In this day of identity theft and corporate fraud, individuals and businesses alike are concerned with security.  It seems the harder we try to protect ourselves, the more sophisticated and creative fraudsters become.  While no system is foolproof, there are some things you can do to help protect yourself.  Below are some tips and resources you may find useful.

Protect Your Personal Information

• Check your bank and credit card statements monthly for suspicious activity.
• Use a credit card with a low limit to make phone or internet purchases.
• Utilize the temporary card number feature available from your credit card provider to make internet purchases if this service is offered.
• Check your credit report regularly.  Get a free copy at www.annualcreditreport.com.  You’ll have to enter your social security number, so call or mail the request if this makes you uncomfortable.
• Consider paying for a background check on yourself.  You can order one on www.integctr.com.
• Opt out of unsolicited credit card and insurance offers at www.optoutprescreen.com.

10 Easy Security Measures for the Workplace

1. Have remote backups of vital information stored on your computer.
2. Ensure firewalls on all computers are adequate and maintained.
3. Create a method for employees to report suspicious activity or fraud anonymously.  The majority of fraud is uncovered in this manner!
4. Pay attention to employees personal situations!  An individual that wouldn’t consider committing fraud under normal circumstances may do so in times of extraordinary personal or financial strain.  Refer at-risk employees to your company’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential assistance.
5. Perform background checks on every person currently employed or being considered for employment.  Check out www.integctr.com as one resource.
6. Segregate accounting responsibilities.  We can help you evaluate your processes and provide recommendations in this area.
7. Implement a company fraud policy and make sure every employee receives a copy and reads it!
8. Perform a fraud risk assessment.  Download a checklist from www.acfe.org.
9. Use budgets as a fraud detection tool by investigating variances.

Educate yourself!  Check out the various resources at the websites mentioned above as well as the Consumer Information link at www.aicpa.org.