"Don't Let Crooks Steal Your Identity." Business Week (November 19, 2001): 3 p.
Abstract: Identity theft, the fastest-growing financial crime, has acquired a darker edge lately. One of the first things the FBI discovered about the September 11 hijackers was that as many as a half-dozen were using credit cards and drivers' licenses with identities lifted from stolen or forged passports. In the weeks since, Americans have also suffered some erosions of privacy protection. While a dozen or so consumer-protection bills in Congress have moved to the back burner, new laws have given financial institutions more snooping rights, a move aimed at spotting transactions that might be funding terrorist activity. You may not be able to deter the government's newfound interest in your personal business. But if you care at all about the privacy of your financial information--your credit history, your portfolio, your charge-card numbers--you can protect yourself from criminals determined to exploit that information. This article discusses steps that can be taken to protect your financial identity.

"Protections Against Identity Theft Emerge As Major Post 9/11 Concerns." Organized Crime Digest (January 15, 2002): pp. 1-2.
Abstract: Protections against identity theft are emerging as the chief concern for law enforcement authorities in the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks. Several Federal agencies took immediate steps to withdraw public records. Governors and state legislators in several other states are weighing whether to restrict public access to government documents and meetings. This article describes the steps taken.

Arnold, Tom. "Internet Identity Theft: A Tragedy for Victims." June 2000. [www.siia.net - click on Bookstore, scroll down to eBusiness, click on document title].
Abstract: A White Paper from the Technology Working Group, eBusiness Division, Software & Information Industry Association. It presents two case studies of identity theft, the characteristics of Internet identity theft, common methods of prevention and detection, the role of privacy and security policies in the private sector, a discussion of public policy, and an analysis of one of the presented cases.

Bellah, John. "Training: Identity Theft." Law & Order (October 2001): pp. 222-26.
Abstract: Identity theft is the unlawful use of another's personal identifying information. In most cases, this is utilized to obtain credit. Other uses of this information can include an otherwise unqualified individual to obtain employment or purchase restricted items such as firearms, evasion of the criminal justice system or, in some cases, old-fashioned revenge. Identity theft can surface in a number of different ways. It can start from a routine theft report of a purse or wallet. An irate citizen may report that another person charged purchases in his name. Searches of individuals, vehicles or residences may uncover multiple identities along with other evidence such as credit cards, checks and other indicators of financial fraud. A routine arrest may be far from routine if later it is discovered that the arrestee utilized another's identity and posted bail. Later, when the suspect failed to appear, a warrant was issued in the name of the individual whose identity was stolen. Identity theft is a low risk, high profit venture that generates in excess of 500,000 new victims per year. It not only attracts individuals, but organized crime as well. As of now, only a handful of states have legislation specifically addressing identity theft. This article discusses the increasing occurrence of identity theft and ways that law enforcement can prevent it.

Burke, Tod W. "Identity Theft: A Fast-Growing Crime." FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin (August 2000): pp. 8-13.
Abstract: The Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act of 1998 made identity theft a Federal crime and recognized the true victim--the person who had their identity stolen. This act enables law enforcement agencies to investigate identity theft crimes and the associated fraud that often results. In 1997, the Financial Crimes Division of the US Secret Service investigated 9,455 cases of identity theft with losses totaling $745 million. In the past decade, the US Secret Service has observed an increase in financial institution, credit, and computer fraud facilitated by identity theft. One of the three major credit bureaus reported 522, 922 consumer inquiries in 1997, with two-thirds of this amount related to identity theft, up from 35,000 in 1992. The amount of identifying information available over the Internet and from an individual's trash and mail, as well as the increasingly sophisticated tactics used by criminals, has facilitated the increase in identity theft. This article examines how identity theft occurs, how to resolve it and how to prevent it.

Childers, Mark. "Identity Theft Database Available to Law Enforcement." Sheriff (January/February 2002): p. 31(2).
Abstract: In November 1999, the Federal Trade Commission launched the Identity Theft Toll-Free Hotline and Identity Theft Data Clearinghouse. Consumers can now call 1-877-ID THEFT to file a complaint about identity theft. When consumers call this hotline, specially trained phone counselors advise them of the precautions they can take to minimize the likelihood of future victimization and the steps they should take to repair the damage done to their credit reports. The Identity Theft Data Clearinghouse is available to law enforcement nationwide through the FTC's Consumer Sentinel Network, a secure, encrypted website. This article describes the features of the Consumer Sentinel Network and how to become a member.

Del Grosso, Robert J. "How to Avoid An Identity Crisis." Security Management (December 2001): pp. 72-79.
Abstract: Identity theft occurs when a thief steals someone's personal, financial identifying information. Identity theft is so devastating because it goes undetected for so long. The exact extent of identity theft is unknown. The FBI has reported that the most frequent uses of identity theft have been to obtain new credit cards, use or change an existing credit card account, obtain cellular telephone service, open new bank accounts, and borrow money. While identity theft can never be eradicated, certain precautions can limit its occurrence. Victims have the primary responsibility for clearing and maintaining the accurate and complete record of their own financial history.

Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. Identity Theft: Protect Yourself. Boston: Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, 2000, VHS, 13 minutes. Call Number: HV 6759 .I45 2000 A/V
Abstract: This 13-minute video details how easily personal financial information can get into the wrong hands, allowing criminals to unlawfully obtain credit in someone else’s name. Through interviews with victims, law enforcement, and industry representatives, this video aims to provide consumers with ample information on how to protect their vital financial information. The video also outlines what a consumer should do if they suspect that their identity has been stolen.

Federal Trade Commission. "Identity (ID) Theft." [www.consumer.gov/idtheft/].
Abstract: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) serves as the Federal clearinghouse for complaints by victims of identity theft. While the FTC doesn’t resolve consumer complaints, the complaint aids in the investigation of fraud and can lead to law enforcement action. Once a complaint is filed, the FTC enters it into Consumer Sentinel, a secure, online database available to hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcements agencies worldwide. The FTC’s website presents information about identity theft and offers access to reports, Congressional testimony, law enforcement updates, and examples of ID theft.

Foley, Linda. "Enhancing Law Enforcement - Identity Theft Communication: A Tool for Law Enforcement Officers Working with Identity Theft Cases." 2001-2002. [www.privacyrights.org/fs/fsl7k-lawenf.htm].
Abstract: How many of you have built a case only to see it impeded or destroyed because of an overzealous victim who takes matters into his or her own hands? How many times have you seen a good officer receive an unfair complaint because a victim was unhappy and directed his or her misplaced anger onto law enforcement? One of the most frequent complaints the Identity Theft Resource Center encounters from victims is that law enforcement just doesn't care. They believe that the law enforcement officer does not consider identity theft important enough to spend time on and that the consumer is not really a victim. This fact sheet contains some techniques for law enforcement to more effectively communicate with victims of identity theft.

Foley, Linda. "Organizing Your Identity Theft Case." 2000-2001. [www.privacyrights.org/fs/fs17b-org.htm].
Abstract: Identity theft cases can become very complex. You may be dealing with multiple jurisdictions, there may be numerous instances of unauthorized and fraudulent use of your identity, and you have had more conversations about your case than you could possibly remember. In order to become an effective, strong advocate for your case, it is vital to impose a form of organization on your case from the very beginning. This article is a "how to" on organizing your identity theft case.

Frank, Mari J. From Victim to Victor: A Step-By-Step Guide for Ending the Nightmare of Identity Theft. Laguna Niguel, CA: Porpoise Press, 1998. Call Number: HV 6759 .F73 1998
Abstract: Written by a victim of identity theft, this book provides other victims of identity theft with a step-by-step approach to deal with the myriad of problems that confront them. It provides steps to regain credit identity and sanity, attorney-composed form letters that will save hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars of attorney’s fees, legal and consumer information to empower victims to overcome and prevent further identity fraud, as well as do’s and don’ts, insightful tips, and successful techniques for transforming a victim into a victor.

Greenwald, Judy. "ID Theft Suits in the Cards: Companies May Face Liability." Business Insurance (March 4, 2002): p. 2.
Abstract: Companies that contribute to identity theft by failing to protect their customers' and employees' Social Security numbers and other personal information could be held liable. While relatively few cases of this type have been filed so far, it is predicted that with the incidence of identity theft rising, more frustrated victims will successfully sue companies that fail to protect this information. One such case involved San Diego-based Ligand Pharmaceuticals, Inc. A lab assistant found a box with 38 former employees' personnel records. The assistant used the information to acquire at least 75 credit cards and $100,000 in merchandise, open 20 cellular telephone accounts and rent three apartments. The assistant was subsequently convicted and imprisoned. Fourteen of the former employees filed suit, charging Ligand with negligence. According to a San Diego attorney, a confidential, significant six-figure settlement is expected to be approved by the court soon. This article discusses the steps companies can take to minimize their liability.

Mannix, Margaret. "Stolen Names, Stolen Lives (Identity Theft)." US News & World Report (November 12, 2001): p. 3.
Abstract: Just weeks after Pennsylvania branded identity theft a crime in 2000, one of the legislators who wrote the new law discovered that someone had filched his identity. The imposter had racked up $10,000 in bank loans and credit card charges, and even managed to obtain the legislator's birth certificate, Social Security card, and driver's license. "It's frightening to think that your identity could be stolen that quickly and easily," said the victim. Frightening, but hardly surprising. Congress declared identity theft a Federal crime in 1998, and since then the problem has gotten worse, as ID thieves have become ever more sophisticated in their efforts to pretend to be other people and to bilk banks and creditors--for hundreds of millions of dollars--in their name. This article discusses what it considers the root of identity theft--the lack of a formal, centralized identification system. It points out that the driver's license, originally intended to be nothing more than a permit to get behind the wheel, has evolved into the nation's de facto ID card. With a fake driver's permit, everyone from underage kids looking to buy a drink to terrorists looking to buy a plane ticket can pass for legitimate. The patchwork of IDs available complicates the job of authorities trying to verify what's real and what's fake.

Myers, David. "The Power of Plastic." Law & Order (October 2001): p. 227.
Abstract: Identification is the basis of our criminal justice and financial systems. The day of the cut and altered ID or driver's license is long gone. With the current home computers, a high- quality identification can be made. Most states have a poor quality document for their driver's license that can be easily duplicated. This article discusses the ease with which criminals can alter or create false forms of identification. These false IDs endanger lives and increase the chances of identity theft. Often, the spending of a few more dollars per identification card would be enough to significantly increase the security of such documents.

Newman, John Q. Identity Theft: The Cybercrime of the Millennium. Port Townsend, Washington: Loomponics Unlimited, Call Number: HV 6675 .N48 1999
Abstract: Your most valuable possession is not your home, your car, or your collection of antique jewelry. Your most valuable possession is what makes you you—your identity. What would happen if someone stole it? Each year, more than 500,000 Americans fall victim to identity theft, and that number rises annually. A stolen identity can mean the loss of your job, your credit rating, your friends, and in extreme cases, can result in a prison sentence for a crime you did not commit. In this book, you’ll learn how thieves use computer networks and other information sources to adopt, abuse, and subsequently ravage the identities of unsuspecting victims within a few weeks, why credit bureaus and government agencies can be considered the identity thief’s partners in crime, and what you can do to protect yourself from identity theft and how to fight back effectively if you are one of the unlucky victims.

Okula, Susan. "The Basics: Protect Yourself from Identity Theft." [moneycentral.msn.com/articles/banking/credit/1342.asp].
Abstract: Although it's well over a billion-dollar-a-year racket, most people don't lose any sleep over credit card fraud. If bogus charges show up on your bill, or if your card is lost or stolen, you simply call the credit card issuer. Getting things straightened out takes a little time, but usually it doesn't cost you anything. Visa or MasterCard or American Express eats the losses--not you, the customer. Of course, we all ultimately pay for credit card fraud--it's part of the reason for those sky-high interest rates. But as long as you check your statements, you're not going to be personally hurt by a credit thief. Right? Wrong. Two types of credit fraud can hit individuals very hard. The first is debit-card theft, which takes a direct hit on your bank account, and not on the hefty coffers of Visa or MasterCard. The second, and most serious, is outright identity theft. A swindler assumes your credit identity and embarks on a spree that can last for years, even decades. This article discusses how identity theft occurs and what you can do to protect yourself.

Panko, Ron. "Identity Indemnity: Insurers Are Launching Coverage For One of the Fastest-Growing White-Collar Crimes--Theft of Personal Information and the Use of It to Make Fraudulent Purchases." Best's Review (March 2002): p. 54(5).
Notes: Available full-text on InfoTrac database
Abstract: Only eight years ago, identity theft/fraud was largely unknown. In 1998, Congress enacted the Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act, which makes identity theft a federal crime. Under the law, the Federal Trade Commission was mandated to set up its Identity Theft Hotline and Data Clearinghouse to receive and process complaints from victims. By May 2001, according to USA Today, the FTC was receiving 2,000 complaints a week. It is estimated that there are as many as 500,000 identity-theft cases a year in the United States, making it the fastest-growing white-collar crime. At least three insurance companies are beginning to add identity theft coverage to homeowners' policies. This article outlines what coverage is provided by the different companies.

Piazza, Peter. "Secret Service Cybertools." Security Management (March 2002): p. 36.
Abstract: The US Secret Service and the International Association of Chiefs of Police have created a virtual-reality tool to assist law enforcement in combating technology-based financial crimes, including cybercrime and identity theft. The six-hour CD-ROM set, called Forward Edge, shows the proper procedures needed to interview witnesses, seize computer-related evidence, and secure an electronic crime scene. This article provides information on how to obtain Forward Edge, as well as information about the Secret Service's financial crimes eLibrary Website restricted to domestic law enforcement agencies and financial institutions.

Pollock, John and James May. “Authentication Technology: Identity Theft and Account Takeover.” FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin (June 2002): pp.1-4.
Abstract: In Miami, Florida, a woman wrote personal checks to pay her bills, then dropped them into a mailbox. Criminals stole her bills from the mailbox, and within hours, a gang of identity thieves dipped her checks into chemicals and rewrote the checks to themselves for up to $450 each. Such stories are common to law enforcement authorities who, almost daily, receive calls and complaints pertaining to identity theft across the country. Recently, the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) adopted a resolution to help curb identity theft. The IACP requested, for example, that law enforcement agencies take a more active role in reporting incidents of identity theft. Additionally, the IACP requested that departments refer victims to the Federal Trade Commission and Identity Theft Clearinghouse.

Rawe, Julie. "Identity Thieves: As Terrorists Use Credit Fraud to Finance Their Plots and Lenders' Losses Mount, Fresh Attempts Are Made to Target." Time (February 11, 2002): p. 3.
Abstract: The timing couldn't have been worse. When Jeremy Johnson discovered that someone had applied for a couple of credit cards in his name and had run up a $6,000 tab, it was late September and law enforcement agencies were busy tracking down terrorists. Johnson, 31, a production assistant at a cable-channel website, called his local precinct in Brooklyn and was told the NYPD was so swamped, the detectives couldn't do anything unless he had the perpetrator's name and address. Johnson knew that identity theft violates both state and Federal laws, so he called the FBI and was forwarded to the Secret Service, which investigates counterfeiting and other types of financial fraud. An agent asked whether the case involved more than $25,000. Otherwise, he intimated, he had bigger fish to fry. Johnson thought investigators were overloaded because of September 11, but police say their response would have been pretty much the same had he called months earlier or phoned a precinct in Kansas City or Key West. In an age of instant credit, when you can apply online and start shopping within 30 seconds, identity theft has become an American epidemic. This article discusses the challenges the victim faced after his identity was stolen.

Reaves, Jessica. "Identity Theft: Could It Happen to You?" Time.com (January 23, 2002): p. 3.
Abstract: Imagine this: Someone out there knows your name, your credit card information, your bank account numbers and your Social Security number. They are pretending to be you--running up outrageous bills, even committing crimes--and as far as your banks, creditors and various authorities are concerned, they are you. It may sound like the plotline of a hackneyed Hollywood thriller, but hundreds of thousands of Americans may have already been victims of identify theft. Last year alone, the Federal Trade Commission logged more than 85,000 complaints from people whose identities have been pirated. That may only be the tip of the iceberg; some consumer advocates suggest as many as 750,000 identities are stolen each year. In this article, a security expert offers tips on protecting yourself.

Rusch, Jonathan J. "Making a Federal Case of Identity Theft." July 2001. [www.usdoj.gov/criminal/fraud/fedcase_idtheft.html].
Abstract: Identity theft is one of the most insidious forms of white-collar crime. In a traditional fraud scheme, prospective victims are contacted directly by criminals who use lies and deception to persuade the victims to part with their money. Identity theft, however, requires no direct communication between criminal and victim. Simply doing things that are part of everyday routine--charging dinner at a restaurant or books at an e-commerce website, submitting required personal information to employers or government agencies, throwing away catalogs received in the mail, or just having casual contact with people--may give identity thieves enough of an opportunity to get unauthorized access to personal data and commit identity theft. This article describes the US Department of Justice's role in identity theft enforcement and prevention.

Social Security Administration. "When Someone Misuses Your Number." [www.ssa.gov/pubs/10064.html].
Abstract: Your Social Security number is personal to you. It is the key to your Social Security earnings record and you’re the only person with that number. When someone misuses your number, it generally means they are pretending to be you—they assume your identity. And when someone pretends to be you, they can wreak havoc with your life. This website addresses the use of your Social Security number in identity theft.

US Department of Justice. "Identity Theft and Fraud." [www.usdoj.gov/criminal/fraud/idtheft.html].
Abstract: The Fraud Section of the Criminal Division of the US Department of Justice presents "frequently asked questions" about identity theft and fraud. The resource provides definitions, as well as discusses how these crimes are committed and what can be done to stop and prevent the crime.

US General Accounting Office. "Identity Fraud: Prevalence and Links to Alien Activities." June 25, 2002. [www.gao.gov - click on GAO Reports, click on Find GAO Report, type GAO-02-830T].
Abstract: Statement of Richard M. Stana, Director, Justice Issues, US General Accounting Office, before the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security and the Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Claims, Committee on the Judiciary, House of Representatives, on the significance of "identity fraud"--a term that encompasses a broad range of illegal activities based on fraudulent use of identifying information of a real person or of a fictitious person. Mr. Stana points out that the prevalence of identity theft appears to be growing and that, according to the Immigration and Naturalization Service, the use of fraudulent documents by aliens is extensive. He states that Federal investigations have shown that some aliens use fraudulent documents in connection with more serious illegal activities, such as narcotics trafficking and terrorism and that it is cause for great concern. Further, he advises that efforts to combat identity fraud in its many forms likely will command continued attention from policy makers and law enforcement and that such efforts will include investigating and prosecuting perpetrators, as well as focusing on prevention measures to make key identification documents and information less susceptible to being counterfeited or otherwise used fraudulently. His testimony is based primarily on the results of work completed by GAO (see Identity Theft: Prevalence and Cost Appear to be Growing in this bibliography).

US General Accounting Office. "Identity Theft: Prevalence and Cost Appear to be Growing." March 2002. [www.gao.gov - click on GAO Reports, click on Find GAO Report, type GAO-02-363)].
Abstract: This report is the response to a Congressional mandate for GAO to review and compile the latest statistics on the incidence and societal cost of identity theft. The objective of the report is to provide information on the extent or prevalence of identity theft; the cost to the financial services industry, including direct fraud losses, staffing of fraud departments, and effect on consumer confidence in online commerce; the cost to victims, including victim productivity losses, out-of-pocket expenses, and cost of being denied credit; and the cost to the federal criminal justice system.

Watkins, Mark. “Identity Theft A Nightmare, Not Imposter, in Internet Age.” Police (July2000):pp.26-29. Abstract: Jurisdictional issues, investigative techniques, legal questions and correctly categorizing identity theft all complicate the crime. As more and more horror stories of such crimes are being heard by police daily in departments across the country, the lack of adequate laws or departmental policies and guidelines to effectively deal with these situations becomes evident. This article highlights the growing crime of identity theft and looks at what can be done to prevent it, as well as what steps can be taken to investigate it.

Wexler, Sanford. "The Nation's Fastest Growing Crime: Identity Theft." Law Enforcement Technology 29, no. 4(April 2002): pp. 28-32.
Abstract: In August 2001, a few men were hanging out in a parking lot near the Arlington, Virginia, Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) office. This was nothing new. They were offering to help people who needed to obtain a driver's license or a state identification card. Their fee was no more than $100 and most of their customers were illegal immigrants. According to an FBI affidavit, on August 2, the men in the parking lot were approached by "three Arab males" in a van. The three men were asking about acquiring official identity cards. They accompanied the men in the van to a nearby attorney's office and swore to their Virginia
state residency. The three men in the van returned to the DMV offices with the proper documentation and were issued Virginia identification cards. On September 11, they were among 19 terrorists who hijacked the jetliners that crashed into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Apparently, more than half of the 19 hijackers boarded the aircraft with phony IDs. Moreover, the terrorist who was convicted last year in the plot to blow up Los Angeles International Airport used 13 identities that were pilfered from the membership roster of a Boston, Massachusetts, health club. Clearly, identity theft is no longer confined to computer hackers and scam artists who are out to make a fast buck. Terrorists are using fraudulent identification as part of their modus operandi. This article discusses what identity theft is, how it happens and what law enforcement can do to fight against it.