Dealers wishing to obtain more information about compliance with the FTC's Red Flags Rule have the opportunity to order the F&I Manager's Guide to the Red Flag Rule.  This guide was created by David Robertson, who is a founding member and owner of the Association of Finance and Insurance Professionals (the sanctioning body of the F&I trade in the United States). 

The F&I Manager's Guide to the Red Flag Rule was designed to provide dealers with information and support material needed to establish an Identity Theft Prevention Program, as mandated by the FTC.  The rule's enforcement date is November 1, 2008.  Dealers must have a plan in place regardless of whether the processes required by the rule are handled by outside vendors.

As with the other AFIP dealer programs, the guide is based on the best legal opinions available, but it isn't offered as legal advice  - it is a practical solution to establishing an Identity Theft Prevention Program.  The guide provides:

• Instructions on what is required by the rule
• Rewritable  templates on a CD to tailor a corporate policy unique to each store's situation, and modifiable job descriptions, and word track material
• F&I office signage and other supplemental information

As structured, a corporate compliance officer is responsible for the development, implementation, and management of the program.  The main focus of the F&I staff is to wire deals and sell aftermarket products - their duties relative to the rule are to collect customer information and seek clarifications.  The red flag coordinators are responsible for evaluating possible indicators of identity theft (red flags) and determining the best course of action.  The guide does not add any additional forms to the F&I process.

For more information or to order the guide, please call AFIP at (877) 784-0505  or contact Larry Parket at (800) 292-1923.