Identity Protection

Some suggestions and information you may want for your file. 1. Do not sign the back of your credit cards. Instead, put 'PHOTO ID REQUIRED.' 2. 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. 3. 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. 4. Make copies of the contents of your wallet. Do both sides of each license, credit card, etc. In the event of loss or theft you will know what you had in your wallet including all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call. Keep the photocopy in a safe place. I also carry a photocopy of my passport when traveling. If lost it makes re-application much easier. Here's some critical information to limit the damage in case of identity theft. 5. 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. 6. File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where your credit cards, etc., was 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: 7. Call the 3 national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and also call the Social Security fraud line number. Before being advised by a bank to advise an application for credit was made over the internet in your name. The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen, they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit. In addition to your bank, credit card companies, etc. here are some suggested numbers you may want to contact in the event your wallet is lost or 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