 
Prevent Identity Theft
Shred all sensitive documents.
Protect yourself with an on-site
document shredding service!
According to a report from the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) consumer protection
bureau, 27.3 million Americans had their identity stolen between April 1998 and the end
of 2003. The hijacking of personal and financial information used to perpetrate fraud
or theft costs businesses and financial institutions billions in losses each year. In
addition, the cost to consumers is more than $5 billion each year.
Most identity theft is the result of information stolen from a single improperly handled document containing personal information. This negligent mishandling of 'waste' documents has resulted in the enactment of laws designed to protect the privacy of businesses and individuals such as:
According to a Texas Legislative Update released in September 2005, identity theft is the fastest growing crime in the country. Texas ranks second behind California in the total number of identity thefts. Although the rate of Internet-related identity theft scams is on the rise, 68% of identity theft crimes occur by traditional means such as paper records.
The Texas Legislature has specifically enacted the following law to address this issue:
This Texas law, effective in 2005, stipulates fines of up to $500 for each violation.
The Texas Attorney General has actively investigated and taken legal action against various organizations across the state in an effort to protect consumers from identity thieves, specifically citing the following law:
This Texas law, effective in 2005, stipulates fines from $2,000 to $50,000 for each violation.
With increased litigation and concern over identity theft, many companies are required to develop and implement strict record management practices. Corporate and consumer information, such as payroll, personnel, accounting, insurance, and client-related data, is accessible for accidental or intentional viewing if not handled properly.
The need to destroy confidential and sensitive information has created a demand for document shredding companies across America. Off-site document shredding and recycling are two available services. Although claiming to be secure, these services provide ample opportunity for unauthorized access to sensitive information.
On-site document shredding, on the other hand, provides clients with a more secure and
convenient service. On-site document shredding offers clients peace of mind by
providing an unbroken chain of custody until the material is destroyed.
Helpful Resources
Federal Trade Commission Privacy Initiatives Page
Welcome to the Federal Trade Commission's Identity Theft Site
U.S. Department of Justice - Identity Theft and Fraud Site
Attorney General of Texas: Consumer Protection - About ID Theft
Frisco Chamber of Commerce
Recent News Articles
Texas AG's office unveils Web site to combat identity theft
01:34 PM CDT on Monday, March 17, 2008
By JANA WALLIS / The Dallas Morning News
Texas attorney general announces identity theft protection lawsuit launch
Adam Young
The Daily Toreador
Issue date: 1/11/08 Section: News
Identity Theft On The Rise
Austin News KXAN.COM
Updated: Dec 11, 2007 12:41 PM CST
Don't let identity theft ruin your holidays
08:10 AM CST on Monday, November 12, 2007
By Pamela Yip / The Dallas Morning News
Feds require financial institutions to create identity theft system
10.31.07, 1:15 PM ET
AFX News Limited
Forbes.com
Documents with personal information found in Boerne trash bin
Web Posted: 08/15/2007 06:56 AM CDT
Bridget Smith
KENS 5 Eyewitness News
Texas AG sues Life Time Fitness
Dallas Business Journal - August 1, 2007
Texas AG's trash trawlers bag checks for sixth ID-protection suit
The Southeast Texas Record
5/30/2007 3:00 PM
By Rob Luke
Police Blotter: Prescription Fraud
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Herald Democrat: By Vicki Graves and Mary Jane Farmer
Identity Theft and Tax Time Tips
By Identity Theft Resource Center
May 3, 2007 - 12:43:00 PM
Feds Ready Plan to Fight ID Theft
Saturday, April 21, 2007 8:00 PM PDT
Robert McMillan, IDG News Service
Texas AG suing Radio Shack for identity theft violations
April 2, 2007 10:48 PM CDT
KRISTV.COM
Online Reporter: Abby Dunn
Workers' Comp, Identity Theft Bills Pass Texas House
March 23, 2007
Insurance Journal
EWTK: Stolen mail can lead to identity theft
Web Posted: 02/24/2007 01:13 AM CST
Fred Lozano
KENS 5 Eyewitness News
Tax Season Leads to Increased Risk for Identity Theft
February 21, 2007
Government Technology
Police Blotter: Pottsboro Credit Card Illegal Use & Denison Identity Theft
Friday, December 29, 2006
Herald Democrat: By Mary Jane Farmer
17 years for ID theft kingpin who recruited addicts and homeless
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Seattle Post Intelligencer: By Phuong Cat Le
Grayson County Sheriff's Office News Release for 09/27/2006
Sep 27, 2006 09:30 AM CDT
kten.com
Fair suit alleges ticket scam
11:47 PM CDT on Monday, September 18, 2006
The Dallas Morning News: By Katie MenzerClick Forensics adds anti-phishing expert to advisory board
September 13, 2006
San Antonio Business Journal: By Catherine Dominguez
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