Public Relations >> Press Release, November 7, 2002

Press Release

Contact: Anissa Yates
For Release: 11/07/02
916/441-7377

SACRAMENTO - November 7, 2002 - The California Bankers Association today announced the launch of its identity theft prevention campaign designed to help consumers avoid becoming victims of this growing crime and to offer assistance to those who either know or suspect that they are already victims.

The campaign centers on an educational piece being made available to consumers through CBA member banks. The brochure provides tips on how to protect sensitive information, like not carrying a Social Security card in one's wallet or purse, not printing your driver's license number on personal checks, and either shredding or storing in a locked container all documents with personal information on them. In addition, the brochure provides consumers with information on who to call if you suspect you are a victim of identity theft, how to manage your credit report during the recovery process and how law enforcement and other government agencies can help identity theft victims.

"The banking industry knows how concerned consumers are about identity theft," said Gary Gertz, president of the California Bankers Association. "We want to help Californians protect themselves against these criminals and also provide them with information they'll need in case they do become a victim. But we also wanted to tell consumers about the many privacy protections already in place in California because they are substantial. When consumers know how to protect themselves and know what laws exist that also protect them, you dramatically decrease an identity thief's chances for success."

The program is endorsed by the California Chamber of Commerce, the California Union of Safety Employees (CAUSE), the Alliance for Fair Information Practices and the Pacific Research Institute, one of California's leading research organizations on consumer privacy. "We applaud the banking industry's effort to help further educate consumers and help prevent identity theft," said Allan Zaremberg, president and CEO of the California Chamber of Commerce. "Because businesses play a critical role in helping consumers through the challenge of recovering from identity theft, it is no surprise that they would also help educate consumers on how to prevent it. Identity theft is a crime that affects us all and one that must be stopped."

Information about CBA
Established more than 110 years ago, the California Bankers Association (CBA) is one of the largest state banking trade associations in the country. CBA leads the way in developing relevant educational and legislative solutions to some of California's more pressing financial and banking issues, including financial privacy, predatory lending, usage fees, and financial elder abuse. CBA's membership includes more than 300 of California's commercial, industrial and community banks and savings associations.

For further information, visit www.calbankers.com or contact Anissa Yates at 916/441-7377.