
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
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
Texas AG suing Radio Shack for identity theft violations April 2, 2007 10:48 PM CDT KRISTV.COM Online Reporter: Abby Dunn
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
San Antonio Business Journal: By Catherine Dominguez
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