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Tampa Bay Chapter Newsletter June 2010 |
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| MEMBER ARTICLES |
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IDENTITY STOLEN? NOW WHAT
Okay, so you just received your credit card bill and you find that there are quite a few charges that you don’t recall making. Your heart races because you fear what has happened. That’s right – your identity is no longer yours alone.
Let’s review these four steps in a little more detail. Step 1 - The fraud alert. The fraud alerts are intended to stop any NEW lines of credit from being opened in you name, for instance new credit cards. Unfortunately, it does not protect you from non-credit card accounts such as telephone, wireless or bank accounts. It also does not protect your current credit cards from being used again especially if the thief has already gained access to your accounts. One thing is does do is ensure that any potential creditor who wants to issue you credit must first have to verify your identity before they issue new credit in your name. This is a good first step in the process of protecting future fraud from occurring.
Step 3 – Filing the complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. The FTC‘s Identity Theft Hotline has a toll free number to call making it easy to file a complaint. The toll-free number is 1-877-ID-THEFT; TTY: 1-866-653-4261. You can also write to: Identify Theft Clearinghouse, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20580. Any information you share with the FTC can be shared with local law enforcement agencies that may be able to assist with the process of tracking down and stopping thieves. Step 4 – File a police report. Inform your local law enforcement agency that you would like to file an identify theft report. It’s important to bring with you a printed copy of your FTC ID Theft Complaint form ( found at www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/consumers/form-filling-instructions.html) a cover letter and any supporting documentation. Ask the officer to attach these forms with the police report. You have now contacted local law enforcement and are ready to file an Identity Theft Report. When providing information for the report, make sure you include as much detail as possible including exact dates of the theft, any accounts that may have been opened, and if you are aware of the identity of the thief. You should send a copy of the Identity Theft Report, via certified mail return receipt requested, to all of the businesses involved and all of the credit reporting companies by using the credit reporting company cover letter, provided on the FTC’s website. The three major credit reporting companies are:
Fraud Victim Assistance Division, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92834-6790
1-800-525-6285; www.equifax.com P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
P.O. Box 9532, Allen, TX 75013 There are also some new rules taking effect in 2010 regarding the rights of consumers to question their credit reports. Some of these rules are; Amendments to the Free Credit Report Rule, Furnisher Rules, and Risk-Based Pricing Rules. These rules were designed to assist consumers in identifying free credit reports without confusion from outside advertisements. It is easy to become confused with which free credit report to use since many credit reporting agencies advertise their own free credit reports on the FTC’s AnnualCreditReport.com website. Remember that you are entitled to order free copies of your credit reports from each of these three consumer reporting agencies The Amendments to the Free Credit Report Rule, according to a March 24, 2010 News Release, states that the FTC reported to the U.S. House Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Credit of the Committee on Financial Services regarding the steps taken to ensure the accuracy of consumer credit reports, preventing identity theft, and helping consumers interpret their credit scores. Consumers can obtain a free annual credit report through the federally mandated free credit report at www.AnnualCreditReport.com. The FTC has also informed nationwide credit reporting agencies that any advertised products and services must be delayed until after April 2, 2010, that allows time for consumers to obtain their free credit report through the FTC's AnnualCreditReport.com. Consumers aren’t then bombarded with other advertisements that may be confusing. The Furnisher Rules that take effect July 1, 2020, require companies supplying information to consumers of their right to dispute any errors with their credit reports. Consumers also have the right to dispute these errors directly to the agencies as well as with the consumer reporting agencies. The Risk-Based Pricing Rules state that some creditors must notify the consumer whenever a credit report has been used and shows the consumer in a less favorable term than other consumers. This rule is effective January 1, 2011 and also allows the creditor to provide a free credit score, and information regarding the score, to all consumers. If you find yourself a victim of fraud, it is good to know that the Federal Trade Commission works for consumers by providing information to help avoid fraud related problems and in preventing fraudulent, deceptive and unfair business practices. To file a complaint, visit the FTC’s online Complaint Assistant or call 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). www.ftc.gov www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft www.ACFE.comAuthor
Judith A. Botham, MBA, CFE |
Now what?
According to the Federal Trade Commission’s website, there are four
initial steps to take if you believe you are a victim of identity
theft. When you are ready to begin the process of reporting
identity theft, make sure that you keep a detailed record of any and
all correspondence that you have with anyone with whom you have a
conversation. The four first steps are:
Step 2 – Close
accounts. One of the first steps to do here is to contact each
company and report that your credit may have been used
fraudulently. Speak with the security or fraud department and then
follow up each conversation in writing. Don’t forget to include any
copies of documentation to support this claim. When notifying these
companies, send your letter using certified mail, return receipt
requested. This is your confirmation that the companies have
received your correspondence and remember to keep this for your
records. If you believe that a transaction was not made by you, ask
for their company’s fraud dispute form so you can properly challenge
those transactions. After everything has been resolved, ask the
company for a letter stating that they have discharged the
fraudulent debts. 
1-800-680-7289;
1-888-EXPERIAN (397-3742);
| CHAPTER NEWS AND DEVELOPMENTS |
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Chapter Election Results Thank you to everyone who cast their vote. The results were announced at the last dinner meeting and your Chapter Board for 2010-2011 will be as follows:
Congratulations to Our 2010 Scholarship Receipients! Blaine Butcher, Jr. an accounting major from Fl Southern and Kaitlin McKenna, an accounting major and captain of the girls Volleyball team from St. Leo University, attended our April dinner meeting to receive their awards. Tampa Bay Chapter of the ACFE 2010 Scholarship Winners
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NEWS FROM ACFE INTERNATIONAL |
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Free Archived Webinars For Members
21St ACFE Annual Conference
CPE Credit: 4-40 Join your fellow anti-fraud professionals at the 21st Annual ACFE Fraud Conference & Exhibition, to be held in Washington, D.C., July 25-30, 2010. Address the challenges and critical issues faced by anti-fraud professionals during top-level educational sessions and participate in unparalleled networking opportunities with the premier practitioners and thought leaders in the fight against fraud. Click here for more information Fraud Magazine Site
We are proud to announce the launch of the all-new Fraud-Magazine.com, a site dedicated to the ACFE's flagship publication that will not only highlight stories appearing in the magazine but also include features such as exclusive, web-only content, videos, archives and more. It is packed with all the insight and cutting-edge information you've come to expect from the print edition. |
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DINNER MEETING INFORMATION |
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Sam discussed how analyzing the data of different fires uncovered the possibility of arson fraud. The data revealed that the suspicious fires occurred in certain streets, happened around the same time of day and the same public adjuster attended each fire. After receiving public attention the number of fires following this pattern decreased. Sometime later fires started accruing again following a similar pattern as before. In addition fires were in the kitchen and went through the roof and it was noted that board up companies were at the scene before the fire was even out. Further analysis of the data showed that the homes had similar types of mortgage and similar types of fire, which went into the loft of the home. When a fire goes into a loft it is considered the worst type and is usually considered a total loss. Sam described the roofs of the homes looking like they had melted in. Sam explained how fires do differ but the burn patterns are always the same. Fire leaves marks that go from narrow to wide. When people try to imitate burn marks it is usually obvious as the patterns left are not consistent with a natural fire. Samuel is the Criminal Intelligence Analyst Supervisor for the Florida State Fire Marshal. Sam has been employed with the Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office, Bureau of Fire and Arson investigations as a certified law enforcement analyst for over six years. He began his state law enforcement intelligence career with the agency in May of 2003. Sam’s prior intelligence experience comes by way of a 20 plus year career with the United Sates Army’s Military Intelligence Corp. Sam’s 27 years working in the intelligence community provides him with a vast array of knowledge, skills and abilities making him exceptionally accomplished in the field of intelligence; he is experienced in the following intelligence disciplines; Signal Intelligence (SIGINT); Human Intelligence (HUMINT), Imagery Intelligence (IMINT), Counter Intelligence (CI), collection-management and security-management. Sam possesses extensive qualifications in all facets of intelligence cycle development from tasking, collection, initial analysis, reporting through final documentation and dissemination. Sam holds a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Management from, National Louis University, in Wheaton, IL. |
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COMPLIANCE CORNER |
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Focus: Legislation NIST 800.53 Affected Industry’s: All Issue: There is a new age of compliance and preparing your organization for a new era of increased accountability and enforcement will take time, money and resources. Risk: The current risks are to financial, banking, insurance, and or personal information which could lead to the loss of funds. These threats come from cyber-attacks perpetrated by organized crime groups, Nation States – Potential enemies, from Non-Government Organizations – Al Qaeda and unintended consequences. NIST Key Pending Legislation comprise the following: The Pending Legislation A bill to ensure the continued free flow of commerce within the United States and with its global trading partners through secure cyber communications, to provide for the continued development and exploitation of the Internet and intranet communications for such purposes, to provide for the development of a cadre of information technology specialists to improve and maintain effective cyber security defenses against disruption, and for other purposes. Last Action: Mar 24, 2010: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably NIST STANDARDS DEVELOPMENT AND COMPLIANCE (a) IN GENERAL- Within 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the National Institute of Standards and Technology shall establish measurable and auditable cyber security standards for all Federal Government, government contractor, or grantee critical infrastructure information systems and networks in the following areas. ... (d) COMPLIANCE ENFORCEMENT- The Director shall-- (1) enforce compliance with the standards developed by the Institute under this section by software manufacturers, distributors, and vendors; and (2) shall require each Federal agency, and each operator of an information system or network designated by the President as a critical infrastructure information system or network, periodically to demonstrate compliance with the standards established under this section. (e) FCC
NATIONAL BROADBAND PLAN- In developing the national broadband plan
pursuant to section 6001(k) of the American Recovery and Reinvestment
Act of 2009, the Federal Communications Commission shall report on the
most effective and efficient means to ensure the cyber security of
commercial broadband networks, including consideration of consumer
education and outreach programs. (a) IN GENERAL- Within 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Commerce shall develop or coordinate and integrate a national licensing, certification, and periodic recertification program for cyber security professionals. (b) MANDATORY LICENSING- Beginning 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, it shall be unlawful for any individual to engage in business in the United States, or to be employed in the United States, as a provider of cyber security services to any Federal agency or an information system or network designated by the President, or the President’s designee, as a critical infrastructure information system or network, who is not licensed and certified under the program. Who Must Comply –
Consequences for
non-compliance SEC. 16. LEGAL
FRAMEWORK REVIEW AND REPORT (a) IN GENERAL-
Within 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the President, or
the President’s designee, through an appropriate entity, shall complete
a comprehensive review of the Federal statutory and legal framework
applicable to cyber-related activities in the United States, including--
More Reading:
The full text of the bi
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TRAINING INFORMATION AND FRAUD NEWS |
FBI: Finding criminal data on cell phones and game consoles is tough
Click here for more information 75 Percent of Organizations Wrongly Believe They Protect Sensitive Data Nearly three-quarters of organizations believe they have adequate policies in place to protect sensitive, personal information, yet more than half have lost sensitive data within the past two years — and nearly 60 percent of those organizations acknowledge data loss as a recurring problem, according to findings of a global study released today by Accenture. Click here for more information BE AWARE OF THE FOLLOWING SERVICE An excerpt from their website www.salesreceiptstore.com offers the following - Receipt Design and Print Service: Do you want us to create a store receipt for you? We can replicate any store receipt from any store worldwide, and include custom details such as date, items, amounts paid, type of payment etc. They state that the receipts produced should only be used for novelty purpose. IACA CISA/CISM/CGEIT Review Courses
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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE |
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212 Chapter Members!!! On May 11th, we reached an all time high in chapter memberships with the 212th member joining. I want to thank each of you who reached out to a co-worker or a friend and introduced them to the ACFE and our chapter. I asked in the last newsletter for you to recruit a new member and let’s reach 200 in membership before the end of this Chapter year. You responded and we shattered that number, but let’s not quit there. If we can keep the membership rising, then there is no reason that by the end of the next Chapter Year (August 2011) we cannot reach a new goal of 275. So keep recruiting! The Chapter held our 11th Annual Fraud and Computer Crimes Seminar on May 11th & 12th. By the responses provided through the evaluations, it was another stellar event. If you were in attendance, you can attest to the world class speakers that our Vice President, Christine Dever, lined up this year. Using a quote from Alan Bridges, our day two seminar closer, it was “priceless.” Speaking of Alan, look for his new book “Fifty Ways to Leave Your Money” coming soon. If it is anything like his presentation, it should be filled with creative techniques used by employees to make off with your profits. A special note of thanks goes out to Jeff Kubiszyn, ACFE Chapter Liaison who attended from Austin, Texas. Also, I want to thank our ACFE Mexican Chapter representative, Muna Dora Buchahina. She is the Mexican Chapter’s Vice President. Muna was invited by Consuelo Herrera, CFE, through the Chapter’s international partnering initiative. Muna thoroughly enjoyed her visit to Tampa and the training we provided. We also had attendees from Canada, Jacksonville, and Lee County Florida. Also during the seminar, the Chapter Board recognized an old friend, Gary Chapman, with the Chapter’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his work as a Board Member, Officer, Webmaster, and CFE. Gary is not going away but rather relinquishing all of his duties he has performed for the Board over many years. The Board also bestowed upon him a lifetime chapter membership and waived all fees associated with dinner meetings and our two-day seminar and because this was a special recognition, the Board also named our $1000 college scholarship given annually to the University of South Florida in Gary’s name. The 2011 and all future scholarships given to USF will be officially named “The Gary S. Chapman ACFE Educational Scholarship”. Congratulations Gary! As I end my second term as your president, I look back on the accomplishments we reached and the success this chapter has enjoyed. Working with the Board, I laid out some goals, some short term and some long term, that would steady the chapter and guide it into the future. During my first year, we organized the Chapter into committees with a Board member serving as Chair. This was done to provide greater emphasis on the many different events that we orchestrate each year. And at the end of my first term, we were rewarded with the coveted “2009 Chapter of the Year” recognition from the ACFE - an honor to finish first among the more than 147 worldwide chapters. My second term saw the rise in membership as noted above. We also increased the average dinner meeting attendees by 15%. We have submitted the Chapter for the 2010 Chapter of the Year recognition because we feel strongly that we didn’t let up on our pursuit to be the best. The Tampa Bay Chapter has a history of excellence and outstanding service to its members and community. Some of the highlights of the Chapter year are listed below: · Growing membership (currently at 212) · Informative and diversified speakers for dinner meetings and seminars · Community support and recognition · Providing a CFE Exam prep study group · Outstanding newsletter and website · Providing scholarships in excess of $20,000 to local Colleges and Universities · Providing scholarships to the local Police Explorer Chapters · Encouraging student involvement within the Chapter and the ACFE · Fraud prevention presentations to many organizations in the community I could go on and on about this Chapter and what’s
it meant to me to be your President the last two years. Although I am
relinquishing the Presidential position, I am not walking away without
responsibilities. I will serve in a dual role this chapter year as a
Director and the Training Director. This will require assuming roles
previously held by Wayne Boytim as the Training Director and those of
Gary that do not fall into any other category except for “Jack of all
trades.” I look forward to this challenge and hopefully will be able to
continue to afford this Chapter quality leadership for years to come.
Steve Hooper, CFE, CIA, CGAP, CCSA President, Tampa Bay Chapter - ACFE |
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PRESIDENT |
VICE PRESIDENT |
SECRETARY |
TREASURER |
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Steve Hooper, CIA, CFE, CCSA, CGAP |
Christine Dever, CPA/CFF, CFE |
Ellen Wilcox, CFE |
Laura Krueger Brock, CPA/CFF, CFE, CVA |
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DIRECTOR |
DIRECTOR |
DIRECTOR |
DIRECTOR |
DIRECTOR |
CHAPTER TRAINING |
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Mark Dubina, CFE Tampa Port Authorityina, CFE |
Sharon M. Shaw, CFE OAG Statewide Prosecution Tel: (813) 287-7960 |
Debbie Venanzio, CFE Branch Banking & Trust Co. Tel: (727) 302-5498 |
Bill Miles, CFE Florida Department of Law Enforcement Tel: (863) 701-1474 |
Gary Chapman, CIA, CGAP, CFE City of Tampa Tel: (813) 274-7163 |
Wayne Boytim, CFE Retiredyne Boytim, CFE Retired (813) 274-7167 |
| 2010 Tampa Bay Chapter - Association of Certified Fraud Examiners |