By Lesley Fair

$35,000 in bounced checks and unpaid bills.  One hundred seventy different accounts.  Sixty-five different addresses.  That's what Nicole M. Robinson found when she examined her 54-page credit report ― and none of the checks, accounts, and addresses were hers.  An identity thief had gotten hold of her personal information and had used it to go on the shopping spree of a lifetime.  In less than a month, the thief had robbed Ms. Robinson of the good credit and financial security she'd worked years to build.

Now imagine if the thief had acquired the information from the dumpster behind your office.  Or if a hacker stole it by breaching your computer system.  Or if an unscrupulous employee of one of your contractors jotted it down after Ms. Robinson placed an order for your product.

According to a recent FTC study, as many as 10 million Americans a year are the victim of some form of identity theft.  As consumers, we're all concerned when we see that statistic.  But businesses should pay particular attention. Why?  Simply put, ID theft hits marketers in the pocketbook, so it's in the industry's interest to fight back.

But even if you're committed to joining the fight against ID theft, you might wonder where to start.  The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the nation’s consumer protection agency, has made that easier with its campaign, "AvoID Theft:  Deter.  Detect.  Defend."  The FTC has always been the federal government's repository of ID theft information and staffs the 1-877-ID-THEFT hotline for victims of the crime.  But we can't do it alone.  The aim of the campaign is to deputize business leaders and other influential members of the community to get on the soapbox and start talking about ID theft prevention to their employees, their customers, and other members of their industry.

A key part of the campaign is the FTC’s Consumer Education Tool Kit, a comprehensive resource for communicators that enables anyone to educate an audience on the issue.  Even the busiest executive will be able to give a polished presentation at a staff meeting, community forum, or industry event.  The five-piece Tool Kit includes:

• Talking About ID Theft:  A How-To Guide ― Step-by-step instructions on talking about ID theft, including a Powerpoint presentation with notes, a draft speech, and a sample press release;
• Video ― A ten-minute DVD featuring victims offering practical advice on how to "Deter Detect Defend” against ID theft.
• Tri-Fold Brochure ― Key prevention tips condensed into an attractive hand-out;
• CD-ROM ― A disk containing all kit collaterals for easy reproduction; and
• Take Charge:  Fighting Back Against Identity Theft ― An in-depth guide for victims of ID theft.

The FTC also has published a kit with everything you need to plan and host a Protect Your Identity Day.  The kit offers strategies on teaming up with partners – law enforcement, trade groups, labor unions, educators, government agencies, faith-based organizations, fraternal groups and clubs, media outlets, etc. – to sponsor an event that will turn the spotlight toward ID theft prevention.  Why not spearhead this effort in your hometown?  It’s a win-win for your business and your community.

The materials are available at ftc.gov/idtheft.

Lesley Fair is an attorney in the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection who specializes in business compliance.