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Say NO to Identity Theft  Prevent Identity Theft   

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According to a report from the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) consumer protection

bureau, 27.3 million Americans had their identity stolen between April 1998 and the end

of 2003.  The hijacking of personal and financial information used to perpetrate fraud

or theft costs businesses and financial institutions billions in losses each year.  In

addition, the cost to consumers is more than $5 billion each year.


Most identity theft is the result of information stolen from a single improperly handled document containing personal information.  This negligent mishandling of 'waste' documents has resulted in the enactment of laws designed to protect the privacy of businesses and individuals such as:



According to a Texas Legislative Update released in September 2005, identity theft is the fastest growing crime in the country.  Texas ranks second behind California in the total number of identity thefts.  Although the rate of Internet-related identity theft scams is on the rise, 68% of identity theft crimes occur by traditional means such as paper records.


The Texas Legislature has specifically enacted the following law to address this issue:



This Texas law, effective in 2005, stipulates fines of up to $500 for each violation.


The Texas Attorney General has actively investigated and taken legal action against various organizations across the state in an effort to protect consumers from identity thieves, specifically citing the following law:



This Texas law, effective in 2005, stipulates fines from $2,000 to $50,000 for each violation. 


With increased litigation and concern over identity theft, many companies are required to develop and implement strict record management practices.  Corporate and consumer information, such as payroll, personnel, accounting, insurance, and client-related data, is accessible for accidental or intentional viewing if not handled properly.


The need to destroy confidential and sensitive information has created a demand for document shredding companies across America.  Off-site document shredding and recycling are two available services.  Although claiming to be secure, these services provide ample opportunity for unauthorized access to sensitive information. 


On-site document shredding, on the other hand, provides clients with a more secure and

convenient service.  On-site document shredding offers clients peace of mind by

providing an unbroken chain of custody until the material is destroyed.


 


Helpful Resources



Federal Trade Commission Privacy Initiatives Page


Welcome to the Federal Trade Commission's Identity Theft Site


U.S. Department of Justice - Identity Theft and Fraud Site


Attorney General of Texas:  Consumer Protection - About ID Theft


Frisco Chamber of Commerce


Greater Dallas Chamber


 

Recent News Articles



BBB warns against ID theft
TimesRecordNews
By Lee Anderson
Friday, August 8, 2008

Texas Attorney General Helps Protect Texans From Identity Theft
Government Technology

Jul 16, 2008, News Report

Texas AG Settles With Companies Over ID Theft Charges; Cites Another
Insurance Journal
June 24, 2008

Texas man indicted on identity theft charges
ESPN / Associated Press
Updated: June 19, 2008, 6:30 PM ET


Texas AG Settle with El Paso Company on Identity Theft Charges

Insurance Journal
May 9, 2008

Texas AG's office unveils Web site to combat identity theft
01:34 PM CDT on Monday, March 17, 2008
By JANA WALLIS / The Dallas Morning News

Texas attorney general announces identity theft protection lawsuit launch
Adam Young
The Daily Toreador
Issue date: 1/11/08 Section: News

Identity Theft On The Rise
Austin News KXAN.COM
Updated: Dec 11, 2007 12:41 PM CST

Don't let identity theft ruin your holidays

08:10 AM CST on Monday, November 12, 2007
By Pamela Yip / The Dallas Morning News


Feds require financial institutions to create identity theft system
10.31.07, 1:15 PM ET
AFX News Limited
Forbes.com

Documents with personal information found in Boerne trash bin
Web Posted: 08/15/2007 06:56 AM CDT
Bridget Smith
KENS 5 Eyewitness News
 

Texas AG sues Life Time Fitness
Dallas Business Journal - August 1, 2007

Texas AG's trash trawlers bag checks for sixth ID-protection suit
The Southeast Texas Record
5/30/2007 3:00 PM
By Rob Luke

Police Blotter:  Prescription Fraud
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Herald Democrat:  By Vicki Graves and Mary Jane Farmer

Identity Theft and Tax Time Tips
By Identity Theft Resource Center
May 3, 2007 - 12:43:00 PM

Feds Ready Plan to Fight ID Theft
Saturday, April 21, 2007 8:00 PM PDT
Robert McMillan, IDG News Service

Workers' Comp, Identity Theft Bills Pass Texas House
March 23, 2007
Insurance Journal

EWTK: Stolen mail can lead to identity theft
Web Posted: 02/24/2007 01:13 AM CST
Fred Lozano
KENS 5 Eyewitness News


Tax Season Leads to Increased Risk for Identity Theft
February 21, 2007
Government Technology


Police Blotter:  Pottsboro Credit Card Illegal Use & Denison Identity Theft
Friday, December 29, 2006
Herald Democrat:  By Mary Jane Farmer

17 years for ID theft kingpin who recruited addicts and homeless
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Seattle Post Intelligencer:  By Phuong Cat Le 

Grayson County Sheriff's Office News Release for 09/27/2006
Sep 27, 2006 09:30 AM CDT
kten.com

Fair suit alleges ticket scam
11:47 PM CDT on Monday, September 18, 2006
The Dallas Morning News:  By Katie Menzer

Click Forensics adds anti-phishing expert to advisory board
September 13, 2006

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