CyberScout, a leading provider of identity theft education and resolution services, announced today a partnership with PEMCO Insurance that will grant PEMCO policyholders free access to professional fraud specialists to help repair damage from the dramatic rise in identity theft.

According to the Seattle Times, the State of Washington ranks No. 7 in the nation for reported identity-theft cases, up from No. 10 three years ago. Both Governor Christine Gregoire and Attorney General Rob McKenna have made identity theft protection and education a top state priority. In an effort to better inform residents about ways to reduce the risk of identity theft, the Attorney General has sponsored the "Guard It! Washington." campaign.  Since mid-summer, he and representatives of federal and state regulatory and law enforcement organizations, as well as the AARP, have been speaking with consumers and businesses in different cities about this issue.  

Millions of Americans are victimized by identity theft each year and according to Gartner Research Group, the number of victims has risen by 50 percent since 2003. At roughly the same time, the financial loss per consumer has more than doubled from $1,408 in 2005 to $3,257 in 2006.

Any eligible PEMCO policyholder who becomes a victim of identity theft will have access to the CyberScout fraud specialists. The company's resolution services streamline the resolution process and reduce the stress and financial impact that victims invariably endure.

"PEMCO Insurance understands the risk to consumers and we are glad to see Washington is taking the initiative to address the increased concerns of identity theft," said CyberScout President Steve Christenson. "It is a privilege to be working with PEMCO and we're thrilled to have this opportunity to give policyholders the help they need."
CyberScout Resolution ServicesIf a policyholder becomes a victim of identity theft, an CyberScout personal advocate will guide them through the entire process of restoring their identity. CyberScout's resolution service includes:

• Unlimited one-on-one access to an expert personal advocate 
• Fraud alerts placed with all three credit bureaus and a review of credit reports 
• Assistance preparing the Fraud Victim Affidavit and documents 
• Assistance notifying all relevant businesses, agencies and institutions 
• Assistance replacing checks, credit cards and debit cards 
• A full year of credit monitoring, fraud monitoring and follow-up after resolution 
• All services apply to immediate family members 

In addition to identity theft resolution services, all PEMCO customers will have access to CyberScout's educational material through a dedicated website: http://pemco-idsmart.com/home.htm