A practical guide to evaluating and managing identity theft and fraud risks for Canadian businesses, organizations and individuals.

Practical solutions to help you deter, detect, and defend against identity theft In 2008, 9.9 million Americans became victims of identity theft. The cost exceeded $48 billion in 2008; consumers spend some $5 billion out-of-pocket each year to clear up resulting fraud issues. This guide will help keep you from becoming the next victim. Written by a veteran security professional, Identity Theft For Dummies gives you the tools to recognize what information is vulnerable, minimize your risk, stay safe online, and practice damage control if your identity is compromised. If you have a name, a date of birth, and a Social Security number, you're a potential victim; this book helps you recognize your risk and defend against identity thieves Explains what identity theft is, how it happens, and how to recognize if you have become a victim Shows how to protect your personal information, how to be discreet in public places, how to interpret your credit report, and why you should monitor your financial statements Helps you recognize risks you may not have considered, such as what you set at the curb on trash day Provides advice on how to clear your name if you are victimized Identity Theft For Dummies arms you to fight back against this growing threat.

Protect yourself from identity theft! Nearly 17 million Americans were victimized by identity theft in 2012 alone: for 13 straight years, it has been America's #1 consumer crime. No one is immune: children, the elderly and even the dead have been victimized. Identity theft can be high-tech, low-tech, or even no tech, via "dumpster diving." You're vulnerable, and you need to act. Fortunately, you can take practical steps to safeguard your identity right now. In Identity Theft Alert, award-winning author and attorney Steve Weisman shows you exactly what to do, and how to do it. Equally important, he also tells you what to stop doing: the common, inadvertent behaviors that could be setting you up as a victim. Weisman starts with a clear-eyed assessment of the problem, helping you understand just how much risk you face. Next, he helps you understand, anticipate, and prevent all these frightening forms of identity theft: Identity theft via Facebook and other social media Identity theft via your iPhone or Android smartphone Theft of your credit or debit cards, and other access to your finances Crime sprees performed in your name Medical identity theft that could lead to you getting the wrong treatment – and could even kill you The fast-growing scourge of income tax identity theft, including stolen refunds Don't be the next victim: read this book, follow its step-by-step advice, and protect yourself!

This book defines identity theft, studies how it is perpetrated, outlines what is being done to combat it, and recommends specific ways to address it in a global manner.

Contents: (1) Definitions of Identity Theft (IT): IT vs. Fraud; (2) Legis. History: IT Assumption Deterrence Act; IT Penalty Enhancement Act; IT Enforce. and Restitution Act; (3) IT Task Force: Recommend.; Legis. Recommend.; (4) Red Flags Rule; (5) Trends in IT: Perpetrators; Invest. and Prosecutions: FBI; Secret Service; Postal Inspect. Service; Social Security Admin.; Immigration and Customs Enforcement; Justice Dept.; Domestic Impact: Credit Card Fraud; Document Fraud; Employment Fraud; (6) Data Breaches and IT; (7) Issues for Congress: IT Prevention: Securing Social Sec. No.; Effects of Data Breaches; Deterrence and Punishment; (8) Selected Legis. in the 111th Cong.: Social Sec. no.; Law Enforce. and Consumer Notification.

Although a relatively new crime, identity theft has dramatically increased in occurrence and severity since the early 1990s. By definition, identity theft is the obtainment and fraudulent use of another person's personal information, which can be relatively innocuous or much more serious. A talented criminal can take another individual's social security number, credit card information, checks, or other personal information, and use that information to impersonate the individual, manipulating a system that increasingly relies on nonpersonal identifiers. The political, legal, and criminal justice systems are struggling to catch up with the identity theft epidemic, while struggling with the technology that gives rise to it.

What will you do when you encounter identity theft within your business? Chances are, you have already lost money to identity theft and business fraud. Look no further than the latest newspaper headlines to know that it is an epidemic problem and an alarming reality from which no business-whether small or large-is immune. Although you can't completely stop identity theft from happening, you can be prepared when it takes place. Investigating Identity Theft: A Guide for Businesses, Law Enforcement, and Victims is your practical guide for fully understanding and investigating identity theft. "The training that I received from Judy Collins at MSU has been instrumental to my helping victims of identity theft and locating the person(s) who caused their nightmare. I have even used the training methods she outlines in this book on a homicide investigation and it paid off: the perpetrator is now in jail for the rest of his life. I can't say enough about Dr. Collins and her knowledge of tracking criminals on the Internet; she is a great asset to law enforcement." -Anthony Abdallah, Police Detective, Inkster Police Department (CID), Inkster, Michigan "This valuable book is an essential, pragmatic guide for the full understanding and investigation of identity theft crimes. It also establishes Dr. Judith Collins as a foremost national expert on this growing crime problem that threatens our future." -Dr. Bruce L. Benson, Police Chief Emeritus, Associate Professor, Criminal Justice, Michigan State University "Whether the investigator is working in the private or public sector, Dr. Collins presents valuable information on the methodology required to successfully resolve identity theft cases. The use of real-life investigations, with lessons learned, provides an intriguing and entertaining format while at the same time sharpening the investigator's skills. If you think investigating identity theft is not worthwhile because the crime is committed by individuals on randomly selected victims without specific objectives, goals, or purpose, you need to read this book." -Rod Kinghorn, Director of Investigations, General Motors Global Security "An excellent book. Judith Collins has spent many years investigating identity theft. Her willingness to share her knowledge with law enforcement, businesses, and victims is truly a benefit that cannot be found elsewhere." -Juli Liebler, Captain, East Lansing Police Department, East Lansing, Michigan "Well done. Smart idea. . . . This is an excellent, professionally written book . . . and much needed." -Salman Anwar, Computer Forensic Engineer, Western Michigan University Police Department "As a retired special agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and having worked the past six years in the private sector, I found Dr. Collins's book to be an invaluable tool for both the private sector and the law enforcement community. Dr. Collins provides genuine insight into the complex issues surrounding identity theft. I am confident her book will assist in both the prevention of identity theft and the detection of those who prey on other's identities." -Frank Laudan, Investigator, Securitas Security Services USA, Inc. "Excellent guide! A must-read for anyone involved in investigating identity theft! Dr. Collins has become one of the most respected and knowledgeable authorities in this relatively new field." -Detective Gary A. Guiles (Retired), Fraud Investigator, Lansing Police Department, Lansing, Michigan

Identity theft happens when someone steals your personal information and uses it without your permission. It is a serious crime that can wreak havoc with your finances, credit history, and reputation – and it can take time, money, and patience to resolve. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation's consumer protection agency, prepared this guide to help you repair the damage that identity theft can cause, and reduce the risk of identity theft happening to you.If you suspect that someone has stolen your identity, acting quickly is the best way to limit the damage. Setting things straight involves some work. This guide has tips, worksheets, blank forms, and sample letters to guide you through the recovery process. It covers:• what identity theft victims must do immediately• what problems may crop up• how you can reduce your risk of identity theft

An overall plan on how to minimize readers risk of becoming a victim, this book was designed to help consumers and institutions ward off this ever-growing threat and to react quickly and effectively to recover from this type of crime. It is filled with checklists on who one should notify in case they become a victim and how to recover an identity.