IRS Needs to Improve ID Theft Protection

IRS urged to improve protection against identity theft
Alexandria, VA -

Identity theft protection at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) should be improved, according to a report from the Office of the National Taxpayer Advocate.
The Office was created 10 years ago through the IRS Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998 and is designed to protect the rights of taxpayers.
The report said tax-related identity theft is one of the most serious problems facing taxpayers. It noted that the IRS does not have adequate procedures in place to assist victims of identity theft and does not have adequate systems in place to quantify the number of tax-related incidents of identity theft that occur.

...The report made eight recommendations, including the creation of a centralized unit to handle identity theft cases and the development of a centralized set of procedures that cuts across IRS functions.
The IRS has already taken a number of steps to improve its procedures, including developing an IRS-wide identity theft indicator, and is studying the creation of a centralized unit to assist identity theft victims...(Full text at www.sulphurdailynews.com)

To learn more about Identity Theft and what to do if you are a victim, visit www.StopIdTheftCrime.com and subscribe to the newsletter to obtain your free 46 page eBook "Fighting Back Against Identity Theft".

Remember, estimates are that every 2-4 seconds an Identity is compromised. Why take chances? Why not protect yourself and your loved ones with the best suite of services provided (including restoration) by the best NYSE company in the field? Educate yourself and visit the shameless plug below or call me at (909) 208-3728!

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Palm Reading and Identity Theft

When I was growing up, I remember going to the fair and circus and seeing the Palm Reader booth. That was the person who would predict your future from "reading" your palm. Once, I remember being told that I had a long lifeline after someone looked at my palm. Don't know if it's true but I hope so.

Now Palm Reading is becoming a preventative measure to medical identity theft and possibly other types of Id theft in the near future and it's all due to biometrics.

Palm-vein biometrics help accurately ID patients
Joel Hagberg, vp, marketing and business development, Fujitsu Technology Products

All too often, people are victims of identity theft. Less common, but perhaps more dangerous, is the growing trend of medical identity fraud. According to an FTC report, three percent of all identity theft victims in 2005 were victims of medical identity theft — which means of the 8.3 million ID theft victims that year, approximately 250,000 people were victimized by medical identity theft. Victims do not normally realize that they have been victimized — unless they get a hospital bill for a procedure they never received.

What is even more troubling, however, is that doctors might make incorrect diagnoses based on data from the identity thief's medical history. It may take years for a victim to clear his or her medical record of incorrect data, and HIPAA, which is designed to protect patient privacy, can work against victims if their files contain someone else's medical information.

...Clearly, patient identification relates directly to patient safety, which is a number-one priority for hospitals. In recent years, biometric technologies have emerged as solutions to not only protect medical records from being tampered with, but also to accurately identify patients...

..In recent years, palm-vein pattern recognition technology, also referred to as “vascular recognition,” has been refined to meet these concerns. The underlying technology of palm-vein biometrics works by extracting the characteristics of veins in the form of an image. The image is captured by a high performance sensor that maps the deoxygenated hemoglobin running through someone's veins...

...This technology is non-intrusive: There is no need to physically touch the sensor. All users must do is to hold their hand above the sensor for less than a second.

The method is also highly accurate. The International Biometrics Group (IBG), which evaluates all types of biometrics products through comparative testing, found that palm-vein technology was on par with iris scan biometrics in accuracy ratings...(Full Text at SCMagazine.com)

So all that stuff we watched in the old James Bond movies and Star Trek is finally coming to fruition.

To learn more about Identity Theft and what to do if you are a victim, visit www.StopIdTheftCrime.com and subscribe to the newsletter to obtain your free 46 page eBook "Fighting Back Against Identity Theft".

Remember, estimates are that every 2-4 seconds an Identity is compromised. Why take chances? Why not protect yourself and your loved ones with the best suite of services provided (including restoration) by the best NYSE company in the field? Educate yourself and visit the shameless plug below or call me at (909) 208-3728!

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Rapper DMX Charged with Medical Identity Theft

I guess Rappers aren't making enough money or aren't saving enough of it (possibly due to drug purchases) to pay for their medical care as the following article describes.

Rapper DMX Charged With Medical Identity Theft
Written by Ed Dickson

Earl Simmons a.k.a. DMX — a rap artist who seems to run afoul of the law frequently was arrested in a Phoenix mall on Saturday for identity theft.

Apparently, DMX used the name Troy Jones when seeking medical care for pneumonia, according to KNXV-TV in Phoenix. He also used a social security number that didn't belong to him. Allegedly, DMX did this to get out of paying a $7500 bill.

...

The type of identity theft DMX allegedly committed is known as medical identity theft. Medical identity theft is a growing phenomenon that causes great harm to it's victims, according to the World Privacy Forum, who performed the first in-depth study of the problem.

Despite the risk it carries, it's probably one of the least studied forms of identity theft. When someone becomes a victim of medical identity theft they not only face having to fix all their financial records, they also face having a lot of erroneous information placed in their medical records.

Medical identity theft victims might receive the wrong treatment, have their insurance used up, and could even be classified as a bad risk when seeking life and medical coverage. They could also fail a medical exam for employment when diseases show up in their medical records that they never had...

If you are interested in learning more about this, or have been a victim of Medical Identity Theft, I recommend reading the Medical Identity Theft Information Page on the World Privacy Forum.

The World Privacy Forum plans to issue a second study on this problem later on this year. (Full text at www.blogcritics.org)

To learn more about Identity Theft and what to do if you are a victim, visit www.StopIdTheftCrime.com and subscribe to the newsletter to obtain your free 46 page eBook "Fighting Back Against Identity Theft".

Remember, estimates are that every 2-4 seconds an Identity is compromised. Why take chances? Why not protect yourself and your loved ones with the best suite of services provided (including restoration) by the best NYSE company in the field? Educate yourself and visit the shameless plug below or call me at (909) 208-3728!

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How to Opt-Out from Credit Card Offers

Are you tired of having your mailbox full of credit card offers and other junk mail?

Then you can opt-out of receiving these unwanted pieces of mailbox stuffers. If you receive these credit card offers and just put them in the round file, you are taking a chance that a dumpster diver or trash can raider will get access to them and possibly request a new credit card, in your name, with a change of address. Don't round file them but SHRED THEM!

Consumers can and should elect to “opt-out” of these pre-approved offers and marketing lists sold by the credit bureaus. To “Opt-Out” of these pre-screened and pre-approved offer lists, consumers can visit the “Opt-Out” website established by the credit bureaus, or call the toll free opt-out number.

• Opt-Out Website: www.optoutprescreen.com
  

Consumers can opt-out for a period of five years, or permanently opt-out by mailing in the form that is produced during the online opt-out registration process.

• Opt-Out Toll Free Number 1-888-5-OPTOUT

Within approximately two weeks, the consumer should receive a confirmation letter to complete and return, which confirms that he or she wishes to be permanently removed from these lists. If the consumer does not return this letter, their name will be returned to the lists.

It can generally take 60 to 90 days before the consumer will begin to see a noticeable reduction in the number of credit offers that he or she receives. However, not every prospective credit provider uses the lists offered by the credit bureaus. Consumer information is purchased and resold by thousands of companies,and consumers will still receive some offers.

To learn more about Identity Theft and what to do if you are a victim, visit www.StopIdTheftCrime.com and subscribe to the newsletter to obtain your free 46 page eBook "Fighting Back Against Identity Theft".

Remember, estimates are that every 2-4 seconds an Identity is compromised. Why take chances? Why not protect yourself and your loved ones with the best suite of services provided (including restoration) by the best NYSE company in the field? Educate yourself and visit the shameless plug below or call me at (909) 208-3728!

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Online Games Can Lead To Identity Theft

Online Games Can Lead To Identity Theft
By LARA NAAMAN, JEN PEREIRA and EMILY YACUS

When you update your profile on social networking sites such as Facebook, are you helping thieves to empty your bank account? Or ruin your credit? A Baltimore teen learned the hard way about some of the new ways private information can be used against you online.

Lisa Lockwood knew about her 17-year old son's Facebook page, but what she didn't know about were the games attached to the site he was downloading and playing -- until she got a phone call.

"I received a phone call from a Heritage Subaru Volkswagen about my son's credit card application for a vehicle. I spoke to the gentleman, and I said, 'My son hasn't filled out any credit applications. I don't know what you are talking about. He is underage,'" Lockwood said.

...One of the games Lockwood's son was playing on his Facebook page offered extra points in exchange for filling out an application that asked for a Social Security number. He provided the information, filling out a total of seven loan applications, a decision he now finds embarrassing... (Full text at www.ABC.com)

To learn more about Identity Theft and what to do if you are a victim, visit www.StopIdTheftCrime.com and subscribe to the newsletter to obtain your free 46 page eBook "Fighting Back Against Identity Theft".

Remember, estimates are that every 2-4 seconds an Identity is compromised. Why take chances? Why not protect yourself and your loved ones with the best suite of services provided (including restoration) by the best NYSE company in the field? Educate yourself and visit the shameless plug below or call me at (909) 208-3728!

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FTC Assessing Identity Theft Fallout

If you've been a victim of identity theft and filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission between Jan. 1 and May 30 this year, you may be contacted for a follow-up survey.

The FTC plans to examine victims' experiences as they reported the matter to credit reporting agencies, as is permitted under the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003 (FACT Act).

Among other protections, the FACT Act gives consumers the right to place fraud alerts on their credit files if they are, or suspect they may become, victims of identity theft; block information on their credit reports that resulted from identity theft; and obtain copies of their credit reports free of charge.

The survey results will help guide the FTC's efforts to enforce the law and educate consumers and the credit reporting industry about their rights and duties.

Learn more at IDtheft.gov.

To learn more about Identity Theft and what to do if you are a victim, visit www.StopIdTheftCrime.com and subscribe to the newsletter to obtain your free 46 page eBook "Fighting Back Against Identity Theft".

Remember, estimates are that every 2-4 seconds an Identity is compromised. Why take chances? Why not protect yourself and your loved ones with the best suite of services provided (including restoration) by the best NYSE company in the field? Educate yourself and visit the shameless plug below or call me at (909) 208-3728!

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What is "NICLE"?

Answer: National Identity Crimes Law Enforcement Center or NICLE.

It is being started in the Philadelphia area but I hope will roll out National soon. Law Enforcement will have a computer system to share Id Theft Info.

...Pat Meehan, U.S. Attorney said, "This is really an exciting day because the bottom line is we are introducing something that will help us identify those people who are the real culprits in identity theft... catch them and put them in jail."

Data will be uploaded to the network via computer and agencies will be able to exchange information in real time. They'll now know immediately if a driver's license or credit card number was stolen so they can connect the dots in an investigation more quickly.... (Full Text and news video at www.6abc.com)

To learn more about Identity Theft and what to do if you are a victim, visit www.StopIdTheftCrime.com and subscribe to the newsletter to obtain your free 46 page eBook "Fighting Back Against Identity Theft".

Remember, estimates are that every 2-4 seconds an Identity is compromised. Why take chances? Why not protect yourself and your loved ones with the best suite of services provided (including restoration) by the best NYSE company in the field? Educate yourself and visit the shameless plug below or call me at (909) 208-3728!

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Joe Maddon a Victim of Identity Theft

Tampa Bay is kicking booty but ID Theft can happen to anybody as the story shows.

Joe Maddon a Victim of Identity Theft
by Tom Fornelli

...Maddon spent part of his morning Monday getting a new bank card after becoming a victim of identity theft.

"Somebody was charging gasoline in New York City on my debit card," Maddon said. "With the price of gas these days, I would have preferred they had gone to Tiffany's."... (Full text at aol sports)

To learn more about Identity Theft and what to do if you are a victim, visit www.StopIdTheftCrime.com and subscribe to the newsletter to obtain your free 46 page eBook "Fighting Back Against Identity Theft".

Remember, estimates are that every 2-4 seconds an Identity is compromised. Why take chances? Why not protect yourself and your loved ones with the best suite of services provided (including restoration) by the best NYSE company in the field? Educate yourself and visit the shameless plug below or call me at (909) 208-3728!

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Governor Schwarzenegger gets tough on ID Theft

California Expands Identity Theft Prosecution

California has passed a law that makes it easier to prosecute identity thieves.

State law now allows identity thieves to be tried in the victims' jurisdictions, rather than only in the places the crimes occur.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed Senate Bill 612 into law this week. It allows prosecutors to charge people with identity theft in the jurisdictions where the victims live. Without the bill, prosecutions could only take place where the crime occurred, which is usually in the perpetrators' towns or cities.

Sen. Joe Simitian, a Palo Alto Democrat sponsored the bill.

The new law does not require prosecution where the victim lives. Instead, it allows a judge to choose where to try identity-theft cases. Simitian and Republican Sens. Dave Cogdill and Bob Margett introduced the law after a "Governor's 2005 Summit on Identity Theft Solutions" highlighted the problem in a report.

Schwarzenegger said he's committed to protecting Californians' personal information and privacy.

Click below to listen to what the Governor had to say to Id Thieves after he signed the bill.

To learn more about Identity Theft and what to do if you are a victim, visit www.StopIdTheftCrime.com and subscribe to the newsletter to obtain your free 46 page eBook "Fighting Back Against Identity Theft".

Remember, estimates are that every 2-4 seconds an Identity is compromised. Why take chances? Why not protect yourself and your loved ones with the best suite of services provided (including restoration) by the best NYSE company in the field? Educate yourself and visit the shameless plug below or call me at (909) 208-3728!

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New Missouri Law Helps ID Theft Victims

On 06/30/08, Governor Blunt of Missouri signed a bill into law that allows Missourians who believe their identities have been stolen to request security freezes on their credit reports.

House Bill 1384, sponsored by Rep. Stanley Cox, R-Sedalia, also will make it easier for identity theft victims to report their crimes to a local police agency, even if the crime occurs outside of the local agency’s jurisdiction.

The new law will make it a class C felony for the possession or manufacture of five or more fictitious or forged identification cards.

It is now punishable by up to seven years in prison for the first offense, along with up to $5000 in fines, not including restitution to victims. Continued offenses can result in up to 15 years in prison.

Welcome aboard Missouri in this never ending battle to combat Id Theft Crime.

To learn more about Identity Theft and what to do if you are a victim, visit www.StopIdTheftCrime.com and subscribe to the newsletter to obtain your free 46 page eBook "Fighting Back Against Identity Theft".

Remember, estimates are that every 2-4 seconds an Identity is compromised. Why take chances? Why not protect yourself and your loved ones with the best suite of services provided (including restoration) by the best NYSE company in the field? Educate yourself and visit the shameless plug below or call me at (909) 208-3728!

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Monkey Wards cover up and Kentucky Attorney General has ID Theft problems

Today we have 2 stories involving ID Theft. The first is about a cover up of a data breach by Monkey Wards (that's what I called them as a child) and the second is about an Attorney General who was a victim of ID Theft.

Report: Montgomery Ward fails to alert victims of breach
by Chuck Miller

Mongomery Ward, an old-line merchant now operating as an internet retailer, suffered a breach of some 51,000 customer credit card numbers, and failed to report it to customers, according to reports.

The furniture retailer, which was once a fixture in towns across America, went belly-up in 2001, but came back, lives on as an internet storefront under the name Wards.com, owned by Direct Marketing Services.

Hackers in December extracted the stolen information from an online database that held credit card account information, according to an Associated Press report. Direct Marketing Services notified the major credit card brands of the incident but failed to alert customers.

....Companies that do not notify their affected customers can be sued, though the exact legal measures vary state by state. ..

...This is just the latest in a continuing string of data breaches involving lost consumer information. Why is this criminal activity cropping up more often?....(Full text at SC Magazine)

The following is an interesting read because the Kentucky Attorney General had just created a new Cyber Crimes Unit and his ID Theft is one of their first cases.

State attorney general becomes identity theft victim
By Jack Brammer

FRANKFORT — One of the first cases Attorney General Jack Conway’s new cybercrimes unit will investigate involves Conway himself.

The state’s chief law enforcement official is a victim of America’s fastest growing crime — identity theft.

“It makes you mad. It makes you feel incredibly vulnerable,” said Conway, who said his case is not getting any special attention from his investigators because of his position.

...Conway said he noticed the theft on a Saturday night in late May at his Louisville home when he tried to use his American Express credit card...

...He later discovered that someone had taken his credit card number and charged a few thousand dollars worth of computers,...(Full Text at Kentucky.com)

Just goes to prove that nobody is safe from ID Theft.

To learn more about Identity Theft and what to do if you are a victim, visit www.StopIdTheftCrime.com and subscribe to the newsletter to obtain your free 46 page eBook "Fighting Back Against Identity Theft".

Remember, estimates are that every 2-4 seconds an Identity is compromised. Why take chances? Why not protect yourself and your loved ones with the best suite of services provided (including restoration) by the best NYSE company in the field? Educate yourself and visit the shameless plug below or call me at (909) 208-3728!

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