ALEXANDRIA, Va. — NCUA Chairman JoAnn Johnson shared identity theft recommendations with senior officials in the administration.
During a meeting in late September of the President's Identity Theft Task Force, Johnson joined U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez; Clay Johnson III, deputy director of the White House Office of Management and Budget; Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff; Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Guiterrez; and other senior government officials to present key suggestions in the battle against identity theft including:
o Improving government handling of sensitive personal data;
o Improving authentication methods of an individual's identity;
o Victim assistance; and
o Law enforcement initiatives.
"Protecting the financial data and identity of credit union members is a priority for NCUA," Johnson said. "President Bush has directed NCUA and other Executive Branch entities to develop tangible and practical methods to deal with this unfortunately expanding problem. I look forward to continuing our work, and to making certain that the credit union industry is well prepared as we move forward."
The task force will deliver a final strategic plan to President George W. Bush in November.
Despite all the media coverage, some consumers have still been slow to change their ways. According to morefocus, an online research organization, 86% of consumers polled destroy documents and receipts with personal information on them, yet 38% still put outgoing mail with that same information in an unlocked mailbox. Nearly 40% still keep their Social Security card in their wallet or purse.
"It's interesting to note that many people will take the time to destroy papers with personal info before they toss them in the trash, yet they'll turn around and leave similar papers out on their front porch for the mail carrier," morefocus Research Director Dr. Regan Carey said. "People are missing the mark on some of the most basic steps in preventing a stolen identity." –scooke@cutimes.com
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