Waynes World - May 2007

BEWARE OF CCR LETTER SCAM, NTA'S NEW
DOT-APPROVED TRAINING CENTER, AND...

PROTECTING YOURSELF
FROM IDENTITY THEFT
By Wayne Schooling

PROTECTING YOUR IDENTITY
Last month we addressed some issues regarding operating your business from your home. If you do run your business from home, you most likely have a computer to record your business expenses and such. Did you know that a good computer hacker can copy your computer files, trace every keystroke you make and take a snapshot of your computer screen while you, none the wiser, wander around the internet? And if you are not careful, the hacker can get your personal information from your computer and sell it to identity thieves. But your computer is not the only way thieves can get your personal information.

Last year identity theft (when someone uses another’s personal information such as a social security number) topped the list of consumer complaints to the Federal Trade Commission for the seventh year in a row. As most drug testing programs use the individual’s social security number for identification purposes, you need to ask, “How well do they protect my identity?” Only if you use a drug testing program that has been accredited, can you be assured that your identity is protected.

Young adults are the age group most frequently victimized. One in 19 people between the ages of 18 and 24 reported being victims of ID theft over a one-year period, versus one in 27 people overall. That means that, based on the latest USDOT figures, some 20,000 truck drivers could become victims of ID theft this year.

The solution to this problem is simple. The first step is to make sure you or the company you are leased to is using an accredited testing program. You can check for accreditation at the Drug & Alcohol Testing Industry Association (www.datia.org). The NTA has been accredited since 2000. The second step is to register yourself and your family with LifeLock, a service that offers identity theft protection (it’s backed by a $1 million guarantee by Lloyd’s of London). Simply visit www.lifelock.com and then click “Enroll Now” or call 1-877-LifeLock. When asked for your promotional code, enter “NTA” as the code. It’s that easy! You can also enter at the NTA website (www.ntassoc.com) and you will automatically receive a 15% discount and a 30-day free trial.

NEW DOT-APPROVED TRAINING CENTER
NTA is proud to announce the opening of a new training center for motor carriers, private fleets and independent contractors. The USDOT’s Transportation Safety Institute approves all the courses. We encourage all terminal managers, safety directors, safety clerical staff, drivers, mechanics, truck and brake inspectors, recruiters and independent owner operators to take advantage of this new training center.

We currently have six driver courses starting at $29.95, ten management courses starting as low as $14.95, and four hazmat courses starting at $39.95. We also have “bundled” prices that allow you to take all of the courses and save money. Presently, the hottest courses are about drug testing, hours of service and inspection requirements.

If you’ve received an “Unsatisfactory” or “Conditional” rating from the FMCSA, you will remain in their cross-hairs until you receive a “Satisfactory” rating. Rely on NTA to get you and your company back into compliance. Every person, upon completion of the course, will receive a Certificate of Training from the USDOT’s Transportation Safety Institute for the applicable course that was taken. If you have a computer with access to the Internet, you can take these courses from the privacy of your own home or office (or truck cab) at the NTA Online Institute (www.ntassoc.com).

BEWARE OF CCR LETTER SCAM
Motor carriers should not fall for the current round of fraudulent letters that have been appearing, supposedly from the DOT, asking for banking information to be used in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) registration process. As stated on the CCR website, “There has been another round of fraudulent letters issued to current USDOT contractors and potential contractors. These fraudulent letters request that current or potential contractors register in the DoD Central Contractor Registration System (CCR). Please be aware that DOT does not require any confidential information to be submitted to verify CCR registration and that all companies should verify personally that they are sending information to an authorized DOT official before submitting confidential company information.”

“The latest letters have been dated 12/19/05 signed by Frank M. Orell; 2/8/06 signed by Randy Cohen; 4/27/06 and 7/28/06 signed by Dan Jacobs; 11/8/06 and 2/26/07 signed by Lisa Johnson as the Senior Procurement Officer. Please do not complete the requested CCR worksheet that is attached to the letter and do not release any information to the fax number cited.”

“The CCR is a legitimate government system, but to register contractors should go directly through the CCR website, not through a third party. There is no requirement to send information directly to DOT. For information on how to register, visit www.ccr.gov. The point of contact concerning these fraudulent letters is the DOT Office of the Inspector General (OIG) hotline at 1-800-424-9071.”

~ If you have a question or concern, send it to me, Wayne Schooling, at NTA, 2533 N. Carson St. #346, Carson City, NV 89706 or call 562-279-0557 or 800-805-0040 or send an e-mail to wayne@ntassoc.com. Until next month, “Drive Safe – Drive Smart!”