BACKGROUND - Congress enacted legislation (FACTA) to provide consumers with increased protection from identity theft. They directed the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to issue RULES.

RED FLAGS are the patterns, practices or activities that indicate the possible existence of identity theft. Identity theft is an especially pervasive crime, as unlike a stolen object or money, a stolen identity can be used or sold over and over again.

FEDERAL REGULATIONS require BUSINESSES to identify Red Flags. For each of those Red Flags, the business must develop an appropriate response that they will take if an event occurs. The program must be in writing, SEPARATE FROM OTHER WRITTEN POLICIES, and integrated into the day-to-day operations of the business.

THE BOTTOM LINE - Businesses need to protect consumers from identity theft. Their employees must be able to ascertain that the consumer they are interacting with is the individual they claim to be. Our Red Flags Program provides the tools to make that happen.