Ways Businesses Can Protect Themselves from Identity Theft
Identity theft and the significance of credit protection have been the content of many news media stories. Most of such stories have to do with credit card fraud and consumer identity theft; however, cases of business identity theft are continuing to rise. These days, many businesses have been victimized by identity thieves and scammers and the consequences can take a toll while they try to repair the resulting damage. The following are some ways businesses can protect themselves from identity theft.
Monitoring Business Credit Regularly
Every business needs to regularly monitor their credit services. A good monitoring service is helpful in keeping a watchful eye on its business credit report, thus if something seems suspicious it can handle it right away to prevent further damage.
Protect Business Papers
To minimize identity theft protection in a business, it is imperative to keep business documents safe and secure from parties that should not have access to them. These documents can have plenty of essential information susceptible to identity thieves. Shred all documents you throw away that have significant and personal information and never leave any paper lying around your office. In order to actually prevent business identity thieves, you need to be way of your own people.
Use Prepaid Business Credit Cards
This use of this card is also a great way to protect your credit. When a thief steals a business credit card, the amount he can charge on it is limited. Also, a number of prepaid business credit cards allow you to deactivate them right away if it has been stolen or lost.
Make a Security Plan
Consider your current security and find ways to improve it. Take into account all the possible means identity thieves can access business information which can be used for opening your business credit accounts. Also, come up with a strategy for sealing possible breaches. Consider consulting a security professional who has expertise in protecting the credit or your company.
Work Only with Reputable Vendors
As you work with vendors, you may have to offer your credit card information and federal tax ID number. Avoid supplying such information to vendors you are doubtful about. Also, be wary of any solicitation from thieves pretending to be unrecognizable banks, vendors or other companies which are likely to ask your information.
The methods above may not be able to protect your business credit 100 percent; however, they will help in reducing the risks of getting victimized by business identity thief. Monitoring your business credit reports on a regular basis allows you to pay attention to things if intruders attack.