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.

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.

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

With over 27 million identity thefts reported in the last five years and over $48 billion in theft losses to businesses and financial institutions in 2002 alone, this up-to-date and comprehensive guide is a must-have for those who want to protect themselves.

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.

This volume brings together the expertise of more than 40 security and crime prevention experts. It provides comprehensive coverage of the latest information on every topic from community-oriented policing to physical security, workplace violence, CCTV and information security.

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

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!

Twenty-seven million Americans have been victims of identity theft in the last five years and the total cost of identity theft approaches $48 billion per year (total costs to businesses are $43 billion and the direct cost to consumers is $5 billion) These staggering statistics have prompted security consultant Michael Arata to provide readers with the resources they need to guard themselves against identity theft In this valuable book, Arata offers easy-to-follow, straightforward advice on understanding identity theft, minimizing risk, maintaining vigilance, choosing who to share personal information with, selecting hard-to-guess PINs, determining victimization, reviewing a credit report, charting a course of action, resolving credit problems, reclaiming good credit, and much more Explains how to recover successfully if identity theft does occur Author Michael Arata, CISSP, CPP, CFE, ACLM, is a veteran of the security industry with more than fifteen years of experience