Posted: November-01-2009 at 11:55pm | IP Logged	Tweet

Some sound advice:

1. The next time you order checks have only your initials
(instead of first name) and last name put on them. If someone
takes your checkbook, they will not know if you sign your checks
with just your initials or your first name, but your bank will
know how you sign your checks.

2. Do not sign the back of your credit cards. Instead, put
"PHOTO ID REQUIRED".

3. When you are writing checks to pay  on your credit card
accounts, DO NOT put the complete account number on the "For"
line. Instead, just put the last four numbers. The credit card
company  knows the rest of the number, and anyone who might be
handling your check as it passes through all the check
processing channels won't have access to it.

4. Put your work phone number on your checks instead of your
home phone. If you have a PO Box use that instead of your home
address. If you do not have a  PO Box, use your work address.

Never have your SS# printed on your checks. You can add it if it
is necessary. But if you have it printed, anyone can get it.

5. Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine.
Do both sides of each license, credit card, etc. You will know
what you had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and
phone numbers to call and cancel. Keep  the photocopies safe.
I also carry a photocopy of my passport when I travel either
here or abroad. We've all heard horror stories about fraud
that's committed on us in stealing a name, address, Social
Security number, credit cards.

Here's some critical information to limit damage:

1. We have been told we should cancel our credit cards
immediately. But the key is having the toll free numbers and
your card numbers handy so you know whom to call. Keep those
where you can find them.

2. File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where
your credit cards, etc., were stolen. This proves to credit
providers you were diligent, and this is a first step toward an
investigation (if there ever is one).

But here's what is perhaps most important of all:

3. Call the 3 national credit reporting organizations (Equifax,
Experian, TransUnion) immediately to place a fraud alert on your
name and Social Security number. I had never heard of doing that
until advised by a bank that called to tell, told me an
application for credit was made over the Internet in my name.

The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your
information was stolen, and they have to contact you by phone to
authorize new credit.

 
Now, here are the numbers you always need to contact about your
wallet, etc., has been stolen:

1.) Social Security Administration (fraud line): 1-800-269-0271

2.) Equifax: P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374 1-800-685-1111

3.) Experian (formerly TRW): P.O. Box 2002, Allen, TX 75013
1-888-397-3742

4.) Trans Union: P.O. Box 1000, Chester, PA 19022 1-800-888-4213



"Thou shalt not steal" is broken as much the other nine.

Be careful, be astute, be proactive.