San Francisco
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Welcome to Operation Clean Sweep Law enforcement sweeps have always been a popular and highly effective way to catch the bad guys and raise community awareness about crime prevention - whether it’s a sweep for drunken drivers, parolees at large, or outstanding warrants. Operation Clean Sweep is a new and creative twist on that concept, and a first-of-a-kind sweep for victims, letting them know there are resources in the bay area to help them, putting them in touch with trained counselors, and helping spread the education and prevention message. Starting in September 2011 and led by the San Francisco Police Department, more than seventy five law enforcement agencies across the greater San Francisco bay area, as well as District Attorney’s offices and Neighborhood Watch groups, will be participating in a wide variety of Clean Sweep programs. Programs will include distributing more than 100,000 victim assistance cards and fliers, organizing community and school education workshops, launching elder financial protection groups, and training local law enforcement in victim assistance and response. (Click here to view photos of recent events). 
The San Francisco bay area is leading the fight against identity theft and related crimes by creating a blueprint for a community’s response to identity theft that will become the model for communities across the country. “The Identity Theft Council takes an innovative approach to tackling the problem of identity theft. With its unique peer-to-peer education program that collaborates with schools, seniors and local organizations, this program can help protect Californians in many communities across the state.” If you'd like to learn more about Operation Clean Sweep, or get involved, please call Neal O'Farrell, Executive Director of the Identity Theft Council, at (925) 914 0248. Or email him at neal.ofarrell@identitytheftcouncil.org. Our Secret Weapon! We also opened a new front in the war on identity theft. We have partnered with San Francisco schools in a unique program to use students to Reach and Teach. Thousands of students are expected to take part in an ongoing program to learn about protecting personal information, and how to protect others, and all for good reason: 1. In addition to learning how to protect themselves, students will also learn about personal finance, new technologies, and community responsibility, not to mention gaining exposure to new career options and opportunities. 2. Students will mentor other students and help shape behavior and habits at an early age. 3. Students will help us to reach out to family and friends, talk to them about the risks, and help us to reach the largest possible audience. 
If you believe you have been a victim of identity theft, and want personal advice and support on how to get through it, local experts are standing by: Call us at 1(888) 771 0767(Se habla Espanol) Or Email us at support@identitytheftcouncil.org The service is free and our expert counselors are standing by to help. .........................................................................................................
.............................................................. “OTA recognizes the importance of user education and awareness in conjunction with businesses providing teachable moments in preventing identity theft. We are proud to be collaborating with the Identity Theft Council’s efforts to support victims and improve awareness.” “We see the struggles of identity theft victims first hand on a daily basis. We know how hard it is for victims to find the reassurance and support they need to get through the tough times and that is why we are happy to see the work the Identity Theft Council has been doing in the San Francisco community. We are thrilled to not only be a supporter of the council but also to be a resource for the organization and the victims they are helping.”
From left to right - Steve Schwartz, Intersections Inc.; Neal O'Farrell, founder of the Identity Theft Council; Denise Gregor, Abraham Lincoln High School; Karen Lodrick, victim and advocate; Mark Jackson, Alameda County District Attorney's Office; Inspector Anne Madrid, Hayward Police Department; Craig Spiezle, the Online Trust Alliance (OTA); Joyce Carcaise, Intersections Inc; Paul Henderson, Chief Prosecutor, San Francisco District Attorney's Office; Lt. Jones Wong, San Francisco Police Department; Jenefer Duane, founder, the Elder Financial Protection Network. |
If you live in San Francisco or anywhere in the bay area and need help with any identity theft issue, please call our free hotline at 1-888-771-0767 and our trained counselors will assist you.
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Interested in volunteering as a counselor in San Francisco? Click here to contact us.
“For 14 years, Intersections has been a pioneer in the identity theft protection industry, and we’ve made it our top priority to serve as a source of trusted information for consumers. The Identity Theft Council’s goals align very closely with our mission—to help empower and protect identity theft victims through education and support. So we are thrilled to be the founding partner of this initiative that allows us to give back to the community in a very practical and powerful way.”
Michael Stanfield, CEO and Founder, Intersections Inc.
”The Identity Theft Council is an unprecedented coalition of national and community-based organizations who are taking on the challenge of fighting ID theft and helping victims recover from its devastating impact. The Better Business Bureau is proud to be supporting this important grassroots initiative to help consumers fight fraud.”
Stephen A. Cox, President and CEO of the Council of Better Business Bureaus.
”The main problem for victims is the aftermath of what happened, and not necessarily just the crime itself. With Identity Theft Councils, victims now have somebody to talk to, a real voice, a real person who cares about what they’re going through and can talk them through the pile of paperwork that they’re going to have to fill out. It’s a great victim advocacy tool.”
Inspector Anne Madrid, Hayward Police Department, California
“Any police department that wants to be seen as progressive and responsive to their community would certainly be remiss if they didn’t seize the opportunity to have something like the Identity Theft Council available for its community.
Chief Ron Ace, Chief of Police, Hayward, California
“My hope is that not only will this exciting program help residents and businesses in our community, it will serve as a model and example that can be adopted by communities across America, so that by working together, sharing expertise, and supporting our citizens, we can make our communities less vulnerable to this crime.”
Nancy O'Malley, Alameda County District Attorney, California
"Because consumers fall victim to identity theft every day, many credit unions are looking for ways to increase their members' awareness on this important issue. The new Identity Theft Council, which includes several Northern California credit unions, is a great step to help educate consumers and combat identity theft. Participating credit unions, including Patelco Credit Union, Redwood Credit Union, Spectrum Federal Credit Union, and San Francisco Federal Credit Union, will be a great resource to the Council."
Rita Fillingane, Director, Research & Information, California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues
“Identity theft is at record levels, and the elderly are especially vulnerable. By partnering with the Identity Theft Council we can now do so much more to protect this vulnerable group.”
Jenefer Duane, Founder, Elder Financial Protection Network
“As a victim of identity theft, I wish there had been an Identity Theft Council to help me. I’m proud to be a part of the Identity theft Council so my experience can help other victims.”
Karen Lodrick, victim, advocate, blogger.
