CID agent combats identity theft with DVDKenneth A. Miller, Army News Service
2006-02-24
http://www.emilitary.org/article.php?aid=5599
WASHINGTON (Army News Service, Feb. 24, 2006) – A new DVD was launched by the Treasury Department recently which advises consumers on how they can protect themselves should they fall victim to identity theft.
Among the subject-matter experts who appeared on the video and were recognized at a Treasury ceremony Jan. 26 was Special Agent Howard Schmidt who serves with the CID Computer Crimes Investigative Unit located at Fort Belvoir, Va.
Schmidt’s job there has him conducting investigations involving intrusions into Army computer networks and systems which lead to the apprehension of those engaged in cyber crime.
“As part of my duties last summer with the CCIU, I was asked by the Department of Treasury to assist in preparing this video aimed at identity theft, prevention and investigation,” Schmidt said. “The experience of working with high-tech companies in the private sector, along with the skills learned during my civilian career in the area of cyber-security, provided me with the level of expertise I needed to assist the Treasury Department.”
Included on the DVD is a special segment providing information specific to military personnel and helpful tips on preventing identity theft for service members who are often in unique situations.
“The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003 allows military members away from their home duty stations to place an ‘active duty alert’ on their credit reports to help minimize the risk of identity theft while deployed,” Schmidt said. “When a business sees the alert, it must verify the identity of the Soldier before issuing credit.”
Schmidt also said that active duty alerts are effective for one year, unless a request is made to remove it sooner. If a specific deployment lasts longer, a Soldier may place another alert on their report.
Howard is often asked to assume key roles related to cyber security – formulating national policy, steering strategic operations and fostering innovation by academia. Schmidt voluntarily reported to active duty to serve with CID and the Joint Task Force – Computer Network Operations Law Enforcement Counterintelligence Center which defends DOD computer networks as a result of the 9/11 attacks. In December 2001, he was appointed to serve as the vice-chair of President Bush’s Critical Infrastructure Protection Board as a presidential appointee.
“It was truly an honor to be nominated and appointed to serve in the White House during a very critical time in our nation’s history,” Schmidt said. “Having the opportunity to serve as an IMA reserve member of CID, I was able to provide the experience necessary to perform this mission successfully.”
Schmidt, who has been with the Army Reserve since 1989, also served with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations as director of Computer Crimes Investigations and information warfare before joining CID. He was also a computer forensic specialist with the FBI at the National Drug Intelligence Center and a policeman from 1982 to 1994 with the Chandler (Arizona) Police Department.
The video is available online by visiting: http://treas.gov/offices/domestic-finance/financial-institution/cip/identity-theft.shtml.
Instructions for initiating an alert may be obtained from the Federal Trade Commission’s Web site at http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/alerts/dutyalrt.htm.
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