Since we’ve had an increase in readers to our employee screening blog, I thought it would be a good idea to make the new folks aware of our most viewed articles.
Here they are:
Identity Theft
Employee Screening Articles For April 2009
In case you missed any of our employee screening articles for April, here’s a quick recap of our most popular:
- E-Verify Supported By Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano
- 5 Improvements Coming To E-Verify
- Job Applicants Are More Likely To Lie As The Recession Grows
- E-Verify for Federal Contractors Delayed Again
- A Growing Trend – Data Security and Protection
- When Not To Do A Background Check
- Enforcement Of The New “Red Flags Rule” Delayed Again
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FYI Screening, Inc. offers a complete portfolio of employee screening services that will help you work smarter while providing the industry’s fastest turnaround and the highest quality results.
This will allow your company to focus on what really matters:
Hiring and Retaining The Best Employees Possible
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Enforcement Of The New “Red Flags Rule” Delayed Again
The Federal Trade Commission will delay enforcement of the new “Red Flags Rule” until August 1, 2009, to give creditors and financial institutions more time to develop and implement written identity theft prevention programs. For entities that have a low risk of identity theft, such as businesses that know their customers personally, the Commission will soon release a template to help them comply with the law. Today’s announcement does not affect other federal agencies’ enforcement of the original November 1, 2008 compliance deadline for institutions subject to their oversight.
“Given the ongoing debate about whether Congress wrote this provision too broadly, delaying enforcement of the Red Flags Rule will allow industries and associations to share guidance with their members, provide low-risk entities an opportunity to use the template in developing their programs, and give Congress time to consider the issue further,” FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz said.
Are You Complying With The Red Flags Rule?
The Red Flags Rule requires many businesses and organizations to implement a written Identity Theft Prevention Program designed to detect the warning signs – or “red flags” – of identity theft in their day-to-day operations. Are you covered by the Red Flags Rule?
Download “Fighting Fraud with the Red Flags Rule: A How-To Guide for Business” here.
- Find out if the rule applies to your business or organization
- Get practical tips on spotting the red flags of identity theft, taking steps to prevent the crime, and mitigating the damage it inflicts
- Learn how to put in place your written Identity Theft Prevention Program
By identifying red flags in advance, you’ll be better equipped to spot suspicious patterns when they arise and take steps to prevent a red flag from escalating into a costly episode of identity theft. Take advantage of other resources on this site to educate your employees and colleagues about complying with the Red Flags Rule.
Subscribe to our blog to stay current and learn more about the “Red Flags Rule.”
Photo Credit: rvw
A Growing Trend – Data Security and Protection
Recognizing the dangers of identity theft in the workplace, New York has joined 28 other states that have enacted laws intended to protect employees from identity theft.
TAKING IT A STEP FURTHER
Earlier this year, a new law went into effect in New York limiting employers’ use of employees’ personal information.
New York Labor Law § 203-d prohibits employers from communicating an employee’s social security number, address, telephone number, personal e-mail address, internet user identification name or password, parent’s surname or driver’s license numbers to the general public. The law also prohibits employers from publicly displaying an employee’s SSN, printing SSNs on identification badges or time cards, or using SSNs to identify employees for licensing purposes.
4 STEPS EMPLOYERS SHOULD TAKE
- Review your company’s use of full or partial SSNs and all other personal identifying information and make sure you are compliant with your state law.
- Draft privacy policies focusing on the use of personal information and specify which individuals should have access to this information.
- Communicate this privacy policy to all employees,with special focus on human resources, loss prevention, recruiting, benefits,and information technology personnel who may have access to identifying information.
- Ask your employee screening provider how they protect employee’s personal information.
OUR PRIVACY POLICY
FYI Screening, Inc. is a Consumer Reporting Agency (CRA) that prepares Consumer Reports for authorized employers under the provisions of the the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). FYI only collects applicant data pursuant to written Authorization and Disclosure under the FCRA and only disseminates consumer reports to employers as directed in the written authorization. Data is only collected and distributed at the direction and authorization of consumers . The data is maintained in a secured site. All data is the property of the consumer. FYI maintains strict policies and procedures in all aspects of its operation to protect the privacy of consumers.
Find out how FYI Screening can help protect your employee’s personal information. Contact us here or call 1-800-809-2419.
Photo Credit: TheTruthAbout…
Job Applicants – What To Do About Identity Theft
Identity theft is nothing new. Each year, millions of people cope with having their identities stolen. But, many unwary job applicants are fooled by fake job postings that exist primarily to steal their identity. Millions of job-seekers carelessly post their sensitive personal information online. Criminals can use this information to wreak havoc. Here’s what job applicants can do to avoid becoming a victim of identity theft.
Avoiding Fraudulent Postings
Many types of job postings are well-known scams. You should be wary of postings that advertise jobs for courier services and envelope stuffing. Jewelry making job openings should also raise a red flag. Similarly, applicants should be cautious about postings for overseas jobs. While they can potentially lead to valid employment opportunities, many of them have been designed to lure unsuspecting job applicants. Their goal is often to tempt job-seekers into providing their social security numbers, driver’s license numbers and even bank account information. Unfortunately, doing so can expose them to identity theft.
Knowing What To Look For
First, you should avoid providing sensitive information to potential employers until you’re convinced that a job opening is authentic. Second, if you’re unsure about a job posting, ask for references and check them. Third, do some due diligence. Try to determine how long the company that is advertising a position has been in business. Find out if there are any complaints that have been filed with the Better Business Bureau. Fourth, get every promise in writing before moving forward.
Having your identity stolen while looking for a job can be devastating. But, if you avoid common job posting scams and take a few precautionary steps, you can avoid becoming an identity theft victim. Then, you can pursue legitimate job opportunities with reliable employers.