May 2, 2007

NEWS: Workshop to Help Stop ID Theft

Following news that an organized identity theft crime ring had played a role in the recent skimming attacks on two East Bay, CA Albertsons grocery stores, city officials held a workshop to help local residents become attuned to the signs that identity theft might have occurred. The workshop was held this past weekend in nearby San Lorenzo, just a few blocks from one of the stores, where nearly one hundred people have reported losing money from their accounts as a result of the scheme, That location, along with another in Alameda, was hit by fraudsters to the tune of over $100,000. Police say those involved used high-tech skimming software to hijack the grocery stores’ credit/debit card readers.

State Rep. Mary Hayashi spoke at the workshop about the possibility of legislation to elevate identity theft from a misdemeanor to a felony-level crime. Police officials recommended to attendees that they report identity theft to police, in addition to just their banks. In addition, they told attendees of their suspicions that the Albertsons thefts were part of the actions of a Southern California crime ring, although no-one has yet been arrested in connection with the crime.

Police and local officials stated that they considered the workshop to be a success, and expressed hopes that more would be held in the future to promote consumer education and diligence on the issue.


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