College launches ID theft think tank

NAPLES — Hodges University has launched an Identity Fraud Institute.

A private nonprofit college with campuses in Naples and Fort Myers, Hodges hopes the institute will become a central hub for identity theft and fraud related information statewide, according to a release. The school also plans to provide victims assistance programs.

The institute will have several components, including:
• A research center that will involve a network of local banks and members of the retail, medical and other industries;
• Citizen education, including a program under development that could certify participants as identity theft advisors, and give them an opportunity to help other victims;
• Another goal is to host a national conference, tentatively planned for September 2016, on identity theft and fraud.

Hodges named Carrie Kerskie, a licensed private investigator and author on a book about ID theft, “Your Public Identity: Because Nothing is Private Anymore,” the director of the institute.

“For more than seven years, Florida has ranked first for identity fraud complaints with Naples ranking fifth nationwide,” Kerskie says in the statement. “Coupled with the research and education component, Hodges University is the perfect fit for the institute.”

The institute plans to host an inaugural luncheon Sept. 23 at Hodges University- Naples campus. Scheduled speakers include Collier County Sheriff Kevin Rambosk, State Rep. Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples, State Sen. Garrett Richter, R-Naples and an aide to U.S. Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Miami.