DENVER — Tri-PAC, a provider of auto and powersports products and services, partnered with TransUnion to provide restoration and recovery services to automotive dealers and their customers when they become victims of identity theft.

The two-fold solution is designed to provide expedited response services to an automotive dealerships’ client base in the event of a data compromise. It also can help the dealer remain compliant with both state and federal requirements regarding consumer notification in such an event.

The Tri-PAC IdentiTheft, a personal information recovery plan, is supported by TransUnion. It is a pre-paid services agreement in which the customer receives assistance from TransUnion’s Fraud Victim Assistance Department (FVAD) in the event his or her data is compromised by a participating auto dealership or any other third party. The service adds a security alert to the consumer’s file, reviews the report for suspicious activity and will mail the consumer a copy of his or her credit file for review.

A more personalized service with a dedicated case manager also is available should the consumer become a victim of identity theft. With Fraud Resolution Services, consumers receive assistance in managing through the ordeal of identity theft and its potential impact on the individual’s credit.

“These services help to offset the effects of one of America’s fastest growing crime,” said Tri-PAC president and COO Keith Cooper. “According to recently released Javelin research, the number of identity theft cases increased 22 percent in 2008. In an environment where consumers are releasing more non-public personal information, IdentiTheft will provide a consumer peace of mind while representing a competitive advantage for our dealership partners.”

For dealerships that might fall prey to a data breach, Tri-PAC is offering Information Defense, a dealership data breach solution. Working with TransUnion, dealers have a turn-key solution that will satisfy federal and individual state requirements regarding timely consumer notification in the event of a data compromise.

“Currently 44 states require retail vehicle dealerships to have a formal incident response plan above and beyond federal mandates — such as Red Flag Rules — should a data compromise occur,” said Cooper. “Tri-PAC’s Information Defense automates many elements of a comprehensive incident response plan so that our members can concentrate on their commitment to customer service and the integrity of their business processes.”

For more information on Tri-PAC’s IdentiTheft or Information Defense, call 877-770-FLAG (3524), or email theinfodefensecenter@tripac.net.