Identity theft - Good info

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.
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.

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

Re: Identity theft - Good info

wow, this are great things to know. Thanks DEb.

Re: Identity theft - Good info

My dad had his identity stolen. It happened w/ a Credit Card check that was mailed to them along with their statement. The check issued was for $19,200!! It was horrible, the check was cashed in Illinois in some no name credit union and the fraudulent address was in Brooklyn. My mom knew because she got a call from Pentagon Credit Union in Arlington VA. Someone there was trying top open accounts with my dad's info. It was pretty bad!!

Re: Identity theft - Good info

Wow... this post is definitely a keeper! Thanks!

Re: Identity theft - Good info

thanks. I NEVER write my credit card # when writing out checks.

Re: Identity theft - Good info

bumping for suvenR

Re: Identity theft - Good info

good info

Re: Identity theft - Good info

It is great info.

Our agency requires the CCID number that is found on the back of CC, for international travel we require a copy of the CC and passport, for anyone traveling to or from the Bahamas we have a CC authorization form that has to be filled out as well as a photo copy of front and back of CC.

Identity theft is major and any little thing you do to protect yourself or even your company to protect it's customer is one less victim.

Re: Identity theft - Good info

Re: Identity theft - Good info

photocopying all the pertinant info is a GREAT idea

Re: Identity theft - Good info

I just wanted to add one more item. Never pay for something online or over the phone using your debit card - only use your credit card. Most debit cards allow you to charge something & it is automatically deducted from your checking account. If someone gets a hold of that number, they are actually taking money out of your account. Banks will not automatically issue you a conditional credit back.

I have a friend that is still waiting 4 weeks for her conditional credit from her bank for about $2k of fraudlent charges. Luckily she doesn't live hand to mouth but for those who do, it could be a devasting wait.

Re: Identity theft - Good info

Re: Identity theft - Good info

bumping for emilain