Identity Theft Assistance Center Adds Four New Members

"These companies recognize that providing a helping hand at a time when consumers are frightened or overwhelmed is an invaluable customer service," said Anne Wallace, executive director of the Identity Theft Assistance Corporation, which operates ITAC. "We welcome their participation in our efforts to help victims, educate consumers about prevention, and give law enforcement the data they need to catch and convict identity thieves."

Originally solely open to financial services companies, ITAC now welcomes companies in other industries targeted by identity thieves, including retailing and telecommunications. Today's announcement of the new members of ITAC provides further evidence of this shift.

"MasterCard is proud to support ITAC's efforts through our ongoing commitment to eliminating payment card fraud and as a partner and source of information for law enforcement in the fight against identity theft," said John Brady, vice president, fraud management, MasterCard International. "ITAC is a model of how consumers, industry and law enforcement can work together to address this serious crime."

Scott McKay, chief information officer and senior vice president, Genworth Financial, said, "Membership in ITAC is a natural fit with Genworth's core values of performance and heart. The ITAC victim assistance service delivers the peace of mind our customers want and deserve."

"Every time we detect and prevent suspicious activity, or help a victim of identity theft, we score a victory in the battle against identity theft," said Danny Ray, vice president and chief risk officer, Toyota Financial Services.

"We take our customers' privacy very seriously," said Marc Loewenthal, senior vice president, corporate affairs and chief privacy officer, New Century Financial Corporation. "We're proud to be part of ITAC and to take part in a national, strategic effort to stop identity theft."