Tempe, Ariz. – Identity theft struck a record number of Illinois consumers in 2008. The latest statistics from the Federal Trade Commission show more than 13,700 consumers filed identity theft complaints, an increase of nearly 25 percent from 2007. Additionally, the length of time a victim invests in clearing their good name can be up to three or more months, according to the FTC.
A July 9th free summit being hosted by the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association, Inc. (FBI-LEEDA) and LifeLock® aims to close in on identity thieves by arming local, state and federal law enforcement officials in and around the Chicago region. The event will provided information about this widespread crime and access to the tools that will help them put these criminals away. The summit, which will be held in West Chicago, Ill., is part of a series being offered under a three-year partnership between FBI-LEEDA and LifeLock, Inc. The Chicago event marks the 10th summit in the series, and nearly 1,200 law enforcement officials have participated in the previous nine events held in cities throughout the U.S.
“We have had a tremendous response to these programs and are looking forward to continuing outreach efforts and summits throughout the country,” said LifeLock CEO Todd Davis. “We are honored to partner with an organization such as the FBI-LEEDA to work to get this valuable information in the hands of those who are battling this crime on the front lines. We know that education is a vital component in the fight against identity theft, and every new person we reach with our message means more roads are closed to criminals.”
Participants in the Chicago law enforcement summit will learn about identity theft and its economic, personal and employment impacts as well as hear stories from others who have been affected by this crime or have worked to combat it. Law enforcement officials will also learn the latest investigation strategies as well as have opportunities to network with other agencies to improve inter-agency communication, which can aid in tracking down identity thieves. Senior Investigator Justin Feffer, a veteran officer from California, will serve as the key note speaker and will share information he has learned during his work on the Los Angeles County Cyber Crime Team as well as the Electronic Crimes Task Force.
The Chicago summit will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the West Chicago Community High School, 326 Joliet St., in West Chicago, Ill. To register, visit the FBI-LEEDA Web site at www.leedafbi.org or contact Paige Pedersen at paige@lifelock.com or 480-457-2108. The summit is open to chiefs, sheriffs, investigative supervisors, fraud unit investigators, patrol officers and community policing personnel.
“We are excited to bring this important training to our law enforcement community,” said Tom Stone, Executive Director of FBI-LEEDA. “By joining together and opening avenues of communication, we gain the ability to share effective policing strategies and connect identity theft cases from several cities and states to ensure that these criminals get the punishments they deserve.”
In the face of this growing crime, law enforcement officials are often forced to track criminals who operate across multiple borders and jurisdictions. Improving communication and promoting information sharing between law enforcement entities is a key step in closing in on identity thieves.
LifeLock (www.lifelock.com) is an industry leader in proactive identity theft protection. Since 2005, LifeLock has been providing consumers with the tools and confidence they need to help protect themselves when they have a good faith suspicion that they have been or are about to become a victim of identity theft. The company has a strong focus on educating consumers and working with law enforcement and elected officials to better understand the increasing threats of identity theft. A multiple award-winning organization, LifeLock has most recently been recognized by the American Business Awards as Best Overall Company and offering consumers the best new service (TrueAddress).
The FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association (FBI-LEEDA) (www.leedafbi.org ) is a 501(c)(3) corporation. The majority of members of FBI - LEEDA are Chief Executive Officers of law enforcement agencies, Directors and Commissioners of public safety, and elected Sheriffs throughout the United States and numerous foreign countries. One of the requirements for active membership in FBI - LEEDA is to have participated in a Command Institute for Law Enforcement Executives or the LEEDS training program at the FBI Academy or one of the twenty-three regional FBI Command Colleges located throughout the United States. Members of the Association consist mostly of decision-makers from local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. In addition to FBI – LEEDA’s mission of leadership and management training excellence, the Association strives to provide information to its members which will enhance their ability to maintain an outstanding quality of life in the communities in which they serve.
with the most advanced Identity Theft Protection system available!