Ithaca, New York - December 17, 2002: Due to the rapid rise in computerized identity theft victimization, the Consumer Research Institute (CRI) is arming consumers with a new PDF ebook "Stop Identity Theft" - a comprehensive guide, detailing the facts and resources needed to prevent the crime's damaging effects. In addition, a comprehensive damage control checklist is included for those who have already been targeted by a thief.

"We want to educate consumers about the increasing threats to their personal and financial security," says L. J. Stambuk, President of CRI, "and give them a fighting chance to stop the identity theft crisis."

The Federal Justice Department has estimated that more than 700,000 people will be victimized this year alone, and that number is skyrocketing. The financial and emotional toll can be devastating. It can take years for victims to repair their credit records. Or worse, if a criminal is using your identity, you could be arrested for crimes you did not commit.

Identity theft has evolved from being perpetrated by small-time pickpockets to technology-savvy individuals of every background. The Internet provides an easy-access, high tech tool for criminals to use to anonymously commit their crimes, making it harder for authorities to close in on them. Today's thieves are hacking into merchant records, stealing your credit card information, launching viruses in your computer to record every keystroke you make, and paying company employees to leak information from their massive databases.

Identity theft on the Internet is happening all over the world, and in every industry. It's no longer reserved for online banking and merchant accounts. Thieves are stealing identities from the credit agencies themselves, and also directly from your hard drive.

Until now, consumers didn't know where to turn for information on how to protect their personal data from hackers and unethical characters in the online community. "Stop Identity Theft" teaches the public how to take precautions, such as monitoring your accounts to ensure new cards haven't been issued, or checking to see if PIN numbers have been altered.

"Stop Identity Theft" reduces risk by listing the steps consumers need to take in order to safeguard their name - and numbers - from the hands of shady Internet criminals.

Company information:
Consumer Research Institute, founded in 1995, develops and markets unique publications that improve the quality of life for individuals and families. Its products include the very popular and highly effective "Stop The Junk Mail" kit and the "Stop Identity Theft" ebook. These publications have have been recommended by print and Web site media, consumer groups, government departments, environmental organizations, and universities. Consumer Research Institute provides national distribution of its publications through downloadable Web site files and mailorder delivery. For more information visit:
http://www.StopJunk.com -or- http://www.Stop-Identity-Theft.net
Inquiries by mail can be sent to:
Consumer Research Institute, PO Box 612, Ithaca, NY 14851



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