Identity Theft Program Airs In More Than 30 Markets, Cable

Identity Theft Program Airs In More Than 30 Markets, Cable

Frank Abagnale Appears In TV Program On Fastest-Growing Crime In America

NORWALK, Conn., May 11 /PRNewswire/ -- Frank W. Abagnale, a leading authority on fraud prevention, and the Cendant Marketing Group-which includes Trilegiant Corporation and Progeny Marketing Innovations-are today launching a 30-minute TV program focusing on the spiraling problem of identity theft, the nation's fastest growing crime.

The infomercial, "Defending Your Identity," gives viewers an in-depth look into the impact of identity theft on ordinary people and the mindset of these thieves.

It will first air in major markets across the United States, including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, Portland, San Francisco and Tampa. It will also air on such national cable networks as The Travel Channel, HGTV, The Food Network and Dish-TV. It begins May 12 and runs through May 22. The infomercial also features a toll-free number where viewers for a limited time can purchase a special DVD featuring Abagnale's advice on all aspects of identity theft.

"With identity theft grabbing the headlines and hitting the evening news daily, it is more important than ever to protect ourselves from this unfortunate reality of our everyday lives," Abagnale said. "This program will open people's eyes about the very real threat of this epidemic crime, while providing a way to help prevent ID theft from happening to them."

Identity theft is the fastest growing crime in America, with 27.3 million victims in the past five years, and 9.3 million in the past year alone, according to a study from Javelin Strategy & Research. This crime costs U.S. businesses more than $50 billion annually, according to the Justice Department. The crime has become so prevalent, that an identity thief strikes on average every 3.5 seconds.

"Defending Your Identity" features interviews and real-life identity theft stories - from damaged credit to stolen identities, and even the use of an innocent person's name in the commission of a crime. Abagnale offers expert commentary about this crime throughout the infomercial.

The exclusive DVD draws upon Abagnale's more than 30-year experience of training and advising the FBI, as well as his fraud prevention programs for financial institutions, corporations and law enforcement agencies around the world. Abagnale shares insight into the crime of identity theft, why it's growing, how it happens and what you can do to defend yourself. The $9.99 DVD can be ordered toll-free May 12-24 at 1-800-601-7214. Viewers can also order the DVD plus a quarterly identity theft e-mail update for another dollar. As part of this offer, shipping and handling is free.

About Cendant Marketing Group

The Cendant Marketing Group is a global leader in the membership, insurance and loyalty marketing businesses, delivering products and services that touch the lives of millions worldwide. The group is part of the Cendant Marketing Services Division, which includes Trilegiant, Progeny Marketing Innovations, Trilegiant Loyalty Solutions and Cendant International Marketing Services (Cims), and designs, develops and implements strategies and programs serving more than 100 million consumers around the world.

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link. Frank W. Abagnale http://profnet.prnewswire.com/ud_public.jsp?userid=482579

Source: Trilegiant Corporation; Cendant Marketing Group

CONTACT: Todd Smith, +1-615-764-2598 (O), +1-615-202-7944 (C), or Andrea
Lindsley, +1-615-780-3315(O), +1-615-415-8886 (C)

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