The Foster City Council Chambers provided an ideal setting for residents who wanted to learn to protect themselves against identity theft and fraud at the Fourth Annual Identity Theft Symposium on Wednesday April 21.

Sponsored by the Foster City Information Technology Advisory Committee, Foster City Chamber of Commerce and Foster City Police Department, the event drew about 75 participants to hear from the experts who deal with the results of identity theft every day.

Moderator Daniela Gasparini facilitated the panel discussion and questions from the public. The panel included 7 experts from various areas of law enforcement and public advocacy who provided facts, figures and tips to help prevent ID Theft.

Foster City Police Lieutenant Joe Pierucci and San Mateo Police Detective Glen Teixeira explained how local law enforcement investigates ID thefts, what to do if you have been a victim. FBI Special Agent Brian Weber reviewed some common scams to help people avoid falling prey to them.  The presentations included how a recent card skimming investigation impacted Foster City residents.

Deputy District Attorney Chris Feasel reinforced that San Mateo County prosecutes “Every Situation, Every Victim, Every Time” when dealing with identity theft and that reporting the crime is vitally important in curbing identity theft.

VISA Global Security Expert Joseph Majka described some fraud fighting technologies and how Visa continually improves fraud detection and customer notification and works closely with law enforcement in investigations. Mr. Majka also stated that fraud rates are at an all time low.

As a group, seniors are often targeted by identity theft scams.  Deborah Owdom, Director of Retired Senior Volunteer Program of San Mateo County (RSVP) presented information on the Seniors Against Investment Fraud (SAIF). A helpful pamphlet on investment fraud targeting seniors is available from RSVP.

Howard Roth, from the Net Tech Group gave tips and techniques for computer security at home and for small businesses. The key point made by Mr. Roth and other panel members was that it is very important for people to protect their Personal Identifiable Information and that it should not be left out where it could be seen by others. No one should feel obligated to give personal information without good reason.  Mr. Roth reminded the audience that they should not be afraid to ask questions when anyone requests personal information.

The Identity Theft Symposium will be rebroadcast on FCTV Comcast Channel 27 or AT&T Channel 99 on Wednesday April 28 at 1 PM, Friday, April 30 at 7:30 PM, Saturday May 1 at 7:30 PM, Monday, May 3 at 1 PM and at additional times throughout the month of May.  It is also available on demand at www.fostercity.tv.

For more information about the Identity Theft Symposium, contact Information Technology Manager Joan Schoening at 650-286-3217 or jschoening@fostercity.org.  Information about the presenters is available on the City of Foster City website www.fostercity.org.

Contact Information:

Law Enforcement

Foster City Police Department

650-286-3300 or police@fostercity.org

Seniors Against Investment Fraud

Deborah Owdom - SAIF

1720 El Camino Real, Suite 10

Burlingame, CA  94010

(650) 696-7661

Credit Card Information

Contact your Credit Card issuer