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ST. LOUIS NEWS TODAY - Sunday, February 6, 2005

Missourian Can Take Steps to Stop Identity Theft
ST. LOUIS, (SLFP.com) February 6, 2005 - Identity theft can cost victims thousands of dollars and take years to correct. Consumers can minimize the risk of identity theft, however, and take fast action to contain any harm if an identity thief strikes, Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon said in an announcement.

Nixon's advice to Missourians on how to prevent identity theft is part of his efforts to mark the seventh annual National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), through February 12. Nixon and the Attorneys General of the other states are teaming up with several federal, state and local agencies to promote consumer education under the 2005 NCPW theme of "Identity Theft: When Fact Becomes Fiction."

"Protecting your personal information is a key step to keep someone from misusing your identity," Nixon said. "By keeping close track of your credit information, safeguarding your billfold, and keeping passwords secret, you can minimize your risk of identity theft."

Nixon stated identity thieves can get your personal information through several methods, including stealing your wallet or purse; stealing your mail, or completing a "change of address form" without your knowledge; rummaging through your trash at home or at a business, a practice known as "dumpster diving," to obtain pre-approved credit card offers and other documents; or using personal information they find on the Internet about you.

"One of the best pieces of crime-fighting equipment everyone can have at home is an inexpensive paper shredder to dispose of those unwanted credit card offers or documents that you don't need but contain sensitive information," Nixon said.

Other steps consumers can take to fight identity theft include:

Never provide personal information, including your Social Security number, account numbers, or passwords, over the phone or the Internet if you did not initiate the contact.
Don't be intimidated by an e-mail or caller who suggests dire consequences if you do not immediately provide or verify financial information.
Never click on the link provided in an e-mail you believe is fraudulent. It may contain a virus that can contaminate your computer.

"And while it may seem elementary, don't write down your password and tape it to the front of your computer monitor at home or at work," Nixon said.

Some of the warning signs of identity theft include failing to receive bills or other mail; receiving credit cards for which you didn't apply; being denied credit for no apparent reason; and getting calls or letters from debt collectors or businesses about merchandise or services you didn't buy. If you believe your personal information has been stolen, Nixon says you should:

Immediately close all your credit card or bank accounts.
Contact the Social Security Administration to get a new Social Security number.
Alert those agencies that issued your driver license and other identification documents.
Place a fraud alert on your credit reports with any one of the three national consumer reporting companies, because a fraud alert on your credit report can help prevent an identity thief from opening additional accounts in your name.

Sigma-Aldrich Wins Award for Best Customer Service
ST. LOUIS, (SLFP.com) February 6, 2005 - Sigma-Aldrich has won the Life Science Industry Award for best customer service. The awards were sponsored by The Scientist magazine and announced at a ceremony in Washington. D.C. on December 6, 2004. The awards are called "The Scientist's Choice" because life science industry customers vote on them.

BioInformatics, Arlington, VA, sent surveys to 22,700 scientists, physicians and healthcare professionals around the world. 3,085 scientists participated in the survey, which was conducted between September 23rd and October 8th. Categories received an average of 1,055 votes, with cell culture receiving the most votes (1,747).

Sigma-Aldrich won Best Customer Service, and was also a finalist in four other categories: Cell Culture Media, Equipment and Reagents; Print Catalog; Technical Support; and Website.

Mary Bettis, director of customer service for Sigma-Aldrich in St. Louis, stated, "The Company's customer service team focuses on three elements: quality systems, customized service, and efficiency. All these concepts are interrelated and work together to create a comprehensive service experience that surpasses the customer's expectations. In essence, our goal is to make it easy to do business with Sigma-Aldrich."

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