Category: Fraud

On December 3, 2024, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas issued a nationwide preliminary injunction against the enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA). This injunction temporarily halts the requirement for companies to comply with the CTA’s reporting rules, which were set to take effect on January 1, 2025 (for companies established prior to 2024). The court found that the plaintiffs, in this case, demonstrated that the CTA and its reporting rule likely is unconstitutional. As… Read more ›

The digital age has revolutionized the car-buying experience but has also opened the door to a new wave of scams. Identity theft and loan application fraud have become significant risks for online auto buyers and dealerships. In this article, we’ll delve into how this technology can be your secret weapon in the fight against digital fraud in the auto retail industry. Why All Dealerships Should Be Concerned With Internal and External Fraud Risks Picture this: it’s March 2023, and two… Read more ›

Internal fraud drains more than $4.7 trillion annually from global businesses, according to an estimate by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE). The median loss from internal fraud at companies in the construction industry is $203,000, according to ACFE’s latest Report to the Nations. Construction experiences the fourth largest median losses of any industry (the median loss for all businesses is $117,000). Although companies can experience pilferage from customers, vendors and other sources, employees account for the highest losses,… Read more ›

Taxpayers will soon have access to a resource to protect against tax-related identity theft and the potentially serious outcomes that come with it. Before the next tax filing, the IRS will roll out to each tax filer a six-digit PIN number, as part of its new Identity Protection (IP) PIN opt-in program individuals can use. Participation in the program is voluntary and includes the following features: ●     The IP PIN should be entered onto an electronic tax return when prompted… Read more ›

Automotive dealerships are no strangers to strict measures surrounding customer data security. They have been complying with the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act’s (GLBA) Safeguards Rule for more than 20 years. But the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) amended the 2003 Safeguards Rule on October 27, 2021, to require additional controls for existing security compliance processes to better combat increased data breaches and online security risks. While the revised rule took effect on January 10, 2022, certain requirements, such as the appointment of a… Read more ›

Your dealership works with a wide range of different vendors, ranging from auctions and ad agencies to parts suppliers and reconditioners. Given the importance of these relationships to your success, it’s a good idea to take a fresh look at the companies you do business with. Performing vendor reviews can help ensure that both your dealership and your vendors are still benefiting from the arrangements. In addition, it can help uncover possible vendor fraud. Fraud Prevention: Fraud Comes in a… Read more ›

It is very likely that in the past week you have received at least one, if not multiple, phishing emails containing malicious attachments or requesting large-scale wire transfers. As cyberattacks evolve and hackers become more sophisticated, cybersecurity is now more important than ever. Reaching the highest figures to date, the Identity Theft Resource Center reported 1,579 data breaches and 179 million records compromised nationwide in 2017. Hacking (which includes phishing, ransomware/malware, and skimming) continues to rank as the highest attack… Read more ›

Certain businesses ― including auto dealerships ― are subject to the Safeguards Rule, which was designed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to protect customer information from being shared inappropriately as required by the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act. Warning The FTC has issued a warning to auto dealers stating that the agency does not conduct onsite investigations for privacy violations. This is in response to situations where frauds posed as FTC agents, presumably to gain access to customer information. Practically speaking, however,… Read more ›

Many Americans have taken steps in recent years to protect their identity. However, one report found identity theft hit an all-time high in 2016, affecting an estimated 15.4 million consumers. If you haven’t taken measures to protect yourself, it may be a good idea to consider your options.¹ Tip: If You’re a Victim If you think you may have had your identity stolen, take action immediately. Start by contacting the Federal Trade Commission (www.ftc.gov), where you can find information about… Read more ›