San Antonio Hotels Involved
in Massive Credit Card Theft
Jan 31st 2009 @ 5:00PM
If you have stayed any nights in San Antonio, watch your credit card statements carefully.
Information from 17,000 guests is involved in a large scale fraud with stolen receipts from 3 different hotels, then used in an identity theft scam to make fraudulent purchases. "Up to this point, we have recovered 1,500 (receipts), but we're estimating 17,000 were compromised," Mark Bartlett, special agent in charge of U.S. Secret Service in San Antonio, told the San Antonio Express-News.
So far, 7 people have been indicted on charges of identity theft and the possession of equipment to make or alter credit cards. The crime was foisted by criminals who worked at these hotels, and information or copies of credit card receipts taken off premises with the purpose of using them for fraudulent purchases. Read more at my blog:
http://identitytheftdynamics.blogspot.com/
Authorities are declining to release the names of these hotels, pending their investigation, but the Express-News identified one as the Emily Morgan Hotel (shown above).
"The Emily Morgan Hotel is working with the U.S. Secret Service in their investigation," general manager Michelle Felton said in a prepared statement. "Since this is an ongoing investigation, we cannot comment on any specific details."Further investigation by members of the South Texas Regional Task Force shows that the stolen receipts were resold among people involved in other criminal acts.
"One of the things we see in these types of crimes is there is some sort of methamphetamine tie," Bartlett said. "We're seeing methamphetamine addicts forming groups to organize themselves to steal identities, distribute the documents and sell them or purchase goods with these identities."So, if you stayed in San Antonio, and used a credit card, be sure to keep an eye out for odd charges, and if you do happen to see something you did not authorize, contact your bank right away. In most cases, you won't be liable for these fraudulent charges, but you may have some paperwork involved in proving your case to police, credit card companies and insurance.What this means to you Personal and Business Travel is becoming more fraught with opportunities for ID theft. There are people who will find ways to access your accounts, violate your life. One person told me of going to a restaurant, and his friend was paying by credit card. This person just happenned to be in sight of the cash register and witnessed the waiter placing his friend's card on the shelf and using his phone/camera to take pictures of both sides of the card. He quickly called the manager and the waiter was fired and arrested. How about those people who did not know? Do not let your cards out of your sight. Call Dan at 502--554-2397 and he can help you protect your ID and cards.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Think ID Theft & Shredding is all you need to know?
FOUR YEARS AGO a USAtoday article about shredders said, "Identity theft is the fastest-growing crime in the USA, according to the National Crime Prevention Council. About 7 million people (ed.,now nearly 10 million/ yr) had their identities stolen in the year ended July 2003, according to two studies done by Gartner Research and Harris Interactive. Each will spend an average of $1,495 and 600 hours getting his or her finances straightened out, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center. And that's not counting lawyers' fees."
So the laws regarding shredding, pulverizing, smashing, electronic wiping went into effect with the FACT Act of 2004. It states, "Employers must destroy information derived from a consumer credit report before discarding it." It became effective on June 1, 2005. Other acts such as Gramm-Leach-Bliley (GLB) and HIPAA (not just for the medical industry anymore), also require you to appropriately handle/destroy consumer info (and has been enlarged to include Employee and Vendor info) applies to any size business or any individual who has personally Identifiable. And there are penalties. I DIDN'T KNOW!!!
Shredding is good, but if Non-Public Information (NPI) or Personally Identifiable Information (PII) still gets out, there are penalties. According to NAID, and other legal sources:·Civil liability: Employees could be entitled to recover actual damages sustained if their identity is stolen as a result of your lack of sufficient protections. Or you could have to pay statutory damages of up to $1,000 per employee. There are state laws that could apply, too. ·Class-action lawsuits. If large numbers of employees or clients are affected, they may be able to bring class-action lawsuits and get punitive damages from employers. And there are NO statute of limitations here. ·Federal fines. The federal government could fine you up to $2,500 for each violation.·State fines. States can fine up to $1,000 for each violation.
Other laws, such as GLB allow fines up to $1,000,000.00 per incident, removal of managment and/or Leadership (just like the NCAA removes coaches &/or ADs)
This makes investing in a quality shredder - about $25 to $299 for a personal shredder to over $2,000 for an office or contracting with a shredder company- very worth it. Remember, these figures don't include lawyers fees; you may be responsible for both sides.
What does this mean to you? For Individuals: you cannot depend on trash collectors to properly dispose of sensitive info. SHRED NOW! You only need to shred docs containing your name and any personal info. So, if you get a magazine, only shred the page with your labeled address, unless the inside contains your info. However, if a Credit Card Company (CCC) sends you an application and you only shred the envelope or front page, be aware that sometimes CCCs print your info ON THE APP itself! Make sure you shred that, too
For Businesses: shredding is just one issue mandated by law. AND your insurance company may not protect you if you flout the laws. What about your people? Are they protected? Do you have NPI/PII policies and procedures in place? Are your people trained in Identifying ID Theft per FTC requirements? Have they been certified? Do you offer ID Theft Legal benefit plans? Or are you out of compliance with FTC regs? And unprotected from legal challenges? It does not cost much to get into compliance, it costs a lot, including possibly your freedom, to be out of compliance. Call Dan 502-554-2397 for free training.
So the laws regarding shredding, pulverizing, smashing, electronic wiping went into effect with the FACT Act of 2004. It states, "Employers must destroy information derived from a consumer credit report before discarding it." It became effective on June 1, 2005. Other acts such as Gramm-Leach-Bliley (GLB) and HIPAA (not just for the medical industry anymore), also require you to appropriately handle/destroy consumer info (and has been enlarged to include Employee and Vendor info) applies to any size business or any individual who has personally Identifiable. And there are penalties. I DIDN'T KNOW!!!
Shredding is good, but if Non-Public Information (NPI) or Personally Identifiable Information (PII) still gets out, there are penalties. According to NAID, and other legal sources:·Civil liability: Employees could be entitled to recover actual damages sustained if their identity is stolen as a result of your lack of sufficient protections. Or you could have to pay statutory damages of up to $1,000 per employee. There are state laws that could apply, too. ·Class-action lawsuits. If large numbers of employees or clients are affected, they may be able to bring class-action lawsuits and get punitive damages from employers. And there are NO statute of limitations here. ·Federal fines. The federal government could fine you up to $2,500 for each violation.·State fines. States can fine up to $1,000 for each violation.
Other laws, such as GLB allow fines up to $1,000,000.00 per incident, removal of managment and/or Leadership (just like the NCAA removes coaches &/or ADs)
This makes investing in a quality shredder - about $25 to $299 for a personal shredder to over $2,000 for an office or contracting with a shredder company- very worth it. Remember, these figures don't include lawyers fees; you may be responsible for both sides.
What does this mean to you? For Individuals: you cannot depend on trash collectors to properly dispose of sensitive info. SHRED NOW! You only need to shred docs containing your name and any personal info. So, if you get a magazine, only shred the page with your labeled address, unless the inside contains your info. However, if a Credit Card Company (CCC) sends you an application and you only shred the envelope or front page, be aware that sometimes CCCs print your info ON THE APP itself! Make sure you shred that, too
For Businesses: shredding is just one issue mandated by law. AND your insurance company may not protect you if you flout the laws. What about your people? Are they protected? Do you have NPI/PII policies and procedures in place? Are your people trained in Identifying ID Theft per FTC requirements? Have they been certified? Do you offer ID Theft Legal benefit plans? Or are you out of compliance with FTC regs? And unprotected from legal challenges? It does not cost much to get into compliance, it costs a lot, including possibly your freedom, to be out of compliance. Call Dan 502-554-2397 for free training.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Identity Theft Prevention Today
Hello, I'm Dan Cassin, Author of "Creative Leadership Dynamics(c)" and soon-to-be-pub'd "Identity Theft Prevention Today," Speaker, Buyer, Seller, Traveller and Victim of Identity Theft. As a result I trained, studied and became a Certified Identity Theft Risk Management Specialist and Consultant. I want people to know about the dangers, costs and legal problems you face, as well as the Protections available before, during and especially AFTER you become a victim. So please forward this to victims, family and/or friends you know. The more they know, the more people we can protect from the "#1 criminal concern of law enforcement for the next decade." (USAtoday).
The FTC, USAToday and MSNBC all report that one in four families have already been victims of ID Theft. Another stat says 65% of victims don't know it yet. I hope it never happens to you, but if you are ever a victim of ID Theft, I want you to know 1) you're not alone, 2) you're not helpless and 3) you can recover. It takes awareness, self-protection and legal help. That's what I want to do for you: help you find the info, resources, and solutions in less than a few minutes.
Every letter will offer short articles about "Protecting Your Business," Protecting Your Clients and Employees" and Protecting Your Family." Also I'll cover such items as "Think you Know?" Containing info you may need to know. "Reasons to Act Now" a list of reasons that may apply to you. "Questions I'm Asked" and "Actions To Take Now." Every article will have quality info, reporting and end with "What this means to you," with suggested solutions to the problem. The one thing I cannot do is make you take the suggestions to heart and to take action.
Finally, my time is limited by my study, speaking schedule, travel and my family. But I am available to consult by phone, on-site or by speaking event to a group, company, organization; and to media for free about Identity Theft.
The FTC, USAToday and MSNBC all report that one in four families have already been victims of ID Theft. Another stat says 65% of victims don't know it yet. I hope it never happens to you, but if you are ever a victim of ID Theft, I want you to know 1) you're not alone, 2) you're not helpless and 3) you can recover. It takes awareness, self-protection and legal help. That's what I want to do for you: help you find the info, resources, and solutions in less than a few minutes.
Every letter will offer short articles about "Protecting Your Business," Protecting Your Clients and Employees" and Protecting Your Family." Also I'll cover such items as "Think you Know?" Containing info you may need to know. "Reasons to Act Now" a list of reasons that may apply to you. "Questions I'm Asked" and "Actions To Take Now." Every article will have quality info, reporting and end with "What this means to you," with suggested solutions to the problem. The one thing I cannot do is make you take the suggestions to heart and to take action.
Finally, my time is limited by my study, speaking schedule, travel and my family. But I am available to consult by phone, on-site or by speaking event to a group, company, organization; and to media for free about Identity Theft.
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