Continued Partnerships Necessary to Eradicate ID Theft; Statement From California Bankers Association Regarding State of California's ID Theft Summit.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The California Bankers Association (CBA) today released the following statement in reference to the State of California's ID Theft Summit, being held today at the Los Angeles Convention Center:

"Identity theft is a crime that affects Californians from all
        walks of life and it is one that has demanded and continues to
        demand the attention and response of California's banks.
        California's banking industry has long supported efforts that
        make it more difficult for the crime of ID theft to be
        perpetrated and more severe penalties for perpetrators, as
        well as efforts to provide more tangible protections for
        consumers. That is why we are so pleased to sponsor this
        year's ID Theft Summit and offer our congratulations to
        Governor Schwarzenegger and his administration for keeping
        this issue top of mind with both the business community and
        law enforcement.

        "The continued partnerships between law enforcement, business
        and government are critical in the eradication of this
        insidious crime. By continuing to work together, we can help
        consumers identify ways in which they can keep from becoming
        victims, provide meaningful protections and the appropriate
        resources to investigate reports of ID theft and prosecute the
        fraudsters who perpetrate this crime. California's banks value
        their relationships with their customers and remain ready to
        assist them when they have questions or concerns about ID
        theft. By working together, we are certain we can reduce ID
        theft in our great state and keep these criminals where they
        belong -- out of our lives and behind bars."

Below are some tips to consumers on how to avoid becoming a victim of ID theft:

--Don't carry your Social Security card or print your Social Security number or driver's license number on your checks. Pre-printing this valuable information on checks only makes it easier for thieves to use your checks without your knowledge.

--Always update the security on your home computer when prompted. Anti-virus software and other security features can help keep the information contained on your home computer safe from hackers.

--Get a mailbox that locks. This will prevent thieves from stealing incoming or outgoing mail with important identifying information.

--Carry only the credit card you intend to use and leave the others at home in a secure place. It is easier to cancel a single credit card than all of your cards if your purse or wallet is stolen.

--Watch anyone who "swipes" your credit card. Devices known as "skimmers" are sometimes used by counterpersons to copy the identifying information off the magnetic strip of your credit card onto a fake credit card later.

--Check your credit report at least twice a year. Doing so will keep you aware of how your credit is being accessed and by whom, making it easier for you to identify possible instances of identity theft.

Information about CBA

Established more than 110 years ago, the California Bankers Association (CBA) is one of the largest state banking trade associations in the country. CBA leads the way in developing relevant educational and legislative solutions to some of California's more pressing financial and banking issues, including financial privacy, predatory lending, usage fees, and financial elder abuse. CBA's membership includes more than 300 of California's commercial, industrial and community banks and savings associations.

For further information, visit www.calbankers.com.