Kroll Fraud Solutions Blog – A Dialogue on Data Security

Just a few months ago in January, we talked about being aware that fraudsters often use a current event to try to trick you into giving up personal information. One such “current event” is now in full swing as the United States 2010 Census forms landed in mailboxes across the country during March. This year’s census appears to be a prime target for scams, as Kroll’s Licensed Investigators are taking calls on a daily basis from consumers who have been sent phony emails or other communication.

Valuable insight into recognizing tax fraud from Jeremy Miller, Director of Operations.

The IRS announced yesterday that it will be opening offices in 180 locations across the country on Saturday, March 27, to provide taxpayers an opportunity to work directly with the IRS to resolve tax issues. A list of locations is provided on the IRS website.

Taxpayers who visit these “open houses” will most likely be working with the IRS to answer questions about tax credits, making payment arrangements, or other economic issues. Some, however, may need guidance on how to proceed if they know or suspect they are victims of identity theft.

On March 9, 2010, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced a settlement in its case against an identity theft protection services firm that we’ll refer to as “Defendants.” The $35 million judgment was suspended to $12 million, payable to the FTC and 35 state Attorneys General. We’ll all be watching as this unfolds, because if the conditions of the judgment are not met, the entire $35 million will be due.

In last week’s post, we discussed why a company should have a security policy that addresses protecting the personal identifying information (PII) of customers and employees alike.  But information security policies are only as good as their execution by employees and administrators. Implementation of the information security policy, like all new ideas in group settings, requires buy-in by those who will participate – without it, the policy is mere words without deeds.