http://www.tampabaycfe.org

October 2005

Take Charge: Fighting Back Against Identity Theft

Introduction

In the course of a busy day, you may write a check at the grocery store, charge tickets to a ball game, rent a car, mail your tax returns, change service providers for your cell phone, or apply for a credit card. Chances are you don't give these everyday transactions a second thought. But an identity thief does.

Identity theft is a serious crime. People whose identities have been stolen can spend months or years and thousands of dollars cleaning up the mess the thieves have made of a good name and credit record. In the meantime, victims of identity theft may lose job opportunities, be refused loans for education, housing, or cars, and even get arrested for crimes they didn't commit. Humiliation, anger, and frustration are among the feelings victims experience as they navigate the process of rescuing their identity.

Working with other government agencies and organizations, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has produced this booklet to help you remedy the effects of an identity theft. It describes what steps to take, your legal rights, how to handle specific problems you may encounter on the way to clearing your name, and what to watch for in the future.

How Identity Theft Occurs

Despite your best efforts to manage the flow of your personal information or to keep it to yourself, skilled identity thieves may use a variety of methods to gain access to your data.

How identity thieves get your personal information:

• They get information from businesses or other institutions by:

• stealing records or information while they're on the job

• bribing an employee who has access to these records

• hacking these records

• conning information out of employees

• They may steal your mail, including bank and credit card statements, credit card offers, new checks, and tax information.

• They may rummage through your trash, the trash of businesses, or public trash dumps in a practice known as "dumpster diving."

• They may get your credit reports by abusing their employer's authorized access to them, or by posing as a landlord, employer, or someone else who may have a legal right to access your report.

• They may steal your credit or debit card numbers by capturing the information in a data storage device in a practice known as "skimming." They may swipe your card for an actual purchase, or attach the device to an ATM machine where you may enter or swipe your card.

• They may steal your wallet or purse.

• They may complete a "change of address form" to divert your mail to another location.

• They may steal personal information they find in your home.

• They may steal personal information from you through email or phone by posing as legitimate companies and claiming that you have a problem with your account. This practice is known as "phishing" online, or pretexting by phone.

How identity thieves use your personal information:

• They may call your credit card issuer to change the billing address on your credit card account. The imposter then runs up charges on your account. Because your bills are being sent to a different address, it may be some time before you realize there's a problem.

• They may open new credit card accounts in your name. When they use the credit cards and don't pay the bills, the delinquent accounts are reported on your credit report.

• They may establish phone or wireless service in your name.

• They may open a bank account in your name and write bad checks on that account.

• They may counterfeit checks or credit or debit cards, or authorize electronic transfers in your name, and drain your bank account.

• They may file for bankruptcy under your name to avoid paying debts they've incurred under your name, or to avoid eviction.

• They may buy a car by taking out an auto loan in your name.

• They may get identification such as a driver's license issued with their picture, in your name.

• They may get a job or file fraudulent tax returns in your name.

Source: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/credit/idtheft.htm
For the entire article in .pdf format, which includes immediate steps to take and resolving specific problems, click on the title: Take Charge: Fighting Back Against Identity Theft

TRAINING

Association of Certified Fraud Examiners

Advanced Computer Aided Fraud Prevention & Detection

.PDF Brochure

CPE Credits: 16
12/12/2005 - 12/13/2005

Clarion Hotel Tampa Westshore
5303 W. Kennedy Blvd.
Tampa, FL  33609
+1 (813) 289-1950
Room Rate: $79.00 - subject to availability
Hotel Cut-off Date: 11/11/2005
Early Registration Deadline: * 11/14/2005

Tampa Bay Chapter

Dinner Meetings

October 18, 2005
"Identity Theft - Resolution & Restoration"

January 10, 2006
"T.B.A."

February 14, 2006
"T.B.A."

March 14, 2006
"T.B.A."

April 11, 2006
"T.B.A."

7th Annual Fraud & Computer Crimes Seminar

May 9 - 10, 2006
Ruth Eckerd Hall
1111 McMullen Booth Road
Clearwater, FL 33759

2005 - 2006
OFFICERS & DIRECTORS

PRESIDENT
Steve Hooper, CIA, CFE, CCSA
Clerk of the Circuit Court Hillsborough County, FL
(813) 276-2029 x3703

VICE PRESIDENT
Christine Dever, CPA, CFE
 

SECRETARY
Kara Preston, CFE
Polk County Sheriff's Office
(863) 499-2400

TREASURER
Laura Krueger Brock, CFE, CPA
Cherry, Bekaert, Holland, LLP
(727) 822-8811

DIRECTOR
Mark Dubina, CFE
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
(813) 878-7366

DIRECTOR
Ellen Wilcox, CFE
Florida Department of Law Enforcement
(727) 298-2482

DIRECTOR
Penny Borjas, CFE, CIA

CHAPTER TRAINING
Wayne Boytim, CFE
City of Tampa, Internal Audit
(813) 274-7167

News from the ACFE

In light of the recent devastation left by Hurricane Katrina, the ACFE is currently monitoring the situation in New Orleans and working with representatives at the New Orleans Sheraton to determine whether it will be feasible to hold the 17th Annual ACFE Fraud Conference and Exhibition in New Orleans next July. At this time, the extent of damage to the hotel and the city are still unknown and we have not been given any definite timeline for repairs.

If the ACFE is unable to hold its event in New Orleans as planned, it will be relocated to an attractive, accessible city. No matter where the conference is held, it will undoubtedly be the premier gathering of anti-fraud professionals from around the world. The ACFE anticipates over 1,500 attendees and more than 50 exhibitors next year.

A decision regarding the location of our conference should be reached by October 15, circumstances permitting, and members will be notified of new developments as soon as possible. You are encouraged to register to join the world’s leading anti-fraud experts at what will be a great event. If the final location is not to your liking, you can always cancel for a full refund up to 14 days in advance of the event.

Submitted by: Jeff Kubiszyn, ACFE Chapter Liaison Manager

Who to Contact at the ACFE

Angela Archie is the ACFE's dedicated CFE Exam Coach. She is available to help members meet the challenge of attaining the CFE. If you have questions about the CFE process or exam, or need help studying or creating a chapter study group, Angela is ready to help.

You can email Angela or she can be reached at (800) 245-3321/ +1 (512) 478-9000.

Featured ACFE Product

Detecting and Deterring Fraud Using Hotlines - CD-ROM

NEW to the ACFE Bookstore!

With the increase of recent scandals and new requirements from Sarbanes-Oxley, many companies are scrambling to revamp their fraud prevention and training program. Giving employees the opportunity to report fraud and abuse anonymously through a hotline has proven to be one of the most effective and important methods for discovering abuses within a company. Learn how to set up a hotline service correctly and respond appropriately with this computer self-study course.

What you will learn:

• Why fraud prevention programs and hotlines are necessary.
• Creating and communicating fraud and ethics policies.
• How to plan a successful hotline program.
• How to proceed after a hotline call is received.

Order today and earn 4 CPE credits for only $59 (member price).

A Call for Speakers

Universities and colleges participating in the ACFE's Higher Education Initiative are looking for guest lecturers to speak to their classes.

This is a great opportunity to gain exposure for not only yourself but the chapter as well. Your work experience also helps in the development of future CFEs while they are still in school.

Contact Wendi Williams if you would be interested in getting involved with the Higher Education Initiative.

CFEs Command Premium Compensation

While the phenomenon of "white collar crime" is not new, the size and scope of recent fraud scandals has forever changed the landscape of businesses and government entities worldwide. Today the word "fraud" invokes uncertainty, fear and culpability. Recent legislation and new auditing standards, requiring increased scrutiny and skepticism, have been created to reassure no only Wall Street, but also Main Street investors.

The ACFE recently published its second annual compensation survey, the 2005 Compensation Guide for Anti-Fraud Professionals. As careers in the anti-fraud profession continue to grow, more organizations are seeking individuals skilled in preventing, detecting, deterring and investigating corporate fraud. This unique knowledge and expertise is highly valuable to employers, a fact illustrated by the 26% compensation premium commanded in the US by professionals who hold the CFE designation compared to those in comparable positions without it.

The 2005 Compensation Guide for Anti-Fraud Professions provides a comprehensive look at compensation of US based anti-fraud professionals. In addition to exploring compensation, the report highlights attitudes regarding job satisfaction and key skills necessary to succeed in this profession.

The 2005 Compensation Guide is now available as a FREE download for ACFE members online at www.ACFE.com.

Source: ACFE Anti-Fraud Resource Guide, Fourth Quarter 2005

Chapter News

Providing Service to our Community

Local Chapter Member Melody Shimmell, Vice President of Risk Management/Fraud at Century Bank provided Rich Brody's fraud class at U.S.F.'s St. Petersburg campus a presentation on September 14, 2005. Melody brought her 30+ years of experience in the industry and kept their attention from start to finish. She provided the class with the details of a recent high profile loan case and exposed them to much of the evidence she used as part of her investigation. After that, they talked at length about common scams (i.e., lottery, Nigerian emails, etc.) and it was both enlightening and enjoyable.

Dinner Meeting News

October 18th Dinner Meeting

The dinner meeting will be held at the Clarion Hotel Tampa Westshore, located at 5303 West Kennedy Blvd., 11th floor. The hotel is just west of Westshore Plaza on the north side of Kennedy Blvd. Evenings will begin with a social at 6:00 P.M., followed by a buffet dinner at 6:30 and a presentation at 7:00. The cost remains only $15.

To make your reservation, please use the following link Chapter Meeting Reservation and complete the form at the bottom of the page.  You can also make your reservation by emailing Wayne Boytim or calling him at (813) 274-7167 by the Friday before the meeting date. Reservations will be accepted after that date and walk-ups are always welcome. Please remember that cancellations are accepted up to the afternoon of the meeting. No shows will be billed after the second missed meeting. Please help us keep our costs down by letting us know if you are unable to attend.
 

September 13th Dinner Meeting

September’s meeting with Allen Ezell was an informative presentation for the 42 people who attended.  He discussed the typologies and characteristics of embezzlers.  Mr. Ezell proved to be just as interesting as his description. Not only did he keep everyone alert with his humor but he also taught us a lot about people who embezzle. Mr. Ezell combined an easy to understand PowerPoint with the basics of embezzlement elements and his own case experience.

We learned that White Collar Crime comes in many forms:  Anti-trust violations, bankruptcy fraud, bribery, bank fraud, computer fraud, contractor fraud, credit card kickbacks, disaster fraud, insurance fraud, mail fraud, money laundering, public corruption, just to name a few. 

One does not have to go far to see that fraud is everywhere. As Mr. Ezell pointed out, there are countless articles in our local news media about recent cases. Additionally, there are companies out there that can be hired to help the arrested embezzler through the court process.

With any long-term investigation, it is imperative that a detailed investigation be conducted. To learn even more on White Collar Crime, check out some of the book suggestions provided by Mr. Ezell:  White Collar Crime and Criminal Careers by David Weisburd, Other People’s Money by Donald Cressey, and Women who Embezzle or Defraud by Dorothy Zietz.

Allen Ezell, CFE, is employed as Vice President, Corporate Fraud Investigative Service, Wachovia Corporation, Tampa, Florida. Mr. Ezell will speak on White Collar Crime - Embezzlement. Mr. Ezell handles both internal and external fraud at Wachovia Corporation and its subsidiaries. He was employed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation for 31 years until his retirement in December,1991.   He also worked at the Boston, Charlotte, and Tampa FBI offices. As a Special Agent (Accountant) he investigated various violations of White Collar Crime, including Diploma Mills.

Submitted by: Kara Preston, Chapter Secretary

ID Theft Web Resources

Interactive Graphic - Stolen Identities

Identity Theft Resource Center

DOJ's Identity Theft and Fraud

Privacy Rights Clearing House Links

• Identity Theft: What to Do When it Happens to You -- A Guide for Victims
• Coping with Identity Theft: Reducing Your Risk of Fraud
• Criminal Identity Theft
• Identity Theft IQ Test
• Identity Theft IQ Test -- Interactive Version
• Workplace Identity Theft IQ Test
• MailFrontier's Phishing IQ Test
• Better Business Bureau Identity Theft Quiz

A Message from our President

The new chapter year is underway and what a beginning it was. At our dinner meeting on September 13^th, thirty-two members and nine first time attendees listened as Allen Ezell, CFE, gave an entertaining presentation on White Collar Crime – Embezzlement. Allen is employed as Vice President, Corporate Fraud Investigative Service, Wachovia Corporation, here in Tampa. 

A hearty welcome goes to Susan Klein, Alison Jimerez and Vince Moellering who were not only first time attendees, but new chapter members as well (see photo above). I also want to thank the other five first time attendees and extend an invitation for them to come back to our next dinner meeting. We are always open to ideas to increase membership. So if you have any suggestions, let us know. The chapter’s “bring a guest to dinner” program is one way to get potential new members. If a chapter member knows of someone that is a candidate for membership, invite them to one of our dinner meetings, as your guest, and the chapter will pick up the check (limit of 2 guests per meeting on a first come basis).

I promised at the dinner meeting that I would continue to remind everyone to keep us informed of your community involvement to help us prepare our nomination for the “Chapter of the Year Award.” The chapter continues to be involved in the community. The Board recently voted to award $500 scholarships to four local Explorer groups. The recipients are Pinellas Park Police Department, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Tampa Police Department and Polk County Sheriff’s Department. Again, let us know if you are involved with the community. Our chapter Secretary, Kara Preston, has volunteered to track your community involvement and compose that part of the nomination package. You may contact Kara at (863) 499-2400 or kpreston@polksheriff.org.

Steve Hooper