Fraud Protection Advise

[Guest guest]

Just some valuable advice:

 

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. 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-you can add it if it is necessary. But

if you have it printed, anyone can get it.

 

2. 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.

 

A corporate attorney sent the following out to the employees in his

company. I pass it along, for your information. 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 am 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 your 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;

we pass along just about everything.

Do think about passing this information along.

It could really help someone you care about.