The new online tool was created to help consumers understand how fraud and identity theft crimes occur and to assess their risk of falling victim to fraud and identity theft.

The tool includes three short quizzes separated into the following sections: personal information, physical environment and online environment. When taking the quiz, consumers have the flexibility of completing one section or all three. Upon completion, consumers will automatically receive an assessment of their current risk level of becoming a victim of these crimes and be offered tips on how to improve their current habits.

"We are pleased to provide consumers with a user-friendly tool that educates them about fraud and identity theft," said Brian McGinley, head of Wachovia Loss Management. "Fraud and identity theft crimes are growing at rapid rates. Being aware and informed are the keys to protecting yourself. Success in mitigating fraud requires working together with our customers to form a strong protection partnership."

The new tool was developed by Wachovia's Security & Identity Protection Committee, which includes representatives from various lines of business across Wachovia. The committee is dedicated to enhancing awareness about fraud and identity theft and forming an even stronger partnership to educate Wachovia's customers about strategies to prevent fraud and identity theft.

Other new fraud and identity theft resources recently launched by Wachovia include:

• A newly enhanced customer protection section that provides information about fraud and identity theft prevention, industry trends, computer security and a customer fraud assistance package.
  
• Identity Guard CreditProtectX3, a comprehensive identity theft protection and credit management product, is available to consumers for $12.99 per month. The service is provided by Intersections Inc., North America's leading provider of consumer identity theft protection services. The product provides three-bureau credit monitoring every business day and sends Notify Express alerts to customers if suspicious changes are detected in their credit files that could indicate fraudulent activity. CreditProtectX3 also offers up to $20,000 of Identity Theft Reimbursement Insurance.
  
• A new Wachovia Security & Identity Protection online employee newsletter keeping employees up-to-date on the latest trends, so they can protect themselves and customers from becoming victims. The newsletter will be issued several times a year. Wachovia also plans a customer newsletter for later this year.

The new fraud and identity theft resources are examples of how Wachovia is educating employees, customers and consumers on fraud and identity theft.