Frank Abagnale and uni-ball(R) pens Urge Americans to Make the 'Secure Your Signature' Pledge This Tax Season Renowned identity theft expert encourages people to secure their signature in exchange for free uni-ball pens OAK BROOK, Ill., April 3, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- If you're signing your tax returns and making out a check to Uncle Sam this year, you could be a prime target for identity theft. In fact, according to recent numbers released by the Federal Trade Commission, consumers reported more than $1.2 billion in fraud and identity theft losses in 2007, as well as a 35 percent increase in tax-related identity theft issues, up from reported numbers in 2006.(1) As incidents of this crime continue to increase, uni-ball(R) pens has enlisted Frank Abagnale, subject of the blockbuster movie "Catch Me If You Can," and well-known identity theft expert and FBI consultant, to offer advice to help protect consumers against identity theft by pledging to safeguard their signatures on tax returns and other sensitive documents throughout the year. "Despite the increasing number of people who e-file their taxes, millions of Americans still file their tax returns by mail, making tax season one of the most vulnerable times for individuals to become victim to identity theft," Abagnale said. "However, there are simple measures you can take to help protect yourself, like shredding old documents and making a personal promise to use a pen designed to help prevent check fraud." To encourage this simple anti-theft solution for Americans, Abagnale is teaming up with uni-ball to launch its own "campaign for change" -- urging people to make a conscious decision to secure their signature during tax time. As April 15 approaches, uni-ball is giving away free pens with specially formulated ink to those who go online and sign the "Secure Your Signature" pledge, promising to safeguard their personal identity for tax time and all year long with the help of a specially formulated uni-ball pen. For a limited time, the first 15,000 people who visit secureyoursignature.com and pledge to use a uni-ball pen for all secure documents will receive a free uni-ball(R) 207(TM) gel pen, which can be used for a variety of occasions -- from last-minute tax documents to everyday checkwriting.(2) The pledge will remain on the Web site throughout the year to continue the "Secure Your Signature" message after tax time and encourage consumers to always use a specially formulated uni-ball pen when signing important documents. "We're hoping to provide a sense of urgency with identity theft prevention efforts because it can happen to anyone," said Abagnale. "Choosing the right tools and using common sense is the best defense. Personally, I never sign any important documents like personal checks or tax forms unless I have a specially formulated uni-ball pen." Many uni-ball pens, including the uni-ball 207 gel pen, the Jetstream, Jetstream RT and Vision Elite roller ball pens, use specially formulated inks that contain tiny color pigments. This exclusive "Super Ink(TM)" helps prevent document and check fraud by absorbing into the paper fibers. When an individual tries to wash or lift the inked information written on the document, the ink remains "trapped" within the fibers of the paper, thereby deterring the efforts of identity thieves. "We are proud to offer an affordable, effective way to help fight identity theft," said Steve Gradman, senior brand manager of uni-ball, North America. "Our goal is to help ease the minds of individuals when writing sensitive materials -- from tax returns and checks to legal and medical documents." For more information on the "Secure your Signature" pledge and free pen offer, as well as tax time fraud prevention tips from Abagnale and general information about identity theft, visit www.secureyoursignature.com. (1) Consumer Fraud and Identity Theft Complaint Data released by the Federal Trade Commission, February 2008 (2) uni-ball pens will be shipped before the April 15 tax deadline, but product may take up to 4-6 weeks to arrive About uni-ball(R) Part of the Newell Rubbermaid portfolio of leading brands, uni-ball is a world leader in providing an optimal writing experience, offering writing instruments with superior functionality and affordability. From the JetStream(R) pen's smooth write to the intense color and superior performance of the uni-ball 207 gel pen, the brand allows one to enjoy the ultimate in writing performance coupled with a distinctive, contemporary style. Newell Rubbermaid Office Products Group, marketer and distributor of uni-ball(R) pens, is a worldwide leader in the manufacturing and marketing of writing instruments, art products and office organization and technology products, including such well known brands as Paper Mate(R), Sharpie(R), DYMO(R) Parker(R), Waterman(R), EXPO(R), uni-ball(R), and Rolodex(R), among others. Visit www.halsun.net for more information. About Abagnale & Associates Mr. Abagnale is known as one of the world's most respected authorities on check fraud, embezzlement and secure documents. He has developed new procedures and created manuals and educational programs utilized by over 14,000 financial institutions, law enforcement agencies and corporations. Mr. Abagnale lectures and instructs extensively at the FBI academy and field offices for the Federal Bureau of Investigation. For more information visit www.abagnale.com.