DENVER — Tri-PAC,
a provider of auto and powersports products and services, partnered with
TransUnion to provide restoration and recovery services to automotive dealers
and their customers when they become victims of identity theft.
The two-fold
solution is designed to provide expedited response services to an automotive
dealerships’ client base in the event of a data compromise. It also can help
the dealer remain compliant with both state and federal requirements regarding
consumer notification in such an event.
The Tri-PAC
IdentiTheft, a personal information recovery plan, is supported by TransUnion.
It is a pre-paid services agreement in which the customer receives assistance
from TransUnion’s Fraud Victim Assistance Department (FVAD) in the event his or
her data is compromised by a participating auto dealership or any other third
party. The service adds a security alert to the consumer’s file, reviews the
report for suspicious activity and will mail the consumer a copy of his or her
credit file for review.
A more
personalized service with a dedicated case manager also is available should the
consumer become a victim of identity theft. With Fraud Resolution Services,
consumers receive assistance in managing through the ordeal of identity theft
and its potential impact on the individual’s credit.
“These services
help to offset the effects of one of America’s fastest growing crime,”
said Tri-PAC president and COO Keith Cooper. “According to recently released
Javelin research, the number of identity theft cases increased 22 percent in
2008. In an environment where consumers are releasing more non-public personal
information, IdentiTheft will provide a consumer peace of mind while representing
a competitive advantage for our dealership partners.”
For dealerships
that might fall prey to a data breach, Tri-PAC is offering Information Defense,
a dealership data breach solution. Working with TransUnion, dealers have a
turn-key solution that will satisfy federal and individual state requirements
regarding timely consumer notification in the event of a data compromise.
“Currently 44
states require retail vehicle dealerships to have a formal incident response
plan above and beyond federal mandates — such as Red Flag Rules — should a data
compromise occur,” said Cooper. “Tri-PAC’s Information Defense automates many
elements of a comprehensive incident response plan so that our members can
concentrate on their commitment to customer service and the integrity of their
business processes.”
For more information on Tri-PAC’s IdentiTheft or Information
Defense, call 877-770-FLAG (3524), or email theinfodefensecenter@tripac.net.