A&FRC employee earns certified identity theft risk management specialist designation Published Aug. 17, 2007 SAN DIEGO -- "Air Force personnel, and especially the new recruits, are the constant targets of fraudulent businesses, bogus deals and scams. Loan fraud, payday lending, credit and identity theft are among the most prevalent," said Naomi Vernon, of the Airmen, Family and Community Operations Branch, headquartered at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas. "This is true whether the businesses are located next to an Air Force installation, or if they prey on them using the internet. "A good way to help Air Force people and their families avoid entrapment, is education," Ms. Vernon said. The Air Force has enrolled selected personnel in certification programs, covering credit and identity theft risk management, made available by the nonprofit Institute of Consumer Financial Education, which equips the counselors to put on training seminars explaining these important issues. Amy Smith, Airmen and Family Readiness Center community readiness consultant at Spangdahlem, Air Base, has successfully completed the ICFE Certified Identity Theft Risk Management Specialist training curriculum and now joins selected command financial specialists and community readiness consultants with Airmen and Family Readiness Centers, who provide counseling and education at Air Force installations around the world. The ICFE's CITRMS certification program is the nation's only training program developed for professionals who are educating and assisting other Air Force personnel and their families combat the growing epidemic of credit and identity theft. The CCRR and CITRMS materials include an independent study guide, PowerPoint presentations, software and an examination booklet. ICFE is also an official partner with the Department of Defense's Financial Readiness Campaign. The ICFE has examined and issued credentials to more than 5,000 individuals, including privacy consultants, law enforcement personnel, lawyers, paralegals, financial planners, credit and debt counselors, real estate agents, notaries, and mortgage brokers since 2005. For more information about ICFE's certifications, visit www.icfe.info.