President’s Task Force on Identity Theft

In May 2006 cases of identity theft were on the rise, and so was an increased awareness of the financial and emotional toll on its victims — and the strain it placed on the economy. In an effort to battle this serious crime, President Bush called on government agencies to develop a coordinated approach to fighting identity theft. The result was the formation of the President’s Task Force on Identity Theft.

The government agencies selected worked together to create a strategy that would increase the effectiveness of the federal government in the areas of identity theft awareness, prevention, detection, and prosecution. The complete study, available at www.idtheft.gov, reports that the Task Force examined the following elements which play a key role in fighting identity theft crime:

Identity Theft Law Enforcement

In addressing the issues of identity theft law enforcement, the Task Force’s focus was on evaluating tools law enforcement agencies have to prevent, investigate, and prosecute identity theft crimes; recovery of lost proceeds; and just and effective punishment of the thieves.

Identity Theft Education

The Task Force evaluated current efforts by government agencies as well as the private sector to educate the public and businesses on how personal data can be protected.

Identity Theft Government Safeguards

The Task Force determined how to increase safeguards to better secure personal data held by the government and private businesses.

Identity Theft Strategic Plan

On April 23, 2007, based on recommendations stemming from the extensive evaluation process, the President’s Task Force on Identity Theft released “Combating Identity Theft: A Strategic Plan” which is designed to:

• Strengthen the efforts of local, state, and federal law enforcement officers.
• Educate consumers and businesses on ways to deter and detect identity theft, and how to protect themselves from identity thieves.
• Assist law enforcement officers in apprehending and prosecuting identity thieves.
• Increase safeguards on personal data held by federal agencies and the private sector.

Through the Task Force, government agencies including the U.S. Department of Justice, Federal Trade Commission, Department of the Treasury, Department of Health and Human Services, Federal Reserve System, FDIC, Office of Thrift Supervision, Securities and Exchange Commission, Social Security Administration, Secret Service, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service are working hand in hand to offer resources to consumers and businesses alike that will help in the fight against identity theft through law enforcement, education, and increased safeguards.

Identity theft protection services:

• IdentityTruth
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• LifeLock Identity Theft Services
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• TrustedID
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