The following is GREAT advice to help stop Identity Theft (non electronic).
AN ATTORNEY'S ADVICE
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!
A corporate attorney sent the following out to the
employees in his company.
* The next time you order checks have only your initials(instead of first
name) and last name put 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.
* 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.
*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, etc. Unfortunately I, an attorney, have firsthand 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:
*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).
But here's what is perhaps most important: (I never even thought to do
this).
*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
in their tracks.
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
We pass along jokes on the Internet; we pass along just about everything.
Pass this information along. It could really help someone you care about.
_________________
Two wrongs don't make a right!
But, three lefts do!! |
