The IRE Resource Center is a major research library containing more than 23,250 investigative stories — both print and broadcast. These stories are searchable online or by contacting the Resource Center directly (573-882-3364 or rescntr@ire.org) where a researcher can help you pinpoint what you need. Browse or search the tipsheet section of our library below. Stories are not available for download but can be easily ordered by contacting the Resource Center:
Search results for "identity theft ring" ...
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Stolen Identities
After finding suspicious documents, the story reveals a huge identity theft ring. The police ignored the evidence, but the investigators used these records to track down the individuals involved in the scandal. After tracking down the individuals involved, the police decided to arrest, charge, and eventually convict them. Further, every victim had their identity returned to them.
Tags: local hospital; St. Anthony Central Hospital; law enforcement; patient records; stolen data; hospital worker; Sheriff Department
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To Catch an ID Thief
NBC worked with specialized investigators to penetrate an Internet underground "where criminals brazenly buy and sell credit cards, bank accounts, passwords, PIN codes and social security numbers." Their investigation tracked packages bought with stolen identities to a theft ring in Europe.
Tags: identity theft; Hansen Electronics; illegal charges; theft ring; Dateline
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"Grave Robbers"
This investigation involves the case of two brothers who organized an identity theft ring and kept it going for more than two years. They were accused of stealing the identities of the recently deceased and using them to obtain more than $1.5 million worth of luxury cars, loans, and merchandise. Their ringleaders also stole 23 luxury cars.
Tags: identity theft ring; criminal court records; police reports; arrest warrant affidavits; Texas open records law; taxing authorities; deed transfers; auto registrations; real estate sales price; federal crime; Countrywide Home Loans; mortgage; Michael F. Tisdale; William R. Tisdale Jr.; America's Team Mortgage; Social Security Administration
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Pros or Cons?
WMAQ, in a joint project with the Daily Herald, investigates a secret ring of convicted felons who work at telemarketing companies and solicit funds for injured police officers and fire fighters. The report revealed that the criminals deceived people in donating money and then kept most of the donations. The investigation resulted in Illinois' Attorney General suing three telemarketing companies, their owners and the workers with criminal past. The reporters obtained many of the documents for the story by digging through the garbage of the telemarketing companies. The file includes transcript and clips from the investigation in the Daily Herald.
Tags: TAPE; TRANSCRIPT; background checks; employment; drugs; crime; identity theft; credit card numbers