New online service helps firms comply with the Patriot Act.

A new online service makes it easy for businesses to comply with provisions of the USA Patriot Act that require them to verify the identities of their customers.

Patriot Act Services, Inc. (www. patriotactservices.com) enables businesses to quickly compare the personal information given to them by their customers against government lists of known terrorists and drug traffickers, data derived from the three major credit bureaus, public records, and proprietary data sources.

To prevent terrorists and other criminals from obtaining products, services, or access to property with which they could harm American citizens, or launder money for other illegal purposes, proper identification of customers is required under the USA Patriot Act and related Presidential executive orders

Patriot Act Services' online system compares an individual's personal information to millions of records, then determines if that information is consistent with what the real customer would be expected to provide. This enables businesses to decide whether the customer is really who he or she claims to be, and whether the transaction should go forward.

Reports generated by Patriot Act Services can be printed and stored along with other information about the transaction. This serves as proof that the business has complied with the law.

"Not complying with the law can result in penalties of $1 million or more, as well as lengthy prison terms," noted John Kemp, president of Patriot Act Services. "Not only should the potential for financial penalties that could destroy a business encourage compliance, but nobody wants to mistakenly provide a terrorist or drug dealer with goods, services, or other resources that could be used against this country and its people."

Patriot Act Services is particularly useful for businesses such as automobile dealers, landlords and real estate companies, travel agencies, jewelers, and loan and finance companies.

"Our clients are then able to combine the information they receive from Patriot Act Services with other data available to them, and can make an informed assessment about whether they should extend credit, make a sale, lease property, or provide other goods or services to the customer," Kemp explained.

"Using our service also helps businesses establish that they have done all they can to comply with the law."

Patriot Act Services was founded by Kemp, Arthur Cantrell, and Jim Clutts Jr. The three men bring to the company extensive experience in the investigatory, military, intelligence, financial, and legal fields.