Employers Protect Your Employees Against Identity Theft
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Business -> subcategory Management.

Employers: Safeguard Your Employees from Identity Theft
Summary
With the rising incidence of identity theft, employers are stepping up security measures to protect their employees. According to a recent report by the General Accounting Office, around 750,000 Americans fall victim to identity theft each year. Here’s how you can protect your employees.Protecting Employee Files
Human Resources (HR) departments should implement stringent procedures to safeguard employee information. Ensure that both active and terminated employee files are securely locked, with access limited exclusively to HR personnel. Access by any other department should be strictly controlled.
Information Release Policies
Your company must have a clear policy against releasing employee information to any third party without a legal subpoena. Information should only be disclosed to the employee directly, ensuring privacy and security.
Implementing a Clean Desk Policy
If your company doesn’t already have a clean desk policy, it’s time to establish one. This policy mandates that employees working with sensitive information must clear their desks and securely store all documents whenever they step away. Many financial and housing institutions already follow this practice.
Social Security Number Masking
To combat identity theft, many employers are moving away from using full Social Security numbers for identification. Instead, employees are identified using masks, like replacing 123-00-4567 with Doe XXX-XX-4567. This practice is particularly useful for communications via mail or email, significantly reducing identity theft risks.
Use It Then Lose It
Sensitive information should be destroyed immediately after use unless it needs to be retained. Invest in a paper shredder, which can be purchased for about $50 at any office supply store. Shredding documents on the same day they are used prevents the accumulation of sensitive data, reducing the risk of information theft.
Conclusion
Identity theft can lead to prolonged distress and considerable financial loss. Employers have a vital role in protecting employees at the workplace. For further guidance, contact your HR office or visit the Social Security Administration’s website at [ssa.gov](http://www.ssa.gov/).
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: Employers Protect Your Employees Against Identity Theft.
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