IDENTITY THEFT
Protect Identities at Work
Pat Grenier; Contributing Writer

This excerpt is taken from a booklet published by the East Longmeadow Police department. I am using it because it is relevant, important and has exceptionally good information.
“No matter how comfortable or familiar you may feel on the job, you need to protect against workplace-related identity theft risks. You also have a responsibility to protect the personal or sensitive information of your colleagues and employers. If you deal with the personal information of customers or clients, your responsibility is even greater.
For everyone’s sake, including your own, make sure you understand and follow all organization security and privacy policies. Practice good online and offline identity protection identity habits. These include the following routines:
• Lock up your purse or wallet when it’s not with you. Too often, payment cards, checks, and other identity-related items are stolen at the workplace.
• Also lock up personal and employer-assigned mobile devices, ID badges, and workplace access cards when not in use.
• Don’t put your personal information at risk in the case of a workplace security breach. Never reuse personal passwords for work, log into personal accounts from work, or store personal data or material on work computers or devices.
• Keep all work passwords and user names confidential. Don’t write them down and store them in your work area.
• Securely store all documents and other items containing your or others’ personal information at the end of the workday.
• Verify the identity of anyone who claims to work for or with your workplace and asks you to share personal or sensitive information in person, online, over the phone, or by mail.
• Be aware of who is around you when you input, share, or access sensitive information. Shield screens, keyboards, or keypads when necessary. If speaking, take eavesdropping precautions.
• Thoroughly shred unwanted documents containing others’ personal information.
• Log off and close all screens when you step away from your computer.
• Be extra vigilant about personal information safety when temporary workers, service professional’s delivery people, or other visitors are present.
• Watch out for spear phishing targeted to employees at your workplace.
• Don’t assume work computers, software, and internet security systems will prevent you from accidentally introducing malware. You share in the responsibility of keeping your organization’s system safe.
• Immediately report any signs or suspicions of malware or security breaches according to your employer’s procedures.”
If your information has been comprised, please take action right ways. Contact your bank, your investment advisors, your credit card companies, put a freeze or lock with the credit reporting companies; ie; Equifax, TransUnion and Experian. Scrutinize your bank and credit card statements.
Follow safety procedures to minimize your risk

PAT GRENIER

Pat Grenier is a General Partner with BRP/Grenier Financial Services in Springfield, MA. Securities offered through Cadaret, Grant and Co., Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC. BRP/Grenier and Cadaret, Grant and Co., Inc. are separate entities.
Pat can be contacted by phone at (413) 736-6712, or email her at pat@brpgrenier.com