NEW HAMPSHIRE IDENTITY THEFT ADDRESSED BY INSURANCE INDUSTRY Dover Community News: Take steps to protect yourself, your business from identity theft
Identity theft is the fastest-growing form of fraud, warns the Professional Insurance Agents of New Hampshire, Inc. Thieves assume the identities of others to bilk them out of their own money and to steal from others using your name.

There are several ways in which the thief can steal your identity. They steal purses and mail from mailboxes. They will dig through trash to get old bank and credit card statements. They will even stoop low enough to steal from sick and dying individuals.

“The insurance industry has recognized the growing threat of identity theft,” said Jeffrey Foy, PIANH president. “Insurance policies protecting consumers and cyber-risk policies for businesses have been developed.”

There are many ways you can protect yourself from this rapidly growing crime, according to PIANH. Don’t give out any personal information to someone who has solicited you, whether by e-mail, phone, regular mail or in person, until you verify the legitimacy of the request. Make sure your bank and credit card statements come each month. Thieves have been known to file a change of address form in order to take over another’s identity. Shred or completely destroy all sensitive documents that go out with the trash. Check your credit report once a year. There are three major credit reporting agencies you can contact. For a fee, they will send you your report. They are:


Equifax, (800) 685-1111, www.equifax.com.

Experian, (888) 397-3742, www.experian.com.

Trans Union, (800) 916-8800, www.transunion.com.
The good news is the government is seeking to revamp the Fair Credit Reporting Act. The proposed measures include a national security alert system and would place additional demands on businesses and credit reporting bureaus. Also, some legislators are seeking to require companies to reimburse customers for losses incurred when their data is stolen.

Businesses, large or small, should have a security plan and the safeguards should be monitored and tested often. There should be a good business reason for collecting sensitive information in the first place. Gather that information in a way that limits risks. Store it safely. Have adequate computer security measures in place. Access should be limited to approved employees. Documents should be shredded before disposal. Make sure any organization with access to your records or computer network also has a good security program.

“Good business reputations are ruined when consumers are worried that sloppy practices will leave them exposed to identity theft,” said Foy.

Some insurance companies are beginning to offer limited coverage for expenses incurred to cure debt and injury to credit caused by identity theft.
PIANH is a trade association representing professional, independence insurance agencies, brokerages and their employees throughout the state.