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Identify Theft

Running head: IDENTITY THEFT IN THE WORKPLACE
Identity Theft in the Workplace

Accounting Fraud Examination Concepts
ACG 6686
November 11, 2006


Abstract
Identity theft occurs when someone uses the identifying information of another person to engage in unlawful activities. Identity theft occurs in the workplace in various ways. The fraudster may be an employee who gathers the information from personnel records or directly from the employee. Once the information has been retrieved, a lengthy process is involved to clear the name of the victim. Businesses are exposed to the liabilities of fraud and should do everything in their power to avoid becoming a victim themselves. Businesses can incorporate many safeguards into their structure to lessen and even eliminate the occurrences of fraud. The importance of precautions cannot be overlooked to make the workplace a safe environment free of identity theft.

Table of Contents
Identity Theft in the Workplace 4
Applying the Fraud Triangle 5
Pressure 5
Opportunity 5
Rationalization 6
Stealing a Victim's Identity 6
Business Exposure Checklist 8
Recommendations for Organizations 10
Ten Tips 12


Identity Theft in the Workplace
Recent headlines have shed light on a growing problem in which the personal information of business clients is being retrieved and sold with criminal intentions. (May, 2006)
So how does this happen? Everything can be done right, from shredding documents containing sensitive personal information to monitoring credit reports, but the reality is that personal information is only as safe as the organization protecting it. This paper shows various ways to safeguard and protect the sensitive information in the business environment.
Identity theft occurs when someone uses the identifying information of another person, such as name or social security number to commit fraud or engage in unlawful activities. While numerous variations of the crime exist, the identity thief can...