In recent e-Lerts and webinars, JSI has informed clients of the new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Red Flag rules that require financial institutions and creditors, such as telecommunications companies, to develop and implement written identity theft prevention programs by today, May 1, 2009.  Yesterday, the FTC delayed the Red Flag rule enforcement by another three months until August 1, 2009.  The additional delay is intended to allow affected entities additional time to develop and implement written identity theft prevention programs, as well as obtain additional guidance on Red Flag rule compliance.

This delay allows JSI clients additional time to fully implement Red Flag rule requirements, including training as required by the rule.  Specifically, the rules require that employees be trained on the policies and procedures set forth in your company's Identity Theft Prevention Program, including how your company identifies, detects and responds to "red flag" patterns, practices, or activities that could indicate identity theft. 

JSI encourages companies that need further assistance with their Red Flag programs and training to take advantage of this additional three-month enforcement extension.  JSI offers training resources and a Red Flag Rules Resource/Training Manual which contains your company's Identity Theft Prevention Program.  For more information, please contact John Kuykendall (jkuykendall@jsitel.com) in our Maryland office at 301-459-7590 or Craig Cook (ccook@jsitel.com) in our Texas office at 512-338-0473.