Identity Protection isn’t for you, you could waste your money on monthly fees for worthless services or even continue to do nothing. Either way you’re betting on your luck as your identity remains unprotected.

Identity Protection might be Free but whether or not it gets used to protect your identity is your personal responsibility. Everything you need is available to you in an unlimited supply, just waiting for you to take advantage of and, it’s always been there right under your nose. Here is what you do:

• File one Free 90 Day Fraud Alert with each Credit Bureau every 90 Days and you get more Identity Protection than money can buy. In fact it’s the only Identity Protection there is. If you choose not to use Free 90 Day Fraud Alerts for your identity protection, don’t bother with anything else.

idSafeUSA.com makes managing Identity Protection process easy as 1-2-3 while keeping you informed and up to date. And since membership only requires a one-time fee of $19.95 ($9.95 annually) for unlimited access for the entire family idSafeUSA.com super affordable Identity. And because registration only requires your email address idSafeUSA.com is 100% safe to join.

Take advantage of idSafeUSA.com’s 30 Day Money Back Guarantee and join today!

Identity Theft is Avoidable

2010-11-14T09:21:00.000-08:00

Most if not every other so called Identity Protection Company delivers a message of fear and hopelessness. This marketing technique of selling fear is nothing new. However, it is said that companies that practice this technique has nothing to offer. That especially applies to these companies that charge expensive monthly fees and offer no real Identity Protection. Its these companies that consumers should be afraid of.

If you need a sense of hopelessness before making a purchase, than I can’t help you. My message is positive for America and offers the answer to defeating America’s #1 and fastest growing crime, Identity Theft. The following is what these companies don’t want you to know and law enforcement does. The following sums up Identity Theft in just one word; Avoidable…

If everyone placed Free 90 Day Fraud Alerts on their Credit Files with all four (4) Credit Bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion and Innovis); Identity Theft would cease to exist as we know it.

It’s true the answer to identity theft is the Free 90 Day Fraud Alert and the real surprise it’s been here all along. If you have never heard of Free 90 Day Fraud Alert you’re not alone. But now you know and have no excuses for becoming a Victim of Identity Theft. Not to worry though, idSafeUSA.com makes this process easy, affordable and 100% secure.

facebook DATA BREACH IS YOUR SIGN

2010-10-18T09:08:00.000-07:00

At what point are you going to protect your identity? Before or after a company like facebook fails to secure its own data, again? You are most likely to become a victim of identity theft because of facebook's recent data breach than any other way. On top of that, data breaches like these most likely involve a rogue employee with untraceable access to facebook’s valuable data.

As a victim of identity theft from facebook's data breach, you be heavily involved in your own recovery. It's not that facebook won't help but rather facebook is limited to what it can actually do for you. Also, you can count on facebook to offer a credit-reporting service for the next (2) years to help you detect irregularities in your credit file. However, credit reports are not proactive identity protection and purely reactive to any situation involving your credit file. In other words a credit report will tell you, you’re too late.

Tell facebook you want idSafeUSA.com for Free Proactive Identity Protection, Free Credit Reports and America's Best Victims Assistance for your recovery. idSafeUSA.com stops identity theft in its tracks and more affordable for facebook. A real Win-Win for an otherwise unfortunate situation.

They Can't Be Talking About idSafeUSA.com

2010-09-30T14:08:00.000-07:00

Sep. 28 2010 - 4:50 pm | 3,499 views | 1 recommendation | 9 comments

Consumers Are Ditching The $2.4 Billion ID Theft Protection Market

By ANDY GREENBERG - Forbes
As purse strings have tightened over the last couple of years, most consumers no longer think spending $200 a year on identity theft protection services makes sense. And they’re probably right.

A study out Tuesday from identity-theft-focused Javelin Research shows that only about 25% of consumers now subscribe to an identity theft protection service, down a crushing 42% since 2008. That’s bad news for companies like Lifelock, TrustedID, and the rest of the firms in that $2.4 billion dollar market, who charge an average of $150 a year for credit monitoring and other fraud alerts.

The decision to ditch identity theft protection stems partly from tight budgets, but also from the lack of major data breach headlines over the past year, argues Javelin analyst (and Forbes blogger) Robert Vamosi. The number of individual records breached in 2010 so far has in fact fallen by more than 90% compared to 2009, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center, although the number of breaches is still on track to rise for the year. Those trends are largely due to the lack of a single enormous mega-breach like the Heartland Payment Systems hacking incident that likely spilled more than 100 million account numbers last year.

“Without those massive attacks and the headlines that follow, concerns about identity fraud are lessened, and that accounts for some of the subscriber numbers being down,” says Vamosi.
ID theft monitoring services are far from useless. According to Javelin’s data, consumers who discovered that their accounts had been defrauded lost on average $2,556. Those who were notified by police about the fraud or discovered it when they applied for a loan suffered losses of around $13,000 and $18,000 respectively.

But the majority of that loss is eaten by the banks whose accounts are defrauded, not the individual victim. Another Javelin study earlier this year found that the average amount actually paid by the victim of fraud fell to $373 in 2009 from $720 two years earlier.

Consumers may also be realizing that the credit monitoring these companies offer can be had for free. Vamosi says that instead of paying for an ID theft prevention service, users should check their own credit every three months or so.

Consumers who receive notices saying their data has been lost by a company or government agency may be a different story: Their chance of being defrauded rises by about 300%, Vamosi says. And young consumers without much credit history may be vulnerable, too. But others can probably replicate the effects of the expensive services with a bit of conscientious checking. “Take it on yourself to know what’s being done in your name,” he says. “If you’re not in one of these risky groups, you can probably do this yourself.”

Follow the important comments that follow this article at:
http://blogs.forbes.com/andygreenberg/2010/09/28/consumers-are-ditching-the-2-4-billion-id-theft-protection-market/

FTC Testifies on Data Security Legislation

2010-09-29T11:22:00.000-07:00

For Release: 09/22/2010

The Federal Trade Commission today told a Senate Subcommittee that it supports proposed legislation that would require many companies to use reasonable data security policies and procedures and require those companies to notify consumers when there is a security breach.

In testimony before the Committee on Science, Commerce, and Transportation Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety and Insurance, Maneesha Mithal, Associate Director for Privacy and Identity Protection at the FTC told the Subcommittee that problems with data security and breaches affect a wide array of both businesses and nonprofit organizations. “Requiring reasonable security policies and procedures of this broad array of entities is a goal that the Commission strongly supports.”

“The Commission believes that notification in appropriate circumstances can be beneficial,” the testimony notes. Many states have passed notification laws that have increased public awareness of the harm breaches can cause. “Breach notification at the federal level would extend notification nationwide and accomplish similar goals.”

The testimony states that the agency suggests three additional measures that could be included in the proposed legislation to protect consumers. First, the provision that requires that companies notify consumers in the event of an information security breach should not be limited to entities that possess data in electronic form; second, the proposed requirements should be extended so that they apply to telephone companies; and third, the Commission suggests that the bill grant the agency rulemaking authority to determine circumstances under which providing free credit reports or credit monitoring may not be warranted.

The testimony says that as the nation’s consumer protection agency, the FTC has a history of protecting consumer privacy and promoting data security in the private sector. “Data security is of critical importance to consumers. If companies do not protect the personal information that they collect and store, that information could fall into the wrong hands, resulting in fraud and other harm. . . . Accordingly, the Commission has undertaken substantial efforts to promote data security in the private sector through law enforcement, education, and policy initiatives.”

According to the testimony, since 2001, the Commission has brought 29 cases against businesses that allegedly failed to protect consumers’ personal information. The cases provide key lessons in the data security area. They include:

-Businesses that make claims about data security should be sure that they are accurate.

-Businesses should protect against well-known, common technology threats.

-Businesses must know with whom they are sharing customers’ sensitive information.

-Businesses should not retain sensitive consumer information that they do not need.

-Businesses should dispose of sensitive consumer information properly.

The testimony notes that the FTC promotes better data security practices through extensive consumer and business education. It maintains a website, OnGuard Online, to educate consumers about computer security, and more than 10 million copies of two publications for victims of identity theft have been distributed.

In addition, the U.S. Postal Service – in cooperation with the FTC – has sent copies of the Commission’s identity theft consumer education materials to more than 146 million residences and businesses.

The FTC also has taken up data security as a policy matter. Over the past several months, it has convened three public roundtables to explore consumer privacy. Panelists at the roundtables repeatedly noted the importance of data security in protecting privacy, the testimony states. The agency expects to issue a report later this year on privacy. “Among other things, the report will encourage companies to incorporate sound data security and data retention practices into their business models in a reasonable and cost-effective way,” the testimony states.

The Commission vote to approve the testimony was 5-0.

The Federal Trade Commission works for consumers to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices and to provide information to help spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint in English or Spanish, visit the FTC’s online Complaint Assistant or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). The FTC enters complaints into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to more than 1,800 civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad. The FTC’s Web site provides free information on a variety of consumer topics.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Claudia Bourne Farrell
Office of Public Affairs
202-326-2181

STAFF CONTACT:
Pavneet Singh
Bureau of Consumer Protection
202-326-3015

YIPP And The 23 Pioneers

2010-09-21T12:16:00.000-07:00

The results are in and they tell us that young children are the unlikely superhero in America’s fight against Identity Theft. You could actually go as far as to say that because of 23 children; America has hope in her battle against the Undefeated Champion of Crimes. The kids I’m talking about didn’t invent anything or stumble onto any amazing discovery. But they did break through barriers in education and demonstrated they had the ability to meet Law Enforcements recommendations for identity protection. In a nutshell, they were taught personal responsibility.

By the time the 1st YIPP Certification Workshop was over 23 kids K-7 had something to share with their parents, if their parents will only listen. Either way the message was now on its way to every community across America. Declaring that America’s children are law enforcements answer to fighting identity theft. Now it’s just a matter of time before identity theft as we know it, becomes a thing of the past.

When we set out on that day of the first YIPP Certification Workshop we were anxious to see some results from our efforts. Our goals seemed pretty basic and doable but only if X cooperated. X being the students and if they would accept being taught something they’re parents should already be doing.

The YIPP Certification Workshop consists of three phases that teach 5th graders their Identity, the Social Security Number, Identity Theft, and the Identity Protection. It allows 5th graders to experience the Free 90 Day Fraud Alert. And, be tested for their knowledge.

We hoped to get three basic conclusions from the 1st YIPP Certification Workshop on that day and to build on.
1. 5th Graders could be taught identity protection.
2. 5th Graders could demonstrate the ability to meet the Federal Trade Commission’s 5 steps for identity protection by placing a Free 90 Day Fraud Alert on their credit file.
3. 5th Graders could demonstrate the ability to share identity protection with others.

It just makes sense that kids would be the first ones to learn identity protection. They’re eager to learn about themselves and their safety, while their parents would rather ignore the subject.

We showed up early on a hot summer afternoon in September and prepared for the first of 2 scheduled sessions. This was not just an ordinary day it was a day of validation for something that meant so much to us. Each session diligently planned for 30 minutes of curriculum, demonstrations, testing, and for approximately 25 students in grades 5th and above. We prepared the test for the students and put their take home information into folders. We prepared the slide presentation and video camera. Water, notes, everything was ready when the teacher came in.

She introduced herself and said the kids would be arriving in a few minutes. She said due to early release she had half as many students, enough for one presentation. I asked her how many and she replied about 25. Then she added “K through 7” as she headed for the door. It was the way she said it, and turned away with a smile. I knew it was more “K” than “7”. I could not believe it…

The workshop was designed for 5th graders on up and I’ve never taught a class in my life. On top of that, at the last minute I’m thinking my students would rather be watching a puppet show. My heart began to race and body temperature was quickly rising…. breathe, breath I had to remind myself.

My session plan had an uncertain outcome to start with and now it was just about worthless. I mean I prepared to communicate with 5th graders and the further we get from 5th graders the less prepared I was. I’ve seen Jeff Foxworthy’s show “Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader” so I know what I’m talking about when I say “barely”.

So what if the average student would have 50 less IQ points than I was planning for. So what if I didn’t have any crayons or puppets. The puppet less show must go on because everyone has an identity and they must all be protected!.… Sorry about that. Besides what a great way to evaluate the minimum age requirement for the YIPP Certification Workshop right? In what seemed like seconds, the time for worrying and planning had quickly ticked away and they were here.

One after another, the kids scrambled to multiple chairs, banging, tipping, and yelling for friends, until regrouping like a flock of landing geese take to a pond. I knew I had to appear in control, I was pre-warned that kids could sense fear and have the ability to manipulate.

As the kids swarmed in I asked as many students I could what grades they were in. Capturing and processing important data on the fly. I didn’t know it at the time how important this captured data would become. Things were happening fast and I was trying to keep my cool. What I was about experience though, I could never have expected. Except for the zombies, I knew there was a possibility a few might show up.

You see as it turns out I totally over prepared because I completely underestimated how bright kids really are. My only excuse is having none of my own, meant I was at a serious disadvantage from the get go. I admit going in to the workshop I couldn’t help but think there was more than a slight possibility this whole thing could blow up in my face. Once I found I was getting kindergartners, those concerns were enhanced. I actually thought for a split second it could turn into a bugger fight between younger kids, and the older kids wouldn’t be able to concentrate. Didn’t matter it was game time and I was about to find some answers.

Right away, their tribes were formed by the different grades and I was getting a couple of serious vibes. One vibe was telling me the tribes making up the 4th grade and under were glad to be anywhere with the tribes from the 5th and 7th grades. And the tribes from the 5th and 7th grades, resented being anywhere with the lesser tribes. The good news was I was no longer intimidated by the younger tribes, we were forming a trust. On the other hand a wedge was beginning to form between everyone and the stronger, more organized, and unhappy tribes, the four big kids from the 5th and 7th grades.

I was not surprised it happened so fast. Five minutes into Phase one, the lesson portion of the YIPP Certification Workshop the four big kids showed they were rebels and not afraid. They were beyond detecting fear; they had evolved to inflict it. Like it was instinct the big four let me know they didn’t want to be here. As in a bad B zombie movie, I saw their eyes roll into the back of their heads as they kinked their necks back, one after the other. The big four students had turned into zombies and I got the message.

The good news was the younger kids were listening to every word and that’s where my focus shifted. I may have temporarily lost the big four to the zombies but they weren’t going anywhere, they were my zombies for the next 20-25 minutes. Unfortunately for the zombies, they were about to experience an improvised and simplified version of the original lesson for the younger students. Was it my way of getting back at them for disrespecting me and for making me sweat? Sure, maybe, but otherwise the workshop was heading for a possible nose dive and something need to be done to save it.

Things were going great for pretty much the rest of Phase One, the lesson portion of the workshop. Only a few interruptions including four kids from a different school that had to leave early. A couple of hands went up and a couple of questions were fielded. The first was from a little girl, maybe a 1st grader, wanting to know what company this was. I told her it wasn’t a company it was a program for learning. The second question came from a 4th grader; I noted when he walked in. He wanted to know if it was almost over. Almost, I responded. All things considered I was feeling like things were going pretty good.

Then just as Phase One was ending it happened. It had to. With hardly a breath and his mouth open like a PEZ dispenser, the leader of the zombies exhausted his profound and public statement in what sounded to be his last and dying breath, “This is stupid”. I pretended not to hear it, I wasn’t sure if it was true or not. What if he’s right I thought and this is in fact stupid? Then I found comfort as I looked him straight at the back of his eyeballs and realized he had been listening the whole time, undoubtedly the zombies were learning.

By the end of the lesson I was ready to declare Phase One of the workshop a success. For some reason the younger students were still paying attention and waiting in anticipation for more. Why, I thought. I have no puppets, there would be no singing and I had no treats.

Coming off a stellar performance by the younger students in Phase One, I was feeling confident, Phase Two was easy. Besides, the big four had returned from zombie land and were now sitting upright. But Phase Two would be worthless if the younger students have never been on a computer. I didn’t think of that. The whole thing could blow up.

Into the fire I jumped by asking, “Class raise your hand if you have been on a computer and the internet?” All but one little boy that looked like he was maybe four years old raised his hand. The class was enthusiastic and eager for more and I could have fainted. Things couldn’t have been looking better going in to Phase Two, the Identity Protection portion of the workshop.

Phase Two is undoubtedly the most important part of the YIPP Certification Workshop. If kids could learn this and teach it to their parents, then law enforcement would be given the upper hand in fighting identity theft.

We began Phase Two and the simple five step demonstration. Using just the image of a computer we quickly moved through the steps necessary for placing a Free 90 Day Fraud Alert on an Equifax credit file. Not one single student had a problem with any of the five steps. When we were finished the students all agreed they could do this and would teach this exercise to their parents. After months of wondering if kids could perform identity protection for themselves, we finally had our validation that they in fact could.

With Phase’s One and Two behind us we moved into the third and final phase, the test portion of the YIPP Certification Workshop. In case you’re still skeptical, then pay close attention because what happened in Phase Three means complete validation of the entire YIPP Certification Workshop. I decided the class would take the five question test together instead of individually. This, in case it was too difficult for the younger students.

I read the first question and asked for by a show of hands if anyone knew the answer. Everyone from the zombies to the 4 year old raised their hands. I called on a zombie from the 5th grade and he got it.

For the answer to question two, I called on the 4th grader that asked if it was almost over yet back in Phase One. He leaned forward anxiously waiving his hand with anticipation that he had the answer. He was correct.

The third question went to a girl in about 2nd or 3rd grade and she nailed it.

The forth question another girl, this time maybe 1st or 2nd grade. She got it.

I was ready to fall over; I could hardly wait for the fifth and final question. And just like every question before, every hand was in the air. Anticipations were high, who would be the lucky one that would give the final answer. As I scanned the audience I searched for my final test subject. Should I choose a boy or another girl? Should I go for 100% and give it to a zombie? Then I saw him, the next test subject for the YIPP Certification Workshop.

Could the four year old that had never been on a computer, the one with both hands reaching enthusiastically for the stars, have the final answer and thus be included in the Certificate of Achievement Ceremony? Are there no limits I quickly pondered? As it turns out, yes there are limits to the YIPP Certification workshop. I asked him gently, “Do you have the answer?” “No” he replied as he slid down into the seat while lowering his arms.

I needed to close out Phase Three with a correct answer from the next student but I needed a little more than just the right answer. I was looking for the ground floor to the age requirement of the YIPP Certification Workshop. There she was, a little girl in the front row center seat. I remembered her; she was the first to find her chair. She was very little, maybe kindergarten, 1st grade max. She looked pretty smart and was never distracted during the presentation. I chose her to be the one and she didn’t let me down.

This very young child closed out the test for the rest of the class and all were joyous in their new found glory. For they were all YIPP Certified this hot summer day in September and law enforcement found its newest hope in the fight against identity theft.

At the end it was an empty room. We were packed up and ready to walk out the door when I looked back one last time, thinking about how different things turned out than expected. The last of the crime fighters had long since walked out the door to spread the message of identity protection, or so I hoped. Their folders tucked away in their back packs and certificates of achievements clutched in their fist. But what happened after the students left and how far the message went we may never know.

We may never know for sure what happened when those 23 students walked out the door that September afternoon, or if the workshop would someday positively affect their lives. But we do know a seed for knowledge was deeply planted in 23 minds and this was law enforcements greatest day in their fight against identity theft.

What we don’t know:

What did parents think when their child came home that day and showed off the Certificate of Achievement they received from the 2010 Nation Youth Identity Protection Program?

Did their big red folders make it home, and to the parents?

Did parents listen when their child said with “I know my identity and how to protect it”?

Did commercials for identity protection play over in the minds of parent’s while their child was speaking?

Did parents encourage their child to share with them or make excuses not to listen?

Did they read the six handouts from the Federal Trade Commission and 10 handouts from the YIPP Certification Workshop inside the big red folder?

Did the parents decide to follow the Federal Trade Commission’s 5 Steps necessary for Identity Protection, and realize they just learned something from their child that needs to be part of their family’s protection?

If you would like to know more about The YIPP Certification Workshops and how to bring one to your community than please contact us. Email admin@idsafeusa.com with your questions and contact information.

2010-09-16T16:39:00.000-07:00

Federal Trade Commission Protecting America's Consumers

For Release: 09/16/2010

FTC Testifies Before House Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust in the Digital Age and Applies Enduring Competition Principles to Today’s Dynamic Markets

In testimony before a U.S. House of Representatives subcommittee, the Federal Trade Commission explained how it protects consumers by applying well-established principles of competition to fast-changing technology markets.

“Some have argued that there should be different rules for markets characterized by rapid technological development, but Congress drafted the antitrust laws in general terms to accommodate changing markets and new products, and the laws are flexible enough to meet the challenges of the high-tech era,” said Bureau of Competition Director Richard Feinstein, testifying on behalf of the FTC before the House Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Courts and Competition Policy.

The testimony discusses two recent FTC matters to illustrate the agency’s flexibility in investigating and bringing enforcement actions in high-tech markets. Last year, the FTC charged Intel Corporation with using unfair methods of competition dating back to 1999 to stifle competition. The agency recently reached a settlement with the company that will help restore lost competition and prevent Intel from suppressing competition in the future, while allowing the company to compete aggressively.

Also last year, the FTC investigated Google’s proposed acquisition of mobile advertising firm AdMob and ultimately decided not to oppose the transaction. The Commission initially had concerns that the loss of head-to-head competition between the two leading mobile advertising networks would harm competition. However, Apple’s acquisition of the third-largest mobile ad network, Quattro, and the introduction of its own mobile advertising network, iAd, indicated that Apple would quickly become a strong player in the mobile advertising market.

The investigation provided an example of how the agency addresses rapidly changing technology markets, in which there is sometimes a short track record of past competition and great uncertainty about the future path of the market.

Going forward, the testimony states, the FTC’s merger reviews will continue to focus on market facts to predict how competition is likely to take place in the future. While that may be slightly more challenging in markets that are experiencing rapid change, “the Commission relies on time-tested tools . . . to protect consumers from anticompetitive mergers, and promote competitive markets where innovation and change can occur.”

The FTC vote approving the testimony and its inclusion in the formal record was 4-0, with Commissioner William E. Kovacic abstaining. The testimony can be found on the FTC’s website at http://www.ftc.gov/os/testimony/100916digitalagetestimony.pdf.

Copies of the Commission’s testimony are available from the FTC’s website at http://www.ftc.gov. The FTC’s Bureau of Competition works with the Bureau of Economics to investigate alleged anticompetitive business practices and, when appropriate, recommends that the Commission take law enforcement action. To inform the Bureau about particular business practices, call 202-326-3300, send an e-mail to antitrust@ftc.gov, or write to the Office of Policy and Coordination, Room 394, Bureau of Competition, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Ave, N.W., Washington, DC 20580. To learn more about the Bureau of Competition, read “Competition Counts” at http://www.ftc.gov/competitioncounts.

Prepared Statement of the Federal Trade Commission On Antitrust in the Digital Age: How Enduring Competition Principles Enforced by the Federal Trade Commission Apply To Today's Dynamic Marketplace, Presented by Richard Feinstein, Director, Bureau of Competition, Before the Subcommittee on Courts and Competition Policy of the Committee on the Judiciary, United States House of Representatives (September 16, 2010).

MEDIA CONTACT:
Mitchell J. Katz
Office of Public Affairs
202-326-2161

idSafeUSA.com™ Is Free To Join

2010-09-08T19:40:00.000-07:00

Beginning September 1st, 2010, for a limited time, idSafeUSA.com™ is waiving the registration fee, a savings of $20, when you join. You only pay the Annual Fee of $9.95 for a year of unlimited access to everything your family needs for identity protection. That’s less than 3 cents a day for your entire family.

For those wanting to protect their family from identity theft, the way law enforcement recommends, idSafeUSA.com™ is what you are looking for. Don’t fall for bogus claims or outrageous promises; get the identity protection recommended by law enforcement. Every authority on identity theft agrees on two important things, and you should know to; the Free 90 Day Fraud Alert is all your family will ever need for identity protection, and everything else is just hype.

Like most do-it-yourself projects, the better the tools, the better the results, and that’s the idea behind idSAfeUSA.com™; America’s Original Do-It-Yourself Identity Protection Tool. With the greatest of ease, you can protect your entire family with idSafeUSA.com™. Don’t take our word for it, experience for yourself why idSafeUSA.com™ pays for itself the very first time you use it. If you don’t agree you get your money back.

Your time is valuable, and idSafeUSA.com™ saves you 90% of the time required to get the job done on your own. By law, the Free 90 Day Fraud Alert and Free Credit Report Process is a do-it-yourself process, and nobody helps you get that job done like idSafeUSA.com™. We bring it all together in a simple dashboard, where you make (3) quick selections. Click, click, click, fill out the form, and that’s it, you’re done. 3-4 minutes is all it takes to file each Free 90 Day Fraud Alert and to order each Free Credit Report with idSafeUSa.com™. To get the most identity protection possible, you must file (4) Free 90 Day Fraud Alerts with each Credit Bureau, and order (4) Free Credit Reports, (4) times per year for a total of (16) Free Fraud Alerts and (16) Free Credit Reports for each family member. This identity protection process is made simple with idSafeUSA.com™, your next household tool.

Continuous identity protection is made easy and reliable with idSafeUSA.com™, because you receive everything you need to stay on top, and in control of, your family’s identity protection. For example: Take (1) hour today to follow the recommendations of idSafeUSA.com™ for identity protection, and you’re good for (90) Days. (14) days before your protection expires, you will receive the idSafeUSA.com™ “Early Reminder” in your email, then on day 90 (your expiration date) you will receive the “Day 90 Reminder” in your email, which reminds you, if you haven’t already, to refile your Free 90 Day Fraud Alerts to avoid gaps in coverage. Click, click, click, and you’re on your way again, and in time for continuous coverage. The same process, (4) times a year, is all it takes, and don’t forget to order your Free Credit Reports at the same time, using the same idSafeUSA.com™ tool. If something changes that you should know about, we’re on top of that too, and that means smooth sailing for every member of idSafeUSA.com™.

If you’re cautious about whom you do business with, then please consider these (2) important points:

1. idSafeUSA.com™ is more than an effective tool and management system for your identity protection. It’s also 100% safe to do business with. Your idSafeUSA.com™ membership only requires your email information, and nothing more. You could say we’re protecting your identity from the very beginning.

2. While the competition falls short of asking for your first born, they do require power of attorney for each member of your family, just to start. Then they require all of your personal information, including access to your bank account to withdraw their monthly fees.

If you’re already a victim, then don’t hesitate and join today. Victims Assistance is included with your membership in idSafeUSA.com™, and it’s the best in America. Everything you need in (1) place, including the Federal Trade Commission’s Victims Affidavit, the most powerful tool in victim assistance. Stop the abuse of your identity and begin healing today.

Don’t forget, beginning September 1st, 2010, for a limited time, idSafeUSA.com™ is waiving the registration fee, a savings of $20, when you join. You only pay the Annual Fee of $9.95 for a year of unlimited access to everything your family needs for identity protection. That’s less than 3 cents a day for your entire family. Don’t hesitate, join now, and start protecting your family today.

Identity Protection For Kids

2010-08-04T10:27:00.000-07:00

Most Americans are unaware that a child’s identity is the preferred target for identity thieves. Sounds crazy to most people but, because most children get their Social Security Number soon after they are born, identity thieves can abuse the child’s identity for years before being detected.

The crime of identity theft of American children can literally go undetected for 15 years or more and only to be discovered when the child applies for their first job or when the young adult applies for a student loan or their first credit card. Literally the child will be a victim of identity theft for their entire life since their stolen identity can never be recovered and their identity has been abused for so long.

For those that have never experienced identity theft you should be aware the crime never goes away. Victims of identity theft find themselves explaining their situation and providing proof every time they apply for a job or open new credit accounts. This also applies to medical services, insurance, utilities, renting apartments and more.

Parents need to protect their child’s identity the same way they protect their own by placing Fraud Alerts on their credit files and monitoring their free credit reports. Failure to do so could mean a lifetime of problems for every family member that becomes a victim of identity theft.

The Fraud Alert is a Do-It-Yourself process has to be performed by the individual or a member of their family and can not be performed by companies for hire. The Fraud Alert process for most is frustrating and unreliable to say the least and why some many American’s are discovering idSafeUSA.com when looking for help to manage it. In fact the Do-It-Yourself process is so easy with idSafeUSA.com a child can be taught to place a Fraud Alert on their own credit file in just a few minutes. The Fraud Alert is the most important tool for identity protection and every American family needs to make them part of their everyday lives.

idSafeUSA.com also keeps its members informed of what and when to perform their identity protection and provides much, much more like Free Credit Reports, Victims Assistance and opting out of junk mail. Membership in idSafeUSa.com is 100% Safe since registration requires just your email address and nothing else. The cost of membership in idSafeUSA.com is only $9.95 annually and covers the entire family. If you’re still not sure about joining idSafeUSA.com than try it FREE with out obligation for 90 days by using promo code idSafeUSA.com.

Don’t hesitate to protect your family when it’s FREE for 90 days and always easy and 100% secure with idSafeUSA.com.

Illegal Immigration Causes Identity Theft

2010-08-04T10:24:00.000-07:00

Illegal Immigration is making headline news through out America and finally some good news is coming from it. Regardless of our own personal opinions on the subject there are some interesting and indisputable facts surfacing from these stories that are grabbing America’s attention. The most important of these may be how illegal immigration is directly related to identity theft and for millions of American’s it’s already too late.

While it’s true that many illegal immigrants work for cash under the table there is a much greater problem that exist for millions of hard working Americans. There could be literally millions of illegal immigrants employed by companies in America that have them on their payroll, which couldn’t be possible without a stolen identity. Just how many we may never know but it might be safe to say that for every illegal immigrant there is an American victim of identity theft that now faces a lifetime of problems.

One might suggest corporate greed is responsible for a large portion of the identity theft related to illegal immigration, especially those companies that don’t use E-Verify. Regardless of how a company hires its employees it must have its own safeguards in place as a responsible business practice to prevent the creation of more American victims of identity theft or be held responsible. A company’s hiring practice should not rely entirely on E-Verify and should put more effort into finding legal employees from reliable sources.

idSafeUSA.com is a proactive identity protection solution for every American and company’s across America are beginning to discover its value as an addition to employee benefits. Companies can expect that a certain percentage of its employees will miss a day or two of work for a number of reasons like being sick or having jury duty but often overlook the amount of time it takes their employees to recover from identity theft and the loss of productivity passed onto the company’s bottom line. Today companies can offer to their employees a new benefit that virtually eliminates identity theft and at the same time the company’s risk of a data breach.

If your company is interested in knowing more about the cost of partnering with idSafeUSA.com as a new employee benefit then please don’t hesitate to contact us through our website. One of our identity theft experts will immediately get back to you.

Protect yourself for a fraction of the cost and no additional identity theft risk

2010-06-19T08:34:00.000-07:00

With IDSAFEUSA.com your personal information is never shared with a third party. All other identity protection companies collect your data and store that data creating an additional layer of risk for identity theft. IDSAFEUSA.COM assists you in controlling you and your families identity theft risk without adding another layer of risk created by other companies who charge 10, 20 even 30 times the price of IDSAFEUSA.com.

Read this investigation article about Lifelock and consider the additional risk associated with paying them $10 to $15 per month per person. Compare that to managing your own protection with assistance from IDSAFEUSA.com for $9.95 per year after the initial membership fee of $29.95. With IDSAFEUSA.com you can manage your entire family for one fee. Imagine the savings as well as the fact you are more secure. To say nothing of recent court cases which allow you methods of protecting yourself that are not available to third parties such as Lifelock.

Remember you get 90 days free to try it first.

Read this investigative article on Lifelock: Lifelock investigation by Phoenix New Times

Take control of your identity protection with IDSAFEUSA take advantage of our free 90 day trial.
Join Now at IDSAFEUSA

Used Copiers have digital memory of everything ever copied, scanned or mailed

2010-06-10T13:51:00.000-07:00

No matter what you do to protect your identity, someone else will likely compromise your information whether through carelessness or unknown technology risks. Watch this video from CBS regarding the risk from used copiers that are traded around the world.

Take control of your identity protection with IDSAFEUSA take advantage of our free 90 day trial.
Join Now at IDSAFEUSA

Phoenix New Times Exposing Life Lock

2010-06-05T12:06:00.000-07:00

“LifeLock Killer has been used to describe idSafeUSA.com and it’s a Title I don’t think it deserves. The fight is still on and when it’s all over that title will belong to The Phoenix New Times Journalist Ray Stern.” – Chad Gammage, President idSafeUSA.com

Are you keeping up with Ray Stern of the Phoenix New Times and their exposure of LifeLock’s questionable business dealing’s and the integrity of the people running it? No? Well he’s already been hammering the- you know what, out of LifeLock with his own journalistic style for years. Now it looks like he’s ready to finish the fight once and for all.

“When it (LL) gives me a reason to.…” Ray Stern said recently in his Blog to a Pro LifeLocker wanting to know if he would continue reporting on LL.

For the employees, marketing partners, and misinformed customers standing up for LL you might want to know some things about the people you are representing. A good place to consider starting is with Ray Stern’s Phoenix New Times article on May 31^st, 2007 “What happened in Vegas… If you can get past this article and the comments by Ray Stern’s astute followers and can still believe in LifeLock than…well I guess you deserve each other.

For those of you that want to know more about LifeLock and the people that run it. For those of you concerned about giving LifeLock all of your personal and banking information, and limited power of attorney to Todd Davis. For those of you that want to know more about the independent contractor’s working for LifeLock from their homes, , with out background checks and carelessly given unlimited access to everyone’s complete identity. No, I’m not kidding and why you should consider starting with Ray Stern’s Phoenix New Times article on May 31^st, 2007 “What happened in Vegas…

If Ray Stern’s article and the 49 comments that follow get your attention than consider reading up to this months articles by Ray Stern at The Phoenix New Times. This could be the beginning to the end of LL and Todd Davis’s battered reputation. Simply, the Phoenix New Times and Ray Stern’s ongoing stories on LL and Todd Davis are mind boggling.

http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/search/index/collection:articles/keywords:lifelock

Coming soon….

“Has LifeLock and Todd Davis Confessed to Hacking Into Private Data Bases and What Will Your States Attorney General Do About It?”

“Is LifeLock’s NEXT GENERATION Identity Theft Protection the same GREEN Jello?

idSafeUSA.com is FREE for 90-days

2010-06-03T12:48:00.001-07:00

The team of experts at idSafeUSA.com is very pleased to announce its brand new national promotion.

Every American can sign up with just an email address and get idSafeUSA.com FREE for 90-days and with absolutely no obligation to buy. American’s can see for themselves what makes idSafeUSA.com America’s best identity Protection Company. There is nothing to lose for trying it.

Were putting our money where our mouth is and willing to take on all challengers for the title of America’s Leader in Identity Protection. idSafeUSA.com is the only player in the game as far as I’m concerned. I’m biased for sure but the fact is, were the only company out there that can prove its effectiveness in fighting identity theft. Bar none. - Chad Gammage, President idSafeUSA.com

When it comes to identity protection only idSafeUSA.com can render personal identity’s useless to most thieves.

When companies partner with idSafeUSA.com for their members and employees identity protection thieves look elsewhere and target other companies for their bounties’s.

Try idSafeUSA.com FREE for 90-days right now and experience America’s new leader in Identity Protection.

Don’t hesitate this offer is for a limited time only! click here to sign up now!!!! RISK FREE

Valley restaurant dumps years worth of sensitive information in dumpster

2010-05-19T07:27:00.000-07:00

by Meredith Yeomans

azfamily.com

Posted on May 18, 2010 at 10:15 PM

“Last name Taylor, first name Gary, social security number 569…“

Tom Rezler is a business owner in this Tempe shopping center and can't believe what he recently found in nearby garbage dumpsters.

Thousands of pages of sensitive information apparently disposed of by a neighboring business called The Vine Tavern and Eatery.

“As a patron of the Vine and having used my credit card hundreds of times in there, I'm a little upset that my information is now privy to anyone that can find this stuff,” Rezler said.

The documents included people's names, social security numbers and dates of birth from restaurant applications.

There were checks with banking information and also credit card receipts from Vine customers, receipts that revealed a person's entire credit card number.

Tom called Tempe police, but says he was told it's not illegal to dump such sensitive information.

“And so I said well, I'm going to call 3 On Your Side,” he said.

“I think it's horrendous. It puts the general public at the mercy of ID criminals out there,” Deputy County Attorney Maryann McKessy said.

3 On Your Side took one box of the documents and showed it to the Fraud and Identity Theft Bureau at the Maricopa County Attorney's Office.

McKessy says such information would be a goldmine for identity thieves.

“They have patterns that they follow, they know companies that employ these kinds of practices and they make it their purpose to on a weekly basis to check those dumpsters. They know where to find that information and they know who abuses this,” she said.

McKessy says businesses should shred employee and customer information, but many don't.

“So I think they would rather turn a blind eye, dump it, hope it doesn't get discovered and go about their business as usual,” she said.

3 On Your Side tried contacting The Vine several times, but no one ever returned our phone calls.

However, when a company called EZ Shredding Solutions heard about the dumpsters full of information, it immediately came out and shredded everything absolutely free.

Paper by paper, document by document, EZ Shredding Solutions destroyed all the personal documents in these dumpsters.

That's a small piece of mind for Tom Rezler, who still worries his credit card information may already out there.

“It's shocking that this is not a crime,” he said.

Meantime, after an hour of shredding, 3 On Your Side has destroyed the sensitive information in the box we kept.