keep your business safe

If there's a theft, call financial institutions, suppliers and customers and law enforcement immediately.

l Keep documents locked

l Place company credit cards in a secure location

l Shred all identifying information

l Keep business stock paper secure

l Regularly check company credentials online

l Never share passwords

l Confirm customer and supplier information

l New customers should provide verifiable references

l Run credit checks

l Note changes in customer trading patterns

l Never accept handwritten or unidentifiable fax order forms

l Verify validity of a delivery address

l Renew Web site domain names on time

l Protect the mail

l Create plans for thefts and anti-theft training

l Add a crime coverage policy or employee embezzlement policy through insurance

CARBONDALE - While consumers are often the target of identity theft, so are businesses.

In a similar manner as stealing an individual's information, thieves commandeering corporate information go for such information as tax identification numbers, logos, bank and credit account information and client lists.

Security officials with Old National Bank of Carbondale have seen the results of corporate identity theft result in bad debt, damaged credit ratings, legal compromise, competitive disaster and damaged reputations. Members of their security staff last week shared information to protect businesses.

"Disaster ? it can get that large," said Michelle Anderson of the bank's corporate security department.

She recalled an incident in which numerous fake checks had been drawn off a company's account in one day. Company officials did not notice the drain until it was too late and bank investigators were notified even later.

"We don't know until you tell us there's trouble. It's very hard to catch these thieves the longer you wait," Anderson said.

Jason Rausenberger of Consolidated Insurance Agency in Carbondale said the information provided by the bank is "a great service. There are several items we can talk about doing as a company."

Anderson urges businesses to take preventive steps. "Awareness is key, but we always want to be proactive," Anderson added.

karen.binder@thesouthern.com / 351-5080