Auto Dealers Are Biggest Targets For Identity Theft Scams

Did you know that auto dealers are major targets for identity theft scams? Because automotive dealers regularly make high-dollar transactions, they need to properly protect themselves from identity theft. It's estimated that American businesses lose more that $56 million per year due to this crime, and this number is steadily increasing. Auto dealers need to concentrate on a two-pronged approach to protect their company from identity theft. They first need to understand how this is happening and then they must take the necessary steps to stop it.

How does It Happen?

Before automotive dealers act upon the need for identity theft protection, it's important to understand the weak points in their business. Obviously, the main issue is to accurately identify the person to whom a vehicle is being sold. A quick look at the driver's license or a call to a credit company isn't enough to verify the true identity of the person standing before you in the showroom.

Criminals know that this is the weakness in an auto dealership and it's the main reason why identity theft protection is so vital. This situation makes the dealership a victim in two ways. The first way is by selling an expensive vehicle to someone who is misrepresenting himself. Some salespeople are so intent on closing the deal that if a red flag emerges, they may wave it away.

Additionally, sometimes a credit check will remind the seller to verify the identity of the buyer. Unfortunately, many salespeople think a couple forms of identification are all they need. Criminals take advantage of these facts and make sure they calmly offer several types of bogus identification. Automotive dealers also need protection from identity theft after the false buyer is long gone.

It's at this time that the other victim, the person whose identity was stolen in the first place, will come storming into the dealership demanding that the sales agreement be terminated. Not only will the auto dealer be out of a vehicle, they may also need to protect themselves from an identity theft lawsuit filed by the victim.

How to be Protected

Automotive dealers need to be protected from identity theft at the point of purchase. Smart ID is a highly recommended software program that can authenticate the person before you, not just verify the reality of the identity presented. This security tool sets up a personalized set of questions based on the individual's unique background.

This questionnaire will only be able to be answered by the true person. Smart ID may make the process of background checking slightly longer, but it's an investment of time that your dealership can't afford to pass up.