Agenda - Council - 10/28/2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Risk Assessment The City Of Ramsey Utility has conducted an internal risk assessment to evaluate how at risk the current procedures are at allowing customers to create a fraudulent account and evaluate if current (existing) accounts are being manipulated. This risk assessment evaluated how new accounts were opened and the methods used to access the account information. Using this information the utility was able to identify red flags that were appropriate to prevent identity theft. New accounts can be opened in person, via telephone or via fax. Information regarding the accounts can be accessed in the same manner. Currently, OPUS 21 takes the information over the phone and no documentation is obtained. We are implementing the completion of all application form to set up accounts for all move-in notifications that are received. . This application form collects the name of owners/tenants, service address, mailing address, phone number, and asks the resident to testify to their identity. We will not go back and obtain.information on all existing accounts at this time. . All applications will be mailed directly to OPUS2l, by the resident, and maintained by them. We will establish a business rule for OPUS2l to send an ~pplication form to all move-in accounts established. Once the application is returned, the account will be set-up in their name. An application will continue to be sent with each bill until completed. If the customer fails to provide the application after two consecutive quarters, a fee will be assessed to the account. This fee will be levied on the subsequent bill and all further bills until the application is received. There is little risk to the City for fraudulent names as non-payment of utilities results in certifying delinquent amounts to the property, Also, only a single account can be active against a service address. Detection (Red Flags): The City of Ramsey Utility adopts the following red flags to detect potential fraud.' These are not intended to be all-inclusive and other suspicious activity may be investigated as necessary. When information is inconsistent with information provided by applicant. (An example is where an ACH sign up document does not match account name.) -102- ACH fonns will require applicants to explain any discrepancy in account name. Follow up by OPUS 21 will be done to verify correctness. No ACH will be set up until resolved. If at any time there is suspicious activity suspected, OPUS2l will notify ~he City, which will notify the City of Ramsey police department for further investigation. City of Ramsey- Utility Billing Page 3 of7