Co-op gathers member info

As of Nov. 1, 2008, members who contact the co-op will be asked for specific information about their identities as the co-op begins complying with the Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act of 2003.

The act, governed by the Federal Trade Commission, is designed to prevent identity theft through the use of a utility bill. Utilities must follow a set of “red flag” policies because once a person is established with a utility at a fixed address, that person can use a utility bill to obtain other legal documents. A “red flag” is a pattern of behavior or a specific activity that indicates a high possibility for identity theft. Adams Electric will gather specific information about a member when that member contacts the co-op for any reason.

Members will be asked only once to provide this information. Once established, member identities will be verified in the future with only a name and the last four digits of a social security number.

Protecting your identity

Adams Electric asks each member for specific information about their identities to comply with the Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act of 2003.

The act, governed by the Federal Trade Commission, is designed to prevent identity theft through the use of a utility bill. Utilities must follow a set of “red flag” policies because once a person is established with a utility at a fixed address, that person can use a utility bill to obtain other legal documents.

A “red flag” is a pattern of behavior or a specific activity that indicates a high possibility for identity theft. Adams Electric will gather specific information for member verification when a member contacts the co-op for any reason.

Members are asked only once to provide this information. Once established, member identities are verified in the future with a name and last four digits of their social security number.