Identity Theft & Your Privacy

Client Communication Briefing

February 1, 2007

 

We continue to hear news stories about identity theft in the media and other forms of online fraud committed on unsuspecting victims. We last wrote about this issue in 2004 and offered some tips on how to prevent you from becoming a victim of identity theft or fraud. In the interim period, the issue has not disappeared. The State of Wisconsin recently inadvertently included taxpayer’s Social Security numbers on envelopes they were mailing. Thankfully, this did not apply to taxpayers who electronically filed their returns (which was most of our clients).

 

One of our ways of combating these crimes is through the use of a privacy policy to protect our client’s financial information. We do not release information to individuals who do not have authorization for client accounts. If your information were to get released without your consent, we have several procedures that come into play including:

  • FSG sponsored (paid for) identity theft protection for six months to the affected client through Identity Guard (www.IdentityGuard.com)
  • Review of internal policies & procedures to determine the cause & impact of disclosure of sensitive information
  • Potential disciplinary action for staff for failure to perform which could result in termination of employment

 

The purpose for this Client Communication Briefing is not to alarm you but rather to alert you to the fact that we take our responsibilities to our clients very seriously and will respond as necessary. In the meantime, here are a couple of solutions we have provided previously as well as published in the Racine Journal Times:

  • Shred or destroy all papers with sensitive information (we can do this for you if you bring the documents to your next meeting)
  • Monitor credit report on regular basis by requesting free annual reports through www.annualcreditreport.com
  • Remove yourself from telemarketer lists & credit card solicitations at www.donotcall.gov & www.optoutprescreen.com

 

If at any time you believe you have been the victim of identity theft please contact us immediately.

 

Sincerely,

 

The FSG Team