Neptune, New Jersey -- Since the heyday of the desktop publishing era, diploma fraud has cost the American taxpayer a whopping $500 million each year. A New Jersey based company is hoping its first commercial product, GradPak(TM) will become one more obstacle to diploma fraud and identity theft. The GradPak(TM) features a personal image diploma that embeds the recipient's photo on the front and a unique code on the back of each diploma for validation and authentication. The GradPak is free to students and parents, and is wholly financed by corporations and local businesses. Attached to the GradPak(TM) are company advertisements, logos and acknowledgements.

"It is a very positive an innovative approach to connect with high school kids. It is what our advertising and public relations programs are geared for. Reaching those younger consumers, especially those right in our own backyard, is what building brand loyalty is all about," stated Bill Turtora of Galaxy Toyota a GradPak(TM) sponsor, who operates a car dealership in Eatontown, New Jersey.

New Jersey school board officials and local authorities have sanctioned the image embedded diplomas enthusiastically according to a recent Business Wire press release. GradMoments LLC founder Stephan Lowy believes his company has a new product and unique way of reaching its target market.

Critics generally agree the idea is sufficiently attractive to generate much needed sales. But are unconvinced the image embedded diploma will reduce identity theft.

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May 23, 2006