For Immediate Release             

August 27, 2013
 
TAMPA – In its first year of existence, the Tampa Bay Identity Theft Alliance is being recognized by the International Association of Financial Crimes Investigators as the Task Force of the Year.  The award is being presented in Denver, Colo. today to the task force that best represents investigative excellence of financial crimes, outstanding public service and dedication. 

 
“To receive this prominent award in our first year speaks volumes about the commitment of our task force investigators who are dedicated to stopping the devastating crime of identity theft,” said FDLE Tampa Bay Regional Operations Center Special Agent in Charge Rick Ramirez.  “While we’ve already seen more than a dozen successful investigations and stopped millions of dollars in fraudulent schemes, our work is just beginning.  We will continue to aggressively investigate these cases.”  
 
“Tampa Bay Alliance members represent the best in today’s law enforcement and their dedication to Tampa area citizens is unmatched,” said Jim Robnett, Special Agent in Charge of IRS-Criminal Investigation in Tampa.  “This combined investigative force and the prosecution results are unprecedented, which is why the Alliance gratefully accepts this honor of recognition by the IAFCI.  This award also renews our efforts to bring tax cheats to justice and instills confidence in the integrity of the federal income tax system.” 
 
The Tampa Bay Identity Theft Alliance was formed in July 2012 and is comprised of 20 Tampa Bay federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and prosecutors.  The goal of this specialized team is to investigate identity theft crimes and pinpoint vulnerabilities in personal and business transactions. 
 
“This award acknowledges the effective collaboration between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies that are dedicated to attacking tax fraud and identity theft.  The unrelenting efforts of Alliance members has resulted in the arrests and subsequent indictments of numerous individuals who have been conducting tax fraud against our government and prevented millions of dollars from being diverted to these criminals,” said Sheriff David Gee.
 
“The recognition bestowed upon the Alliance by this award is a reflection of the continuous hard work by all of its partners,” said Acting U.S. Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III. “The successful investigation and prosecution of these crimes are important to the community and made possible only by the cooperation of law enforcement at every level.”
 
“This ground breaking alliance has made tremendous progress in combating tax fraud by fast tracking the investigations and prosecution of cases. This has sent a strong message to offenders that committing tax fraud in Tampa will result in lengthy federal prison sentences,” said Chief Jane Castor.
 

Five simple steps to protect your identity:
 
·       Do not throw away ATM receipts, credit statements, credit cards, or bank statements without first shredding them.
·       Never give out personal information online simply because someone asks for it.
·       Never give your credit card number or Social Security number over the telephone unless you initiated the call.
·       Reconcile your bank account monthly and notify your bank of discrepancies immediately.
·       Review a copy of your credit report at least once each year.
 
What to do if you are a victim:
 
·       Flag your credit reports. Contact the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion).
·       File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at 1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338).
·       File a report with the local police.
·       If you received a notice from the IRS, call the number on that notice.
·       Fill out the IRS Identity Theft Affidavit, Form 14039.
·       Call IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit 1-800-908-4490 if you think you are at risk due to a lost/stolen purse or wallet.
 
For additional tips on how to protect your identity, visit www.secureflorida.org or www.irs.gov/identitytheft or www.ftc.gov/idtheft
 
If you have information about fraudulent activity contact Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at 1-800-873-8477.
 
For Further Information Contact:

Gretl Plessinger, Linda McDonald or Steve Arthur
FDLE Office of Public Information
(850) 410-7001