Company News & Events

Press Release

February 5, 2006

Socrates and Global Fraud Solutions announce strategic partnership to combat Identity Theft and increase retail distribution of acclaimed CasePlanner™ software

National Consumer Protection Week Is About Giving Americans the Choice to Protect Themselves

Chicago, IL, February 5, 2006-Nearly 9 million people-or 4% of U.S. adults-last year learned their personal data had been stolen and used to commit fraud, according to a new report from Javelin Strategy & Research and the Better Business Bureau. When coupled with the Federal Trade Commission's recent report that identity theft accounts for over 37% of complaints filed with the agency, it's easy to see why consumers are anxious for solutions that protect their interests.

In concert with President Bush declaring the week of February 5 as National Consumer Protection Week, Socrates, the leading publisher of do-it-yourself legal solutions for business, personal and real estate matters, has announced a strategic alliance with Global Fraud Solutions (GFS), an international leader in identity theft products and anti-fraud solutions. The two companies have come together to expand retail and online distribution for GFS' acclaimed CasePlanner™ Identity Theft Risk & Recovery Manager software.

"President Bush's proclamation, combined with staggering losses and the millions of victimized consumers, sends a clear signal that consumers must take actions to protect what is so near to them, and we provide powerful, yet easy to use solutions for doing just that," said Michael Barnett, General Manager of Global Fraud Solutions, LLC." "With identity theft reaching epidemic proportions, it is imperative to make CasePlanner broadly available. Socrates has demonstrated how its distribution channels will provide us an excellent opportunity to more effectively bring our anti-fraud solutions to the attention of consumers across the nation."

The patent-pending CasePlanner Identity Theft Risk & Recovery Manager provides powerful and proactive risk management tools to significantly minimize potential damage if information is ever lost, stolen, or compromised and comprehensive, expert resolution case management assistance if a consumer ever becomes a victim.

The product is organized into two sections:

• Identity Theft Awareness/Prevention & Risk Management. Going far beyond simple instructions, the Identity Theft Awareness and Prevention Guide™ includes detailed discussions about identity theft and how it occurs, types of scams, categories of the crime and instructions one should take to reduce the chances of becoming a victim. It provides dozens of links to such information as consumer protection laws, consumer organizations and government agencies. The risk management tools, such as the encrypted Account Register and Personal ID Inventory™, allow consumers to securely document all their accounts and personal information in one place for easy tracking and immediate retrieval in the case of loss or theft.
• Identity Theft Resolution Case Management. Developed by former law enforcement officers and experienced fraud investigators, the Identity Theft Resolution Case File System™ provides guided assistance in handling difficult and often frustrating steps of identity theft case resolution. The tools are laid out such that one can document, organize, track, and report an incident from start to finish, and supply concise, actionable information to investigators involved in a case to achieve quick and successful resolution. It also includes a library of important letters and notifications, including the FTC Identity Theft Affidavit, which can be completed and produced in seconds.

"Identity theft is a critical issue and consumers need a complete risk management and resolution tool like CasePlanner. We are thrilled to partner with Global Fraud Solutions and bring this leading solution to a wider market," said Paul Barrett, Senior Vice President and General Manager for Socrates, who noted that Socrates is selling the software this week for 20% off its traditional price of $39.95. "We look forward to expanding distribution for the product in a broad array of retail and online outlets."

About Global Fraud Solutions, LLC:
Contact: Michael Barnett, General Manager
Global Fraud Solutions, LLC
6905 South 1300 East; Suite 365 Midvale, Utah 84047
Toll Free: 877-230-1164
Website: www.globalfraudsolutions.com

About Socrates
Headquartered in Chicago, Socrates is the leading brand of needed know-how solutions. The Socrates brand offers thousands of comprehensive alternatives to high-cost legal and professional services. Their published and online content help consumers solve everyday legal, finance and business management matters themselves. Socrates offers its value-priced products through retailers, marketing partners and online through www.Socrates.com.
Product samples and demonstrations available upon request.