Identity Theft Handbook

Not a week goes by when identity theft isn t mentioned in the media or that a Congressional outcry isn t heard about this unrelenting crime. The first authoritative book on identity theft, Identity Theft Handbook is written by a career professional who has spent over 25 years investigating and preventing identity theft in both the public and private sectors. Its rich real-world content includes interviews with government and private sector thought leaders. As well, the costs of identity theft, future trends, and prevention guidance is discussed. For investigators, auditors, and managers.

What is America’s top-rank crime concern? Identity theft. According to a 2009 Gallup Crime survey, 66 percent of U.S. adults say they worry “frequently” or “occasionally” about being a victim of identity theft. Why is the percentage of adults concerned with identity theft more than three times greater than the percentage concerned with “being sexually assaulted” or “getting murdered”? Similar to the identity theft crime itself, there is not a simple answer. Identity theft is a perfect storm: it affects many people, everyone is a potential target, there are substantial negative consequences, few truly understand the crime, and trusted sources disseminate information and products that can mislead, not help, the victim. It is comparable to driving your car without a door (and having no other options). You feel exposed, vulnerable and you know the consequences of a side impact are devastating; yet, you have no other option. The reality is you do have options to protect yourself, andThe Official Identity Theft Prevention Handbookis here to teach you them. The Official Identity Theft Prevention Handbookis the first book to analyze identity theft in its proper context and provide takeaways to minimize the likelihood that you will be harmed by identity theft and to mitigate the negative consequences in the event that you've become a victim. Identity theft continues to proliferate, and it is tearing the fabric of our society. All understand it is important, but compelling people to take appropriate action is a challenge.The Official Identity Theft Prevention Handbookprovides a tremendous first step towards individual and societal responsibility. We can swing the pendulum in the other direction. In the case of identity theft, the best defense is a good offense.

A comprehensive examination of different forms of identity theft and its economic impact, including profiles of perpetrators and victims and coverage of current trends, security implications, prevention efforts, and legislative actions. What are the common forms of identity theft? Who are the most likely targets? What is law enforcement doing to counter a crime perpetrated not only by petty thieves and sophisticated con artists, but by terrorists, money-launderers, and those involved in human trafficking, drug trafficking, and illegal immigration? Identity Theft: A Reference Handbook examines these questions and more. With the 1998 Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act as its starting point, this informative volume begins by explaining the federal, state, and global definitions of identity theft and how the lack of a standardized approach masks the true pervasiveness of the problem. In addition to addressing the crime's perpetrators, methods, and victims, the book also looks at what individuals, businesses, and the government are doing—and should consider doing—to curb the growth of this crime.

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It could happen when you make a routine withdrawal from an ATM, respond to an e-mail asking for information about an online account, or leave a new box of checks unattended in your mailbox. Identity theft is one of the easiest crimes to commit in America—and one of the hardest to prosecute. As thieves become increasingly clever, Americans have more reasons than ever to fear this elusive, ubiquitous crime. Now there’s a book to help you beat it. In two easy-to-understand sections, Terri Cullen, The Wall Street Journal’s expert on identity theft, first walks you through the most common types of identity theft and how to arm yourself against them, and then leads victims step-by-step through the process of reclaiming a stolen identity. The average victim loses more than $6,000 and spends approximately 600 hours negotiating the complex bureaucracies and paperwork—this book will help save time and effort by laying out the process. And by following the advice in the first half, you may never need the second! You’ll learn: • how to avoid the most common scams, from “phishing” to “dumpster diving” • why children under eighteen are the fastest-growing target, and how you can protect your family • why your credit report is the single most important document for protecting your identity • how to use the sample letters, forms, and other useful tools inside for recovering from identity theft In today’s marketplace, your two most valuable assets are your credit and your identity. No one should be without this vital guide to protecting them.

Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in North America-it is an epidemic. They can steal your identity, your money, and your valuable assets. This book describes all of the common schemes, techniques, and technology used by criminals to commit identity theft and fraud.

A clear path out of the nightmare Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States and in many cases the victim has no knowledge of the theft until the situation is dire. Author Mari J. Frank, an attorney and advocate for victims of identity theft, takes the reader through every step necessary to reclaim their identity and wipe the records of theft off of all reports. • Covers every kind of fraud including bank, credit card, loans, insurance, medical, government, tax, professional license, business, employer, and online • A step–by–step process to reclaiming identity and wiping the records of theft off all reports