Identity theft isn’t something that just happens to individual people – it can happen to businesses also.
Criminals design websites that look like legitimate business sites, which feature real business names, logos and contact information, all in the name of tricking consumers into giving up their personal or financial information. It also ruins the reputation of the business.
The victims, in this case, businesses, don’t usually know they’ve been victimized by identity thieves until they are contacted by customers complaining about false solicitations, fake websites, phishing e-mails, fraudulent charges or check cashing schemes. Businesses who fall victim also can get billing and customer service complaints.
If you are a business owner, watch for the signs of identity theft: unusual product or service requests, unfamiliar advertisements posted online, and unwarranted complaints filed by unknown customers.
If you do fall victim, here’s how you can minimize the damage. First of all, make sure your licensing and registration records are up to date on your business name. You should set up Web alerts so that you know if your business name, address or phone number has been used without authorization. If you find fake ads, contact site publishers to have them removed immediately.
Track the complaints you receive, and alert your customers of possible scams. You should also report the crime to your local police, as well as the Federal Trade Commission.
