October 9, 2008

PRESS RELEASE:   FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION

Contact:   Linda Foley 858-693-7935 x 101
Karen Barney 858-693-7935 x 104
8:45 am - 4:30 pm PST

Identity Theft Resource Center Joins Coalition to Educate
Consumers about Identity Theft

The Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) is proud to support the National Foundation for Credit Counseling's National Protect Your Identity Week (PYIW), October 19 - 25. The ITRC will recognize PYIW by conducting 35 presentations, Identity Theft: Truth or Consequences, on Thursday, October 23.  

The Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) developed its Identity Theft Awareness Day to bring vital information into communities throughout San Diego County. The ITRC is also joining forces with law enforcement agencies across the county to educate residents on the ways they can minimize their risk of becoming a victim of the country’s fastest growing crime.  At community events such as these, the ITRC will reach out to both consumers and businesses to heighten their awareness of identity theft issues.

The objective of the 2008 Identity Theft Awareness Day is to broaden the ITRC’s outreach to the greatest number of people throughout San Diego County on the same day. Multiple venues, from the inland valleys to the coast and from South Bay to North County, have been chosen so that residents won't have to travel far to attend a presentation. Speakers for these events, from the ITRC and various law enforcement agencies, are well-versed on identity theft issues and current topics. Click here for a complete listing of Identity Theft Awareness day presentations, or call (858) 693-7935.

The ITRC recognizes the need for consumers to be educated about identity theft protection and understands the havoc such a crime can bring into a person’s life.   “Identity theft is a crime that simply won’t go away,” said Linda Foley, ITRC founder.    

As part of this event, the ITRC has coordinated on-site shredding vehicles to be present at 10 of the venues around the county. This free service will allow residents to bring documents to the presentation site for disposal.  

This event has the support of the Board of Supervisors – Chairman Greg Cox and Vice-Chairwoman Dianne Jacob; San Diego County District Attorney’s Victim Assistance Program; San Diego County Sheriff’s Crime Prevention Unit; California Crime Prevention Officers Association; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Victim Assistance Coordinating Council; San Diego Police Department Volunteer Services; and other police departments from around San Diego County.  In addition, the ITRC is working with the offices of local State Assembly members.

About the ITRC
The Identity Theft Resource Center® (ITRC) is a non-profit organization established to support victims of identity theft in resolving their cases, and to broaden public education and awareness in the understanding of identity theft.   It is the on-going mission of the ITRC to assist victims, educate consumers, research identity theft and increase public and corporate awareness about this problem.   Visit www.idtheftcenter.org

About the NFCC
The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC), founded in 1951, is the nation’s largest and longest serving national nonprofit credit counseling organization.   The NFCC’s mission is to promote the national agenda for financially responsible behavior and build capacity for its members to deliver the highest quality financial education and counseling services.   NFCC members annually help more than two million consumers through close to 900 community-based offices nationwide.   For free and affordable confidential advice through a reputable NFCC member, call 1-800-388-2227 (en Español 1-800-682-9832) or visit www.nfcc.org

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