Mari Frank Interviews Linda and Jay Foley Founders, The Identity Theft Resource Center

Linda Goldman-Foley Linda Foley is the co-founder/director of the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC), a nation-wide nonprofit identity theft program based in San Diego, California. Established in 1999 in response to the growing need for victim assistance and public empowerment due to the epidemic rise in identity theft, today ITRC is nationally respected for its expertise and work. As a former victim of identity theft herself, Foley is uniquely suited to understanding the complexities of this crime. ITRC supports thousands of victims through its web site, email and telephone correspondence. Foley developed and wrote the numerous comprehensive publications on ITRC's website (www.idtheftcenter.org) and used by the national office and network of trained volunteers. Foley provides testimony and information for national and state conferences and taskforces, and remains a resource for legislators throughout the nation. Foley has appeared on numerous major television news show, several talk shows and is widely quoted by major newspapers, radio stations and magazines. Besides her work in the community, Foley forges partnerships with companies to create better document handling procedures. She has created a workplace ID theft self-assessment inventory for use by businesses that might not want outside consultants to evaluate their company. She has been honored as the 10Leadership Program (San Diego's ABC affiliate) Individual Leader for 2001, is a recipient of the prestigious Foundation for Improvement of Justice Award (Sept 2000), the 2004 National Crime Victim Service Award presented by U. S. Attorney General for the Department of Justice and commendations by U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein and former CA Governor Gray Davis. Jay Foley Jay Foley is the co-founder/director of the Identity Theft Resource Center, a nationwide, nonprofit identity theft program located in San Diego, California. The ITRC was established in 1999 in response to the growing need for victim assistance and public empowerment caused by the explosive rise in identity theft crime rate. As the spouse of an identity theft victim, Foley understands the practical and emotional complexities of this crime. Since 1999, he has assisted thousands of victims via email and telephone. As ITRC's primary criminal justice contact, he has received great support and accolades from members of law enforcement across the country who frequently refer victims to him for assistance. Foley currently sits numerous law enforcement, governmental and legislative taskforces, including JAG and has testified at legislative hearings in various states and in front of Congress. Foley is also a popular presenter and trainer. He has also appeared on many major television news shows, quoted in most major newspapers and radio stations around the country. Jay Foley's background includes over 20 years in project management, customer service training, sales and database management. His experience in the US Navy and study for his MCSE and MCDBA certificates has proven to be invaluable in understanding the computer's role in this crime, possible solutions and in anticipating future trends. He is a recipient of the 2004 Crime Victims Service Award presented by the U. S. Attorney General for the Department of Justice and commendations by Senator Dianne Feinstein and former CA Governor Gray Davis.