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January 25, 2007
TIPS TO PREVENT IDENTITY THEFT
Someone sent me this in email. I thought it worthwhile to repost in a blog.
1. 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 won't have access to it. That's also for utilities or any other account numbers.
4. Put your work phone # or cell # on your checks instead of your home phone. If you have a P.O. Box, use that instead of your home address or else leave off the street address, or add a suite number. Never have your SS# or your driver's license number printed on your checks.
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. Carry a photocopy of your passport when traveling abroad (and leave a photocopy with someone at home). We've all heard horror stories about fraud that's committed on us in stealing a name, address, Social Security number, credit cards.
6. We have been told we should cancel our credit cards immediately if stolen. 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. (Make a copy of the front & back of your cards and keep at home & in the office). Canceling the cards can lower your credit rating… good to note if you're scaling back your spending… cut them up instead.
7. File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where your credit cards were stolen. This proves to credit providers you were diligent, and this is a first step toward an investigation (if there ever is one).
8. Call the three national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number. 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.
Now, here are the numbers you always need to contact:
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.
Note: you are also entitled to a FREE copy of your credit report annually from the 3 companies above.
Posted by Me on January 25, 2007 10:15 AM