> >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 will not 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,
> >(DUH!). You can add it if it is necessary. However, 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. Also carry a photocopy of your
> >passport
> >when traveling either here or abroad. We have all heard horror stories
> >about fraud that is committed on us in stealing a name, address, Social
> >Security number, credit cards.
> >
> >6. When you check out of a hotel that uses cards for! keys (a and they
all
> >seem to do that now), do not turn the "keys" in. Take them with you and
> >destroy them. Those little cards have on them all of the information you
> >gave the hotel, including address and credit card numbers and expiration
> >dates. Someone with a card reader, or employee of the hotel, can access
> >all
> >that information with no problem whatsoever.
> >
> >Unfortunately, as an attorney, I have first hand knowledge because my
> >wallet
> >was stolen last month. Within a week, the thieve(s) ordered an expensive
> >monthly cell phone package, applied for a VISA credit card, had a credit
> >line approved to buy a Gateway computer and received a PIN number from
DMV
> >to change my driving record information online. Here is 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. 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).
> >However, here is what is perhaps most important of all (I never even
> >thought
> >to do this.)
> >
> >3. Call the three 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.
> >
> >Now, here are the numbers you always need to contact about your wallet
and
> >contents being stolen:
> >
> >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



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