IDENTITY THEFT
Read the
WARNING! first.
Here are some tips to
prevent identity theft and how to deal with it if it happens to you:
* The next time you order
checks have only your initials (instead of your first name) and last name
printed on them. If someone takes your check book 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.
* 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.
* 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. Never have your
Social Security Number printed on your checks. You can write it in
if it becomes necessary. But if you have it printed, anyone can get it.
* Place the contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine, and copy 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.
* Carry a photocopy of your
passport with you when you travel abroad.
* 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 easily.
* File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where it was
stolen, this proves to credit providers you were diligent, and is a first
step toward an investigation (if there ever is one).
* Call the three national credit reporting organizations immediately to
place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number. 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.
The numbers are:
Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742
Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289
Social Security Administration (fraud line): 1-800-269-0271
If you need assistance with
an identity theft problem, contact us. |
