The Red Flag Rule is an Identity Theft Program that many businesses and organizations must adopt. This is a Federal Government regulation that is enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Red Flag Rules
The Rule applies to "financial institutions" and "creditors." Under the Rule, the definition of "creditor" is broad, and includes businesses or organizations that regularly provide goods or services first and allow customers to pay later. Examples of groups that may fall within this definition are utilities, health care providers, lawyers, accountants, other professionals, and telecommunications companies.
Yes. Utilities that regularly bill customers after they've received services fall within the statutory definitions of "creditor," and the Co-op is covered by the Rule.
Originally, the FTC deadline was November 1, 2008, but several extensions were granted to businesses. Now at the request of Members of Congress, the Federal Trade Commission is delaying enforcement of the “Red Flags” Rule until June 1, 2010, for financial institutions and creditors subject to enforcement by the FTC.
Some Electric utilities like Midstate are complying with Red Flag Rules.
Benefits of Midstate Following the Law
Although implementing Red Flag rules have been frustrating for our members, there have been many positive things that the co-op has benefited from. Some of the benefits of adopting the Red Flag policy are:
- Only you will have access to your account information.
- New electric accounts cannot be set up under a fraudulent name.
- Fewer accounts with balances owing the co-op are being written off since less accounts are set up under fraudulent names.
This is probably the most frequent question we have received. When working with a member over the phone or in person, we have to ensure the person we are helping is, in fact, you, the account holder, and not an imposter. In order to ensure no information about your accounts is given out to the wrong person, we need to ask you identifying questions that only you would know.
- All member information is locked and secured.
- Employees are given training on how to detect and prevent identity theft.
- MEC uses the latest technology to protect information stored in our computer systems