| Four million Britons have fallen victim to identity fraud. Are you next?
For one so young, he seemed a peculiarly precocious convert to retail therapy. Mobile phones, iPods, swish suits and fancy holidays. You name it, he bought it. The detectives asked to investigate his strangely spendthrift ways would, though, soon find themselves facing a conundrum. Their big spender was dead. In fact, he had succumbed to a childhood brain disease when seven months old. In total, the identities of hundreds of dead babies would be plundered by businessman Anton Gelonkin in one of the largest identity theft networks uncovered in the UK. Hiding behind the stolen identities of deceased infants, Gelonkin's gang would, in the space of a decade, amass a fortune worth millions. The ease and rapidity with which his team stole so many identities perturbed officers investigating a case which provides a rare insight into the modus operandi of those perpetrating Britain's fastest-growing crime: identity theft.
Four million Britons have fallen victim to identity fraud. Are you ...
For one so young, he seemed a peculiarly precocious convert to retail therapy. Mobile phones, iPods, swish suits and fancy holidays. You name it, he bought it. The detectives asked to investigate his strangely spendthrift ways would, though, soon find themselves facing a conundrum. Their big spender was dead. In fact, he had succumbed to a childhood brain disease when seven months old. In total, the identities of hundreds of dead babies would be plundered by businessman Anton Gelonkin in one of the largest identity theft networks uncovered in the UK. Hiding behind the stolen identities of deceased infants, Gelonkin's gang would, in the space of a decade, amass a fortune worth millions. The ease and rapidity with which his team stole so many identities perturbed officers investigating a case which provides a rare insight into the modus operandi of those perpetrating Britain's fastest-growing crime: identity theft.
Officials: Take action to prevent identity theft
Anyone can become a victim of identity theft.Each year, identity theft affects about 9 million Americans, according to information released by the Federal Trade Commission. In fact, the problem is so widespread that President George W. Bush recently commissioned a task force to identify solutions to the issue.The April 2007 report, titled "Combating Identity Theft: A Strategic Plan," concluded that reducing opportunities for identity theft and increasing public awareness were two of the most vital steps in reducing the number of victims."Only a comprehensive and fully coordinated strategy to combat identity theft — one that encompasses effective prevention, public awareness and education, victim assistance, and law enforcement measures, and that fully engages federal, state, and local authorities and the private sector — will have any chance of solving the problem," the report said.Last year, more than 17,700 fraud and identity theft cases were reported in Florida, according to a recent press release from the Florida Attorney General's Office.
Area organizations seeking holiday donations
Foster's Daily Democrat is publishing a donations list through the holiday season to help area charitable organizations serve the less fortunate. The list gives organizations the opportunity to request food, toys and other items for the needy during the holidays. Assistance this year is going to be critical for many area families. The listing will run periodically throughout the holiday season.
We encourage organizations to send us their requests for donations. A member of the organization should fill out the accompanying coupon and attach it to a simple list of needs and expiration date for the entry.
BERWICK, Maine — The Toys for Tots program of the Berwick Volunteer Firefighters Association is accepting new unwrapped toys for all ages. Items can be dropped off at the following locations: Berwick Fire Department, Town Hall, Stone Agency, Halls Auto Center, Farwells Auto Service and Kennebunk Savings Bank.
Alfred Stundent Dies in Fight
Alfred Police, along with New York State Police, are investigating the death of an Alfred University student. The student was from Horseheads, near Elmira. Police say Thomas Argentieri, 21, was pronounced dead after being taken to Saint James Hospital in Hornell. Police say Argentieri had been in a fight with another Alfred student. The fight happened Sunday about 3:30 a.m. on North Main Street in Alfred. No arrests have been made. ll/gj Alfred University
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