Identity Theft is No Longer a Personal Matter
Many publicized instances of identity theft have been brought to public attention over the past decade, reinforcing the need to keep personal information such as social security numbers and banking information completely covert. Considering identity theft to be common place in today’s society, imagine your federally issued tracking number displayed on the internet as public record. Before your counter this claim as fallacy, realize that this is exactly the case for business entities in the state of Florida.
There is a new type of identity theft rampantly gaining traction among criminal minds throughout the state of Florida. Identity thieves are finding it easy to access and manipulate the information of state corporations and limited liability companies. With Business Identity Theft on the rise, managers and entrepreneurs should be apprised of how it’s happening and more importantly how to protect their company.
Currently, Florida companies are required to register entity information with the Division of Corporations online at www.sunbiz.org. This information is public record and available for all to access through their website. Unfortunately, the information is not password-protected; therefore nothing can prevent an unauthorized individual from changing the information on file. Identity thieves have found easy access to modify a company’s address, directors, owners, as well as contact information, and subsequently use the altered records to open new bank accounts, redirect a company’s mail, or open new lines of credit.
The Division of Corporations has instituted an alert system which includes emailing notification to any company that has recently changed its information online. If the business owner/operator feels that this change is unauthorized, a link is provided in the email to immediately notify the state of the fraudulent action.
Due to the recent developments regarding company identity theft, business owners who are currently registered with the Division of Corporations are urged to substantiate the current data on file with the state of Florida and frequently check the email account associated with the state. Moore Resources understands the risks associated with owning a business and hopes to help combat any unlawful threat to your company’s prosperity!
Moore Resources is an Independent Insurance Agency located in St. Petersburg, FL and offering Homeowners Insurance, Auto Insurance, Personal Insurance and Business Insurance. Our reach extends beyond the Tampa Bay area to the entire state of Florida. Moore Resources has regionally been dedicated to serving the local residents of Pinellas, Hillsborough, Polk, Pasco, Manatee and Sarasota counties; including St. Pete, Tampa, Clearwater, Bradenton, Brandon, Dunedin, Gulfport, Lakeland, Largo, Lutz, Palm Harbor, Pinellas Park, Riverview, Ruskin, Seffner, Seminole, Temple Terrace, Tierra Verde, Town n Country, and the Gulf Coast Beaches.
Please remember that the purpose of this blog is to present general information only. It does not interpret specific policies or coverage. In order to obtain detailed information regarding your insurance, contact a licensed insurance agent.
