END ID THEFT

Welcome to the Maricopa County Attorney’s web site on combating identity theft. Here you will find the tools necessary to protect yourself from becoming a victim of identity theft and information that you will need if you are unfortunate enough to become an identity theft victim.

The Maricopa County Attorney's Office is on the cutting edge of identity theft prosecution. We were one of the first offices in the country to implement a separate bureau dedicated to prosecuting fraud and identity theft.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Thursday, January 8, 2009

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM

The Arizona Small Business Association (ASBA) is hosting a presentation on the forms of identity theft, ID Theft in the workplace, employer steps to compliance responsibilities and ID theft protection as a voluntary employee benefit. Cost is $20 for non-members and free for ASBA members. Event will be held at 4130 E. Van Buren St., Suite 150 in Phoenix. Contact 602-265-4563 for more information.

Friday, January 9, 2009

3:30 PM - 5:30 PM

Celebrate National Get Organized Month! IKEA Tempe, 2110 W. IKEA Way, is hosting a document shredding event with Clutter Rehab and AZdocushred. Bring your items to shred for $1.00 per box, with an 8-box limit - to the IKEA parking lot in Tempe.

Saturday, January 10, 2009

8:00 AM - 12 Noon

The Mesa Police Department is hosting an electronics recycling and document shredding event at 2250 W. Broadway Rd. Residents are invited to bring their old electronic equipment and up to five boxes of personal documents to be shredded.

Saturday, January 17, 2009

8:00 AM - 12 Noon

The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce, 119 N. Gilbert Rd., is hosting a Shred-A-Thon. Bring your documents in a bankers size box; the first two boxes are free and each additional box is $5.00 each. The Gilbert Chamber of Commerce is north of Elliott, south of the railroad tracks, on the east side of the road.

WIN A FREE SHREDDER

Winner - Leslie Damon!

Congratulations! Leslie Damon from Gilbert is the new winner in the Free Shredder Giveaway from End ID Theft.com! Leslie is pictured here accepting her prize from County Attorney Andrew Thomas.

Sign up for End ID Theft e-mail alerts and be automatically entered into our monthly drawing for a free personal *shredder! Alerts will make you aware of the identity theft news and tips you need to know to stay safe! (*Shredder courtesy of Wal-Mart)

ID THEFT RESOURCES

New Identity Theft Kit Now Available
A new identity theft kit is now available through the Federal Trade Commission. The kit supports federal efforts to reduce the risk of becoming an identity theft victim and identifies resources to help identify those who are victims of identity theft. Visit www.ftc.gov to get more information, including free brochures; an educational video and presentation slides.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
The FTC released its 2008 annual report in February detailing consumer complaints about fraud and identity theft. Visit the FTC www.ftc.gov website to learn more about how Arizona fared or download the full report here.

New Federal Law Targets Identity Theft
In October 2008, President Bush signed into law a bill that seeks to make it easier for prosecutors to go after cybercrooks, while ensuring that identity theft victims are compensated for their time and trouble when convicted identity thieves are forced to cough up ill-gotten gains. "The Identity Theft Enforcement and Restitution Act of 2008" lowers the bar prosecutors need to clear before bringing cybercrime charges against an individual.

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