Just in time for the holiday shopping season Congressman Adam Putnam’s office is hosting an identity theft seminar November 15.  The seminar will feature experts with advice on how to protect yourself and what to do if you think you might be a victim.  In addition, a bulk paper shredder will be available free of charge to dispose of your sensitive documents.
 
Experts from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will conduct the seminar, beginning at 6 p.m., November 15, at the Lake Mirror Complex, 121 South Lake Ave., Lakeland.  In addition there will be representatives and information from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Lakeland Police Department, Social Security Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service, Florida Department of Financial Regulation, and the Florida Attorney General’s Office.  The shredder will be open to the public, starting at 5 p.m.
 
“I am delighted we are able to bring such high caliber experts to the 12th District to discuss this issue,” said Putnam. “Identity theft is an insidious crime that is growing.  And awareness is one of the best weapons we have against it.”
 
According to the FTC nearly 18,000 Floridians were victims of some form of ID theft in 2006.  Thieves use other people’s identities to obtain fraudulent credit cards, gain utility service, create fraudulent bank accounts and mislead police.  Once becoming the victim of identity theft, it can take a person months and sometimes years to restore his good name and credit record.
 
*Identity Theft Seminar*
 
*Thursday, November 15
 
5 p.m. Free bulk paper shredder available
 
6 p.m. Seminar begins
 
Lake Mirror Complex
 
121 South Lake Avenue
 
Lakeland*
 
For more information, please call Congressman Putnams Bartow office (863) 534-3530.