Identity crisis

Until recently, it wasn't a crime to steal a business identity in Florida.

The woman behind new legislation to make that a criminal offense, Carrie Kerskie, recently became director of the Identity Fraud Institute at Hodges University. She plans to apply for $250,000 in state funding for the newly formed institute.

Thieves steal business identities to fraudulently obtain loans, credit cards and even trick banks into wiring money. “We're creating a program to let businesses know the regulations and tools and tips on how they can protect themselves,” says Kerskie, a private investigator and former stockbroker with a finance degree.