Identity Theft In The Business World
By Security Editor
Because almost every business must collect personal information such as credit card numbers, social security numbers and other data, it is very possible that information could fall into the wrong hands, placing your customers at risk of identity theft ...
If you operate a business, you can help those people who have been victimized by identity theft or those who might become future targets. Because almost every business must collect personal information such as credit card numbers, social security numbers and other data, it is very possible that information could fall into the wrong hands, placing your customers at risk of identity theft.
What should you, as a business person, do if you believe your records have been accessed by unauthorized personnel or even unethical employees that might commit identity theft? The answers may not be the same in all cases, knowledge about the process and guidance from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) can help you learn how to deal with the situation with as little pain as possible. Of course, you should check into any state or federal laws that may apply to your specific type of business to ensure that these are the only measures you need to take.
Whenever there is any loss of data security, your first step is to call the local police right away. Tell them who you are, what your business is and does and what data may have been stolen. Should your local police not be experienced with this type of problem or you have a great deal of very sensitive information stolen, you should also call the FBI or U.S. Secret Service. If the loss of information integrity involves mail theft, contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Determine if the information compromised will potentially impact businesses other than your own. Banks, credit card issuers and other business owners are the likely entities that might be harmed by a security breach where personal information is stolen. You should first call the businesses and follow up in writing to alert them to the potential threat.
In the event that names along with the connected social security numbers have been stolen by identity thieves, you should contact the three major credit reporting agencies for information and advice. If the number of records is large, you should advice the credit reporting agencies that you are recommending that people ask that Fraud Alerts be placed in their credit reporting files. This can help these agencies when they receive a huge number of requests.
The task of notifying individual people who may be endangered because of the information stolen from your business must also be accomplished. The sooner each person knows what has happened, the better they can protect themselves from potential damage. These people need to know what type of information someone may have about them and whether or not their social security numbers or credit card numbers may be involved.
The FTC recommends that you consult your law enforcement agencies about the timing of this notification process to ensure that their investigation is not hampered by your notification to individuals. The FTC also suggests that you designate one person as the contact person for releasing information and that the designee has all the latest information at hand and knows exactly what to release to what person or agency.
Next article: 10 Things To Do ASAP If You Become A Victim Of Identity Theft
Featured Security Product:
|

|
How To Win Any Fight In Under Three Minutes |
| 90% Of What You Learn In Strip Mall Dojo's, Martial Arts Schools, Self Defense Seminars And DVD's Will Get You Killed In A Real Attack On The Street ... Click here for more details ... |
More Articles About Identity Theft ...
Assessing The Costs And Damages Of Medical Identity Theft
Medical identity theft costs the American insurance industry as much as $180 billion annually. The reason for this is that transactions are increasingly depending on the Internet to expedite processes,...
The Three Types Of Commercial Identity Theft
Commercial identity theft can refer to any of three things. It can involve the thief accessing a firm's credit account. It can also mean the identity thief targeting all the employees in an organization....
Understanding Computer Identity Theft Methods - Phishing
One of the most popular computer identity theft methods today is phishing. Spelled in true hacker fashion, phishing means, well, fishing by baiting people to divulge their personal data. This mode of computer...
Recommended ID Theft Prevention Resources

For more information about Identity Theft-related resources, see our Security resources section, subscribe to our Security Newsletter containing news, updates and insider tips, or go to more articles about Identity Theft.
Related Topics ...
Search for more information on "identity theft" below:
You are here: Home » identity-theft » Identity Theft In The Business World |
|
|
|
Get Regular Security News And Insider Tips

Receive free practical Security tips delivered to your email box with contributions from personal security product reviewers, home security industry writers, computer security experts and identity theft prevention professionals. Also receive access to valuable free resources as our gift to you.
Email Instructions:
Fill-in your First Name and primary Email below to claim your FREE gifts and stay up-to-date with the latest exciting news and information on Security!
Your privacy always comes first and your email address is never shared with anyone ever.
|
|
Identity Theft Facts & Tips
A wealth of information can be found on pay stubs, bank statements and pre-approved credit card offers. Did you know that these private documents contain your name, address and account numbers? Did you know that some employers would put your social security number on your pay stub just for filing purposes? To help prevent identity theft, keep these papers close to you so they do not fall into they wrong hands -- or shred them to guard against identity theft.
|
|

Security Resources:
How To Win Any Fight In Under Three Minutes
Recommended Self Defense Resource
Hardcore Fighting Secrets - How To Win Any Fight In Under 3 Minutes
Steve G, the author of "Hardcore Fighting Secrets" is not only a street fighter with... Latest Reverse Phone Searching Technology
Recommended Resource - The Latest In Reverse Phone Searches
Reverse Phone Searching - PhoneRegistry.com
The new all-in-one reverse phone search website is here, featuring cellular phones, landline... 31 Ways To Commit Identity Theft
Recommended Identity Theft Prevention Resource
Inside Identity Theft - Secrets and Dangers You Need To Know For Prevention and Protection
In this eye-opening report, Henry Tom, a widely known information...
|
| Security Directory
Security Videos
Home Security
Security Resources
Identity Theft
Private Investigation
Security (Main)
Personal Security
Related Topics

More Links
address to phone number search identity theft fact phishing scam criminal record reverse cellphone lookup identity theft victim
|
|