ONLINE Information Services, Utility Exchange |

October 22, 2014

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If You Are Not Using Credit Information to Screen Applicants, You Should Read This

Determining Credit Risk Can be a Huge Plus for Your Utility!
Using credit information to screen applicants is one of the best ways utilities can lower their write offs. When you know that an applicant has poor credit and a shaky history of paying their bills, you can protect yourself upfront by charging a deposit.
Our clients have found that using the ONLINE Utility Exchange to check a new applicant’s credit information is the best way to accurately assign a deposit based on the risk of doing business with that applicant.  In the vast majority of cases, our clients have been able to lower their write-offs each year.
Call us today to learn how you can implement this cost-effective solution and begin eliminating your bad debt!
Sincerely,
The ONLINE Utility Exchange
ONLINE Information Services, Utility Exchange |

October 14, 2014

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The ONLINE Utility Exchange is the Total Solution to Getting Ahead of Bad Debt

Retain more revenue on both ends of the service relationship with our applicant screening and collection services.
An industry leader for more than 50 years, the ONLINE Utility Exchange offers a total approach to eliminating bad debt by providing credit screening and identity verification on the front end and performance-proven collections on the back end. Thousands of utilities throughout the country have partnered with ONLINE to eliminate costly write-offs.
Contact our sales department today to see how we can help your utility!
Sincerely,
The ONLINE Utility Exchange
ONLINE Information Services, Utility Exchange |

October 7, 2014

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Got Capital Credits? The ONLINE Utility Exchange Can Help

From One Account to 10,000, We Can Help You Locate Former Members.
Unlike fifty years ago, members move in and out of your service territory more frequently. ONLINE can help you locate those individuals to send capital credits. We offer a couple of different options, from locating one to ten thousand.
Contact our sales department today to get more information!
Sincerely,
The ONLINE Utility Exchange
Collections, Mortgage Reports, ONLINE Information Services, Rental Exchange, Utility Exchange, Web Credit Bureau |

October 3, 2014

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Shellshock Bash Bug: ONLINE Information Services’ Technology and Data Protected

“Shellshock Bash” Bug: ONLINE Information Services’ Technology and Data Protected

ONLINE has recently received requests for information regarding the “Shellshock Bash” bug vulnerability, and its potential impact on ONLINE’s systems. We would like to assure you that ONLINE’s systems and data are protected from this vulnerability, and we have had no issues relating to this bug.
ONLINE’s Internet services are primarily based on Windows operating system servers which are NOT affected by the problems with “bash.” The few servers we maintain that are Linux based have been updated and patched. ONLINE has verified the patches to ensure that our systems are as secure as possible at the present time. Industry solutions for the “bash” issues are evolving and changing rapidly. Be assured that ONLINE is monitoring all software vendors for their most recent changes, and we will implement additional patches as required.
For more information on this bug you can go here: https://www.us-cert.gov/ncas/alerts/TA14-268A. Security of your data is paramount at ONLINE. Please contact us with any questions you may have.
Sincerely,
ONLINE Information Services
CustomerService@ONLINEis.com
www.ONLINEis.com
Collections Clients: (800) 917-7817
Utility Exchange Clients: (800) 234-7683
Rental Exchange Clients: (877) 262-6851
Mortgage Clients: (800) 447-1336
ONLINE Information Services, Utility Exchange |

September 23, 2014

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Prevent a Bad Debt Disaster with the ONLINE Utility Exchange

We offer a total solution to help you eliminate your bad debt.
There are some disasters that a utility has absolutely no control over, but there is one that can be stopped. If your annual debt has grown so high that your organization has raised or is considering raising rates to offset losses, we can help. ONLINE provides a cost-effective, comprehensive solution that prevents bad debt during the application process and recovers delinquent accounts quickly.
When you choose ONLINE, you can keep your customers happy and treat those who pay their bills on time the way they deserve to be treated. Give us a call to learn more.
Sincerely,
The ONLINE Utility Exchange
ONLINE Information Services, Utility Exchange |

September 16, 2014

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Prevent Bad Debt by Verifying Applicant Identity with the ONLINE Utility Exchange

With the ONLINE Utility Exchange, it only takes 1-2 seconds to prevent fraudulent applications.
Even in the smallest towns it’s nearly impossible to know every single person that walks in the door to apply for utility service.  You need to have a tool in place that goes above and beyond just viewing a copy of a driver’s license.   With the ONLINE Utility Exchange, you will receive Red Flag Alerts, Consumer Reporting Agency Alerts, and other data which will help your organization identify fraudulent applications and eliminate bad debt before it starts.
Call us to find out more.
Sincerely,
The ONLINE Utility Exchange
ONLINE Information Services, Utility Exchange |

September 9, 2014

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Are You Afraid to Collect and Store Applicants’ Social Security Numbers?

The ONLINE Utility Exchange has a Solution.
Using an applicant’s SSN is the most accurate way to verify identity. Verifying identity during the application process is one of the keys to preventing bad debt.
If you are concerned about storing SSNs, the ONLINE Utility Exchange has solution already in place which truncates the SSN after your CSR enters it. That way you can accurately verify identity without having to store sensitive consumer information. Call us to find out more.
Sincerely,
The ONLINE Utility Exchange
ONLINE Information Services, Utility Exchange |

September 2, 2014

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Stop Identity Thieves Dead in Their Tracks with the ONLINE Utility Exchange

It’s Time to Eliminate Write-offs Due to Fraud.
Annual write-offs are climbing at an alarming rate. Stop fraudulent applications and comply with Red Flag rules by verifying each applicant’s identity before the account is opened. ONLINE provides utilities with simple, fast, effective solutions to stop fraud in a matter of seconds.
Call today and find out how your utility can stop identity thieves in their tracks.
Sincerely,
The ONLINE Utility Exchange
ONLINE Information Services, Utility Exchange |

August 26, 2014

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What is the Exchange Advantage, and How Can It Help Your Utility?

When You Choose the ONLINE Utility Exchange, You’ll Know Instantly if Applicants Pay Their Utility Bills.
Call us today to learn how utilities are networked together to share customers’ payment histories.  Imagine knowing at the point of application if prospective customers will pay their bills on time for the next two years.  Join the Exchange and eliminate your debt!
Sincerely,
The ONLINE Utility Exchange
ONLINE Information Services, Utility Exchange |

August 19, 2014

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Want to Improve Internal Collection Results? Stay in Contact with Your Customers

Setting Aside a Few Hours Each Week Could Mean Big Results.
In today’s sagging economy, the business that stays in constant contact with its customers is the one most likely to get paid first. By creating an internal system that allows you to contact your customers weekly when they fall behind on their utility bill, you’ll be able to increase your collections and reduce your bad debt write-offs.
A contact management software that allows you to schedule calls and merge the data into letters is the most effective way to handle past due accounts in the first 30-90 days before you refer them to collections.
Like most utilities, we know that you’re probably overworked and understaffed, but setting aside 2-3 hours each week that is solely dedicated to collections is a small price to pay to make sure your receivables continue to pay on time.
Sincerely,
The ONLINE Utility Exchange