Paul Watt: Identity Theft

President Michael called upon Don Hall to introduce our speaker Paul Watt. His wife Mary Lynn Watt was companying him. Paul Watt is an independent Associate with Pre-Paid Legal Services Inc. He was active in the launch of the company in Canada 10 years ago and was a corporate trainer and Regional Manager for Eastern Toronto.

Paul graduated from Concordia University with a degree in Economics and Geology and did post graduate business administration at McMaster University. He is a member of the Concordia University Sports Hall of Fame.

Today’s topic- Identity Theft is the fastest growing crime in the world. He has traveled extensively in the United States and across Canada, helping people reduce their risk and protect their families. Anyone can be a victim of identity theft. It can happen in minutes, and take years for the fallout to stop. More and more people from every walk of life are victimized each day. The results can be overwhelming; a loss of time and money spent by victims trying to put their lives and finances back in order.

What do you do if you discover that you are an identity theft victim? We're all at risk: Do you hand your credit card to restaurant servers? Do you receive mail at your home? Do you shop on the Internet? What if it happens to you: How many phone calls must you make? What agencies do you call? How many hours will it take? How much money will be lost? Protect yourself and be alert.

In the past, stealing someone’s identity or creating a new one meant doctoring driver’s licences, passports or birth certificates. To steal someone’s identity today no longer requires forged birth certificate or smudged photographs in driver’s licences just a smattering of technical knowledge. Most information is available on the Internet!

Identity theft is a multifaceted crime packaged in countless shapes and forms. It occurs when someone uses information they acquire about an individual without permission, such as a Social Insurance Number. Paul says, ask yourself when was the last time you checked your credit report? Or balanced your checkbook or scrutinized your credit card and bank statements? In fact 20% of people are victims of identity fraud or ID theft. Indeed a very scary time we live in!

Thefts of children’s Ids are increasing. Identity thieves treat personal data from children and adults the same way, with one important distinction. That is, thieves create new credit accounts for child victims, whereas most cases of adult identity theft involve existing accounts.

Identity theft is now bigger than the drug trade; worldwide it is about a $105 billion. Canada has some of the most lax safeguards in the world to protect us. We also have the worst record in prosecuting the very few identity thieves that are caught.

There are five types of identity theft: Drivers’ license, Social insurance number, OHIP, character and Criminal, and financial. Financial is the one that gets the most publicity; it is also the one that will affect us most quickly.

There is not a lot that we can do to protect ourselves since we are all on so many data bases, such as banks, government agencies, school, municipal agencies, hotels, airlines employers and previous employers etc. Almost all of these databases have been compromised.

When we have an identity theft problem we also have a legal problem. We need to prove that we are not the person who took out the loan, was in the car accident, and was working under my SIN in another city or province.

We need to check our credit reports on a regular basis to ensure that it is accurate. The other thing we need to do is have a plan in place to restore our identity should we become a victim in any area of identity theft. To restore our identity on average will take 400 to 600 hours of our time and thousands of dollars
Gene thanked our speaker and pointed out how the audience gave undivided attention to this fearful topic: Identity theft.

Attendance

This week we had a total 0f 28 in attendance. 23 Rotarians and 5 guests: Our speaker Paul Watt and his wife Mary Lynn, Sandra Cooksey, Dianna Wilson’s Guest Frank and Jody Parson invited by Lina Demirjian.

Announcements

President Michael welcomed Alexandra Boutros as the Club’s newest member.

President Michael called upon Past President Victor Shastri to come to the podium. Victor received a Presidential Citation for his financial support, signed by Past RI President D.K. Lee.

Audrey announced that next week would be the pick-ups for Cakes and Hams.

Audrey also reminded us that Springfest tickets are now for sale (Buy early, buy a
lot). She also reminded us that the Christmas buffet is on December 15.

Geoff announced that the Christmas Families project is well organized and help is needed to visit the families.

Geoff brought to our attention that Interact Club students would be here at the club on Dec. 8. Also on Dec. 8 will be the election of the Directors.

Michael Cooksey reminded us that there are only 7 months left until Ribfest so get ready to advertise.

Woods Cunningham Wheel

Our guest Jody spun the wheel and hit # 4. It was Don Hall’s day to win but he hit # 34 the King of Clubs!!

Sergeant-at-Arms - Gerard Baribeau

Jimmy was happy for Interact Conference.

Michael Cooksey paid a happy buck for the great turnout for the first District Interact Conference. (Please see Memo below)

Alexandra paid a happy buck for becoming an official member of the club

Chris celebrates her 16th anniversary with the club

Kim paid a penalty buck for not wearing a pin

Skip thanked those who supported helping the troops overseas.

Anne paid a buck for not being here last week but so glad seeing Karen and Shirley back from their adventurous trip.

Hugh was happy about some sort of sport and hopes to make it to playoffs.

Shirley was happy that Bert already purchased Springfest ticket.

President Michael did not win spin this time but was wondering who the winner was last time. You all know it was the President!

Gerard was happy for the Interact District Conference.

Celebrations

Interact Conference News (by Michael Cooksey)

25 members from the 2 Interact Clubs of the Rotary Club of Scarborough attended the First District 7070 Interact Conference at the Oshawa Golf Club.

Our Interactors actively participated in the Ice Breaker, Leadership Training and facilitated the “Share and learn” sessions. Significant fun and learning took place among the 60 participants.

A Little Humour With Apologies to Teachers

These are actual comments made on student report cards by teachers in the New York City public school system. All teachers were reprimanded but, some of these are really funny!

1. Since my last report, your child has reached rock bottom and has started to dig.
2. I would not allow this student to breed.
3. Your child has delusions of adequacy.
4. Your son is depriving a village somewhere of an idiot.
5. Your son sets low personal standards and then consistently fails to achieve them.
6. The student has a 'full six-pack' but lacks the plastic thingie to hold it all together.
7. This child has been working with glue too much.
8. When your daughter's IQ reaches 50, she should sell.
9. The gates are down, the lights are flashing, but the train isn't coming.
10. If this student were any more stupid, he'd have to be watered twice a week.
11. It's impossible to believe the sperm that created this child beat out 1,000,000 others
12. The wheel is turning but the hamster is definitely dead.
    

Upcoming Meetings -to update your information, e-mail Gary at garymac@clarkehenning.com

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