Book 'Em, McGruff the Crime Dog

According to the New York Times Technology section, McGruff the Crime Dog will be taking on online bad guys.

"His message has gradually broadened to included participation in neighborhood watch groups, taking steps to prevent child violence and bullying. His new campaign, introduced earlier this month, is taking him in a different direction: identity theft.

"The nature of crime is ever-evolving," said Alfonso E. Lenhardt, president and chief executive of the National Crime Prevention Council. "It's still a significant factor in all of our lives. In 2003, 24 million people were victimized by some type of crime. There's so much out there that still needs to be done."

Well, go to it, McGruff. I'd be curious as to what McGruff could do, exactly, to fight online identity theft. Perhaps his trenchcoat-wrapped, non-intimidating image will be superimposed on credit reports, wagging his furry finger in friendly disdain? "No, no, Unidentified Consumer! You don't want to steal (insert name here)'s identity! Here, let's learn about how friendship beats bullies instead."

Related:

• Fight spyware and adware that might be on your computer.
• Be a Safe Consumer: don't think that McGruff the Crime Dog will save you from an ill-considered purchase.