ARWA supports members in initiatives to improve security and emergency preparedness. There are several important tools available online. In addition, contact us if you need assistance.

• Basic Utility Readiness Guide
• Identity Theft Prevention Program Compliance Model (below)

 

Identity Theft Prevention Program

In 2009, ARWA designed the Identity Theft Prevention Program Compliance Model to assist water and wastewater utilities in complying with the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Identity Theft Red Flag Rule.

Download the template,
Identity Theft Prevention Program
Compliance Model (Word)
Original Compliance Deadline was May 1, 2009

The rule requires utilities to develop an “Identity Theft Prevention Program.” The program consists of selecting methods to detect red flags when accounts are fraudulent, procedures to prevent the establishment of false accounts, procedures to ensure existing accounts are not being manipulated, and procedures to respond to identity theft.

All utilities are required to comply with the FTC’s “Identity Theft Red Flag Rule” even if only nominal information such as name, phone number and address are collected. However, the true risk established through the risk assessment activity may not require any changes to existing policies or procedures.

The primary purpose of the rule is to protect against the establishment of false accounts and ensure existing accounts are not being manipulated. This regulation does not address or require utilities to adopt measures that will protect consumer information and prevent unauthorized access. However, implementation of good management practices to protect personal consumer data can prevent identity theft.

Appendix A is a list of other security procedures a utility should consider to protect consumer information and to prevent unauthorized access. Steps required to develop a utility’s individual Identity Theft Prevention Program:

• Assess their existing identity theft risk (risk assessment) for new and existing accounts.
• Use the risk assessment to select measures (red flags) that may be used to detect attempts to establish fraudulent accounts.
• Identify procedures for employees to prevent the establishment of false accounts and procedures for employees to implement if existing accounts are being manipulated.
• Obtain program approval by the governing body or designated senior management [originally, by November 1, 2008 (extended to May 1, 2009)].
• Train the appropriate employees on the program’s policies and procedures.
• Update the plan annually with review and approval by the governing body or designated senior management.

The annual report should address any material matters related to the program such as the effectiveness of the policies and procedures, the oversight and effectiveness of any third party billing and account establishment entities, a summary of any identity thefts incidents and the response to the incident, and recommendations for substantial changes to the program, if any.

Download the template,
Identity Theft Prevention Program
Compliance Model
(MS Word format)

 

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