ITRC Fact Sheet 124
What are Credit Freezes and Fraud Alerts?

Data Breaches: The Insanity Continues
In 2009, the Identity Theft Resource Center Breach Report recorded 498 breaches, less than the 657 in 2008, more than the 446 in 2007. Are data breaches increasing or decreasing? That is the question no one can answer.

2010 Trends
Recession to Cause a Rise in Scams, Thievery and Hacking
The ITRC and Robert Siciliano have joined forces to expand the pool of knowledge about identity theft issues. As nationally recognized experts in this crime, they have come up with their Top 10 predictions for what the nation might expect in the area of identity theft in 2010 and beyond.

Consumer Protection Day in San Diego
You are invited to attend the Consumer Protection Day event entitled "Dollars & $ense: Tips for Teens and Adults" which will take place on March 13, 2010, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Scottish Rite Event Center in Mission Valley. Consumers can learn about Financial Planning and Literacy, How to Avoid Scams and Fraud, and Cyber-Security. Admission and parking are free. There will be exhibitors from over 35 agencies, including law enforcement and regulatory agencies from the city, county, state, and federal government.

Microshredders
ABRA KADABRA!
Make your personal information virtually disappear! Shredders used at home and in the workplace have improved to the point that paper documents are almost being turned into dust. The new microshred shredders are now the

gold standard in shredding protection, slicing dicing each page into nearly 3,000 particles. With these new shredders, such as the Fellowes Microshred Series, businesses and consumers can feel more confident that their shredded documents have been completely destroyed. Read More

2010 Resolutions
Resolve to Dissolve Identity Theft!
Here we are again, getting ready to face a new year.

Time to set those dreaded New Year’s resolutions. Along with the breaking of some bad habits, now is the time to take on some new habits to protect you against identity theft.

IRS Form W-2 Spoof!

TrendLabs Advisory: Spoofed IRS W-2 Email circulation, contains MALWARE!

Mortgage Identity Theft

Mortgage Fraud on Rise

Over the past year, ITRC victim advisors have been reporting a marked increase in the number of requests for information regarding mortgage fraud. By definitiion, this type

of fraud is categorized as "financial". As a result of these inquiries and the number of related cases, the ITRC created new ITRC Solution 28 - Mortgage Identity Theft . This solution covers ways to minimize risk, steps to clear name, and resources to contact.

Breaches 2010
As of March 9, 2010, the total number of breaches reported by the ITRC is 146. For more information about the ITRC breach reports click here

Credit Card Statements
Credit card statements will now provide consumers with an illustration of "how long it will take them to pay off their balance," using paying only the minimum amount each month vs paying off the debt in 3 years. The CARD Act will help consumers to assess their debt obligations more easily. Consumers should see changes in their statements in February or March.

ITRaC News
ITRaC News is the ITRC quarterly e-newsletter. This newsletter covers: What’s New, latest scams, news releases, product information, Guest Authors, various articles about identity theft, legislative updates and more.

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