http://affiniongroupmedia.com/index.php/affinion/c_privacyg/C12/ en jonathan.carpenter@dvl.com Copyright 2010 2010-01-14T22:14:00-06:00 http://affiniongroupmedia.com/index.php/affinion/display_blog/identity_theft_expert_frank_abagnale_participates_in_insurance_industry_con/ http://affiniongroupmedia.com/index.php/affinion/display_blog/identity_theft_expert_frank_abagnale_participates_in_insurance_industry_con/#When:14:48:00Z Leading authority on fraud prevention provides constructive advice in protecting against ID theft NORWALK, Conn., Aug. 8, 2008 - Frank Abagnale, subject of the best-selling novel and movie "Catch Me If You Can", and spokesperson for the Affinion Security Center’s PrivacyGuard service, recently addressed the attendees of the 2008 Summer Conference of the Professional Insurance Marketing Association (PIMA). The conference brought together leaders in insurance direct marketing to discuss insurance group products as well as critical issues facing the industry. Frank Abagnale is one of the world’s leading authorities on fraud prevention and serves as a consultant to companies and government agencies worldwide. In his keynote address titled "Stealing Your Life", Abagnale focused on several key themes: consumers’ personal data are increasingly available through a network of underground websites; every individual is capable of being a victim of identity theft; consumers cannot rely on government intervention to solve this growing problem. "Frank’s address was a real eye-opener to our audience", said Ronald Clarke, Co-Chair of the PIMA conference. "Through his engaging and enlightening presentation, the PIMA members left the conference with valuable information on how to protect our customers, and even ourselves, from identity theft." Identity theft has been cited by the U.S. Justice Department as the leading consumer fraud in 2008, and as the fastest-growing crime in America. It is also quickly becoming a global crime, with chat rooms based out of Europe and Asia trading full identities of consumers and other compromised personal information, such as social security numbers, mother’s maiden names, PIN numbers, and more. The commission of identity theft is becoming increasingly sophisticated due to the use of technology to steal and then trade the data. Coupled with an increase in the reported incidences of security breaches at institutions housing large archives of personal financial data, Abagnale urged the PIMA audience to recognize that every individual is at risk of becoming an identity theft victim. Abagnale believes that governments will not be able to address this issue through legislation alone due to jurisdictional and resource limitations, and recommends providing services such as PrivacyGuard to arm consumers with tools to protect their identities from misuse. PrivacyGuard offers daily credit monitoring, alerts to changes in a consumer’s profile, credit reports, credit scores, and analysis. PrivacyGuard is offered as one of the services in the Affinion Security Center (www.affinionsecuritycenter.com), a leading provider of identity theft protection services for the customers of financial institutions, government agencies and other companies. For more information, please visit www.affinionsecuritycenter.com About Affinion Security Center Affinion Security Center, a division of Norwalk, Conn.-based Affinion Group, is a premier security, credit monitoring and identity theft protection innovator with nearly 35 years of global experience. It launched HotLine, a leading ID theft, credit card, fraud protection and security service in 1969. PrivacyGuard, a comprehensive membership credit monitoring product which was created in 1992, remains one of the most widely used in the U.S. In 2006, ID Secure, a sophisticated tool that uses leading-edge public records, Social Security number and credit monitoring technology to fight ID theft, was born. Another ID theft protection service in Affinion’s growing security business is PC SafetyPlus, an identity theft software service that protects members with a personal firewall to thwart hackers and other online ID threats. PC SafetyPlus software features automatic updates and service upgrades for protection against prevailing computer viruses, spyware and worms. In 2008 BreachShield, the preeminent solution to corporate data breach response, was introduced to the product line. Affinion Security Center is part of the steering committee of the Identity Theft Prevention and Identity Management Standards Panel (IDSP) and is a member of the Staples Security Council. For more information please visit www.affinion.com.  Affinion, Affinion Security Center, Privacy Guard 2008-08-08T14:48:00-06:00 http://affiniongroupmedia.com/index.php/affinion/display_blog/affinion_group_relaunches_privacyguardcom_website/ http://affiniongroupmedia.com/index.php/affinion/display_blog/affinion_group_relaunches_privacyguardcom_website/#When:15:27:00Z New logo, `Don't be caught off-guard' tagline unveiled Norwalk, Conn., Feb. 21, 2008 - Affinion Group, a leading global affinity marketer, has relaunched its PrivacyGuard.com website, giving consumers for its preeminent ID theft protection service a much more robust, innovative and user-friendly experience as it battles the fastest growing crime in America. As part of the refurbished new site, PrivacyGuard unveiled a sleeker logo and tagline. Under the banner "Don't be caught off-guard," visitors to www.privacyguard.com, will soon see this as the ideal address at the intersection of personal data and ID protection on the web. The new Privacyguard.com offers better site usability and easier navigation, as well as an edgier, more refreshed look and feel that inspires better awareness of PrivacyGuard's ID theft protection brand - a diverse mix of ID theft prevention tools and credit score management technology. Innovative new features of the website include: Benefits divided into three distinct categories: Your Credit, Your Identity and Your Life ID Theft Quiz to test individual vulnerability Leading fraud prevention expert Frank Abagnale, whose life story became a blockbuster Steven Spielberg movie called Catch Me If You Can, is highlighted as the PrivacyGuard product consultant ID Theft Tips and Did You Know? Facts to keep consumers informed and protected Quick links directly to core benefits - credit report, credit score and credit monitoring, including one-click member access Full memberships with ongoing benefits or transactional reports for one-time purchases. "The crime of ID theft is ever-changing and increasingly prevalent in our daily lives," said Tom Rusin, president of Affinion Group North America. "In order to stay one step ahead of these sophisticated thieves, it is now more important than ever to give consumers the protection they need - and with this new site, security is only a click away." PrivacyGuard ID theft protection service, a leading-edge national identity theft protection solution, offers daily credit monitoring, identity fraud resolution support and ID theft insurance, along with high-tech online financial tools. The service includes: Monthly access to credit reports and scores merged from the top three national credit reporting agencies - Experian, Equifax or TransUnion. Daily credit monitoring that alerts customers to changes to credit record, credit file inquiries, derogatory items and new account information from one of the major credit reporting agencies. Identity Fraud Resolution Service & Insurance - victims who call the toll-free hotline will be assigned a caseworker and receive a personalized fraud resolution kit that includes educational information, government agency and financial institution contacts, and other useful tips. If a customer's identity is stolen, they also receive up to $10,000 in ID theft insurance, with no deductible, to cover certain out-of-pocket expenses, including eligible legal fees, incurred by the customer to restore their identity. Online financial tools, such as a Credit Score Simulator that allows consumers to see how certain actions affect credit scores. Tools include auto, mortgage and loan calculators, and other online tools that help customers balance and determine monthly payments. "As identity theft escalates and more people become victims of this fraud, there's an even greater need in the marketplace for robust identity theft technologies that can offer security and peace of mind," said Abagnale, "This enhanced website connects consumers to one of the best ID theft prevention tools in the marketplace - PrivacyGuard." According to a study from Javelin Strategy & Research, there have been 27.3 million victims of identity theft in the past five years in the United States, and nearly 20 million in the past two years alone. This crime costs more than $56 billion or $6,383 per victim annually, becoming so prevalent that an identity thief strikes on average every 3.5 seconds. In fact, ID theft has now surpassed drug trafficking as the No. 1 crime in America, according to the Justice Department. About Affinion Group, Inc. As a global leader with nearly 35 years of experience, Affinion Group (www.affinion.com) enhances the value of its partners' customer relationships by developing and marketing valuable loyalty, membership, checking account, insurance and other compelling products and services. Leveraging its expertise in product development and targeted marketing, Affinion helps generate significant incremental revenue for more than 5,200 affinity partners worldwide, including many of the largest and most respected companies in financial services, retail, travel, and Internet commerce. Based in Norwalk, Conn., the company has approximately 3,000 employees throughout the United States and in 14 countries across Europe. Affinion holds the prestigious ISO 27001 certification for the highest information security practices, is PCI compliant and Cybertrust certified. Affinion Group has established itself as a premiere security, credit monitoring and identity theft protection innovator. It launched HotLine, a leading ID theft, credit card, fraud protection and security service in 1969. PrivacyGuard, a comprehensive membership credit monitoring product which was created in 1992, remains one of the largest in the U.S. In 2006, ID Secure (http://www.idsecure.com), a sophisticated tool that uses leading-edge public records, Social Security number and credit monitoring technology to fight ID theft, was born. Other ID theft protection services in Affinion's growing security business include PC SafetyPlus, an identity theft software service that protects members with a personal firewall to thwart hackers and other online ID threats. PC SafetyPlus software features automatic updates and service upgrades for protection against prevailing computer viruses, spyware and worms. Affinion, Privacy Guard 2008-02-21T15:27:00-06:00 http://affiniongroupmedia.com/index.php/affinion/display_blog/staples_arms_customers_with_new_tools_in_the_fight_against_identity_theft/ http://affiniongroupmedia.com/index.php/affinion/display_blog/staples_arms_customers_with_new_tools_in_the_fight_against_identity_theft/#When:17:09:00Z Identity Theft Protection Service and Exclusive Internet Security Bundle Offer Complete and Easy Solutions FRAMINGHAM, Mass. (April 24, 2007)- Every four seconds, someone becomes the victim of identity theft. In fact, 20 million Americans have been victimized in the past two years alone, according to a recent study conducted by Javelin Strategy & Research. To help make protecting personal information easier, Staples, Inc. (Nasdaq: SPLS) today announced the launch of Staples Identity Theft Protection service powered by PrivacyGuard, and an exclusive two-pack bundle of Symantec's Norton Internet Security 2007 PLUS Staples Identity Theft Protection (three-month trial service as added value with purchase) available at Staples stores nationwide. Staples Identity Theft Protection powered by PrivacyGuard is a service that provides consumers with daily credit monitoring, identity fraud resolution support and identity theft insurance. The Staples exclusive two-pack bundle brings both Norton Internet Security and Staples Identity Theft Protection service together for easy and complete on and offline protection. The Staples/Norton bundle retails for $69.99 and protects up to three personal computers per household for up to one year. "Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in America," said Frank W. Abagnale, world renowned expert on identity theft and fraud. "Monitoring your credit and online activity are two of the most important ways to protect your identity. Staples Identity Theft Protection powered by PrivacyGuard and the exclusive two-pack bundle of Norton Internet Security PLUS Staples Identity Theft Protection are two great tools to help control identity theft and preserve your good name." The inspiration behind the movie, Catch Me If You Can, Frank Abagnale also unveiled a new book published by Random House, "Stealing Your Life," available at Staples for $24.95. "Stealing Your Life" details how thieves can steal your identity and gives tips on how to stop them in their tracks. New Offerings Make Theft Protection Easy Staples Identity Theft Protection powered by PrivacyGuard is a comprehensive daily credit monitoring, identity fraud resolution support and identity theft insurance service. The service, available for 18 or six months for $99.99 and $39.99 respectively, offers: Daily Credit Monitoring - 24 hours a day / 7 days a week - Daily monitoring will notify members of any inquires, significant changes in credit score, certain derogatory information, or accounts added to their credit reports by a national credit reporting agency. If no information has been added or changed, then the member will receive a quarterly all clear notification. Identity Fraud Resolution Service & Insurance - Victims who call the toll-free hotline will be assigned a Personal Fraud Resolution caseworker that will assist with issuing a fraud alert with the three national credit-reporting agencies. If a member's identity is stolen, a personalized fraud resolution kit and assistance with obtaining the appropriate legal solutions will be made available, including up to $10,000 in ID theft insurance, with no deductible, to cover any legal costs, lost wages and out of pocket expenses. Credit Reports - Members can receive their credit scores and have access to user-friendly analysis tools that include data from one or all three of the national credit reporting agencies. Members also have access to credit card and document registration, driving and medical records. Staples is pairing a three-month trial of Staples Identity Theft Protection with Norton Internet Security in an exclusive two-pack bundle. Norton Internet Security helps consumers stay protected from the latest online threats through award-winning PC security and transaction security technology. The solution blocks hackers from accessing personal information on PCs, identifies phishing websites and helps prevent computer users from providing their confidential data to these sites; detects and eliminates threats and risks like crimeware and spyware; and protects against harmful viruses and Internet worms. Staples is committed to offering the best innovative products and services available to make protecting your personal information easy," said Jevin Eagle, Executive Vice President - Merchandising, Staples. "Our innovation in shredders, combined with our partnerships with leading experts like Frank W. Abagnale, and category leaders in security software and credit monitoring services like Symantec and PrivacyGuard, represents our dedication to making a difference in the fight against ID theft. About Staples Staples, Inc. invented the office superstore concept in 1986 and today is the world’s largest office products company. With 74,000 talented associates, the company is committed to making it easy to buy a wide range of office products, including supplies, technology, furniture, and business services. With 2006 sales of $18.2 billion, Staples serves consumers and businesses ranging from home-based businesses to Fortune 500 companies in 22 countries throughout North and South America, Europe and Asia. Headquartered outside of Boston, Staples operates approximately 1,900 office superstores and also serves its customers through mail order catalog, e-commerce and contract businesses. More information is available at www.staples.com. About Symantec Symantec is a global leader in infrastructure software, enabling businesses and consumers to have confidence in a connected world. The company helps customers protect their infrastructure, information, and interactions by delivering software and services that address risks to security, availability, compliance, and performance. Headquartered in Cupertino, Calif., Symantec has operations in 40 countries. More information is available at www.symantec.com. About PrivacyGuard PrivacyGuard is offered by Affinion Group, a leader in the membership, insurance, value added checking and loyalty marketing businesses, providing products and services that touch the lives of millions of Americans. More information is available at www.privacyguard.com About Affinion Group Affinion Group is a leading affinity direct marketer of value-added membership, insurance and package enhancement programs and services to consumers. With more than 30 years of experience, Affinion Group currently offers its programs and services worldwide through more than 5,200 affinity partners. Its diversified base of affinity partners includes leading companies in a wide variety of industries, including financial services, retail, travel, telecommunications, utilities and Internet. Affinion Group also has a growing loyalty solutions operation that administers points-based loyalty programs. Based in Norwalk, Conn., Affinion Group has approximately 3,000 employees throughout the United States and in 14 countries across Europe. More information is available at www.affiniongroup.com. Contact: Todd Smith, 615-764-2598, todd.smith@affiniongroup.com. Privacy Guard 2007-04-24T17:09:00-06:00 http://affiniongroupmedia.com/index.php/affinion/display_blog/nafcu_services_endorses_privacyguard_id_theft_solution/ http://affiniongroupmedia.com/index.php/affinion/display_blog/nafcu_services_endorses_privacyguard_id_theft_solution/#When:17:02:00Z NAFCU Services Corporation Strengthens Relationship With Affinion Group, Endorses PrivacyGuard ID Theft Solution Toronto and Arlington, VA - July 13, 2006 - NAFCU Services Corporation, a subsidiary of the National Association of Federal Credit Unions (NAFCU), announced today it is strengthening its Preferred Partner relationship with Affinion Group, a leading global affinity marketer, by endorsing its PrivacyGuard ID theft protection service. "Our evaluation process is rigorous, and identifies firms that offer `best-of-breed' products and services," said NAFCU Services Corporation President, David Frankil. "We evaluated Affinion Group and PrivacyGuard against many competitors, including some of the leading names in the identity theft and fraud protection business. Identity theft is a major and growing concern for consumers, and PrivacyGuard is a market-leading solution" NAFCU Services also endorses Affinion Group's value-added checking services and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance programs. PrivacyGuard, which was launched by Affinion Group in 1992, is a pre-eminent national identity theft protection product that offers daily credit monitoring, identity fraud resolution support and identity theft insurance. "As identity theft escalates and more people become victims of this fraud, there's an even greater need in the marketplace for a robust identity theft product that can offer security and peace of mind," said Frank Abagnale, a former master forger and leading fraud prevention expert, whose life story became a blockbuster movie called Catch Me If You Can. "PrivacyGuard has a long and successful track record that offers security and other enhanced benefits to keep up with today's fast-paced lifestyle." Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in America, with 27.3 million victims in the past five years, and nearly 20 million in the past two years alone, according to a study from Javelin Strategy & Research. This crime costs more than $56 billion, or $6,383 per victim, annually, according to the study. The crime has become so prevalent, that an identity thief strikes on average every 3.5 seconds. The PrivacyGuard service offers: Daily Credit Monitoring from one of the three national reporting agencies - Experian, Equifax or TransUnion - which will make members aware of any credit file inquiries, certain derogatory items and new account information. Credit Reports - Members can receive their credit scores and have access to analysis tools that include data from one or all three of the national credit reporting agencies. Identity Fraud Resolution Service & Insurance - Victims who call the toll-free hotline will be assigned a caseworker that will assist with issuing a fraud alert with three national credit-reporting agencies. In addition, the victim will receive a personalized fraud resolution kit that includes: educational information; contacts of government agencies and financial institutions; personalized letters to send to the credit reporting agencies and financial institutions; tips on how to file a police report; and a worksheet for victims to track activities and time spent resolving their issue. The resolution service will also provide assistance with obtaining the appropriate legal solutions. If the member's identity is stolen, the member also receives up to $10,000 in ID theft insurance, with no deductible, to cover eligible out of pocket expenses. Driver's Record & Medical Information Bureau Search - access to your motor vehicle violations and points, and medical information file should one exist. About NAFCU Services Corporation The National Association of Federal Credit Unions (NAFCU) was founded in 1967 to represent the interests of federal credit unions through legislative action, education and practical assistance. The Association's wholly-owned, for profit subsidiary, NAFCU Service Corporation, was formed in 1975 and its Preferred Partner program was launched in 1996, to offer special designation to a limited group of suppliers who offer superior products and services to the credit union industry. To be named a "Preferred Partner," the provider must undergo a thorough due diligence process, and is evaluated by an independent third party against top peers through competitive RFPs. A rigorous comparative analysis precedes any recommendation to the NAFCU Services Board. For more information about NAFCU Services Corporation contact David Frankil, President at 800-336-4644 or . About Affinion Group Affinion Group is a leading affinity direct marketer of value-added membership, insurance and package enhancement programs and services to consumers. With more than 30 years of experience, Affinion Group currently offers its programs and services worldwide through more than 4,500 affinity partners. Its diversified base of affinity partners includes leading companies in a wide variety of industries, including financial services, retail, travel, telecommunications, utilities and Internet. Affinion Group also has a growing loyalty solutions operation that administers points-based loyalty programs. Based in Norwalk, Conn., Affinion Group has approximately 3,600 employees throughout the United States and in 13 countries across Europe. Affinion Group has established itself as a premiere security, credit monitoring and identity theft protection innovator. It launched HotLine, a leading, credit card, fraud protection and, security service in 1969. PrivacyGuard, a comprehensive membership credit monitoring product which was created in 1992, remains one of the largest in the U.S. Other ID theft protection services in Affinion's thriving security business include PC SafetyPlus, an identity theft software service that protects members with a personal firewall to thwart hackers and other online ID threats. PC SafetyPlus software features automatic updates and service upgrades for protection against prevailing computer viruses and worms.  Affinion, Privacy Guard 2006-07-13T17:02:00-06:00 http://affiniongroupmedia.com/index.php/affinion/display_blog/affinion_group_compusa_launch_retail_id_theft_service/ http://affiniongroupmedia.com/index.php/affinion/display_blog/affinion_group_compusa_launch_retail_id_theft_service/#When:16:54:00Z Norwalk, Conn. - May 4, 2006 - Affinion Group, a leading global affinity marketer, and CompUSA, one of the nation's leading retailers of technology products and services, have partnered to offer PrivacyGuard - a comprehensive identity theft protection service - at more than 240 CompUSA locations nationwide. Information containing the enrollment form will be available in every check lane as well as on-line at http://www.compusa.com. PrivacyGuard, which was launched by Affinion Group in 1992, is a pre-eminent national identity theft protection product that offers daily credit monitoring, identity fraud resolution support and identity theft insurance. "As identity theft escalates and more people become victims of this fraud, there's an even greater need in the marketplace for a robust identity theft product that can offer security and peace of mind," said Frank Abagnale, a former master forger and leading fraud prevention expert, whose life story became a blockbuster movie called Catch Me If You Can. "PrivacyGuard has a long and successful track record that offers security and other enhanced benefits to keep up with today's fast-paced lifestyle." Also included in this new retail ID theft service is a detailed guide with tips and information on how to protect your identity, your credit and your good name, and a DVD featuring advice from Abagnale - including perspectives and innovative ideas on avoiding this skyrocketing fraud from the leading authority on fraud prevention and ID theft protection. Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in America, with 27.3 million victims in the past five years, and nearly 20 million in the past two years alone, according to a study from Javelin Strategy & Research. This crime costs more than $56 billion, or $6,383 per victim, annually, according to the study. The crime has become so prevalent, that an identity thief strikes on average every 3.5 seconds. The privacy and security of our customers is a high priority for CompUSA," said Brian Woods, executive vice president and general merchandising manager for CompUSA. "PrivacyGuard is one more tool we are offering to customers to provide them with peace of mind and protection from identity theft." The CompUSA PrivacyGuard service offers: Daily Credit Monitoring from one of the three national reporting agencies - Experian, Equifax or TransUnion - which will make members aware of any credit file inquiries, derogatory items and new account information. Credit Reports - Members can receive their credit scores and have access to analysis tools that include data from one or all three of the national credit reporting agencies. Identity Fraud Resolution Service & Insurance - Victims who call the toll-free hotline will be assigned a caseworker that will assist with issuing a fraud alert with three national credit-reporting agencies. In addition, the victim will receive a personalized fraud resolution kit that includes: educational information; contacts of government agencies and financial institutions; personalized letters to send to the credit reporting agencies and financial institutions; tips on how to file a police report; and a worksheet for victims to track activities and time spent resolving their issue. The resolution service will also provide assistance with obtaining the appropriate legal solutions. If the member's identity is stolen, the member also receives up to $10,000 in ID theft insurance, with no deductible, to cover out of pocket expenses. About PrivacyGuard PrivacyGuard is offered by Affinion Group, a leader in the membership, insurance, value added checking and loyalty marketing businesses, providing products and services that touch the lives of millions of Americans. About Affinion Group Affinion Group is a leading affinity direct marketer of value-added membership, insurance and package enhancement programs and services to consumers. With more than 30 years of experience, Affinion Group currently offers its programs and services worldwide through more than 4,500 affinity partners. Its diversified base of affinity partners includes leading companies in a wide variety of industries, including financial services, retail, travel, telecommunications, utilities and Internet. Affinion Group also has a growing loyalty solutions operation that administers points-based loyalty programs. Based in Norwalk, Conn., Affinion Group has approximately 3,600 employees throughout the United States and in 13 countries across Europe. About CompUSA CompUSA, Inc., a Dallas-based company, is one of the nation’s leading retailers and resellers of technology products and services. CompUSA currently operates more than 240 locations in more than 90 major metropolitan markets across the United States and Puerto Rico. In addition, CompUSA’s Web site offers an assortment of more than 170,000 items. Visit them at www.compusa.com. Affinion, Privacy Guard 2006-05-04T16:54:00-06:00 http://affiniongroupmedia.com/index.php/affinion/display_blog/affinion_group_kroger_launch_retail_id_theft_service/ http://affiniongroupmedia.com/index.php/affinion/display_blog/affinion_group_kroger_launch_retail_id_theft_service/#When:22:03:00Z Affinion Group, a leading global affinity marketer, and The Kroger Co., one of the nation's largest grocery retailers, have partnered to launch PrivacyWatch - an identity theft protection service available for the first time in a retail location. The new service will initially be marketed in more than 200 Kroger stores in the Houston and Dallas metropolitan areas. Information containing the enrollment form will be available in every check lane as well as on-line in the "What's New" page on the Kroger website (http://www.kroger.com). Norwalk, Conn. - April 11, 2006 - Affinion Group, a leading global affinity marketer, and The Kroger Co., one of the nation's largest grocery retailers, have partnered to launch PrivacyWatch - an identity theft protection service available for the first time in a retail location. The new service will initially be marketed in more than 200 Kroger stores in the Houston and Dallas metropolitan areas. Information containing the enrollment form will be available in every check lane as well as on-line in the "What's New" page on the Kroger website (www.kroger.com). PrivacyWatch is a comprehensive identity theft product that offers daily credit monitoring, identity fraud resolution support and identity theft insurance. Other services also are provided including online neighborhood reports (home values, crime rates, local school information and more), drivers record access, Medical Information Bureau monitoring and a detailed Social Security report. PrivacyWatch also includes financial tools such as a "What-If" simulator to help customers manage their credit scores; auto, mortgage and loan calculators; and other online tools that help customers balance and determine monthly payments. "As identity theft escalates and more people become victims of this fraud there's an even greater need in the marketplace for a robust identity theft product that can offer security and peace of mind," said Frank Abagnale, a former master forger and leading fraud prevention expert, whose life story became a blockbuster movie called Catch Me If You Can. "PrivacyWatch offers security and other enhanced benefits that keep up with today's fast-paced lifestyle." Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in America, with 27.3 million victims in the past five years, and nearly 20 million in the past two years alone, according to a study from Javelin Strategy & Research. This crime costs more than $56 billion, or $6,383 per victim, annually, according to the study. The crime has become so prevalent, that an identity thief strikes on average every 3.5 seconds. "We understand that our customers are concerned about the possibility of identity theft. Kroger is very pleased to offer this innovative and valuable service to our customers", said Bill Breetz, President of Kroger's Southwest Division. PrivacyWatch offers these services: Daily Credit Monitoring from one of the three national reporting agencies - Experian, Equifax or TransUnion - which will make members aware of any credit file inquiries, derogatory items and new account information. Credit Reports - Members will receive their credit scores and have access to analysis tools that include data from one or all three of the national credit reporting agencies. Identity Fraud Resolution Service & Insurance - victims who call the toll-free hotline will be assigned a caseworker that will assist with issuing a fraud alert with three national credit-reporting agencies. In addition, the victim will receive a personalized fraud resolution kit that includes: educational information; contacts of government agencies and financial institutions; personalized letters to send to the credit reporting agencies and financial institutions; tips on how to file a police report; and a worksheet for victims to track activities and time spent resolving their issue. The resolution service will also provide assistance with obtaining the appropriate legal solutions. If the member's identity is stolen, the member also receives up to $10,000 in ID theft insurance, with no deductible, to cover out of pocket expenses. About PrivacyWatch PrivacyWatch is offered by Affinion Group, a leader in the membership, insurance, value added checking and loyalty marketing businesses, providing products and services that touch the lives of millions of Americans. About Affinion Group Affinion Group is a leading affinity direct marketer of value-added membership, insurance and package enhancement programs and services to consumers. With more than 30 years of experience, Affinion Group currently offers its programs and services worldwide through more than 4,500 affinity partners. Its diversified base of affinity partners includes leading companies in a wide variety of industries, including financial services, retail, travel, telecommunications, utilities and Internet. Affinion Group also has a growing loyalty solutions operation that administers points-based loyalty programs. Based in Norwalk, Conn., Affinion Group has approximately 3,600 employees throughout the United States and in 13 countries across Europe. About Kroger Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, Kroger is one of the nation's largest retail grocery chains. At the end of fiscal 2005, the Company operated (either directly or through its subsidiaries) 2,507 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 31 states under two dozen local banners including Kroger, Ralphs, Fred Meyer, Food 4 Less, King Soopers, Smith's and Smith's Marketplace, Fry's and Fry's Marketplace, Dillons, QFC and City Market. Kroger also operated (either directly or through subsidiaries, franchise agreements, or operating agreements) 791 convenience stores, 428 fine jewelry stores, 579 supermarket fuel centers, and 42 food-processing plants. For more information about Kroger, please visit our web site at www.kroger.com. Affinion, Privacy Guard 2006-04-11T22:03:00-06:00