| The magnitude of the identity theft and fraud problem is enormous. Identity fraud was identified as one of the top priorities of the Department of Justice, just prior to the terrorist attacks of 9/11. Naturally, everyone’s priorities changed after 9/11. The impact of identity theft and identity fraud is reaching a proportion and a level of sophistication by the criminal element that prompt coordination by governments, multinational corporations, and citizens is required if we are going to have any significant impact.
Identity Theft Handbook: Detection, Prevention, and Security is also very timely, considering the woes of our financial services/banking industry. Current poor economic trends, oil prices, and mortgage lending problems threaten the confidence in our financial services industry. It must be protected from further damage from identity theft and identity fraud.
Identity Theft Handbook: Detection, Prevention, and Security is a great beginning to understanding the history and complexity of the identity theft and identity fraud problem. Biegelman gives an excellent view of the history of the identity theft problem in the United States. The past method of operation for criminals committing these crimes provides a framework for understanding the origins of their new methods and indicates how much the criminal element has grown. |