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IDENTITY THEFT &
CITRMS
Identity Theft and related fraud has become
such a pervasive and costly crime epidemic that Entrepreneur Magazine
named Identity Theft Prevention and Recovery one of the "Hot Trends to
Explore" and "Top Businesses to Start in 2006" - and for good reason. With
an average of nearly 10 million new victims each year, and annual losses
reaching $50 billion, there is a clearly defined need for skilled
professionals highly proficient in this area of expertise.
A Certified Identity Theft
Risk Management Specialist (CITRMS) is e uniquely positioned as a new
front line professional in the fight against fraud and Identity Theft. As
these crimes continue to proliferate, there is an ever-increasing need for
professionally trained, well-equipped specialists to educate and assist
consumers, businesses, and others in understanding their risks and
liabilities, and assist them in identifying, addressing, and managing
their risks.
The Role and
Critical Need for Certified Identity Theft Risk Management
Specialists
Proper training and effective education of
consumers, business owners, and employees is critical in today's world
where Identity Theft and Identity Fraud crimes have grown to epidemic
proportions, and theft of sensitive, non-public protected information is
rampant.
Addressing the Risks to
Consumers
Consumers are under constant onslaught of attempts by
thieves to defraud them and steal their personal information. Acting upon
consumer haste and general lack of awareness, thieves and scam artists
prey upon millions of consumers every year - often with devastating
effect. Proactive risk management and effective consumer education is
clearly a superior choice to reactive victim assistance after
victimization. However, this requires properly trained professionals that
are knowledgeable and well-equipped to provide expert advice combined with
clear and actionable personal risk management strategies. There are many
alleged "experts" that offer only basic and overly- simplistic advice that
does not adequately address the risks, and can actually increase a
consumer's risk of being victimized. In the realm of Identity Theft and
fraud, closing the gap in what a consumer does not know and does not
understand, while assisting in the implementation of an effective personal
risk management plan, is the role of the Certified Identity Theft Risk
Management Specialist.
Addressing the
Risks to Businesses
Likewise, under the mandates of a wide
variety of existing and proposed state and federal legislation, businesses
struggle under new and continuously evolving requirements to protect
consumer information. Information is the new gold, and businesses that
hold protected consumer information in the normal course of business are
the regular targets of information thieves. Businesses may be held liable
and penalized, through regulatory fines and penalties, sanctions, and even
civil lawsuits, if they do not adequately protect the private financial,
medical, and other personal and confidential information of their clients,
customers, and employees. Unfortunately many businesses, particularly
small businesses and professional practices, are unaware of their
requirements and the significant potential liabilities imposed by these
regulations. Assisting businesses in understanding these requirements,
areas of risk and potential liability, and other issues related to
Identity Theft and fraud is the role of the Certified Identity Theft Risk
Management Specialist - whether as a consultant, manager, or employee of
the business.
What is CITRMS?
In order to maintain the prestige, recognition, and credibility of
the CITRMS designation, it is important to ensure that it is used and
displayed properly. Those individuals who have earned the designation are
authorized to include the designation after their name. (Example: John
Doe, CITRMS). The designation may also be written out in its entirety.
(Example: Certified Identity Theft Risk Management Specialist).
When written out, each word of the designation should be
capitalized.
The CITRMS designation is an individual
professional designation bestowed upon a single person. It may not be
utilized by a company in any form, whether as part of the company name,
website address, or otherwise, nor may it be utilized by spouses unless
both have successfully earned the designation.
"Certified Identity Theft Risk Management Specialist "and
the "CITRMS" designation are registered trademarks and are protected under
the law. Anyone who uses this trademark without permission is subject to
significant penalty. Please contact TIFRM to report any suspected
violations in the use of this trademark.
From Where Does the
CITRMS Designation Originate?
The Certified Identity Theft Risk
Management Specialist program is provided through a cooperative effort
between the award-winning Institute of Consumer Financial Education and
The Institute of Fraud Risk Management. The CITRMS certification program
was developed by Michael Barnett, founder and president of The Institute
of Fraud Risk Management. The underlying professional designation for the
CITRMS certification course is bestowed upon the successful graduate by
the prestigious Institute of Consumer Financial Education (ICFE), a
nationally-respected non-profit organization.
About The
Institute of Fraud Risk Management:
The Institute of Fraud Risk
Management (www.TIFRM.net) is a national education and training provider
that developed the CITRMS course. Founded by former law enforcement
officers and financial fraud investigators, the Institute offers CITRMS
and an array of other anti-fraud training and resources, available in both
online and printed formats.
About the Institute of Consumer
Financial Education:
The Institute of Consumer Financial Education
was founded by the late Loren Dunton, creator of the Certified Financial
Planner (CFP®) designation and founder of the College for Financial
Planning. The ICFE is a nationally- recognized, award winning, nonprofit
public education organization, based in San Diego, CA. Founded in 1982,
the ICFE has certified more than four thousand professionals through its
programs. The ICFE is an official partner with the U.S. Department of
Defense's Financial Readiness Campaign. The ICFE website is www.ICFE.info.
CONSULTATION
I am available for either business or personal
consultation and coaching. I offer one on one or group
consultation. I offer a FREE 1/2 hour consultation to determine your
needs. Questions to ask yourself, your organization or your business,
might include "Am I at risk? Do I understand my liability? Do I recognize
how new rulings and laws including FACTA and HIPAA affect my business or
organization? Am I safeguarding my credit and identity?" Since 911 many
things have changed in the field of identity theft and fraud. I
am here to strengthen your position.
I provide Risk Management Consulting and Assistance for
Individuals & Businesses.
1. Risk Management Consulting and Assistance for
Individuals
I provide risk management consultations to
individual consumers.
Service examples:
- Risk management
education and consulting
- Guided or full-service incident resolution
assistance
2. Risk Management Consulting for
Businesses
I provide risk management consultations to small
businesses and their employees.
Service examples:
- Employee
Training - Initial training, refresher / recurring training, and new hire
training.
- Risk Management Consulting - Includes examine the business'
processes and identify areas of risk or potential liability, making
recommendations for improving security.
SEMINARS &
EVENTS
I will be putting on regular seminars to
help both individuals and organizations deal with the concerns about
Identity Theft. I will be doing seminars to include other areas of
security including computer, email and web. They will also offer Legal and
Identity Theft restorations services.
Seminars and Teaching Events
Would your group
like to sponsor a seminar or event? Below are some suggestions for you to
consider. I offer information on Identity Theft and related fraud,
conduct informational events to assist in educating you and others in
identifying and managing risks.
1. Professional Practitioners including
Financial Advisors, Insurance Agents, CPAs and Accountants, Tax Preparers,
Mortgage Brokers, etc.
If you regularly host events for your
clients and prospects, and seek outside subject matter experts who may be
available to speak at these events. I offer a 30 to 60 minute
presentation.
Examples: - Client Appreciation Events
- Client
Acquisition Events
(Note: This presentation is professional and
strictly informational in nature) In many cases, you may find that you
yourself would benefit from a consultation with us in order to address the
risks and potential liabilities in your own professional practice.
2. Events at Small to Mid-Sized
Companies
Examples: - Employee Training - Employee
Wellness or Benefits Events
3. Community Banks and Credit Unions
Many small
local banks and credit unions struggle with the crime of Identity Theft
and related fraud. As a CITRMS professional, I can provide
informational seminars to your customers and members.
4. Chambers of Commerce
Chambers of Commerce
regularly seek new information and services that they can offer to their
member companies as a benefit of membership. I can present before
your group of interested business owners and business professionals.
5. Rotary Clubs and Other Business
Organizations
Rotary Clubs are typically comprised of local
business owners interested in promoting the growth of commerce in their
community, and seek out opportunities to address common problems facing
businesses in their area. I can present 30-60 minutes(less or more) to
your group.
6. Employee Unions
Employee unions represent the
interests of the employee members, and seek out new information and
services that can be a benefit to their members. Union representatives may
approach the company's management to encourage them to offer informational
seminars, training, or other services.
7. Professional Associations and Networking
Groups
Examples:
- Realtor Associations
- Auto
Dealer Associations
- Association of Independent Financial Advisors /
Accountants
- State Bar Associations (attorneys)
- Temporary
Employment Services
8. Community Events and Community Centers
Many
communities maintain a community center that offers classes, workshops,
and other events for their citizens, and seek local subject matter experts
to provide informational classes to the public. I can offer a class
in conjunction with your local law enforcement agency.
9. Community Colleges
Most community colleges offer
non-credit courses taught by local subject matter experts. I
am willing to offer a class on these topics.
(Note: Our
presentation will be professional and strictly informational in nature.)
10. High Schools and Colleges
High school and
college students are often oblivious to the dangers of Identity Theft and
fraud, freely offering their personal information without thought of the
potential dangers. Because these young people are highly susceptible to
the tactics used by thieves and scam artists, many high schools and
colleges would welcome an informational class on Identity Theft and
related fraud. (Note: Our presentation will be professional and
strictly informational in nature.)
11.
Churches
Many churches have fellowship programs and activities
outside of regular Sunday service, and like to offer informational
presentations for their congregations. I can offer a 30-60 minute seminar
to your church.
12. Retirement Communities, Assisted
Living Facilities, & Senior Centers
The elderly are
frequent targets of fraud, and are often highly susceptible to the tactics
used by thieves and scam artists. Most organizations that service the
needs of the elderly would use an informational class on Identity
Theft and related fraud.
13. Fraternal / Sorority
Organizations (Moose, Elks, Eagles, VFW, DAR, etc.) Fraternal and
sorority organizations frequently host events for their members. In many
cases, members of your organizations are retired or semi- retired,
and would welcome an informational event to learn about Identity Theft and
related fraud.
14. Citizens' Academies
Many
cities and counties throughout the nation offer a "Citizens' Academy",
hosted by local law enforcement agencies. These academies provide
instruction to interested citizens regarding law enforcement operations,
crimes and crime trends, and related information. If a Citizens' Academy
is offered, and if they might be interested in including a class on
Identity Theft. (Note: Our presentation will be professional and strictly
informational in nature.)
15. Neighborhood Block Watch
Organizations & Homeowner Associations
Neighborhood block
watch and homeowner associations represent the interests of area
residents, attempting to reduce and address incidents of crime, vandalism,
and other undesirable activities. I could be available for seminars
or workshops.
If you are interested in our services, please
contact me.
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