Read this and make a copy for your files in case you need to refer to it
someday. Maybe we should all take some of his 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 # 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
photocopy in a safe place. 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.
Unfortunately, I, an attorney, have firsthand knowledge because my wallet was
stolen last month. Within a week, the thieves ordered an expensive monthly
cell phone package, applied for a VISA credit card, had a credit line approved
to buy a Gateway computer, received a PIN number from DMV to change my driving
record information online, and more.
But here's some critical information to limit the damage in case this happens
to you or someone you know:
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: (I never even thought to do
this):
3. Call the 3 national credit reporting organizations 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 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.
By the time I was advised to do this, almost two weeks after the theft, all
the damage had been done. There are records of all the credit checks initiated
by the thieves' purchases, none of which I knew about before
placing the alert. Since then, no additional damage has been done, and the
thieves threw my wallet away. This weekend someone turned it in. It seems to
have stopped them dead in their tracks.
Here are numbers you'll want to dial about your stolen wallet, etc.:
1.) Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
2.) Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742
3.) Trans
Union
: 1-800-680-7289
4.) Social Security Administration (fraud line): 1-800-269-0271
