August 4, 2006

EAST LANSING. A new identity theft investigation training course has helped to better prepare 476 Michigan law enforcement officers to investigate identity theft, credit fraud and counterfeiting complaints. The free training course was offered from July 10 through Aug. 3 by the Identity Theft Teams of the Michigan State Police (MSP), in conjunction with the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police (MACP) and the Michigan Sheriff’s Association (MSA).

Officers from 141 police and sheriff’s departments, as well as members of the U.S. Office of the Inspector General, U.S. Secret Service and Michigan Department of State attended training sessions that were held in Kalamazoo, Lansing, Marquette, Roscommon, Saginaw and Troy.

During the four-hour course, officers were trained in the latest investigative techniques, including the areas of victim assistance, identity theft rings, prosecution of offenders and criminal law.

“One of the most positive aspects of this training was the opportunity for officers to network with one another and share investigative strategies,” stated Col. Peter C. Munoz, director of the MSP. “We are pleased to have been able to partner with the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police and the Michigan Sheriff’s Association to offer this type of training; it is our hope the result will be an improved level of service to Michigan citizens.”

Officers also learned about the investigative tools available to help them combat identity theft, such as the MSP Identity Theft Team Web site, www.michigan.gov/identity-theft, which contains valuable information and resources to assist investigators.

In addition, the Web site offers tips on how to avoid being an identity theft victim, including conducting a yearly review of your credit report; a monthly review of financial and credit statements; withholding identifying information during unsolicited offers by phone, mail, Internet or in person; and the cross-shredding of identifying paperwork before discarding.

Identity theft occurs when an imposter obtains or attempts to obtain the personal identity information of another person, such as name, date of birth or social security number, with the intent to unlawfully use the information to commit an illegal act.

According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Michigan is ranked 15th nationwide for identity theft victims per 100,000 population. The actual number of victims may be much higher because the FTC believes that less than 20 percent of victims actually report the crime. In 2005, there were 7,139 identity theft complaints filed in Michigan.

The MSP has two Identity Theft Teams, one based in Lansing and one in Livonia. Both teams investigate cases involving the theft or misuse of personal identification information to obtain goods, services, credit and fraudulent bank accounts or to facilitate other criminal activity. The Identity Theft teams work with representatives from local and county law enforcement, as well as the United States Postal Inspectors Office, United States Secret Service, United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Secretary of State Investigation Division and the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General to collectively investigate identity theft crimes.

To report identity theft, call 1-877-MI-ID-THEFT (1-877-644-3843). For additional information, visit www.michigan.gov/identity-theft.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Detective Sergeant Jeff Yonker, West Region Special Investigation Division, (517) 336-6225

Read more news releases from the Michigan State Police.