Montana’s Consumer Advocate

Davidson Companies, a Montana based investment company, recently informed both current and former clients of an illegal network intrusion into a database containing clients' personal information.  The Davidson incident serves as a stark reminder to all consumers and Montana businesses of the challenges we face in this new age of information technology and the potential crime associated with this reality.

As a former co-owner and the general manager of one of Montana’s first and largest Internet service providers, I understand the opportunities that new technologies offer.  That knowledge of the information technology industry also allows me to understand the challenges customers and businesses face in protecting personal information.

As a candidate for Montana’s next State Auditor, I intend to work with these same customers and businesses on a daily basis to help educate consumers about how they can protect their personal information, while at the same time working with Montana businesses to ensure they are doing their best to protect that information.

Having your information lost or stolen can be a frightening experience, but fortunately there are steps you can take to detect misuse that may have already occurred and to help prevent potential future theft of your personal information.  The Montana Department of Justice website offers the following tips.

• Put a freeze on your credit files with the three major credit bureaus so no one can access them without your permission.

• Never give bank or credit card information over the phone unless you initiated the call and know the business to be reputable.

• Never respond to e-mail or pop-up messages asking you to confirm or verify account information, even if it looks official. Instead, call the customer service number listed on the company's billing statement to check an account.

• Remove extra information from your checks. Merchants cannot require you to write your Social Security number, date of birth or phone number on a check.

• Shred or destroy any documents that contain personal identifying information before you dispose of them. Always shred prescriptions, receipts, bank deposit slips, pay stubs, expired credit cards, insurance policies and credit card applications.

• Opt out of pre-screened credit card offers by calling (888) 5-OPTOUT (567-8688). This will not prevent you from getting a loan or credit card.

• Review your bank and credit card statements as soon as you get them.

• Order a copy of your credit report once a year and check it carefully for fraudulent accounts. You are entitled to a free copy once every 12 months.

• Read and understand privacy and security policies before providing any personal information on Internet sites. Shop online only if the site is secure.

• Place passwords on your credit card, bank and phone accounts and avoid using easily available information such as your mother's maiden name.

Should the people of Montana honor me with the responsibility of serving as their next State Auditor, my number one concern will be to ensure consumers are protected against fraud and theft.  

*Monica Lindeen is the Democratic candidate for State Auditor and a former co-owner and general manager of Montana Communications Network (MCN).