Protect your client’s identity

You’ve heard the horror stories about identity theft. Perhaps they have spurred you to take precautions against someone making off with enough information to pretend to be you. But you may also want to take steps to prevent your clients from suffering such a fate.

Whether you’re a broker or agent, your clients will want to know that you give serious consideration to protecting their privacy. Consumers worry not only about identity theft but other privacy issues, too. An AARP survey showed that nine out of 10 people would mind if a company sold their information to another company.

Buyers and sellers will want to know what information you need from them, why you need it, what you will do with it, and, perhaps more importantly, what you will not do with it. Communicate clearly about these details, preferably in a written policy. Give people a chance to ask questions or voice concerns. Also, make sure that everyone in your office or your assistants understand and follow the privacy measures.

A few things to consider:

• Audit the information you currently collect. Do you really need it?
• How do you store the information? Whether on paper or in a computer, you can take measures to secure information and limit access to those who need it.
• When you dispose of information, can people still read it? For example, do you shred paper documents and use software to truly destroy computer files?
• Do you use safe methods to communicate sensitive information? E-mail is not typically considered a secure means of communication.
• It’s a good idea to review your privacy policy and procedures periodically, as technology and criminal tactics change from time to time.

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REALTORS®, visit www.texasrealtors.com.