Working in the lending business, there is a major topic that must be talked about. What is it? Your client's privacy. I had a client say to me the other day, "wow, you know more private information about me than my partner now!" To which I replied, "and you can feel confident that I will protect your personal information to the best of my ability!" In the lending business, we often need to request multiple documents from our borrowers. Documents such as bank and retirement statements and account numbers, social security numbers, 1003 applications with dates of birth, residence address and full names and so on. In a world that is full of personal identity theives, it is not only a part of our job now...but also our OBLIGATION to our clients to ensure them that we are doing everything possible to protect their personal information from such villans. The drastic effects such activities can have on a persons credit and image are HUGE! In one particular client scenario, his information got stolen through another company and they racked up $10,000 in bills on his name. I helped him go through the process of clearing his name from the bad debts, but the process was long and difficult. So, the next time a client hands over their personal information to you, don't take it with a grain of salt. Appreciate the fact that they are trusting that you are properly handling their private information. There are such services out there that will go to your office and shred private documents on site, referred to as "mobile shredding." There is a comfort knowing that old files are being properly protected. Also, be sure not to pass account numbers and personal information via email! Finally, be sure to password protect your computers from those that could otherwise gain access to your computer. Not to long ago an associate of mine lost his laptop in the airport. There was a lot of personal information about his clients on the computer. He did the right thing and contacted the authorities and each of his clients to let them know of the incident. But trust me, it isn't the call you have to make to your client base.

Stay protective of your clients best interests!

Scott Gormley
Broker/Owner
Oak Valley Mortgage
2006 Chico Assoc. of Realtors Affiliate Chairman
Direct: 530.592.8362
Fax: 530.267.5555
Website: http://www.caloan.com/

Blog: http://activerain.com/blogs/lendingmagician

"You find the perfect home, we'll find the perfect loan!"