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

Crime has moved yet another step forward in its unyielding progression through society. Now it is identity theft. Trying to combat both legal and illegal theft continues to occupy a large portion of the average citizen's life. Identity theft or identity fraud generally involves 'stealing' another person's personal identifying information -- such as Social Security number (SSN), date of birth, and mother's maiden name -- and then using the information to fraudulently establish credit, run up debt, or take over existing financial accounts. This new book examines the extent of the problem, its costs and remedies under the law. CONTENTS: Preface; Identity Theft: Prevalence and Cost Appear to be Growing; Awareness and Use of Existing Data on Identity Theft; Remedies Available to Victims of Identity Theft; Identity Theft and the Fair Credit Reporting Act; Subject Index.

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.

Reviews and compiles the latest statistics on the incidence and societal cost of identity theft (IT). Generally, IT or identity fraud involves "stealing" another person's personal identifying info. -- such as Social Security number, date of birth, and mother's maiden name -- and then using the info. to fraudulently establish credit, run up debt, or take over existing financial accounts. This report provides info. on: the extent or prevalence of IT; the cost of IT to the financial services industry, including direct fraud losses, staffing of fraud departments, and effect on consumer confidence in online commerce; the cost of IT to victims, including victim productivity losses, out-of-pocket expenses, and cost of being denied credit; and the cost of IT to the Fed. criminal justice system.

Criminal Investigation, Fifth Edition offers a comprehensive and engaging examination of the criminal investigation process and the vital role criminal evidence plays. Written in a straightforward manner, the text focuses on the five critical areas essential to understanding criminal investigations: background and contextual issues, criminal evidence, legal procedures, evidence collection procedures, and forensic science. In the new edition of this bestseller, author Steve Brandl goes beyond a simple how-to on investigative procedures and draws from fascinating modern research, actual investigative cases, and real crime scene photos to give students practical insights into the field of criminal investigation today. This title is accompanied by a complete teaching and learning package.

The loss of personally identifiable information, such as an individual's Social Security number, name, and date of birth can result in serious harm, including identity theft. Identity theft, a serious crime that impacts millions of individuals each year, occurs when such information is used without authorization to commit fraud or other crimes. While progress has been made protecting personally identifiable information in the public and private sectors, challenges remain. This testimony summarizes: (1) the problem of identity theft; (2) steps taken at the fed., state, and local level to prevent potential identity theft; and (3) vulnerabilities that remain to protecting personally identifiable information, including in fed. information systems. Illustrations.

A comprehensive examination of different forms of identity theft and its economic impact, including profiles of perpetrators and victims and coverage of current trends, security implications, prevention efforts, and legislative actions. What are the common forms of identity theft? Who are the most likely targets? What is law enforcement doing to counter a crime perpetrated not only by petty thieves and sophisticated con artists, but by terrorists, money-launderers, and those involved in human trafficking, drug trafficking, and illegal immigration? Identity Theft: A Reference Handbook examines these questions and more. With the 1998 Identity Theft and Assumption Deterrence Act as its starting point, this informative volume begins by explaining the federal, state, and global definitions of identity theft and how the lack of a standardized approach masks the true pervasiveness of the problem. In addition to addressing the crime's perpetrators, methods, and victims, the book also looks at what individuals, businesses, and the government are doing—and should consider doing—to curb the growth of this crime.

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.