If you apply for an auto loan or lease after May 1, the finance manager may ask you an odd question or two, like whether you always use your middle initial or maybe about a credit card that you don't even own.

The finance manager isn't being nosy about your middle name or forgetful about which credit cards you listed on your credit application. If it seems obtrusive, remember that he or she is probably meeting new Federal Trade Commission requirements aimed at preventing identity theft. Some dealerships will even post signs alerting customers to the new rule.

The new "Red Flags Rule," that goes into effect May 1, requires dealers to take extra care in verifying your identity and to document what they do to avoid identity theft. Or they face fat fines.

As the name suggests, dealerships are looking inconsistencies, such as if the name and address on your credit application doesn't match your credit record or driver's license. There's probably a simple explanation. Maybe you moved and you haven't updated all your records.

Other red flags may be more troubling. Your I.D. looks as if it's been altered or your photo clearly doesn't look like you. Those examples aren't so crazy. They came from the Association of Finance & Insurance Professionals in Colleyville, Texas. They can happen.

Under the new requirements, if any red flags are raised, the dealership is required to double-check that you are who you say you are. They might even ask you a trick question, like what's the average balance on your Macy's credit card when you don't even have a Macy's card.

If you answer the question wrong, that doesn't automatically make you an identity thief, but it does make you suspect. Ultimately, if your answers don't satisfy the dealer, you might get turned down for a loan or lease.

With the Red Flags Rule in mind, follow these tips before you buy or lease your next car:

• Make sure your name and address are consistent on all accounts and your driver's license.
• If you recently moved to a new state, get a new driver's license. If you moved within the same state, notify your department of motor vehicles of the change.
• Take additional photo identification, like a passport, with you to the dealership.
• Even though many dealerships have Internet sales departments, don't expect the entire transaction to take place online. Count on making a personal appearance.

Why the new rules? It isn't that ID theft is common at auto dealerships. According to the FTC, it's much more the norm in financial transactions that take place entirely online. However, the new rule applies a broader definition of what is a financial institution. It includes banks and credit unions but also car dealerships, because they arrange loans and leases.

Automotive finance and insurance managers say the Internet has fueled an increase in attempted identity theft at auto dealers, though it's still relatively rare.

One scam that sometimes pops up is what dealers call a "phantom buyer." The scammer tries to conduct as much of the transaction online as possible without putting in an appearance at the dealership, not even to take delivery of the car. A phantom buyer may ask, for instance, that a car to be delivered to another location. That doesn't automatically make the buyer an identity thief, but it will make the dealership suspicious, especially after May 1.

If you have a car question, email it to us at Driving for Dollars.