PORTLAND, Ore. -
Ironically nicknamed "Gator" even though he attended Florida State University (the Seminoles), James Hudson was a highly-decorated Portland police officer for 23 years before cofounding the American Criminal Investigators Network (AMCRIN). AMCRIN is a consulting and speakers organization that claims it can teach credit union tellers "how to recognize a fraudulent check in less than 60 seconds."
Hudson also warns financial institutions of the methamphetamine scourge in the western states and tells them to get ready now protecting their organizations.
'Taken Off Like Crazy'
"It's just taken off like crazy, especially among young people," Hudson said. "There's almost a one-to-one relationship with meth and fraud."
According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) website, methamphetamine is known on the street as "meth, poor man's cocaine, crystal meth, ice, glass or speed," the drug can be quickly absorbed into water, molded into tabs or hardened into crystals. In addition to symptoms that can simulate Alzheimer's disease in even very young meth abusers, another side effect is an elevated consciousness that can go on for days.
"They're breaking into cars left and right," he said.
And they're not just looking for loose change. Hudson said any personal information that a car owner leaves in their car is quickly sold or traded for Methamphetamine, ensuring another cycle of days-long abuse and another dragnet for consumer information.
While many meth users commit crimes during these streaks of drug taking, Hudson said many go online searching for information about consumers that is then traded for more meth.
Since these meth-induced streaks can go as long as five full days, ID thieves can potentially haul in a treasure trove of information. Online fraud is also attractive as meth abusers know it's a white-collar crime that they rationalize will result in a light sentence, if they're caught, he said.
Meth Abuse & ID Theft
Hudson said the meth-related crime wave is well documented in western states, but virtually unknown in the eastern United States. Hudson speaks to financial institutions in the northeast section of the country who are completely unaware of any connection between methamphetamine abuse and identity theft.
"They don't have a clue," he said.
Regardless of how much or how little credit union officials have seen about the dangers of an increase in meth use in their area, Hudson said this particular drug is quickly spreading and CUs need to prepare for a sharp increase in ID theft. "It's still eventually going to happen. If you wait until then it'll be panic mode. And panic mode is expensive and leads to member frustration," Hudson said.
In addition to its speakers bureau and consulting, AMCRIN also offers financial institutions its CrimeDex email alert service that focuses on check related crimes and fraud.
For information: www.amcrin.net.
