Identity Theft - Ways to PROTECT Yourself

ATTORNEY'S ADVICE -- NO CHARGE


Read this and SAVE this website address
where I will be moving a copy of this list to - for a
permanent location - where I will also ADD more helpful
hints and ways to protect yourself as they become available.

click this link and bookmark the link:
Permanent Link - Click HERE

in case you need to refer to it someday. Maybe we should
all take some of his advice below!


Identity Theft - Ways to PROTECT Yourself:


1. The next time you order checks have only your
initials (instead of your 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.
(DUH!) 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 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, 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.


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


We pass along jokes on the Internet; we pass along
just about everything. But if you are willing to
pass this website address along, it could really help
someone.


as MORE information becomes available to add to this
HELPFUL List - I will add it to the page where this
ID Theft Protection - Suggestions Page will permanently
reside - here:


send your friends and family here:

Identity Theft - Ways To Protect Yourself