PROTECT YOURSELF
This may not sound like a topic for records and forms professionals, but we all are
parts of records kept by many agencies and organizations: banks, health groups,
professional organizations, and the list goes on. Something as innocuous as the label
on a catalog may put you in danger of identity theft.
Jeanne Benink, AARP Wisconsin, Patricia D. Struck, Wisconsin Department of
Financial Institutions (DFI), and Susan Schilz, Wisconsin Office of Privacy
Protection (OPP) were the featured speakers at the annual ARMA/BFMA meeting
and charity event that was rescheduled to January 8, 2008. Mother Nature forced a
cancellation of the December meeting. The speakers addressed ID theft, financial
fraud such as investment scams, ways to safeguard your credit, and how to report
fraud. They provided tips to fight what is becoming an epidemic.
Jeanne Benink from AARP provided information and brochures about the role
AARP plays in lobbying the legislature and educating the public. AARP works to
keep the public from becoming victims.
Patricia Struck informed the attendees that DFI regulates the people that sell
financial products, which must be registered with the state. If financial advisors do
not adhere to regulations, an enforcement action is taken against them. An
enforcement order is a serious mark against an investment counselor, and in most
cases, a counselor would not want that to appear on record. Patricia provided
examples of types of fraud that could be perpetrated against unsuspecting
individuals. Patricia emphasized the need to ask lots of questions and to deal with
trained and licensed professionals who provide their credentials.
Susan Schilz talked about identity theft and ways we can safeguard our identity.
Everyone should regularly request a free credit report from the three major
companies that provide reports. A person should diligently check bills and
statements for activity that might indicate someone is using your account. Susan
suggested a wallet check-photocopy everything in the wallet and only carry what
you need, especially when you are traveling. When traveling, use credit cards and
Travelers Checks. Avoid debit cards as they don't offer the protection a credit card
does.
The home mailbox is another source of potential identity theft, and Susan
recommended using an official mailbox. Shred all items that could be a potential
source of information about you. We all know the computer and telephone are other
places the unscrupulous can obtain information. Your business contacts will not ask
you to provide information over the phone.
If you suspect fraud or identity theft, file a police report to establish a trail. Request a
credit report and place a fraud alert on your file.